Physical Protection

Physical protection systems provide the capability to detect, delay and respond to adversarial acts, including attempts at theft and sabotage. Physical protection enhancements at INP include four main components: delay barriers, entry control systems, an alarm assessment system and an enhanced communications system.

Before these systems could be installed site preparation activities had to be completed in order to maximize the effectiveness of sensors and cameras that encircle the reactor complex. For instance, a 10 meter-wide clear zone was established around the perimeter of the reactor complex by removing vegetation and discarding or relocating objects. In addition, windows at the ground level that were readily accessible from the exterior of the building were permanently covered with security grills.

Physical protection also involves restricting and delaying movements around and within critical areas and designating doors as primary access points. In the main building lobby entrance, a grilled door was installed to control entry. In addition, the main doors to the lobby entrance, reactor control room and the reactor building were equipped with magnetic card readers and keypads, magnetic door locks, balanced magnetic switches (which detect the opening of a door) and request-to-exit switches (which allow authorized exit without activating an alarm). If an intruder or unauthorized personnel attempts to enter restricted areas through these entry points, the alarm system will be triggered and a signal transmitted to the central alarm station for assessment and response.

In addition, the (fresh fuel storage vault was reconfigured as a room-within-a-room, requiring two authorized personnel to be present with lock codes before the magnetically locked door can be opened. Other doors utilize entry control systems that use secure card systems, personal identification numbers, and administrative controls.

Interior intrusion detection sensors were installed at all critical areas within the facility. A video surveillance camera was installed in the reactor building to monitor movement and operations. Finally, hand-held and walk-through SNM and metal detectors installed in the main building entrance enable security personnel to detect the unauthorized movement of radioactive materials.