Man Made Disasters: Nuclear or Radiological Disaster

Causes

  • Human errors
  • System failures
  • Natural disasters

Preparedness

  • Comprehensive emergency preparedness plan
  • Standard Operating procedures for operating plants and emergencies. Proper licensing, and regulation.
  • Safety audits of plants – Atomic Energy Regulatory Board in India, Atomic Energy Act.
  • Inter-Agency coordination – technical experts, district, state, and central level.
  • Pre-identification of Emergencies specific to plans

Response

  1. Plant Emergency
    • Emergency restricted to plant facility/ a part of the plant.
    • Emergency operation procedures for assessment of emergencies and mitigation.
    • Pre-identification of facility-specific situations and their classification.
    • Alerting plant personnel through sirens.
    • Communication with the Emergency Response Centres at district, state, and centre.
    • Identified assembly locations to be maintained.
  2. Extensive Radiological Survey.
    • Extensive radiological survey.
    • Suitable treatment mechanisms for personnel at all assembly areas.
    • Temporary shelters / Shifting areas.
    • Emergency vehicles.
    • Radiological monitoring.
  3. Off-Site Emergency
    • Assessment of the radiological situation.
    • Off-site emergency committee to be alerted for action.
    • Medical facilities post-disaster.
    • Compensation
    • Investigation of cause.
    • Rehabilitation measures in case of radiation spread.
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