CIRCULAR

REGULATIONS ON PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSES TO NUCLEAR AND RADIOLOGICAL EMERGENCIES, FORMULATION AND APPROVAL FOR PLANS FOR RESPONSES TO NUCLEAR AND RADIOLOGICAL EMERGENCIES

Pursuant to the Law on Atomic Energy dated June 03, 2008;

Pursuant to the Government’s Decree No. 07/2010/NĐ-CP dated January 25, 2010 providing instructions on the implementation of a number of articles of the Law on Atomic Energy;

Pursuant to the Government’s Decree No. 20/2013/NĐ-CP dated February 26, 2013 stipulating functions, tasks, powers and organizational structure of the Ministry of Science and Technology;

At the request of general director of the Department of radiation and nuclear safety;

The Minister of Science and Technology promulgates the Circular regulating preparedness and responses to nuclear and radiological emergencies, formulation and approval for plans for responses to nuclear and radiological emergencies (hereinafter referred to as ‘emergency plans’).

Chapter I

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Article 1. Scope and regulated entities

1. This Circular regulates:

a) Preparedness and responses to nuclear and radiological emergencies at all levels;

b) Formulation and approval for grassroots and provincial emergency plans;

2. This Circular applies to:

a) Organizations, individuals participating in preparedness for responses to nuclear and radiological emergencies;

b) Competent agencies that grant licenses for implementation of radiations works and approval for emergency plans;

Article 2. Interpretation of terms

In this Circular, some terms are construed as follows:

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2. Emergency responses refer to application of all measures in a timely and rapid manner to minimize adverse consequences of the incident on human safety and health, environment and properties.

3. Preparedness for emergency responses refer to the preparation of personnel, equipment, vehicles and procedures to ensure emergency response actions are taken.

4. Emergency plans mean documents on principles of responsibility assignment, mechanism of management and coordination among organizations and individuals involved in emergency responses; assessment of risks and overall procedures on emergency responses.

5. Interventions refer to actions to be taken to minimize irradiation, avoid or prevent irradiation from the incident such as sheltering, evacuation, taking Potassium iodide (KI).

6. Precautionary action zone (PAZ) refers to the area within which arrangement should be made to implement precautionary urgent protective actions before or shortly after a major release with the aim of preventing or reducing the occurrence of severe deterministic effect.

7. Urgent protective action planning zone (UPZ) refers to the area where preparations are made to promptly shelter in place, to perform environmental monitoring and to implement urgent protective actions on the basis of the results of monitoring within a few hours following a release.  Plans and capabilities should be developed to implement sheltering or evacuation and distribute thyroid blocking agents.

8. Chronic irradiation means long-term irradiation (over one year) from long-lived radionuclides in the environment.

9. Initial response force refers to the core force participating in the preparedness and emergency responses including command committees, police, fire and explosion prevention, medical facilities, technical support for radiological and nuclear safety, response force of the facility.

10. Deterministic biological effects refer to biological effects of radiation on human beings, occurring when radiation dose exceeds a threshold and the severity of an effect on human beings increases with dose; a number of signs of deterministic biological effect are vomiting, skin burns, gangrenous and fatality.

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12. Threat category refers to facilities, radiation sources, radiological equipment, nuclear equipment and activities that are most likely to cause incidents of the same scale of damage.

13. Interventional levels mean a radiation dose that can be avoided when a particular action is taken in the event of an incident or chronic irradiation.

14. Operational intervention levels mean interventional levels in the form of dose rate, activity of radioactive materials, activity concentration in air, on surface or underground integrated over time, activity concentration in environmental, foodstuff and water samples. Operational intervention levels serves as foundations for taking corresponding actions.

15. Warning levels indicate severity or urgency of a situation occurring or about to occur with the aim of determining responding measures, level of mobilization of human force appropriately.

16. On-site commander refers to a person appointed by competent authorities to direct on-site activities of responding and coordinate national supporting activities at the site where the incident occurs.

17. Radiation protection experts means individuals who undergo training in physical health, radiation safety and abilities to assess doses, record radiation, control contamination and provide consultancy on taking urgent protective actions.

18. Control room refers to the place where the control system, equipment for monitoring, measuring and storing parameters of nuclear power plants and research reactors are installed.

Article 3. Principles and requirements for preparedness and emergency response activities

1. Preparedness and emergency reponse activities should be in compliance with following principles:

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b) Manner, scope and time for application of intervention actions should be optimized to achieve maximum practical interests;

c) Emergency plans should ensure that the responses are carried out in a timely manner, managed, controlled and coordinated comprehensively and effectively from grassroots, provincial and national levels;

d) Assignments given to organizations and individuals involved in emergency responses should be clear and evident; instructions on emergency responses should ensure uniformity as stipulated in emergency plans approved by competent authorities;

2. Emergency responses should meet following requirements:

a) Capable of controlling emergencies;

b) Prevent and minimize adverse consequences;

c) Prevent likely occurrence of deterministic biological effects on responders and the public;

d) Provide first aids;

dd) Minimize likely occurrence of stochastic biological effects on health of the public;

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g) Minimize damage caused to properties and environment;

h) Create favorable conditions for long-term remedial work and for the establishment of plans for bringing socio-economic activities back to normal;

Article 4. Threat categories, intervention levels, warning levels

1. Threat category serves as foundations for preparedness and emergency responses. Threat category is classified into five groups (I, II, III, IV and V) as prescribed in Annex I enclosed herewith.

2. Organizations and individuals participating in emergency responses shall rely on intervention levels to take corresponding intervention actions. Intervention levels are instructed in Annex II enclosed herewith.

3. Warning levels shall serve as foundations for mobilization of resources to carry out emergency responses. Warning levels are instructed in Annex III enclosed herewith.

Article 5. Responsibility of organizations and individuals involved in preparedness and emergency responses

1. Nuclear, radiation facilities and other areas where radiation works take place as prescribed in Article 18 of the Law on Atomic Energy are hereinafter referred to as ‘facilities’.

Heads of nuclear, radiation facilities and persons mainly responsible for the areas where radiation works take place as prescribed in Article 18 of the Law on Atomic Energy are hereinafter referred to as ‘heads of facilities’.

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2. Organizations, individuals establishing emergency plans as prescribed in Clause 5, Article 83 of the Law on Atomic Energy shall be responsible to:

a) Establish and submit emergency plans to competent agencies for approval;

b) Appoint head of Command committee and its members or make submission to competent agencies for appointment;

c) Construct personnel, facilities (see Annex v enclosed herewith), equipment and infrastructure required for preparedness and emergency responses in accordance with particular conditions; organize regular training and drills;

d) Establish regulations for coordination between organizations and individuals participating in emergency response; establish mechanism of transferring commands over emergency responses among organizations and individuals involved;

dd) Establish regulations for coordination between management agencies at all levels, response forces and facilities in taking intervention measures;

3. Organizations, individuals involved in preparedness and emergency responses shall be responsible for executing functions and duties as prescribed in emergency plans; cooperating with other organizations and individuals as prescribed;

4. Head of Command Committee shall be responsible to:

a) Assign responsibility and provide directions on the implementation of particular duties to members of Command Committee;

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c) Command and mobilize forces to participate in emergency responses; direct the implementation of intervention measures with advices from organizations, individuals tasked according to approved emergency plans;

d) Appoint incident commander in accordance with particular situation;

dd) Compile and assess the incident to report to competent agencies;

e) Appoint a representative to provide information to the public according to laws;

g) In case of changes affecting the implementation of emergency plans, make amendments or supplements to emergency plans and make submission of such amendments and supplements to competent agencies for approval;

5. Command committees at all levels shall be responsible to:

a) Coordinate supply of necessary human resources, facilities, means, infrastructure based on requirements for preparedness and emergency responses and particular conditions;

b) Organize emergency responses as prescribed in emergency plans;

c) Organize regular training and drills;

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a) Direct forces to participate in emergency responses on the scene;

b) Direct and request resources, technical and material bases for emergency responses;

c) Hold a central role in receiving, handling and providing information on the scene;

d) Follow directions given by head of Command Committee;

Article 6. Emergency response center

1. Facilities falling within threat categories I, II should have an emergency response center installed and physically separated from the control room; the emergency response center should be installed with adequate facilities for exchanging information with the control room, organizations, response forces at all levels, for monitoring information of radiation; well equipped for radiation protection.

