Security of Radioactive Material
Since the early 1990s, concern that terrorists might use chemical, biological and radioactive (CBR) materials as weapons has increased steadily. All Qaeda and related groups have expressed a serious interest in using CBR materials.
On the 1st January 2006 a new regulatory regime for the security of radioactive material was introduced. Under the Radioactive Substances Act 1993, Counter Terrorism Security Advisers act as site security advisers to the Environment Agency, Scottish Environment Protection Agency and the Chief Radiochemical Inspector within the Environment and Heritage Service.
The "Security Requirements for Radioactive Sources" document provides detailed information for radiation and security professionals on the specific security measures that must be applied to sources as part of the regime. It also sets out the more general security requirements for site protection where radiological sources are based. This regime applies to most sealed radioactive sources e.g. those used in universities, hospitals and industrial establishments as well as mobile units designed for off-site use such as radiography and well-logging equipment. The regulations do not apply to some low activity sealed sources or to unsealed sources. It does not extend to nuclear or radioactive sources within military and defence programmes or those materials on licensed civil nuclear sites.
The document is classified as 'restricted' and is intended for use by radiation and security professionals and their trusted contacts.
NaCTSO working with the CTSA network seeks to protect radioactive materials from such exploitation by implementing this regime in accordance with recommendations made by the International Atomic Energy Agency.