Background
Scientists, Technicians and Engineers (STE) are potentially involved in the management of nuclear and other radioactive materials in a variety of applications and contexts—hospitals, universities, industrial applications and nuclear facilities. They may be involved in design, siting, construction, operation of these facilities; be involved in computer or information technology including industrial control systems or work in other related contexts.
While STEs will likely be very familiar with common safety practices or have been introduced to an “all hazards” approach to the management of relevant risks, they may know far less about the security context of these activities or the application of security concepts or principles. Additionally, STEs play numerous roles in their organisations and have accountabilities that put them in contact with a wide range of departments, personnel, clients and vendors. Thus, STEs have the power to positively or negatively impact security at their facilities.
Purposes
The purpose of this 3-day training was to support the development of security competences for STEs by helping them understand the fundamental issues associated with nuclear security in their organisations. The training discussed the potential security threats their organisation faces, the major stakeholders with responsibilities for nuclear security, how the human element and security culture affect security, and the numerous ways in which their jobs and responsibilities intersect with and contribute to security. The training also discussed the role of cross-functional communication in increasing security and safety across the organisation and how managers can specifically influence behaviours and attitudes towards security amongst their staff.
The training was derived from the WINS Academy Elective on Nuclear Security for Scientists, Technicians and Engineers, and used lectures, discussion, case studies and exercises to further explore areas and issues of direct relevance for the audience.
Participants were encouraged to enroll, for free, in the WINS Academy through the WINS Academy scholarship fund and complete a first reading of the Elective Module for STEs prior to their participation in the training course. Further information on the WINS Academy and the certification programme is available here: https://wins.org/wins-academy/.
This in-person training was an opportunity to review and discuss the key elements of the Elective for STEs and to explore in further detail areas of particular importance to the participants. Participants are encouraged to attempt their WINS Academy exams shortly after the completion of the training.
Objectives
The major objective of the training course was to help participants consider how their knowledge, skills and professionalism comprise an important asset that can be harnessed to improve security—for colleagues, the facility, the local community, and their country at the level of the national nuclear security regime. By the end of the training course, participants understood:
- How safety and security culture intersect
- How security impacts the work scientists, technicians and engineers (STEs) are already performing
- Some of the threats to nuclear and other radioactive material
- Potential security risks and how to mitigate them
- How the security programme operates
- How safety and security work together in case of an incident
- The fundamental role that the human factor plays in security
- The personal accountabilities and responsibilities of STEs for helping to maintain security
- What STEs can do to begin bridging communication gaps between their community and security professionals
- The role of managers in influencing behaviours and attitudes towards security amongst their staff.
Audience
The course was designed for a group of 15 Libyan participants. The intended participants for this training were:
- Scientists, technicians and engineers working at nuclear facilities or sites managing large quantities of radioactive materials;
- Regulatory authorities and other governmental officials who regularly interface with STEs as part of their duties
Process
Instructional Methods
- Lectures
- Discussions (whole group, small group, pairs)
- Case study reviews
- Exercises
Logistics and delivery team
The course took place in Tunis, Tunisia, and The Tunisian National Center for Nuclear Sciences and Technologies (CNSTN) assisted WINS with local organisational arrangements.
The course was conducted in Arabic with the support of English/ Arabic interpretation. The course was delivered by WINS with the support of regional and international subject-matter experts.
