IMPROVED TECHNICAL SUPPORT TO IAEA SAFEGUARDS

Over the past few years the United States has recognized a need to revise the emphasis of the Program of Technical Assistance to Safeguards (POTAS). This change in direction is based on the recognition that the IAEA is greatly expanding its use of new safeguards instruments, devices and techniques. Effective implementation of this new technology places a heavy burden on the IAEA inspectors and also places a substantial burden on the technical support functions of the Department of Safeguards. Essential to the effective use of measurement and surveillance devices is a set of well documented procedures describing their use, as well as improved procedures for procurement, management, and maintenance of these new and complex devices. Training courses must be expanded to give the inspector an opportunity to gain experience in the use of these devices under realistic conditions. Techniques for data evaluation need to be expanded to assure accurate and rapid reporting of inspection results. Finally methods for reviewing the implementation of safeguards, supported by a quality assurance program must be put to use to provide Safeguards Management with a clear understanding of the effectiveness of the implementation of safeguards.