NEA Mandates and Structures


Working Party on Nuclear Emergency Matters (WPNEM)

Chair(s): Matthias ZAEHRINGER, Germany
Secretary:  Jacqueline GARNIER-LAPLACE
(jacqueline.garnier-laplace@oecd-nea.org)
Vice-Chair(s): Sara DECAIR, United States
Patricia MILLIGAN, United States
Member(s):All NEA member countries*
Russia (Suspended*)
*Russian Federation suspended pursuant to a decision of the OECD Council.
Full participant(s): European Commission
Under the NEA Statute
Observer(s)(International Organisation): International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
By agreement
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
UN Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO)
World Health Organization (WHO)
Date of creation:07 September 1993
End of mandate:31 May 2020

Mandate (Document reference):

  • CRPPH – Report on the First International Nuclear Emergency Exercise (INEX 1) [NEA/SEN/SAN(93)2]
  • Terms of Reference of the Expert Group on Nuclear Emergency Matters [NEA/INEX/DOC(93)2]
  • Summary Record of the 51st Meeting of the CRPPH [NEA/SEN/SAN(93)8]
  • Terms of Reference of the WPNEM 2000-2003 [NEA/CRPPH/INEX(2000)5]
  • Summary Record of the 58th Meeting of the CRPPH [NEA/CRPPH(2000)12]
  • Terms of Reference of the WPNEM 2014-2016 [NEA/CRPPH/INEX(2014)/REV1]
  • CRPPH-72 Agreements and Commitments [NEA/CRPPH(2014)9]
  • WPNEM Mandate History and Accomplishments [NEA/CRPPH/INEX(2016)6]
  • Summary Record of the 74th Meeting of the CRPPH [NEA/CRPPH(2016)4/REV1]
  • Draft Terms of Reference of the WPNEM 2017-2020 [NEA/CRPPH/INEX(2016)4/PROV]
  • Summary Record of the 75th Meeting of the CRPPH [NEA/CRPPH(2017)2 Forthcoming]
  • Terms of Reference of the CRPPH Working Party on Nuclear Emergencies Matters (WPNEM) 2017-2020 [NEA/CRPPH/INEX(2017)4]

Mandate (Document extract):

Extracts from document NEA/CRPPH/INEX(2017)4

[...]

Scope

The mission of the WPNEM is to improve nuclear emergency management systems within NEA member countries, and to share its knowledge and experience widely.

In this context, emergency matters refer to all aspects of, preparedness and response for, the "early" and "intermediate" phases of a nuclear/radiological emergency (including accidents and consequence management of malicious acts), with a view to prepare appropriate recovery actions.

[...]

Programme of work

The WPNEM develops its programme of work by identifying and analysing areas for improvement in emergency management systems and by reporting and sharing the findings. The programme of work is developed in co-ordination with NEA member countries and other relevant organisations.

 [...]

Working methods and principles

The WPNEM employs a flexible and general approach to address issues across the entire spectrum of nuclear and radiological emergency management, from preparedness to transition and recovery. Participants share information, data, knowledge, and experience to test all aspects of emergency management systems and theories, identify gaps and provide recommended strategies to improve nuclear emergency management worldwide.

 [...]

Interactions

The field of emergency preparedness and response (EPR) is broad, complex and involves many stakeholders. In this framework and in view of fulfilling its mandate, the WPNEM will seek international collaboration on specific emergency matters of interest to the NEA member countries in the framework of the NEA Strategic Plan and the CRPPH Mandate. For this, the WPNEM will work in close co-operation, as appropriate, with other NEA Standing Technical Committees and NEA divisions, as well as competent bodies within relevant OECD directorates and other international organisations active in the field of emergency preparedness, response and transition to recovery.

 [...]

Field of Activity

Since its creation, a key aspect of WPNEM’s efforts has centred on preparing, conducting and evaluating the International Nuclear Emergency Exercise (INEX) series, which has been organised by the WPNEM since 1993. […] . The identification of INEX outcomes has been the major driver of the Programme of Work of the WPNEM. Based on this experience, the fields of activity of the WPNEM would cover subjects of interest, such as:

  • Continue development of INEX series exercises to address best practices and identify areas for improvement in nuclear/radiological emergency management systems;

  • Continue INEX series post-exercise evaluations, including the follow-up to the INEX exercises, conduct international workshops/topical sessions and other relevant activities as appropriate, and publish reports to enable improvements to nuclear/radiological emergency management systems

  • Provide a framework for validation of relevant productsor activities co-ordinated in advance within the WPNEM. Such products may include those developed by or in co-ordination with other international and/or inter-governmental organisations or bodies;

  • Identify and investigate as appropriate further advancements in all aspects of for nuclear/radiological emergencies (including accidents and consequence management of malicious acts), for example […]

  • As needed, review and update WPNEM documents and reports

  • Provide input as appropriate for the development of international standards and recommendations on emergency management, such as ICRP and IAEA documents

  • Develop, and evaluate WPNEM objectives for inclusion in international exercises such as those co-ordinated through the Inter-Agency Committee on Radiological and Nuclear Emergencies (IACRNE; and

  • Develop and periodically update a strategic direction document for the WPNEM.

These Terms of Reference will be used as the basis for the yearly programme of work. They will enter into force from 31 May 2017 and expire on 31 May 2020.