Interfaces among Safety, Security, and Safeguards (3S) — Conflicts and Synergies

In recent years, the need to achieve a better understanding of the relationships and interfaces among three disciplines related to nuclear power — safety, security, and safeguards (3S) — has become widely recognized. The challenge is to effectively and efficiently integrate the 3S requirements. All stakeholders could benefit from the integration of 3S: designers and operators, shippers and carriers of nuclear material, national and international authorities, and the world population. To address this challenge, the potential for conflicts and opportunities for synergy among the elements of 3S must be identified. This paper identifies the 3S interfaces that have the potential for creating conflicts and synergies. The main step in developing guidance is to examine where and how 3S requirements interface. We start with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) model Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement (INFCIRC/153) and Additional Protocol (INFCIRC/540). We then identify two types of access that are the basis for conflicts and synergies in 3S. Finally, we provide recommendations for improving overall efficiency and effectiveness to be considered by designers, operators, shippers, and authorities during the integration of the 3S requirements.