Development of a Nuclear Safety and Security Integration Assessment Tool for Research Reactors and Associated Facilities.

Abstract: Nuclear safety and security are essential elements of radiation protection. Integration of nuclear safety and security provides a means to identify conflict and synergy points. Research has not been performed to enable integrated practices at the facility level. A tool was developed through research to help staff and regulators assess the level of integration practiced within a research reactor. This tool aims to improve the identification of synergistic and conflict points. Eight criteria of nuclear safety and security integration were used to create the integration assessment tool: access control, transportation, emergency response, proper disposal of materials, testing and maintenance, defense in depth, training and education, and culture. The tool's final score can range from 0.0375 to 1, with a score of 1 indicating complete integration. The tool was used by research reactor staff to assess practiced integrative techniques. The testing and maintenance criterion scored the highest level of integration (0.84). Training and education and culture scored the lowest levels of integration (0.50). The areas with the highest scores identified points of actively practiced integration. In contrast, those areas with lower scores indicated a lack of integrative practices. The total integration score was 0.69. This tool determined that the facility practiced an adequate level of integration. By analyzing integration levels with this tool, a measurable standard of integrative practices can be employed to achieve improved radiation protection.