The Experience in Establishing an Integrated System of Nuclear Material Accountability, Control and Physical Protection under Its Long-Term Performance Assurance at the FSUE

A specific feature of nuclear materials is the circumstance that alongside with global peaceful nuclear energy proliferation, the materials themselves do not pertain to free proliferation. This controversial feature of nuclear materials forms the basis of the non-proliferation issue. Nuclear material accountability, control and physical protection (MPC&A) is the main compound of the special nuclear material handling and the basis of the national non-proliferation assurances. The paper highlights the experience in building an integrated MPC&A system at the RISI nuclear site: design of a single policy in terms of development of the organizational and administrative documentation and creation of a definitive organizational MPC&A system structure; integration of the MPC&A system performance checking Program; assurance of the efficient integration of new MPC&A system elements and equipment for given parameters to be executed; the MPC&A system testing in order to reveal system weak spots and their well-timed elimination; maintenance of the MPC&A system condition configuration in operation; assurance of software and technical compliance of the elements, technical means and devices being applied; establishment of a single informational space in the MPC&A system: data exchange and creation of databases in general PP and MC&A system use; assurance of the efficient joint involvement of departments in executing the main NM operations (NM transfer, physical inventory, etc.); assurance of technical compound: the use of general technical devices for video surveillance of the NM sections, the use of general computer networks and electronic databases of regulatory documentation; the MPC&A system information protection; the maximum use of practical experience of the MPC&A system personnel, as well as engineering companies, security system device and equipment manufacturers; a comprehensive personnel training on the MPC&A and security related issues; establishment of a unified awarding mechanism for the MPC&A personnel and employees of other departments somehow connected with the MPC&A for the job well done; design of the nuclear security culture. The integrated MPC&A system contributes to the gathering of all elements, which optimize the performance and provide for the uniformity of the nuclear material protection and safety system, in one.