2. The emergency response center situated outside facilities within threat categories I, II should be constructed and well equipped for emergency responses as well as with safety ensured; headquarter of the emergency response center situated outside facilities, initial response forces should be constructed and maintained as prescribed national-level emergency plans.

3. Provincial command committees that establish provincial emergency response center shall be well equipped for emergency responses in accordance with particular conditions in localities.

Chapter II

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Section 1. REQUIREMENTS FOR PREPAREDNESS

Article 7. Organization and management in preparedness

1. Command committees at all levels shall be responsible to:

a) Establish control and management systems during emergency responses;

b) Establish strategic targets and handle asynchronous coordination concerning functions, responsibility, authority; allocate resources and priority rights among emergency response organizations;

c) Prepare responses to radiological and nuclear emergencies in sync with other normal preparedness;

2. Heads of facilities falling within threat categories I, II and III should:

a) Establish processes of changing from normal operation mode into emergency mode and method of changing shall not reduce safety function of facilities and not affect compliance with safety operation procedures and implementation of minimization of adverse consequences by operators;

b) Clearly define responsibility of individuals in connection with process of changing as prescribed in Point a, Clause 2, this Article;

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a) Coordinate response forces in facilities and response organizations outside facilities;

b) Closely coordinate organization of emergency responses with provincial emergency plans in UPZ and PAZ;

Article 8. Preparations for confirmation of incident, announcements and kick-off of emergency response system

1. Command committees at all levels shall be responsible to:

a) Establish mechanism for receiving and handling information;

b) Establish a hub for receiving and handling information round the clock, receiving information about the incident and calling for assistance and recommendations on initial response measures;

c) Organize training for radiation workers and response staff in detection of signs of potential incidents and giving notifications and warnings in an appropriate and timely manner in case of incident;

d) Organize training for initial response forces in detection of signs of radiation warnings and giving notifications and warnings in an appropriate and timely manner in case of incident;

2. Command committees at all levels, in reliance on warning levels as prescribed in Annex III enclosed herewith, design requirements, shall be responsible for establishing a system for detection, identification, classification, notification and kick-off of emergency responses in accordance with laws;

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Article 9. Preparations for minimization of adverse consequences

1. For threat category IV, Command committees shall be responsible to:

a) Provide technical consultancy, radiation protection supporting forces to individuals participating in emergency responses and initial response forces;

b) Organize training for radiation workers in measures to minimize potential consequences of the incident, protect staff and public around the incident area;

2. Command committees shall inspect and direct organization of training for initial response forces in timely responses to incidents, potential or underway, relating to transport of radioactive substances;

3. Facilities using radioactive sources within groups 1 and 2 according to “National technical regulation on radiation protection – categorization and classification of radioactive sources”- QCVN 6:2010/BKHCN enclosed with the Minister of Science and Technology’s Circular No. 24/2010/TT-BKHCN dated December 29, 2010 (hereinafter referred to as ‘QCVN 6:2010/BKHCN) should establish relationship and methods of communication with radiation assessment organizations or radiation protection experts as prescribed in emergency plans in case of incident in order to minimize adverse consequences.

4. Facilities falling within threat categories I, II and II shall be responsible for taking all measures to minimize consequences to achieve following targets:

a) Prevent escalation of the incident;

b) Bring facilities back to normal state;

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d) Reduce irradiation;

dd) Provide technical supports to operators in a timely manner;

e) Provide emergency response teams in a timely manner;

g) Prepare for reception of supports from organizations involved in emergency responses at provincial or national levels;

5. Organizations, individuals involved in the establishment of emergency plans as prescribed in Clause 5, Article 83 of the Law on Atomic Energy shall be responsible for establishing resources to implement requirements prescribed in Clause 3, Article 19 hereof.

Article 10. Preparations for urgent protective actions

1. Command committees at all levels shall be responsible for making notifications to initial response forces about immediate implementation of rescue measures and prevention of occurrence of serious injuries upon detection of signs of presence of radioactive substances on the scene.

2. Facilities falling within threat categories I and II shall be responsible for preparedness to make decisions and take urgent protective actions within facilities. The preparedness comprises:

a) Description of technical characteristics of individual emergency response zones (UPZ for facilities of threat category I and PAZ for facilities of threat categories I and II);

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c) Regulating provision of recommendations for implementation of urgent protective actions outside facilities to competent agencies as prescribed in emergency plans at all levels;

d) Regulating immediate notifications to competent agencies about the implementation of urgent protective actions in PAZs and UPZs according to Annex VI hereof;

3. Facilities falling within threat categories I, II and III shall be responsible for all people in facilities in case of incident, including:

a) Inform the incident to all individuals in facilities;

b) Make statistical reports on all individuals in facilities;

c) Identify and seek search for missing people;

d) Take urgent protective actions;

dd) Carry out first aids in a timely manner;

4. Provincial-level command committees where PAZs and UPZs are located shall be prepared and cooperate with response forces in taking urgent protective actions outside facilities as follows:

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b) Make notifications to the public in PAZs and UPZs as prescribed in the approved emergency plan;

c) Take urgent protective actions;

d) Protect food and water supply sources;

dd) Order placement of restrictions on food consumption in the area;

e) Perform inspection and radioactive decontamination for evacuees;

g) Take care of evacuees and control access to the area;

Article 11. Preparations for supply of information

1. Facilities falling within threat categories I and II shall be ready for the supply of information about the incident to competent agencies as prescribed emergency plans; The information includes:

a) Existing state of danger;

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2. Command committees shall be responsible:

a) Request competent agencies, organizations, and individuals to make notifications of the incident, required intervention measures and other relevant information to appropriate subjects;

b) Construct infrastructure for the supply of information (information communications, provisional means...);

Article 12. Preparations for assessment of warning levels

1. Facilities falling within threat categories I, II and III shall be responsible for make preparations (personnel, equipment, means, procedures...) for timely assessment:

a) Unusual conditions in facilities;

b) Situations of irradiation or emission of radioactive substances;

c) State of radiation inside and outside facilities;

d) Potential or actual situations of irradiation on the public;

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a) Carry out assessment of radioactive contamination, emission of radioactive substances, radiation dose in order to make decisions on taking urgent protective actions in PAZs and UPZs;

b) Provide trained human resources and equipment for the implementation of Point a, Clause 2 hereof;

c) Keep information relating to assessment of warning levels for emergency responses;

3. Facilities falling within threat category IV shall be responsible:

a) Identify scale and degree of irradiation or unusual radioactive contamination;

b) Propose immediate minimization and protection measures;

c) Identify individuals most likely to be affected by irradiation;

d) Notify danger level and recommend protection measures to competent agencies;

Article 13. Medical preparations during emergency responses

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a) Radiation safety;

b) Clinical symptoms caused by irradiation;

c) Procedures on notifications and first aids, treatment of victims in case of nuclear and radiation accidents;

2. Facilities falling within threat categories I, II and III shall be prepared for treatment of a certain number of staff susceptible to overdose of irradiation or radioactive contamination; The treatment comprises first aids, assessment of doses, transport and initial medical treatment for victims subject to radioactive contamination or high-dose irradiation in local hospitals;

3. Command committees at all levels for UPZs and PAZs of threat categories should construct classification plan and transfer affected people to specialized hospitals.

