Comprehensive Radioactive Source Security Management

Whenever possible, a whole-life approach begins by designing physical security measures into the buildings where the sources will be used and stored. (In other words, it applies the principles of security by design.) It also includes methods for record keeping and protecting sensitive information from unauthorised disclosure, as well as measures for ensuring transport security and effective emergency response.

Taking a whole-life approach also requires knowledge of the central role that human beings play in radioactive source security, including the importance of human reliability, security culture and insider threats. It ends with well-documented, well-funded arrangements for proper disposal of the sources at the end of their lifecycle.

Comprehensive Radioactive Source Security Management

WINS Best Practice Guide

Security of Radioactive Sources in Use and Storage

The purpose of this WINS International Best Practice Guide is to help you - as a senior manager, radiation safety officer, security specialist, radioactive source user or other stakeholder with the responsibility for the management or security of radioactive sources - understand and mitigate the risks arising from radioactive sources in use and storage.

Download the International Best Practice Guide

Regulatory Practices

Security of Radioactive Sources: Regulatory Practices

This WINS International Best Practice Guide provides a comprehensive review of regulatory oversight for the security of radioactive sources. This guide addresses the performance of regulatory functions, organisation and management, human resource development, communications, coordination and cooperation. Many of the best practices identified for these topics apply to the regulatory body generally although the security aspects of these topics are highlighted as relevant. In addition, the guide addresses several further regulatory topics that are specific to the security of radioactive sources.

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Past Webinars

The recordings of our past webinars are available to watch on demand:

Trustworthiness and Reliability Assessments: Current Insider Threat Mitigation Practices of the Radioactive Source Security Community March 2026

Sustainability of Radioactive Source Security in Latin America and the Caribbean (In Spanish) March 2022

Effective Regulations

International Efforts Supporting the Development of Effective Source Security Regulations February 2021

Developing Regulations for the Security of Radioactive Sources February 2021

Additional Regulatory Considerations Affecting Radioactive Source Security February 2021

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Past Workshops

Technical Exchange on Gamma Irradiator Security and Alternative Technologies

Mumbai, India, 13 March 2026

This workshop looked at security fundamentals and best practice, cybersecurity and security-by-design for gamma irradiation facilities.

Sustainability of Radioactive Source Security in Latin America and the Caribbean

Online, 8-10 March 2022

This workshop looked at the role of regulation and capacity building to support the security of radioactive sources throughout their lifecycle.

Radioactive Source Security: Ensuring an Effective Response

Online, 8 April 2021

This event reviewed and discussed all matters related to preparing for and responding to a security incident at a facility where radioactive sources are in use or in storage.

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Special Report on Securing Radioactive Sources During War Time and Violent Civil Unrest

Securing Radioactive Sources During War Time and Violent Civil Unrest

This special report examines how States and end users can maintain appropriate security arrangements for radioactive sources during times of war and violent civil unrest. The report argues that such situations stretch the capabilities of the State – the entity ultimately responsible for nuclear security – to its limits and potentially beyond. Because of this, source users are or will likely be unable to rely on the State and/or all relevant stakeholders involved to fulfil its responsibilities in times of unrest and war as they might be able to in times of peace or normality.

This report attempts to address how extraordinary circumstances differ from normal ones; how relevant stakeholders can assess a rapidly evolving risk environment; and the steps to be taken to better prepare in keeping sources secure during these circumstances.

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