EMERGENCY RESPONSE

The fulfilment of the complex set of tasks related to nuclear emergency preparedness and response is an important area within the scope of activities of the HAEA. According to the relevant laws, the following major tasks shall belong to the competence of the authority:

• licensing of the nuclear emergency preparedness and response plan of the user of the atomic energy;
• operation of the working group consisting of the concerned state administration bodies performing the maintenance and review of the National Nuclear Emergency Response Plan and the respective technical documentation;
• performance of tasks related to the early notification during nuclear emergencies and to the fulfilment of functions as an international contact point and competent authority, which are originated from the membership in the European Union and the international conventions on early notification and assistance in the case of a nuclear emergency initiated by and concluded under the auspices of the International Atomic Energy Agency and from the respective bilateral agreements with neighbouring countries;
• assessment of the nuclear and radiological conditions during a nuclear emergency;
• operation of the nuclear emergency response working committee according to the act on disaster management;
• establishment, preparation and operation of the nuclear emergency response organization to perform the nuclear emergency related tasks in the competence of HAEA.

A Centre for Emergency Response, Training and Analysis (CERTA) is being operated in the HAEA premises. The CERTA is designed to monitor and analyse the evolution of nuclear or radiological emergencies imposing hazard for the public and to quickly determine the potential consequences should an incident or accident occur either in Hungary or abroad.

The HAEA activity in the field of nuclear emergency preparedness and response is closely fitted to the emergency management system of Hungary established by the respective laws. The central leading role belongs to the Disaster Management Interministerial Coordination Committee, which is chaired by the Minister of the Interior and staffed by the competent state leaders of various ministries.