Waller Edward J, van Maanen Jim
*University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Faculty of Energy Systems and Nuclear Science, 2000 Simcoe Street North, Oshawa, Ontario, L1H 7K4, Canada; †Radinpro BV., Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Health Phys. 2015 Apr;108(4):468-76. doi: 10.1097/HP.0000000000000258.
Health physics is a recognized safety function in the holistic context of the protection of workers, members of the public, and the environment against the hazardous effects of ionizing radiation, often generically designated as radiation protection. The role of the health physicist as protector dates back to the Manhattan Project. Nuclear security is the prevention and detection of, and response to, criminal or intentional unauthorized acts involving or directed at nuclear material, other radioactive material, associated facilities, or associated activities. Its importance has become more visible and pronounced in the post 9/11 environment, and it has a shared purpose with health physics in the context of protection of workers, members of the public, and the environment. However, the duties and responsibilities of the health physicist in the nuclear security domain are neither clearly defined nor recognized, while a fundamental understanding of nuclear phenomena in general, nuclear or other radioactive material specifically, and the potential hazards related to them is required for threat assessment, protection, and risk management. Furthermore, given the unique skills and attributes of professional health physicists, it is argued that the role of the health physicist should encompass all aspects of nuclear security, ranging from input in the development to implementation and execution of an efficient and effective nuclear security regime. As such, health physicists should transcend their current typical role as consultants in nuclear security issues and become fully integrated and recognized experts in the nuclear security domain and decision making process. Issues regarding the security clearances of health physics personnel and the possibility of insider threats must be addressed in the same manner as for other trusted individuals; however, the net gain from recognizing and integrating health physics expertise in all levels of a nuclear security regime far outweighs any negative aspects. In fact, it can be argued that health physics is essential in achieving an integrated approach toward nuclear safety, security, and safeguards.
在保护工人、公众和环境免受电离辐射有害影响（通常统称为辐射防护）的整体背景下，健康物理学是一项公认的安全职能。健康物理学家作为保护者的角色可追溯到曼哈顿计划。核安全是预防、检测涉及核材料、其他放射性材料、相关设施或相关活动的犯罪或故意未经授权行为，并对其作出应对。在9·11事件后的环境中，其重要性变得更加明显和突出，并且在保护工人、公众和环境方面与健康物理学有着共同目标。然而，健康物理学家在核安全领域的职责既未明确界定，也未得到认可，而在威胁评估、保护和风险管理中，通常需要对核现象、特别是核材料或其他放射性材料以及与之相关的潜在危害有基本的了解。此外，鉴于专业健康物理学家所具备的独特技能和特质，有人认为健康物理学家的作用应涵盖核安全的所有方面，从高效且有效的核安全制度的制定、实施到执行都应有所贡献。因此，健康物理学家应超越其目前在核安全问题上作为顾问的典型角色，成为核安全领域和决策过程中完全融入且得到认可的专家。与其他受信任人员一样，必须以同样的方式处理与健康物理人员安全许可相关的问题以及内部人员威胁的可能性；然而，在核安全制度的各个层面认可并整合健康物理专业知识所带来的净收益远远超过任何负面影响。事实上，可以说健康物理学对于实现核安全、安保和保障措施的综合方法至关重要。