4. Medical forces as prescribed in emergency plans shall be prepared for:

a) Human resources, facilities for emergency use and treatment;

b) Appropriate treatment regimen for early diagnosis and treatment of radiation diseases;

c) Medical consultation with other specialized organizations on serious injuries affecting health and lives of response staff and the public;

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1. Functional agencies as prescribed in emergency plans at all levels in the area of threat category V shall be responsible for being prepared to take agricultural measures such as restrictions on consumption, distribution and delivery of food in the areas of radioactive emissions. The preparedness includes:

a) Construction of operational intervention levels;

b) Methods of assessing operational intervention levels;

c) Ensuring constant monitoring of radioactive contamination of soil in agricultural areas;

d) Ensuring water and food samples are analyzed;

dd) Agricultural protection measures;

2. Competent functional agencies as prescribed in emergency plans at all levels shall be responsible for being prepared for the management of radioactive waste, radioactive contamination caused by the incident including the establishment of monitoring and analyzing plan in order to classify samples of radioactive contamination, radioactive waste caused by the incident.

3. Provincial-level command committees shall cooperate with national-level command committee in the preparedness for temporary evaluation of people inside and outside UPZs, inspection of transport vehicles, people, properties accessing emergency response zones for radioactive contamination (including inside and outside of UPZs).

Article 15. Minimization of consequences of non-radioactive incidents and emergency responses

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1. Having foundations and optimal measures to carry out intervention levels in food management and long-term prevention measures;

2. Considering impacts on socio-economic development and long-term impacts on social welfare and other impacts;

3. Providing consultancy to the public;

4. Provide timely explanations about health risks and consultancy to the public on required protection actions as well as prohibited actions to minimize consequences of the incident;

5. Timely prevention of extreme actions;

Article 16. Preparations for completion of activities of protection, intervention and environmental remediation

1. Command committees shall be responsible for making public notice about completion of activities of emergency responses including the establishment of criteria for completion of activities of protection and intervention on the basis of intervention levels and radiation safety conditions on the scene.

2. Command committees shall be responsible for establishing environmental remediation plan specifying the followings:

a) Role and function of relevant organizations;

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c) Methods of assessing radioactive and non-radioactive consequences;

d) Methods of changing remediation actions in order to minimize radioactive and non-radioactive consequences of the incident;

dd) Radiation safety and occupational exposure assurance measures;

Section 2. REQUIREMENTS FOR EMERGENCY RESPONSES

Article 17. Organization and management in emergency responses

1. Organizations participating in emergency responses shall be responsible:

a) Ensure consistent coordination between organizations and individuals participating in emergency responses inside and outside of facilities;

b) Assess necessary information to issue decisions on mobilizing resources during the incident;

2. Organizations, individuals participating in emergency responses shall be responsible for deploying emergency responses as prescribed in emergency plans;

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Article 18. Confirmation of incidents, notifications and kick-off of response system

1. Upon receipt of information relating to the incident, facilities shall confirm the incident, determine warning levels and make notifications to the information receiving hub as prescribed in on-site and provincial-level emergency plans.

2. Upon receipt of information relating to the incident in localities, the information receiving hub at provincial level shall confirm the incident, determine warning levels and make notifications to organizations participating in responses.

3. Regulations on time of confirmation, notifications and kick-off of the response system are stated in Annex VI enclosed herewith.

4. In case the incident have adverse effects on other countries, as prescribed in Clause 3, Article 84 of the Law on Atomic Energy, the agency that has been assigned according to laws shall be responsible for making notifications about the incident to international organizations or to affected countries.

Article 19. Implementation of consequence minimization measures

1. Initial response forces shall rely on specific situations and intervention levels to take appropriate intervention measures in order to minimize consequences of the incident caused by threat category IV.

2. Facilities within threat categories I, II, III and IV shall be responsible for taking appropriate intervention measures in order to minimize consequences.

3. Resources for emergency responses at all levels including technical means, information communications, provisional medicine, evacuation locations and other necessities should be ready for emergency responses with respect to facilities falling within threat categories I, II and III.

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Organizations, individuals participating in emergency responses shall be responsible:

1. Take appropriate rescue measures as top priority;

2. In case of nuclear emergencies, take urgent protection measures such as sheltering, evacuation, distribution of KI in order to minimize radiation doses and prevent occurrence of deterministic biological effects; in case of radiological emergencies, take appropriate anti-radiation protection measures.

3. Change urgent protective actions as appropriate based on information obtained from the incident;

4. Terminate a protective action that is no longer appropriate;

Article 21. Provision of information and instructions to public

Command committees at all levels shall be responsible:

1. Give early warnings and protection instructions to the public within competence in reliance on warning levels, specific conditions and monitoring figures on the scene;

2. Provide official information in order to minimize distribution of falsified and inaccurate information;

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Organizations and individuals participating in the preparedness and emergency responses shall be responsible for taking measures to protect staff and control doses according to procedures as mentioned in emergency plans and as prescribed in the Minister of Science and Technology’s Circular No. 19/2012/TT-BKHCN dated November 08, 2012 providing for control and assurance for radiation safety in occupational radiation exposure and public radiation exposure.

Article 23. Assessment of warning levels

Organizations, individuals tasked with assessing warning levels as prescribed in emergency plans shall be responsible:

1. In reliance on Annex III enclosed herewith and assessment results, determine severity and possibilities of consequences during the incident to meet warning levels as appropriate;

2. Carry out monitoring of radiation and analysis of environmental samples to determine potential hazards and change response strategy;

3. Provide information about conditions of the incident, assessment of incident, and recommended protective actions to response organizations in a timely manner;

Article 24. Medical management during emergency responses

1. Medical organizations as specified in emergency plans shall be responsible for taking first aids measures and making notifications to the information receiving hub as prescribed in emergency plans upon detection of pathological signs caused by radiation; distributing KI to subjects as appropriate based on intervention levels.

Organizations, individuals upon detection of radiation-induced pathological signs shall be responsible for making notifications to the information receiving agency as prescribed in emergency plans;

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3. Medical organizations as prescribed in emergency plans shall be responsible for putting forward measures to assess increase in cancer rates for response staff and the public; any measure as appropriate.

Article 25. Restrictions on food consumption and long-term protection

1. Provincial and national command committees shall be responsible for carrying out restrictions on food consumption and long-term protection in accordance with provisions set out in Annex II enclosed herewith.

2. Command committees at all levels shall be responsible for waste management and handling of radioactive contamination caused by the incident.

Article 26. Completion of activities of protection, intervention, and environmental remediation

1. Command committees at all levels shall be responsible:

a) Determine the time to complete activities of protection, intervention and make notifications to the public within competence;

b) Assess emergency level as prescribed in Clause 3, Article 82 of the Law on Atomic Energy and make notifications to the public within competence;

2. Command committees at all levels shall be responsible for organizing assessment of doses of occupational radiation exposure for staff involved in activities of environmental remediation.

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a) Potential effective dose is within 10 mSv/year;

b) Have an argument that achieved outcome is lower than remediation costs if activities of remediation are continued;

4. Command committees at all levels shall make decisions on postponement of restriction, intervention and remediation measures on the basis of national and international regulations.

