Circular No. 23/2010/TT-BKHCN guiding the assurance of radiation source security

CIRCULAR

Radiation Security Guidance

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Pursuant to the Atomic Energy Law dated June 3, 2008;

Pursuant to Decree No. 28/2008/NĐ-CP dated March 14, 2008, promulgated by the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Science and Technology;

The Minister of Science and Technology provides guidance on ensuring radiation security as follows:

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of regulation and applicable subjects

1. This Circular guides the security assurance for sealed radioactive sources and Pu-239 used as radioactive sources with activity levels above the declared exemption threshold, licensed according to National Technical Regulation QCVN 5:2010/BKHCN on Radiation Safety - Exemption from Declaration and Licensing issued together with Circular No. 15/2010/TT-BKHCN dated September 14, 2010 of the Ministry of Science and Technology.

2. This Circular applies to organizations and individuals in Vietnam, foreign organizations and individuals, and overseas Vietnamese citizens engaged in activities within the territory of Vietnam related to radioactive sources as specified in Clause 1 of this Article.

Article 2. Interpretation of Terms

In this Circular, the following terms shall be understood as follows:

1. Ensuring radiation source security It refers to measures taken to prevent unauthorized access, theft, seizure, destruction, and illegal transfer of radioactive sources; securing information related to radiation security.

2. Sealed radiation source (hereinafter referred to as radioactive source) is a radioactive material enclosed by a special structure casing or manufactured in solid form to ensure that the radioactive material does not escape into the environment under normal conditions and anticipated emergencies.

3. Security lock is a type designed with high reliability to meet the requirements for ensuring radiation security.

4. Security control area is a controlled area that prevents unauthorized persons from entering the area to achieve the goal of ensuring radiation security through technical measures such as using security locks, intrusion detection and alarm devices, image surveillance equipment, and administrative control measures.

5. Inventory check It involves checking and confirming the presence of radioactive sources at their location by visual inspection or by using appropriate radiation measuring equipment, or by other indirect methods that can definitively confirm the presence of radioactive sources, and such verification must be approved by the competent state management agency when reviewing the issuance of permits for radiation work.

Article 3. Principles of Ensuring Radiation Source Security

1. The head of the organization or individual holding a permit for radiation work shall bear ultimate responsibility for ensuring radiation security.

2. Requirements for ensuring radiation source security must be commensurate with the level of danger posed by the radiation source.

Article 4. Levels of Radiation Security

1. Based on the level of danger of radioactive sources and potential risks to humans and the environment, security requirements are divided into four security levels A, B, C, and D, where security level A corresponds to the group of radioactive sources with the highest level of danger and potential risk, and security level D corresponds to the group of radioactive sources with the lowest level of danger and potential risk.

2. Security levels A, B, C, and D correspond to groups of radioactive sources classified according to national standards for classifying radioactive sources as follows:

a) Security level A applies to group 1 radioactive sources.

b) Security level B applies to group 2 radioactive sources.

c) Security level C applies to group 3 radioactive sources.

d) Security level D applies to group 4 and group 5 radioactive sources.

Chapter II

RESPONSIBILITIES OF ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS USING, STORING, AND TRANSPORTING RADIOACTIVE SOURCES

Article 5. Responsibilities of organizations and individuals using radioactive sources at security level A

1. Establish a security-controlled area;

2. Install equipment to detect and alarm unauthorized access to the security-controlled area and the room housing the radioactive source. In the room housing the radioactive source, detection and alarm equipment must be installed at all entrances and exits, as well as inside the room;

3. Place observation, recording, and storage equipment to ensure continuous monitoring both inside and outside the room housing the radioactive source and throughout the entire security-controlled area;

4. Lock all entrances and exits to the security-controlled area; install security locks on all entrances to the room housing the radioactive source;

5. Count the radioactive sources daily; record the counting log specifying the person conducting the count, the time of the count, and the results of the count;

6. Develop and implement procedures for internal transfer of radioactive sources, ensuring that transfers require authorization from the head of the facility or authorized personnel and must have a transfer receipt; develop and implement maintenance procedures for security equipment;

