By Megan Gates
Challenges exist in reducing the security risks faced by licensees using high-risk industrial radiological sources, making them susceptible to theft or loss, the U.S. Government Accountability Office said in a new report. According to its findings, industrial facilities in the oil and gas, aerospace, and food sterilization sectors face increasing security risks not only from the threat of loss of radiological sources, but also from insider threats. “GAO found two cases where employees were granted unescorted access [to radiological sources] despite having serious criminal records,” according to the report. “In one of the cases, the individual had been twice convicted of terroristic threats.” In response to the report, federal agencies responsible for securing radiological sources are taking steps to better secure their industrial sources. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has been developing a best practices guide and the National Nuclear Security Administration has implemented two initiatives to improve security. However, the report also suggests that there is not always effective collaboration between the agencies responsible for securing radiological sources and the Department of Homeland Security.
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