5. In case of need, the Ministry of Science and Technology shall cooperate with relevant ministries and command committees in defining reference dose levels to end remediation activities.

Chapter III

ESTABLISHMENT AND APPROVAL FOR PLANS FOR RESPONSES TO RADIOLOGICAL AND NUCLEAR EMERGENCIES AT GRASSROOTS AND PROVINCIAL LEVELS

Section 1. On-site response plans

Article 27. On-site emergency plans within threat categories I, II and III

On-site emergency plans within threat categories I, II and III have following structure:

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a) Present scope and regulated entities in response plans;

b) Interpret terms used in response plans;

c) Present information about lists, addresses, phone numbers of organizations and individuals participating in emergency responses and supporting organizations, individuals;

d) List other relevant response plans (plans for responses to natural disasters, fire and explosion prevention) coming into force in administrative divisions of central-affiliated provinces and cities;

2. Legal foundations for establishment of response plans:

Lists of relevant documents issued by competent state agencies at central and local levels and excerpts from such documents;

3. Analysis of risks of the incident at facilities:

a) Based on threat categories as prescribed in Clause 1, Article 4 hereof, analyze risks, situations and greatest consequences caused by the incident;

b) Analyze risks relating to loss of security for facilities or radiation sources;

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a) Define facilities’ organizational structure and organization chart for emergency responses;

b) Define responsibility of organizations, individuals in facilities for preparedness and emergency responses including heads of facilities; command committees and their members; departments and individuals participating in emergency responses;

Responsibilities of organizations, individuals in accordance with requirements as prescribed in Article 5, Article 6, Article 7; Clauses 1, 2, Article 8; Clauses 2, 3 and 4, Article 9; Clauses 1, 2 and 3, Article 10; Article 11; Clauses 1, 2, Article 12; Clause 2, Articles 13 and 14 hereof;

5. Preparations for emergency responses:

a) Specify human resources, equipment of facilities to ensure responsibilities are taken as prescribed in Point b, Clause 4 hereof;

b) Determine PAZs and UPZs for facilities of threat categories I or II as prescribed in Annex IV enclosed herewith;

c) Establish plans for training and drills for organizations and individuals participating in emergency responses;

d) Regulate making updates and supplements to emergency plans;

6. Emergency responses:

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b) Establish management mechanism during emergency responses as prescribed in Article 17 hereof;

c) Establish plans for mobilization of human resources and equipment for emergency responses in accordance with warning levels and provisions as prescribed in Clauses 1 and 3, Article 18 hereof;

d) Establish response phases in proportion to provisions set out in Annex VII enclosed herewith; targets that need to be achieved in individual phases; specific procedures and instructions for achieving such targets; response phases should meet requirements as prescribed in Clause 2, Article 19; Article 20; Article 21; Article 22; Article 23; Clauses 1, 2, Article 24; Article 25 hereof;

dd) Establish internal information system, requests for assistance and notifications to individuals in PAZs and UPZs;

7. Annexes companying emergency plans:

a) Documents serving emergency responses: maps, premises of facilities, notification and information receiving samples as prescribed in Annex VIII enclosed herewith; determination of warning levels and response levels; levels of mobilization of human resources and equipment; appointment of on-site commanders;

b) A number of specific instructions on supply of information in emergency responses; safety instructions to response staff and the public in case of emergency; recommendations on safety zoning as prescribed in Annex VIII enclosed herewith;

c) In reliance on provisions on environmental remediation as prescribed in Article 26 hereof, establish a decision-making process for ending emergency responses, long-term remediation plan’s objectives;

d) In reliance on Clause 3, Article 27 hereof, establish an outline and specific emergency response procedures;

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e) Establish emergency response diaries;

Article 28. On-site emergency plans within threat categories IV

1. Facilities that perform radiations works using radiation sources in construction industry radiography shall establish emergency plans as prescribed in Article 27 hereof;

2. Facilities that perform radiations works using radiation sources of groups 2 (except for radiation sources in industrial radiography), 3 and 4 according to QCVN 6:2010/BKHCN, X-ray equipment in industrial radiography and particle accelerators shall establish emergency plans with following structure:

a) Legal foundations as prescribed in Clause 2, Article 27 hereof;

b) Analysis of risks of incidents at facilities as prescribed in Clause 3, Article 27 hereof;

c) Description of organizational structure and responsibility of departments and individuals in facilities for preparedness and emergency responses of which supply of resources for emergency responses should be specified;

Responsibility of these organizations, individuals in accordance with requirements for preparedness as prescribed in Article 5; Clause 1, Article 7; Clause 1, Article 8; Clauses 1 and 2, Article 9; Clause 3, Article 12; Article 16 hereof;

Responsibilities of organizations, individuals in accordance with requirements for emergency responses as prescribed in Clauses 1, 3, Article 18; Clauses 1, 2, Article 19; Clauses 1, 3 and 4, Article 20; Article 22; Clauses 1, Article 23; Clause 2, Articles 24; Article 26 hereof;

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3. Facilities that perform radiation works using radiation sources of group 5 according to QCVN 6:2010/BKHCN shall construct emergency plans with following structure: analysis of risks, situations relating to loss of radiation sources;

4. Facilities that use X-ray equipment for medical diagnosis and other X-ray equipment other than equipment as prescribed in Clause 2, this Article shall establish emergency plans with following structure:

a) Regulations on reporting when radiation workers, patients and other individuals are overexposed;

b) Regulations on content of reports on the incident;

c) Responsibilities for dose assessment and monitoring of health of individuals overexposed;

Section 2. PROVINCIAL-LEVEL RESPONSE PLANS

Article 29. Provincial-level response plans

Provincial-level emergency plans are constructed with following structure:

1. General provisions as prescribed in Clause 1, Article 27 hereof;

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3. Analysis of risks of incidents on administrative divisions of provinces:

a) Based on threat categories as prescribed in Clause 1, Article 4 hereof, conduct analysis of risks, situations and greatest consequences caused by the incident;

b) Analyze risks relating to loss of security for radiation sources on administrative divisions of provinces;

4. Organizational structure and responsibility of organizations and individuals participating in emergency responses:

a) Define organizational structure and organization chart for emergency responses;

b) Detail responsibilities of organizations, individuals according to requirements for preparations and emergency responses, particularly structure and components of command committees; responsibility of command committees; responsibility of individual members of command committees; responsibility of heads of command committees; responsibility of organizations involved and supporting organizations;

Responsibilities of organizations, individuals in accordance with requirements as prescribed in Article 5; Article 6; Clause 1, Article 7; Clause 1, Article 8; Clauses 1, 2 and 5, Article 19; Clause 4, Article 10; Clause 2, Article 11; Clause 2, Article 12; Clauses 2, 3 and 4, Article 13; Article 14; Article 15; Article 16 hereof;

5. Preparations for emergency responses:

a) Specify regulations on preparations for human resources, equipment and expenditures by organizations participating in emergency responses to ensure responsibilities are taken as prescribed in Point b, Clause 4 hereof;

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c) Establish plans for training and drills for organizations and individuals participating in emergency responses;

d) Regulate workplaces of provincial-level command committees in accordance with particular conditions of locality;

dd) Regulate considerations, updates and supplements to plans;

6. Emergency responses:

a) Apply principles for emergency response as prescribed in Article 3 hereof to emergency responses;

b) Establish management mechanism during emergency responses as prescribed in Article 17 hereof;

c) Establish plans for mobilization of human resources and equipment for emergency responses in accordance with warning levels and provisions as prescribed in Clauses 2 and 3, Article 18 hereof;

d) Establish response phases in proportion to provisions set out in Annex VIII enclosed herewith; targets that need to be achieved in individual phases; specific procedures and instructions for achieving such targets; response phases should meet requirements as prescribed in Clause 3, Article 19; Article 20; Article 21; Article 22; Article 23; Article 24; Article 25; Article 26 hereof;

dd) Establish manners of notifying processes of emergency responses to organizations participating in emergency responses, means of mass media during emergency responses as instructed in Annex VIII hereof;

