Title: Training programmes for the systems approach to nuclear security

Authors: Dori Ellis, John Matter, Ruth Duggan

Addresses: International Security Programmes, Sandia National Laboratories, PO Box 5800, MS-1375, Albuquerque, NM 87185-1375, USA. ' International Safeguards, Security and Systems Engineering, Sandia National Laboratories, PO Box 5800, MS 1361, Albuquerque, NM 87185-1375, USA. ' Tech Prog/Project Management and Planning, Sandia National Laboratories, PO Box 5800, MS 1361, Albuquerque, NM 87185-1375, USA

Abstract: In support of the US Government and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Nuclear Security Programmes, Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) has advocated and practised a risk-based, systematic approach to nuclear security. The risk equation has been implemented as the basis for a performance methodology for the design and evaluation of Physical Protection Systems against a Design Basis Threat (DBT) for theft or sabotage of nuclear and/or radiological materials. Since integrated systems must include people as well as technology and the man–machine interface, a critical aspect of the human element is to train all stakeholders in nuclear security on the systems approach. Current training courses have been beneficial but are still limited in scope. SNL has developed two primary international courses and is completing development of three new courses that will be offered and presented in the near term. In the long-term, SNL envisions establishing a comprehensive nuclear security training curriculum that will be developed along with a series of forthcoming IAEA Nuclear Security Series guidance documents.

Keywords: design basis threat; DBT; International Atomic Energy Agency; IAEA; nuclear materials; nuclear security training; radiological materials; theft; sabotage; Sandia National Laboratories; SNL; systems approach; nuclear security curriculum; nuclear security courses; risk assessment.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNKM.2008.018934

International Journal of Nuclear Knowledge Management, 2008 Vol.3 No.1, pp.6 - 16

Published online: 23 Jun 2008 *

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