An interim edition of the IAEA Safety Requirements document: “Radiation Protection and
Safety of Radiation Sources: International Basic Safety Standards” (BSS) was published in
November 2011. The revision of the BSS was coordinated by a BSS Secretariat consisting of
representatives of the IAEA, FAO, EC, ILO, UNEP, PAHO, WHO and NEA/OECD. The BSS takes
into account the Fundamental Safety Principles, the findings of the United Nations
Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation and the 2007 recommendations of
the International Commission of Radiological Protection (ICRP) and other applicable ICRP
statements and publications. This paper provides an overview of the revised BSS, including
requirements on preparedness for a nuclear or radiological emergency and to remediation of
areas contaminated by residual radioactive material following a nuclear or radiological
emergency.