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7. Annexes:

a) Lists and contact addresses of command committees, organizations and individuals participating in emergency responses;

b) Documents serving emergency responses: notifying and information receiving models; determination of warning levels and levels for mobilization of response forces; mobilization and appointment of on-site commanders;

b) A number of specific instructions on supply of information in emergency responses; safety instructions to response staff and the public in case of emergency; recommendations on safety zoning as prescribed in Annex VIII enclosed herewith;

d) In reliance on provisions on environmental remediation as prescribed in Article 26 hereof, establish a decision-making process for ending emergency responses, long-term remediation plan’s objectives;

dd) In reliance on Clause 3, Article 29 hereof, establish an outline and specific emergency response procedures;

e) Formulate specimen reports;

e) Establish emergency response diaries;

Section 3. APPROVAL FOR RESPONSE PLANS

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1. Documentation of on-site emergency plans comprises:

- Written request for approval;

- Three copies of on-site emergency plans established with structure and contents as prescribed in this Circular; emergency plans should bear signatures of heads of facilities, seals and stamps on adjoining edges of pages;

2. Documentation of provincial-level emergency plans comprises:

- Written request for approval;

- Four copies of on-site emergency plans established with structure and contents as prescribed in this Circular; emergency plans should bear signatures and seals of competent authorities, and stamps on adjoining edges of pages;

Article 31. Competent agencies granting approval for emergency plans

1. Competent agencies granting approval for on-site emergency plans shall be competent agencies that grant licenses for implementation of radiations works as prescribed in Article 23 of the Minister of Science and Technology’s Circular No. 08/2010/TT-BKHCN dated July 22, 2010;

2. Authority to grant approval for provincial and national emergency plans is prescribed in Clause 5, Article 83 of the Law on Atomic Energy; the Ministry of Science and Technology shall grant approval for emergency plans of nuclear power plants when carrying out assessment of safety analysis report during the period of licensing construction and operation.

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1. Organizations, individuals that request approval for on-site emergency plans should submit one set of application as prescribed in Clause 1, Article 30 hereof to competent agencies for approval. Within 10 working days since receipt of the application, competent agencies shall be responsible for implementing assessment of the application and granting approval if the application is found satisfactory. In case of rejection, competent agencies shall issue a written reply with reasons specified;

2. People's committees of provinces that request approval for provincial-level emergency plans should submit one set of application as prescribed in Clause 2, Article 30 hereof to the Ministry of Science and Technology. Within 10 working days since receipt of the application, the Ministry of Science and Technology shall be responsible for establishing provincial-level emergency plans appraising board (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Board of Appraisal’) Within 60 days since assessment results are given by the Board of Appraisal, the Ministry of Science and Technology shall issue the decision on approval for provincial-level emergency plans. In case of rejection, the Ministry of Science and Technology should issue a written reply with reasons specified.

Chapter IV

IMPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS

Article 33. Implementary provisions

1. Emergency plans that were established and approved under the Ministry of Science and Technology’s Circular No. 24/2012/TT-BKHCN dated December 04, 2012 shall remain in force without preparing procedures for re-approval.

2. Emergency plans established and not yet approved before the effective date of this Circular should be amended and supplemented for submission as prescribed hereof.

Article 34. Effect

1. This Circular takes effect since November 24, 2014.

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3. Difficulties that arise during the implementation of this Circular should be reported to the Ministry of Science and Technology for amendments and supplements. /.

THE MINISTER




Nguyen Quan

ANNEX I

THREAT CATEGORY
(Enclosed with the Minister of Science and Technology’s Circular No. 25/2014/TT-BKHCN dated October 08, 2014)

Threat category I

Definition: Threat category I refers to facilities where the incident occurs inside (including incidents with a very low probability) capable of increasing deterministic biological effects causing serious effects on the public outside facilities.

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Facilities capable of causing incidents with serious deterministic biological effects outside facilities; These facilities comprise:

- Reactors with capacity ≥ 100 MW (th) (power reactors, nuclear-powered ships and research reactors)

- Spent fuel pools capable of storing burnt fuel rods with total activity greater than 10¹⁷ Bq Cs-137;

- Facilities storing radioactive materials that may be dispersible and cause serious deterministic biological effects outside facilities.

Threat category II

Definition: Threat category II refers to facilities where the incident occurs inside capable of increasing doses to the public outside and urgent protective actions need to be taken according to national or international standards. Typical facilities of threat category II refer to research reactors with capacity greater than 02 MW(th) to 100 MW (th). Threat category II does not include facilities of threat category I.

Typical facilities of threat category II:

Facilities capable of causing the incident with high radiation dose and urgent protective actions outside need to be taken, including:

- Reactors with capacity from 2 MW (th) to 100 MW (th);

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- Facilities storing radioactive materials that may be dispersible and require urgent protective actions outside;

Threat category III

Definition: Threat category III refers to facilities where the incident occurs inside capable of increasing doses of radiation contamination and urgent protective actions inside need to be taken.

Typical facilities of threat category III:

Facilities capable of causing the incident with radiation dose and urgent protective actions outside need to be taken, including:

- Facilities capable of generating dose rate ≥ 100 mGy/h at one meter distance if shielding is lost;

- Reactors with capacity  ≤ 2 MW (th);

- Facilities storing radioactive materials that may be dispersible and generate doses and urgent protective actions inside need to be taken;

Threat category IV

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Threat category IV includes:

- Licensed activities of implementation of radiations works;

- Illegal activities such illegal trade and storage of radiation sources, acts of sabotage, terrorism.

- Radiation sources beyond control;

- Fall of nuclear-powered satellites;

Threat category V

Definition: Threat category V refers to activities unrelated to radiation sources but products resulted from these activities may be contaminated with radiation generated by incidents at facilities of threat categories I and II (including facilities of threat categories I and II from other nations) to a level that requires immediate restriction measures on these products according to national and international standards.

ANNEX II

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1. Intervention levels for urgent protective actions

Intervention levels

Protective actions

10 mSv ^a,b

Sheltering (two days)

50 mSv ^a,c

Temporary evacuation (one week)

100 mGy ^d,e

Distribution of stable Iodine (one time)

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 (a) Preventable effective dose;

 (b) Sheltering should not last more than two days. Command committees at all levels may apply sheltering measures at lower dose rate for a short time or during preparations for implementation of next intervention actions.

 (c) Evacuation should not last more than one week. Command committees at all levels may carry out evacuation at lower dose rate for a short time. Higher intervention levels may be applied for complicated evacuation cases.

 (d) Preventable absorbed dose for thyroid gland;

 (e) Intervention levels applied commonly to all ages;

2. Intervention levels for activities of relocation and termination of relocation

Intervention levels

Protective actions

30 mSv in a month

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10 mSv in a month

Terminating temporary evacuation

1000 mSv in a lifetime (or 50 years)

Permanent relocation

3. Intervention levels for restrictions on food consumption

Normal food

Group of radionuclides

Radionuclides

Intervention levels (kBg/kg)^a

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Cs-134, Cs-137, Ru-103, Ru-106, Sr-89, I-131

1

2

Sr-90

0,1

3

Am-241, Pu-238, Pu-239, Pu-240, Pu-242

0,01

Milk, food for children aged under 12 months and drinking water

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Cs-134, Cs-137, Ru-103, Ru-106,

1

5

Sr-90, I-131

0,1

6

Am-241, Pu-238, Pu-239, Pu-240, Pu-242

0,001

Notes:

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4. Operational intervention levels (OIL) based on radiation values measured in the air and food

Radiation sources 

Ordinal numbers (OIL)

Default value

Protective actions

Dose rate in the air (measured at one meter height from ground)

1

1 mSv/hour

Evacuation or sheltering

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0,2 mSv/hour^a,b,c

Considering evacuation of people from the area

3

1 mSv/hour^d

Immediately stop consumption of food and milk in the area until the result of sample examination is available.

