The Fundamentals of Physical Protection

Abstract Physical protection systems for nuclear facilities have evolved to adapt to new threats and to take advantage of new technology. They are more than just fences and barricades, but rather represent a web of integrated systems that combine people, procedures, and technology to create uncertainty for an assailant. To provide an effective system, it is necessary to consider the threat origin, facility capabilities, and multiple design viewpoints to create mitigation measures that are proportionate to the consequence of an uncontrolled radioactive release or removal of material. The guidance provided by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) promotes a graded approach to nuclear security based on the concept of defence-in-depth. Adopting this approach enables appropriate and proportionate resources to be applied to target areas. A physical protection system that considers specific high-risk areas can apply multiple layers of incremental protection that increase as a potential adversary gets closer to their target.