Technical upgrades
Effective nuclear security arrangements require technical equipment at nuclear installations and
at borders for the detection of radiation in goods and persons.
Providing urgently needed technical upgrades and equipment has been a foundation for IAEA assistance to States in enhancing the security of nuclear and other radioactive material since the establishment of the Nuclear Security Programme in 2002. To ensure the good working order of detection equipment, the IAEA Nuclear Security Equipment Laboratory (NSEL) continued to test detection equipment prior to delivery to States and to arrange for the correction of any problems and for instrument replacement as necessary. The NSEL plays a large role in the coordination, procurement and delivery of radiation detection equipment to States, participates in training courses on combating illicit trafficking and provides technical advice and hands-on training on detection equipment.
Recent activity
As of the end of 2007, the Agency had procured 2064 items of equipment for 35 States in Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America. This equipment enhances detection capabilities at borders, and some was dedicated to strengthen State systems of nuclear material accountancy and control. The equipment included: radiation portal monitors, radionuclide identification devices, personal radiation detectors, neutron search detectors, movable radiation monitors and mini multi-channel analysers. The equipment needed was provided to States as follow-up to assessment missions and the training needed to operate the equipment was arranged in separate events.
Through 2007, the Agency also helped nine States improve the physical protection of nuclear installations and
locations having high-activity radioactive sources.
For further information please contact NuclearSecurity@iaea.org