7. Organize security forces to monitor observation, detection, and alarm equipment in the security-controlled area and organize response forces to promptly prevent unauthorized access, relocation, and destruction of radioactive sources;

8. Conduct background checks on security force members and employees working in the area housing the radioactive source;

9. Equip security forces with communication means to ensure timely information provision to response forces in case of radiation security incidents;

10. Develop and implement the following procedures:

a) Procedures for implementing security measures for radioactive sources during and outside working hours;

b) Operation procedures for security forces;

c) Emergency response procedures for radiation security incidents;

d) Information security procedures concerning: radioactive sources; equipment containing radioactive sources; plans for moving radioactive sources; security assurance plans; authorized access persons and times; security force deployment and assignments; PIN codes and secret numbers for door locks, key boxes, and security equipment;

e) Procedures for controlling entry and exit to the security-controlled area to promptly detect and prevent unauthorized access;

f) Key and key management procedures.

11. Define responsibilities and authorities of each unit and individual related to radiation security assurance; organize training on radiation security assurance for relevant individuals.

12. In case of unauthorized access to radioactive sources or actions with intent to steal or damage such sources, timely response measures must be taken, the cause investigated, and remedial measures found. Within five working days from the date of occurrence, a report must be submitted to the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Administration and the local Science and Technology Department where the incident occurred, detailing the cause, course of events, response measures applied, and consequences, along with proposed measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Article 6. Responsibilities of organizations and individuals storing radioactive sources at Security Level A

1. Implement the requirements stipulated in Article 5 of this Circular;

2. Use a separate warehouse for storing radioactive sources;

3. Store radioactive sources in source-containing devices or protective containers with locks, and apply measures to limit the possibility of moving radioactive sources;

4. Maintain a warehouse logbook to control the entry and exit of radioactive sources from the warehouse.

Article 7. Responsibilities of organizations and individuals using radioactive sources at Security Level B

1. In cases where radioactive sources are fixed installations and high-dose radiotherapy sources:

a) Implement the requirements stipulated in Clauses 1, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, and Points a, c, d, đ, e of Clause 1 of Article 5 of this Circular;

b) Organize security forces to monitor unauthorized access to the security-controlled area and organize response forces to promptly prevent unauthorized access, movement, and destruction of radioactive sources;

c) Count radioactive sources weekly and maintain a counting record specifying the person conducting the count, the time of the count, and the results of the count.

2. In cases where radioactive sources are mobile:

a) Set up barriers and continuously supervise the work area;

b) Arrange storage locations for radioactive sources on-site during non-use periods, install security locks at accessible points where sources are placed; establish and implement procedures for managing locks and keys; arrange security personnel;

c) Organize response forces to promptly prevent unauthorized access, movement, and destruction of radioactive sources both during use and while stored on-site;

d) Conduct background checks on employees using radioactive sources and security personnel;

đ) Equip communication devices for employees using radioactive sources and security personnel to ensure timely information provision to response forces in case of radioactive source security incidents;

e) Maintain a usage log for radioactive sources, including information on the purpose, location, user, and time of use of the radioactive sources;

g) Establish and implement regulations for transferring radioactive sources between units, ensuring that transfers require authorization from the facility head or authorized representative and have a transfer receipt; procedures for securing information about radioactive sources and containing devices; plans for transporting radioactive sources and security assurance;

h) Assign a person responsible for ensuring radioactive source security during on-site use;

i) Count radioactive sources after each shift and periodically weekly; maintain a counting record specifying the person conducting the count, the time of the count, and the results of the count;

k) In case of unauthorized access to radioactive sources or actions with intent to steal or damage such sources, timely response measures must be taken, the cause investigated, and remedial measures found. Within five working days from the date of occurrence, a report must be submitted to the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Administration and the local Science and Technology Department where the incident occurred, detailing the cause, course of events, response measures applied, consequences, and proposed measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Article 8. Responsibilities of organizations and individuals storing radioactive sources at Security Level B

1. Implement the requirements stipulated in Clauses 6, 8, 9, 11, 12 and Points a, c, d, đ, e of Clause 10, Article 5, Clauses 2, 3, and 4 of Article 6, Point c of Clause 1 of Article 7 of this Circular.