Dose rate on ground surface

Normal food

milk

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I-131^g

4

10 kBq/m^{2 a,e}

2 kBq/m^{2 a,e,f}

Cs-137^g

5

2 kBq/m^{2 a,e}

10 kBq/m^{2 a,e,f}

Concentration in food, milk and water

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Normal food

Milk and water

I-131^g

6

1 kBq/kg ^a,e

0,1 kBq/kg ^a,e

Stop consumption of food and milk in the area

Cs-137^g

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0,2 kBq/kg ^a,e

0,3 kBq/kg ^a,e

Stop consumption of food and milk in the area

Notes:

 (a) Keep monitoring and updating radiation levels according to the process

 (b) Within the period from two to seven days since occurrence of the incident

 (c) Considering evaluation at higher rate if complicated.

 (d) 1 mSv/hour value is chosen to refer to the area with actual dose rate higher than natural background radiation.

 (dd) Use higher OIL if food is scarce or decontaminated from radiation before consumption.

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 (g) Measures put forward should separate radiation levels I-131 and Cs-137;

ANNEX III

WARNING LEVELS
(Enclosed with the Minister of Science and Technology’s Circular No. 25/2014/TT-BKHCN dated October 08, 2014)

1. Warning levels for facilities of threat categories I and II

Warning levels for facilities of threat categories I and II comprise Levels A,  B and C corresponding to ascending severity.

Specific characteristics of each level as follows:

Warning levels

Description

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Level A

Level A (Alert) is declared when technical failures are detected in the factory, the decline in levels of protection is acknowledged but protective actions outside facilities are not necessary (Nuclear power plants)

- Unusual conditions occur but are not likely to result in major incidents.

- Unusual conditions occur and are not likely to affect the outside of facilities.

Level B

Level B (Site area emergency) is declared when the public outside facilities is told to prepare for protective actions; other response actions and radiation monitoring tasks need to be taken outside facilities.

- Unusual conditions occur and are likely to result in major incidents.

- Unusual conditions are likely to interrupt necessary safety for the protection of fuel in spent fuel pools.

- Radioactive substances disperse but do not damage fuel in reactor core or spent fuel pools

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Level C (general emergency) is declared when protective actions and other response actions need to be taken immediately outside facilities.

- Fuel in reactor core or spent fuel pools are seriously damaged or expected to be seriously damaged.

- Safety functions are lost that are likely to seriously damage fuel in reactor core or spent fuel pools, including loss of capacity to control following safety functions:

○ Stop operation of reactors;

○ Keep reactor core shielded (cooling fuel rods);

○ Load heat from reactors;

○ Maintain important auxiliary systems (AC/DC, control system, equipment system)

- Fuel in reactor core or spent fuel pools are damaged or expected to be damaged.

- Lose capacity to control necessary safety functions in order to protect fuel in reactor core or spent fuel pools;

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2. Warning levels for facilities of threat categories III, IV and V

Warning levels for facilities of threat categories III, IV and V comprise Levels 1, 2, 3 corresponding to ascending severity.

Specific characteristics of each level as follows:

Warning levels

Typical situations of warning levels

Level 1

- Incidents occur in facilities using closed radioactive sources of groups 3, 4 and 5.

- Incidents occur with radiation sources of groups 3, 4 and 5 outside control.

- Incidents occur and may generate radiation dose rate no more than 50 mSv/h.

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- Incidents occur without deterministic biological effects

- Incidents occur and people are not overexposed.

- Incidents occur in at least two provinces without radioactive contamination and damage to people and environment.

- Incidents occur outside national border with insignificant effects on Vietnam.

Level 2

- Incidents without clear information;

- Incidents occur in facilities using radioactive sources of groups 2 and 3 or open radioactive sources.

- Incidents occur with radiation sources of groups 1 and 2 outside control.

- Incidents occur and may generate radiation dose rate no more than 1 mSv/h.

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- Incidents occur with possible occurrence of deterministic biological effects

- Incidents related to transport of radiation sources, radioactive substance-related violence, terrorism;

- Incidents occur and people are highly exposed.

- Incidents occur outside national border with significant effects on environment and food in Vietnam.

Level 3

- Incidents occur in facilities using radioactive sources of group 1.

- Incidents occur and may generate radiation dose rate more than 1 mSv/h.

- Incidents occur with dispersion of radioactive substances and radioactive contamination on a large scale.

- Incidents occur with deterministic biological effects;

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- Incidents occur in other provinces but have serious effects on localities on a large scale.

Classification of radiation sources is referred to “National technical regulation on radiation safety – classification and categorization of radiation sources” – QCVN 6;2010/BKHCN.

ANNEX IV

SIZES OF PROTECTIVE ZONES
(Enclosed with the Minister of Science and Technology’s Circular No. 25/2014/TT-BKHCN dated October 08, 2014)

1. Characteristics of PAZ and UPZ

Protective actions for PAZs shall be taken before or after dispersion of radioactive substances or irradiation from facilities.

Protective actions for UPZs shall be taken in reliance on environmental monitoring or actual conditions at facilities.

2. Size of protective zones according to dose limits

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PAZ

UPZ

Absorbed dose by external exposure accumulated for 10 hours

AD_{red marrow}¹ = Gy

AD_foetus = 0.1 Gy

AD_tissue^b = 25 Gy at 0.5 cm depth

AD_skin^c = 10 Gy on 100 cm²

Absorbed dose by internal exposure due to uptake of accumulated radioactive substances ((D = 30 days^d)

AD (D)_{red marrow} = 0.2 Gy for radionuclides with Z ³ 90^đ or 2Gy for radionuclides with Z £ 89^e

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AD (D)_lungs^e = 30 Gy

AD (D)_colon = 20 Gy

AD(D')_foetus^f  = 0.1 Gy

Notes:

 AD_{red marrow} represents value of average RBE weighing factor for tissues or organs inside the body (e.g. red marrow, lungs, gonads, thyroid gland) and crystalline lens due to irradiation in homogeneous radiation field of high penetration.

 (b) Doses caused on an area of 100 cm² at 0.5cm depth under skin due to exposure to radiation sources (e.g. hold in hands or put inside the pockets);

 (c) Doses on an area of 100 cm² of the hypodermis layer (at a depth with density of 40 mg/cm² or 0.4mm under skin);

 (d) AD(D) refers to RBE weighing factor absorbed doses for a period D due to uptake of radioactive substances that may cause deterministic effects for 5% of the individuals being exposed to radiation.

