JRODOS customization for Pakistan and assessment of the consequences of a hypothetical nuclear accident

Abstract

Abstract Since the Chernobyl disaster in 1986, decision support systems and modelling tools are utilized in response to nuclear and radiological emergencies. The Java-based Real-time On-line Decision Support System (JRODOS) is a decision support tool that can be utilised in response to an emergency in managing off-site radiological consequences. This article documents the customization and use of JRODOS for Pakistan. The JRODOS was tailored to the local Pakistan conditions, and a case study for a theoretical nuclear power plant accident was used to assess JRODOS's feasibility as a decision support tool. A worse case probabilistic accident scenario was used to identify zones and areas where urgent protective actions, early protective actions and food restriction and other response actions could be required. The areas and distances identified for the implementation of protective and response actions for such a hypothetical accident were found to be in agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) suggested emergency planning zones and distances. Additionally, the implications of meteorological and source term input parameters on predicting the radiation doses to members of the public were investigated. It was identified that the output of such tools strongly depends on the availability and accuracy of the input parameters such as radioactive release and meteorological data. Limitations and uncertainties associated with these tools need to be considered in deciding on protective and other response actions in response to a nuclear accident. As established by the IAEA, protective and other response actions need to be applied on a graded approach taking into account the protection strategy and uncertainties and limitation in the available information and criteria, based on the conditions at the facility and off the site.