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Even though many of the core principles of nuclear safety and nuclear security overlap in general, nuclear safety is concerned with preventing the harmful effects of nuclear and radiological material that may arise from accidental actions, while nuclear security is concerned with preventing or minimising the effects of deliberate misuse.
Both fall under the umbrella of ‘protection’, wherein organisations seek to protect people, assets and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation. Many nuclear organisations combine elements of both safety and security in their decision-making workflows. Having separate budgets helps ensure money is spent towards security measures and not diverted for other areas. However, where nuclear safety and security budgets are combined, budget ring-fencing can ensure that one area is not funded to the detriment of the other.
More importantly in organisations where nuclear and radiological material are used, stored or transported, both safety and security should be represented at senior levels. Such responsibility may be held by the same individual, but having both disciplines represented separately contributes to continued leadership in the areas, which will inform spending decisions and organisational priorities. Moreover, having an advocate at senior levels may aid the development of nuclear security culture though the effective use of authority.
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