Integration of Nuclear Safety and Security in Research Reactors using a Monte Carlo
Simulation aided Analytical Hierarchy Process

All operations involving nuclear and radioactive materials require exercising principles of nuclear safety and security. The goal of both these disciplines is protection—protecting the public, the workers, and the environment from hazards associated with radiation exposure. Despite these disciplines having the same goal, they use different perspectives and methods to accomplish their respective goal. The difference in methods and perspectives has led the disciplines to work in parallel rather than together. Studies have found that operating these two disciplines separately is less effective than together, and these disciplines should be integrated to improve protection practices. This study analyzed the importance of integration in a research reactor across eight criteria where nuclear safety and security could work together. A survey tool was provided to research reactor staff and asked them to rate the eight criteria based on the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) methodology. The AHP is a multi-tiered method that uses a pairwise comparison matrix to rate criteria within and across each tier. A Monte Carlo simulation (using a beta-Program Evaluation Review Technique distribution) was applied to the AHP data to determine the criteria with the most importance for nuclear safety and security integration. Access control and transportation of nuclear material were rated as having the most importance for integration, indicating where nuclear safety and security integration would provide the most synergistic benefit in a research reactor and associated facilities.