Former U.S. Strategic Command Commander General Eugene Habiger famously observed that “good security is 20% equipment and 80% people,” highlighting the importance of a well-trained and qualified workforce in safeguarding nuclear assets. ANSI N15.28-2021: Methods of Nuclear Material Control – Guide for Qualification and Certification of Safeguards and Security Personnel provides organizations with a structured framework for assuring that safeguards and security personnel possess the knowledge, skills, and qualifications necessary to perform these vital functions.
What Is Nuclear Material Control (NMC)?
ANSI N15.28-2021 notes that “facilities and organizations that use, store, transport, or manage nuclear materials are responsible for ensuring that safeguards and security (S&S) personnel have an appropriate level of proficiency in all duties associated with protecting, accessing, controlling, and/or accounting for nuclear materials.”
Hence, nuclear material control (NMC) refers to the tracking, accounting, and physical protection of radioactive materials to prevent theft, diversion, or unauthorized use; it relies on strict regulatory oversight, statistical inventory analysis, and physical security.
What Is ANSI N15.28-2021?
ANSI N15.28-2021 explains the use of a systematic approach to training (SAT) for safeguards and security (S&S) personnel. In defining the guidance for qualification and certification of S&S personnel, this American National Standard addresses the applicable aspects of the following:
- Job/task/needs analysis
- Design of training curriculum
- Development of training content
- Implementation of training
- Evaluation of training
- Requalification or recertification requirements
- Disqualification or decertification requirements
- Documentation and recordkeeping requirements pertaining to qualification and certification
ANSI N15.28-2021 supports a performance-based approach, focusing not only on training completion but also on demonstrated capability to perform assigned duties effectively and safely. This standard serves as an important resource for organizations seeking to strengthen the qualification and certification of safeguards and security personnel involved in nuclear material control.
Why Personnel Qualification Matters in Nuclear Security
Nuclear facilities rely on safeguards and security (S&S) professionals to protect nuclear materials from theft, diversion, sabotage, and unauthorized access. These responsibilities often involve complex technical systems, strict regulatory requirements, and the ability to respond effectively under high-pressure situations.
Even the most advanced security technologies can be compromised if personnel are not adequately trained or assessed. Human factors (i.e., the technical discipline that integrates human psychology, limitations, and capabilities into the design and operation of nuclear systems) therefore remains a key factor in maintaining the integrity of nuclear material control programs.
ANSI N15.28-2021 emphasizes systematic qualification and certification processes that verify personnel competence before they assume critical responsibilities. By establishing objective standards for training and evaluation, organizations can reduce the likelihood of human error, improve operational consistency, and enhance overall security performance.
Where to Find ANSI N15.28-2021
ANSI N15.28-2021:Methods of Nuclear Material Control – Guide for Qualification and Certification of Safeguards and Security Personnel is available on the ANSI Webstore.
ANSI N15.28-2021 was developed by the Institute of Nuclear Materials Management (INMM).
Please direct any technical questions relating to this American National Standard to the developer. You can find the contact information for all ANSI-accredited standards developers here: List of ANSI-Accredited Standards Developers (ASDs).
For further information, please refer to: Who to Contact for Standards Related Questions.