 (dd) Other different limits shall be applied when considering significant differences in threshold value for uptake of specific radionuclides for this group of radionuclides;

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 (g) In this particular case, D' refers to a development period in womb;

3. Reference sizes for UPZ and PAZ

Sizes of UPZs and PAZs in the table below serve as reference for types of reactors and radiation sources;

Reactor capacity

Danger level of radiation sources (A/D^a)

Radius of PAZs

Radius of UPZs

Facilities of threat category I

Reactors > 1000 MW (th)

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5-30 km

100 < Reactors ≤ 1000 MW (th)

0.5-3 km

5-30 km

_{A/D ≥ 105}

3-5 km

5-30 km

10⁴ ≤ A/D < 10⁵

0.5-3 km

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Facilities of threat category II

10 ≤ Reactors ≤ 100 MW (th)

None

0.5–5 km

2 < Reactors < 10 MW (th)

None

0.5 km

10³ ≤ A/D < 10⁴

None

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10² ≤ A/D < 10³

None

0.5 km

Appearance of fissile materials within 500 meters from borders of facilities

None

0.5-1 km

Notes:

- Centers of the circles are taken at points where sources of dispersible or fissile radioactive substances exist.

- Actual border of a zone may be established to suit topographical characteristics of such zone such as roads, rivers, national borders.

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ANNEX V

LIST OF EQUIPMENT FOR EMERGENCY RESPONSES FOR REFERENCE
(Enclosed with the Minister of Science and Technology’s Circular No.  25/2014/TT-BKHCN dated October 08, 2014)

1. Personnel protective equipment

Initial response persons and response staff entering the area with radiation dose more than 100 mSv/h

- Respiratory protective masks

- Watertight and anti-corrosive gloves

- Watertight clothes (fully covering skin and head)

- Watertight shoes or boots

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- Personal dosimeters with alarm warnings

- Personal dosimeters (electronic dosimeters or film badges, heat fluorescent dosimeters)

- Clothes with easily noticeable colors;

1.2. Initial response persons and response staff entering the areas with radiation dose rate no more than 100 mSv/h and medical staff handling injured persons contaminated with radiation

- Simple respiratory protective masks/anti-dust masks;

- Surgical gloves (change frequently during emergency responses);

- Jumpsuits;

- Plastic bags for wrapping shoes;

- Skull caps (similar to surgical caps);

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1.3. Staff performing radioactive decontamination on humans

- Simple respiratory protective masks/anti-dust masks

- Surgical gloves;

- Jumpsuits;

- Watertight clothes;

- Plastic bags for wrapping shoes;

- Skull caps;

- Personal dosimeters (film doses or heat fluorescent dosimeters);

2. Standard personal protective equipment

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Filtering equipment:

- Full-face masks with filters;

- Half-face masks with filters;

- Mufflers with filters ;

- Respiratory support equipment ;

- Compressed air breathing apparatus;

2.2. Protective clothes

- Protective clothes against particulate radioactive contamination

- Airtight protective clothes (Type 1) and non-airtight protective clothes (Type 2) against liquid and gas chemical substances including aerosols and solid particles :

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Type 2 : Reusable or disposable ;

3. Equipment marking and restricting radioactive contamination, object containers

- Textured vinyl exam gloves ;

- Jumpsuits (multiple sizes) ;

- Plastic bags for wrapping shoes ;

- Disposable tissues ;

- Disposable tacky mats ;

- Plastic bags (Small sizes for personal belongings and large sizes for radioactive contaminated waste)

- Clean and colorful  strips

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- Blankets ;

- Equipment use handbooks;

4. Tools and equipment at borders of zones

- Detailed maps of areas;

- Barrier system (means, notice boards, ribbon/ropes or paints for roads/grounds);

- Radioactive exam equipment (see below);

5. Radioactive decontamination equipment for humans;

- Disposable wet  towels;

- Bath towel;

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- Small plastic bags for personal belongings;

- Adhesive labels

- Soft or liquid soaps;

- Shampoos (without hair conditioners);

- Soft  nail brushes;

- Alternative clothes (multiple sizes)

- Blankets;

- Salt water/medical bandages/gauze pads;

6. Forms and communications

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- Fill-in forms for registration, classification and examination of radiation;

- Laptops

- Two-way communication equipment for communication with Command committees (mobile phone networks may be unreliable in case of emergency);

- GPS equipment;

- Phone and facsimile;

- Computers and equipment connected to the Internet;

- Photocopier or scanner;

7. Radiation control equipment

7.1. Mobile radiation monitoring equipment

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- Radioactive contamination investigation;

- External radioactive contamination control;

- Internal radioactive contamination control;

7.2. Equipment comprises:

- Gamma dose rate control equipment;

- Personal dosimeters with alarm warning;

- Alpha radioactive contamination control equipment;

- Beta radioactive contamination control equipment;

- Gamma radioactive contamination control equipment;

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- Low-energy X-ray and Gamma radioactive contamination control equipment;

- Mobile gamma spectroscopy analysis equipment;

- Equipment collecting pathology specimens from noses;

- Personal protective equipment  for radiation monitoring teams (see above)

ANNEX VI

REGULATIONS ON TIME FOR CONFIRMATION OF INCIDENT, NOTIFICATIONS AND KICK-OFF OF RESPONSE SYSTEM
(Enclosed with the Minister of Science and Technology’s Circular No. 25/2014/TT-BKHCN dated October 08, 2014)

Specific actions to be taken

Facilities of threat category I

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Facilities of threat categories III and IV

Grassroots level

Local level

National

Grassroots

Local level

National level

Grassroots level

Local level

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Classification of incidents

< 15 minutes

< 15 minutes

< 15 minutes

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< 30 minutes

< 30 minutes

Gear up response organizations

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< 6 hours

< 12 hours

< 2 hours

< 6 hours

< 2 hours

Make notifications to all nations in UPZs

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< 1 hour

< 1 hour

Make notifications about nations likely to be affected to IAEA

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< 2 hours

Notes: (1) Response organizations shall be geared up in a timely manner for performance of functions and duties as prescribed in emergency plans.

ANNEX VII

FUNDAMENTAL RESPONSE PHASES
(Enclosed with the Minister of Science and Technology’s Circular No. 25/2014/TT-BKHCN dated October 08, 2014)

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2. Phase of notification to organizations, individuals participating in emergency responses: must achieve objectives for making early notifications to organizations, individuals participating in emergency responses; establish procedures on determination and publication of warning levels, make announcement and convene relevant organizations, individuals, appoint on-site commanders;

3. Phase of mobilization of resources and development of emergency responses: must achieve objectives for mobilizing organizations and individuals to participate in emergency responses and necessary resources; organizations, individuals participating in emergency responses are stipulated to establish procedures on mobilization and development of resources for responses corresponding to warning level.

4. Phase of taking intervention measures on the scene: must achieve following objectives: assessment of development of radiation levels, levels of effect to make decisions on warning levels; take intervention measures (evacuate people in case of need; classify contaminated people and carry out decontamination on site; recover radiation sources; protect response staff and public; provide first-aids and treatment for victims…); make requests for additional assistance; organizations, individuals participating in emergency responses are stipulated to establish specific operational procedures to achieve abovementioned objectives.

5. Phase of ending emergency responses and preparations for long-term remedial plans: must achieve objectives for notifying termination of emergency responses to organizations, individuals participating in emergency responses and the public, and preparations for long-term remedial plans; Establish procedures or regulations on decision-making process for the termination of emergency responses and notifications to the public about such decisions; based on national regulations, set criteria and establish plans for radiation control and environmental remedial works, establish plans for monitoring and treating victims;

6. Reporting phase: For on-site emergency responses, specify time for delivering reports to People’s committees of provinces, radiation and nuclear safety authority about the incident and implemented remedial measures.

For provincial-level emergency responses: make general reports about the incident to People’s committees of provinces, the Ministry of Science and Technology, heads of other relevant ministries (if required) as prescribed.

