Securing gamma sources on a budget: multi-use technologies
Meghan Van Den Avyle1, Luke J Gilbert1.
1Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM, United States
Security is a critical measure against profit disruption in the irradiation industry, and while it can be costly, it does not have to be. Industrial irradiator operators may already possess many of the tools needed to prevent radioactive source theft. Investigation has found that some irradiation industry safety and quality resources and practices can be applied towards security — thus, serving a multi-use purpose. Sandia National Laboratories, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration’s Office of Radiological Security (DOE/NNSA/ORS) and other government and industry partners, conducts research and development activities towards various nuclear and radiation industry security technologies. This presentation explores the cumulative work of several of these ongoing efforts to investigate security technologies, policies, and procedures that may also lend to a multi-use application. Examples of multi-use elements to be discussed include cameras, radiation alarms, pool covers, and the two-person rule, amongst others. Further, this presentation seeks to initiate industry discussion on additional mutually beneficial concepts. The examination of this multi-use model should enhance the appeal and increase implementation of gamma source security within the industrial irradiation industry.