Guidance

Emergency preparedness and response: generic developed principles

Updated 2 May 2024

Applies to England

The permits we issue under the regulations for non-nuclear facilities contain conditions that require the permit-holder to have and maintain an accident management plan.

We are a consultee under Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Information) Regulations 2019 (REPPIR) for emergency plans prepared by operators of nuclear sites and some non-nuclear sites, carriers of radioactive materials, and local authorities.

We may also be asked about contingency plans prepared under the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 and under other relevant provisions.

These emergency preparedness and response developed principles (EPRDPs) are intended to assist us in these regulatory, consultative and advisory roles. They are to be applied in a way that is commensurate with the scale of anticipated accidents at the facility being considered. Guidance on emergency preparedness and response includes IAEA Documentation such as GSR Part 7.

EPRDP1 – facility design

The design of a facility, in terms of layout, construction, communications and infrastructure, should be such that response arrangements can be enacted in the event of an emergency.

Considerations

Although facility design and operation should be carried out so as to prevent accidents, the potential impact of reasonably foreseeable accidents should be assessed and provision should be made, at the design stage, for adequate response to relevant accidents and emergencies. Such provision should include consideration of:

• access roads (both internal and external) for emergency vehicles
• communications
• storage and deployment of emergency equipment
• services for use in an emergency (for example, secure electricity supplies, firewater, emergency lighting, vehicle fuel)
• storage of wastes arising from an accident
• drainage for fire-water runoff
• instrumentation to detect, and subsequently monitor the progress of, an emergency situation
• the need for environmental monitoring

This design principle should be borne in mind when considering the other principles throughout this document, and in particular the engineering principles

EPRDP2 – emergency plans

Emergency plans should be prepared and should take due account of the need to protect the environment.

Considerations

Emergency plans should be developed at the design stage for a new facility, taking into account the considerations in EPRDP1.

At nuclear-licensed sites and at other sites where REPPIR apply, emergency plans should meet the requirements of the REPPIR.

Emergency plans should be regularly reviewed and updated. Reviews and updates should also be carried out following any accident or ‘near miss’.

Emergency plans should be informed by fault analysis.

Emergency plans should take into account the need for interventions to protect the environment.

Emergency plans should be regularly tested to ensure that they are suitable for preventing or mitigating (or both) the radiological impacts to people and the environment.

Personnel who have emergency response responsibilities should be properly trained, and the training refreshed at suitable intervals.

Where we are expected to provide assistance or cooperation in an emergency we should be consulted about the plans in advance.

EPRDP3 – remediation

Arrangements should be put in place to ensure that environmental remediation, post-accident, can be carried out quickly and safely.

Considerations

Planning for emergencies should include a consideration of the likely environmental impacts of an accident and so the likely scope of remediation requirements; for example, contamination of off-site buildings, land and water.

Resources (trained personnel and equipment) for the characterisation and remediation of these impacts should be identified as part of the emergency planning process.