ANNEX VIII

A NUMBER OF INSTRUCTIONS ON EMERGENCY RESPONSES
(Enclosed with the Minister of Science and Technology’s Circular No. 25/2014/TT-BKHCN dated October 08, 2014)

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GENERAL INFORMATION

Name of phone recipient:

Business address:

Services of Science and Technology: ………………………………………………..£

Police Emergency 113: …………………………………………£

Medical emergency 115: ……………………………………….£

Fire and explosion prevention 114: …………………………………£

Local police: ............................................ £

People’s committees of wards: …………………………………………….£

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Phone number:

B. INFORMATION OF CALLER

Name of caller:

Resident £     Facility staff £     Response force £

Address:

Phone number:                          Call time:

Incident site:

 (Address of facilities or areas)

Incident description: ……………………..

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_{……………………………………………………………………………………………}

Does that affect residents?:

Yes £

No. £

Does the situation need assistance?

Yes £

No. £

What assistance is needed?

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_{……………………………………………………………………………………………}

……………………………………………………………………………………………

Give immediate advice/recommendations to the caller (via telephone):

……………………………………………………………………………………………

_{……………………………………………………………………………………………}

Call verification:

Yes £

No. £

Delivery a copy to:

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Services of Science and Technology

Phone recipient (Signature, full name)

II. A NUMBER OF INSTRUCTIONS ON PROVISION OF INFORMATION IN EMERGENCY RESPONSES

Attentions:

- These instructions shall be carefully reviewed and revised to suit particular situations.

- Information forms should be delivered to the commander for approval.

Information forms to be provided in following cases:

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- Emergency situations comprises radioactive releasing equipment and other emergency situations in transport;

- Sources of high level of danger lost or stolen;

- Sources of danger in public detected (e.g. checkpoints or postal office)

A. Provision of initial information

Date:

Time:

Ordinal numbers of bulletins:

 [Name of organizations/agencies] acknowledge the receipt of a report on [origin of incident] According to information received, [incident] has occurred at [location] at…..[time]. The report shows that [ Information about incident is confirmed] and measures [Initial response measures] are taken to protect [public, response people, products, commerce…]. Existing emergency plans are activated [and we have just geared up communications center].

 [Name or organization/agency] is coordinating its activities with response staff on the scene and other relevant organizations [specify relevant agencies] We shall provide further information as soon as possible. Next notification shall be published at [location] at [time].

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Full name [name of person responsible for contacting the press]:

Agency:

Phone number:

Mobile phone:

Email:                         Website:

B. A number of instructions for specific situations

1. Incident situations relating to radiological dispersal devices and transportation

Date:

Time:

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 [Name of organization/agency] acknowledges a radioactive material-related incident [origin of incident]. According to information received, [incident] has occurred at [location] at [time]. The report shows that [ Information about incident is confirmed] and measures [Initial response measures] are taken to protect [public, response people, products, commerce…]. Existing emergency plans are activated [and we have just geared up communications center].

To ensure safety, following recommendations should be followed:

- Do not hold or identify objects (shrapnel or objects collected from the site)…and isolate them.

- Those that leave the site without assessment by [individual/unit] should change clothes or take a bath (if possible), wash hands before meals and go to [location] for assessment and next instructions.

- Those who transport other persons (victims) should go to [location] for personal and means examination for any sign of radioactive contamination.

*[Upon suspicion of emissions in the air (indicate, depending on situations)], the public within one kilometer from [description of the area – streets, districts] need to follow following recommendations:

- Remain indoors until [indicate when emissions may end];

- Do not consume things possibly contaminated with radiation (vegetables grown outdoors or rain-water) until new notification is issued.

- Do not let children play around in playgrounds;

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- Avoid dusty areas and activities causing dust;

- Do not come to the site willingly to offer help or volunteer;

*If you have health problems, go to [an area far away from local hospital for radiation examination and inquiries]

Health workers should be warned about patients with symptoms of irradiation (skin burns without apparent reasons - individuals do not remember why they get burned).

*If you have any question, please call [provide hot line that may handle multiple calls at a time].

We shall provide further information as soon as possible. [Provide time when new reports or updates are available]. Next notification shall be published at [location] at [time].

For more information, please contact:

Full name [name of person responsible for contacting the press]:

Agency:

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Mobile phone:

Email:                         Website:

2. Cases of radiation sources being lost or stolen;

Date:

Time:

Ordinal numbers of bulletins:

 [Name of organization/agency] acknowledges a radioactive substance-containing object is lost/stolen [Indicate]. According to information received, this object has been lost/stolen at [location] at [time]. [Indicate authorities] has taken [initial measures such as searching…] and collected information from the public in search for this dangerous object. Existing emergency plans are activated [and we have just geared up communications center].

The lost object looks like [provide description or pictures if any]

To ensure safety, following recommendations should be followed:

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- Those who detect this object should make immediate notification to [indicate agency/organizing to receive such information]

- If you have touched or have been close to this object, please contact [provide a contact number]

Health workers should be warned about patients with symptoms of irradiation (skin burns without apparent reasons - individuals do not remember why they get burned).

Provide warnings to those who purchase scrap metal;

If you think you have useful information, please call [hot line]

We shall provide further information as soon as possible. [Provide time when new reports or updates are available]. Next notification shall be published at [location] at [time].

For more information, please contact:

Full name [name of person responsible for contacting the press]:

Agency:

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Mobile phone:

Email:                         Website:

3. Cases of radiation sources in public being found

Date:

Time:

Ordinal numbers of bulletins:

 [Name of organization/agency] acknowledges a dangerous radioactive material is detected at [time]. According to information received, this material has been detected at [location] at…..[time]. The report show [the information is confirmed] and [provide description of initial measures] has been taken to protect [public or individuals/organizations as appropriate] Existing emergency plans are activated [and we have just geared up communications center].

To ensure safety, following recommendations should be followed:

- Those who are close to the material that has been detected for [specify the period of time] and/or may be close to the material while being carried and transported should contact [relevant agency/organization] for assessment and notifications.

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If you think you have useful information, please call [hot line]

We shall provide further information as soon as possible. [Provide time when new reports or updates are available]. Next notification shall be published at [location] at [time].

For more information, please contact:

Full name [name of person responsible for contacting the press]:

Agency:

Phone number:

Mobile phone:

Email:                         Website:

III. A NUMBER OF INSTRUCTIONS ON SAFETY TO PUBLIC IN CASE OF EMERGENCIES

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2. Do not authorize any one to enter the area;

3. Do not hold objects likely to be radioactive substances inside the area and make notifications to response staff when setting up the fence;

4. Request everybody not to smoke and eat around the safety fence;

5. Request everybody to cooperate with police authorities in maintaining order and security, creating favorable conditions for quick and effective emergency responses;

6. Request unauthorized people out of the area for avoidance of effects of radioactive contamination (if any);

7. Those that worry about their health or people involved (staff of facilities, neighboring facilities, public…) should gather in an orderly manner; Make a list and await notification;

8. Everybody should keep track of information and comply with official instructions on ward/district/city media and given by response staff.

IV. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SAFETY ZONES FOR EMERGENCIES

Processes

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Initial identification - outside affected area

Potential source of danger unshielded or broken

30 m

Large amount of potential source of danger spilling over

100 m

Fire, explosion or smoke in connection with potential source of danger

300 m

Suspicion of bombs, exploded or unexploded;

400 m and over to avoid effects of bomb explosion

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Initial identification – inside the buildings

Potential source of danger unshielded or broken or spilling over

Affected areas and neighboring areas (including upper and below floors)

Conflagration or other incidents in connection with potential source of danger likely to disperse radioactive substances all over the buildings (e.g. via air ventilation system)

All the buildings and appropriate outside distance as shown above;

Expansion of belt based on radiation monitoring

Surrounding dose rate 100 mSv/h

Any area having this value;

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