Radioactive source security: the cultural challenges.
Radioactive source security is an essential part of radiation protection. Sources can be abandoned, lost or stolen. If they are stolen, they could be used to cause deliberate harm and the risks are varied and significant. There is a need for a global security protection system and enhanced capability to achieve this. The establishment of radioactive source security requires 'cultural exchanges'. These exchanges include collaboration between: radiation protection specialists and security specialists; the nuclear industry and users of radioactive sources; training providers and regulators/users. This collaboration will facilitate knowledge and experience exchange for the various stakeholder groups, beyond those already provided. This will promote best practice in both physical and information security and heighten security awareness generally. Only if all groups involved are prepared to open their minds to listen to and learn from, each other will a suitable global level of control be achieved.
Isognos Limited, University of Cumbria, Bowerham Road, Lancaster LA1 3JD, UK chris.englefield@cumbria.ac.uk.
Chris
C
Englefield
D005060:Europe; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D015279:Organizational Culture; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control; D011834:Radiation Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D011835:Radiation Protection / Q000379:methods*; D018788:Radioactive Hazard Release / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017751:Safety Management / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012637:Security Measures / Q000458:organization & administration*; D023481:Terrorism / Q000517:prevention & control*