Response to a lost or stolen potentially dangerous source

Action Guide

User:
Incident Commander or first responsible person to become aware of the event
When to apply:
In case of a lost or stolen potentially dangerous source

Actions (as appropriate and practical):

First responsible person to become aware of the event:

  • Report loss/theft to the appropriate officials
  • Request, through the national EOC, (or in accordance with prior arrangements) a radiological assessor/team and obtain advice, by phone
  • Secure area and treat as a crime scene
  • Conduct a local search and investigation of the possible means of loss
  • Check and ensure the physical security and control of other sources

Incident Commander:

  • Being the senior first responder assume the role of the IC until relieved
  • Respond following personnel protection guidelines
  • Assess the situation in accordance with instructions for assessment of hazard and establishment of inner cordoned area
  • Confirm the completion of the tasks of the first responsible person listed above
  • If public contamination or exposure is possible, implement the action guide for general on-scene response to a radiological emergency
  • Coordinate all response actions with law enforcement
  • Conduct interviews to locate and isolate the source and to identify possibly exposed individuals
  • Confirm the completion of the tasks listed above
  • Inform all appropriate authorities on the situation to include the name of the IC
  • Alert nearby medical facilities, fire fighters, law enforcement, border crossings and scrap metal dealers, providing a description of the source and associated hazard
  • Have radiation medical experts or national EOC provide local hospitals with a description of radiation injuries (e.g. skin burns with no apparent cause)
  • After informing local officials, make a public announcement describing the source and stressing the associated hazard (see example media statements)
  • Notify the national EOC if there are indications that other States or their citizens may be affected (transnational emergency)
  • Plan and initiate public searches in cooperation with the radiological assessor/team
  • If the source is found and/or public contamination or exposure is possible, implement the action guide for general on-scene response to a radiological emergency