2. Install security locks on doors to the storage warehouse for radioactive sources; establish and implement procedures for managing locks and keys.

3. Organize security forces to monitor unauthorized access to the storage area for radioactive sources and organize response forces to promptly prevent unauthorized access, removal, and destruction of radioactive sources.

Article 9. Responsibilities of organizations and individuals using and storing radioactive sources at Security Level C

1. In cases where fixed installed radioactive sources are used:

a) Establish a security control zone around the location of the radioactive source and set up barriers.

b) Construct a metal cage with a lock to protect the container holding the radioactive source.

c) Count the radioactive source monthly; prepare a counting record clearly stating the person who conducted the count, the time of the count, and the results of the count.

d) Develop and implement procedures for controlling entry and exit from the security control zone.

đ) Implement the provisions stipulated in Clauses 6, 12, and Point c of Clause 10 of Article 5 of this Circular.

2. In cases where radioactive sources are mobile:

a) Implement the requirements stipulated in Clause 2 of Article 7 of this Circular.

b) Count the radioactive source after each work shift and periodically monthly; prepare a counting record clearly stating the person who conducted the count, the time of the count, and the results of the count.

3. In cases of storing radioactive sources:

Implement the requirements stipulated in Clauses 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, and Point d of Clause 10 of Article 5, Clauses 2, 3, and r of Article 6, Clauses 2 and 3 of Article 8, and Point c of Clause 1 of Article 9 of this Circular.

Article 10. Responsibilities of organizations and individuals using and storing radioactive sources at Security Level D

Conduct annual periodic counts of radioactive sources; prepare a counting record clearly stating the person who conducted the count, the time of the count, and the results of the count.

Article 11. Responsibilities of organizations and individuals transporting radioactive sources at Security Levels A and B via road

1. The party sending the radioactive source shall be responsible for:

a) Cooperating with the transportation party to package the radioactive cargo and use transport means that meet the requirements of the law on safe transport of radioactive materials.

b) Cooperating with the transportation party to select an appropriate route that minimizes traffic congestion, traffic safety risks, avoids areas with security issues, ensures minimum transport time, and clearly identifies stops along the route; develop alternative plans and routes for the main transport route if it cannot be used.

c) Securing information related to the transport route, transport time, delivery points, direct transport personnel, contents of the cargo, and security measures applied to the radioactive source.

d) Coordinate the transport plan, time, and delivery points with the transportation party and the receiving party.

đ) Organize the dissemination of security requirements, responsibilities, and emergency response procedures for all participants in the transport process.

2. The party transporting the radioactive source shall be responsible for:

a) Applying security measures as directed.

b) Ensuring compliance with the requirements of the law on safe transport of radioactive materials and using containers for transported cargo with locks and seals; applying measures to secure the cargo to the transport vehicle.

c) Ensuring that all personnel involved in the transport of radioactive sources have reliable backgrounds and fully understand their tasks, transport plans, and related procedures during transport; designate a supervisor within the transport team to oversee the cargo throughout the transport process.

d) Ensuring timely communication between transport participants and the transport organization, police agencies, and other support agencies in emergencies.

