Prevention of sabotage and theft: an overview

Background articles, Posts, Security, ENSI

Hans Mattli, Head of the Security section
Hans Mattli, Head of the Security section

«The protection of nuclear installations and nuclear materials against sabotage, violent actions or theft has to be based on an in-depth defence system which involves structural, technical, organisational, personnel and administrative measures. In my section we examine the measures in effect at nuclear installations on the basis of national and international requirements. To determine the degree of risk we exchange information with the intelligence service of the Confederation, the Federal Police and the cantonal police stations.»

Hans Mattli, Head of the Security section

 

The protection of nuclear installations and nuclear materials against sabotage and theft involves a number of security precautions. ENSI specialists are constantly checking the implementation of measures and demand structural and technical upgrading or the adjustment of processes – where necessary.

Since the terror attacks of 11 September 2001 a series of further upgrading measures have been ordered and put into effect. Access control by means of biometry, structural hardening of the entire installation, sensitive detection systems and bunkered security centres are now state of the art.

The Security section also monitors the implementation of measures that have been ordered for the security guards of nuclear installations. ENSI specialists, together with the cantonal police stations, regulate the training of security personnel at the intercantonal police academy in Hitzkirch. Their area of responsibility also includes specifying requirements for the IT security of nuclear installations.

ENSI’s security experts examine and evaluate existing requirements for effectiveness and efficiency during numerous inspections, both announced and unannounced, and also during emergency exercises with the co-operation of the cantonal police stations. Through close international co-operation ENSI obtains a second opinion from foreign specialists. A review carried out in 2005 by the IAEA with international experts came to the conclusion that Switzerland meets the requirements for protection against sabotage at nuclear power plants.