ASTANA – Enterprises handling radioactive waste in Kazakhstan must protect it against unauthorized access, theft and sabotage under new physical security rules approved by the country’s Agency for Atomic Energy.
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The order, signed by the agency’s chair on Nov. 5, establishes requirements for the physical protection of radioactive waste, storage and processing facilities, and waste during transportation. It applies to both individuals and legal entities involved in radioactive waste management.
Under the rules, organizations must establish a physical protection system combining organizational, engineering and technical measures. The system must prevent security breaches, identify threats promptly, restrict unauthorized access and ensure a prompt response to incidents.
Three levels of physical protection
The rules establish three levels of physical protection based on the activity of the radioactive waste.
Level A applies to high-level radioactive waste and is intended to prevent unauthorized access, theft, seizure and sabotage, while reducing potential radiological consequences.
Level B covers intermediate-level waste and aims to minimize the likelihood of unauthorized access, removal, theft and sabotage.
Level C applies to low-level waste and provides measures to reduce the risk of unauthorized access, removal and theft.
Separate requirements apply to the transportation of radioactive waste. The required level of physical protection will be determined by the highest category of waste being transported, taking into account the combined activity of all waste in the shipment. This applies whether the waste is transported in a single vehicle, a convoy, a train or separate compartments of a vessel.
Staff checks and incident reporting
Organizations must also establish procedures governing personnel access to radioactive waste, conduct background checks on employees, control the use of keys and locks, maintain security equipment and regularly test its functionality.
They must develop separate physical protection plans for facilities and for radioactive waste transportation. Employees responsible for security must receive relevant training and regularly upgrade their qualifications.
The rules also specify procedures for responding to incidents. In cases involving lost radioactive waste, attempted or actual unauthorized access, theft, seizure or sabotage, organizations must take immediate measures to address the situation.
The order will enter into force on Nov. 22.