đ) For transport of radioactive sources at Security Level A, there must be a police force accompanying the shipment to ensure priority passage on the road and readiness to respond to security incidents involving the transported cargo.

e) Securing information related to the transport plan.

g) Verify and confirm the delivery time and location with the receiving party before starting the transport plan.

h) Before starting transport, check emergency contact addresses to ensure that phone numbers are operational and contacts can provide immediate assistance when required.

i) Before starting transport, inspect the integrity of the cargo, security measures applied, and the safety conditions of the transport vehicle.

k) Check the transport route information before starting transport to confirm that the transport route does not have traffic congestion or other impediments.

l) Assign personnel to continuously supervise the transport vehicle and cargo at stops along the transport route.

m) Provide timely support in case of security breaches involving radioactive sources.

n) Inspect the seal of the cargo containing the radioactive source before handing over to the receiving party.

o) In cases of unauthorized access to the radioactive source or actions intended to steal or destroy it, take prompt response measures, investigate the cause, and find remedial measures. Within five working days from the date of the incident, report to the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Administration, the local Science and Technology Department where the incident occurred, detailing the cause, development of the incident, response measures taken, consequences, and preventive measures proposed to avoid similar incidents in the future.

3. The party receiving the radioactive source shall be responsible for:

a) Ensuring responsibility for receiving the radioactive source according to the pre-announced transport plan.

b) Cooperate with the sending party and the transportation party to accurately verify the received radioactive source information.

c) Apply security measures for the radioactive source as stipulated in this Circular upon receipt.

Article 12. Responsibilities of organizations and individuals in transporting radioactive sources at security levels C and D by road

1. The party sending the radioactive source shall be responsible for implementing the provisions set out in points a, c, d, and đ of Clause 1, Article 11 of this Circular and establishing procedures for responding to security breaches during transportation.

2. The party transporting the radioactive source shall be responsible for implementing the requirements stipulated in Clause 2 of Article 11 of this Circular, except for points đ and k.

3. The party receiving the radioactive source shall be responsible for implementing the requirements stipulated in Clause 3 of Article 11 of this Circular.

Article 13. Responsibilities of organizations and individuals in transporting radioactive sources by rail

1. The party sending the radioactive source shall be responsible for:

a) Packaging the consignment of radioactive material in accordance with the requirements prescribed by laws on the safe transport of radioactive materials;

b) Securing information related to the transportation route, transportation time, delivery and receipt locations, direct participants in the transportation, contents of the consignment, and applied security measures;

c) Coordinating the transportation plan, delivery and receipt times and locations with the transportation party and the receiving party;

d) Organizing the dissemination of security requirements, including responsibilities and response procedures, to all members involved in the transportation;

đ) Transporting the consignment of radioactive material to the loading point onto the train and transporting the consignment of radioactive material from the arrival station to the delivery location for the receiving party.

2. The party transporting the radioactive source shall be responsible for:

a) Inspecting the packaging conditions and seals of the consignment of radioactive material before loading it onto the train;

b) Using cargo cars with locks for transportation and applying measures to secure the consignment of radioactive material to the train car;

c) Appointing a person responsible for supervising the cargo car carrying the consignment of radioactive material; ensuring that this person is familiar with the security plan or emergency response procedure established;

b) Securing information related to the transportation plan;

đ) Checking and confirming the delivery and receipt times and locations with the sending party;

e) Having a timely support plan in case of a security breach involving radioactive sources;

g) Inspecting the locks and seals of the consignment containing radioactive sources when handing over to the sending party;

h) In the event of a security breach involving radioactive sources, a report must be submitted to the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Administration within 24 hours.

3. The party receiving the radioactive source shall be responsible for implementing the requirements stipulated in Clause 3 of Article 11 of this Circular.

Article 14. Responsibilities of organizations and individuals in transporting radioactive sources by sea and air.

Organizations and individuals transporting radioactive sources by sea and air must comply with regulations on the safe transport of dangerous goods by sea and air as prescribed by Vietnamese law and international treaties to which Vietnam is a member.

Chapter III

IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 15. Implementation Organization

1. The Radiation and Nuclear Safety Administration shall be the lead organization in implementing this Circular.

2. Provincial Science and Technology Departments shall guide enterprises, organizations, and individuals with radioactive sources in their jurisdiction to implement this Circular.

Article 16. Effective Date

1. This Circular shall take effect 45 days from the date of signature.

2. During implementation, if there are any difficulties, agencies, organizations, and individuals are requested to promptly reflect these issues to the Ministry of Science and Technology for review and amendment.