Assessing and Enhancing Nuclear Safety and Security Culture for Small Facilities that Handle Radioactive Material

Abstract

The use of radioactive materials is increasing rapidly all over the world. There is, thus, a clear need in the current global landscape for safe and secure applications of radioactive material. For decades, safety and security have been the nuclear industry’s top priorities, particularly in relation to protecting humans from the negative impacts of ionizing radiation. Nuclear security culture prioritizes human safety, but technical guidelines alone can only do so much to protect people. Furthermore, there are still some discrepancies among international guidelines and recommendations regarding the assessment1 of nuclear safety and security culture—and these protocols primarily target “large” users. This paper assesses the prevailing safety and security culture and the degree to which it is successful in keeping people safe from radioactive materials. The paper also offers some guidance to small users that handle radioactive materials, regarding how they may enhance their own nuclear safety and security cultures