Planning, preparedness, and response to nuclear/radiological emergency

Abstract

Planning and preparedness for response to any kind of radiation emergency are an evolving and dynamic assignment with expertise developed over a period of time. The lessons learnt in this specialized field are from the past/reported emergencies, guiding documents available on response to radiation emergencies in national/international arena, worldwide security scenario on the use of nuclear and other radioactive material including attempted malicious usage and requirements of national/international regulatory framework. The above sources help us to evolve the planning, preparedness, build response capability, and periodic revision in overall capabilities. Response planning is to mitigate the consequences of nuclear emergency – a low probability, high impact scenario at the sites/general public living in the vicinity of operating nuclear facilities, and radiological emergency – a moderate probability, low impact scenario at any locations in public domain due to typical initiating scenarios – although could be different, most of our radiation emergency response centers, developed, revised to respond to any such challenges and response procedures are evolved, set. This article on planning, preparedness for response to radiation emergency describes the present level of planning and response capability by Department of Atomic Energy, India.