What does the Protected Area (PA) include?

The Protected Area (PA) includes designated zones within a facility that are crucial for safeguarding national security interests or sensitive materials. In the context of a nuclear facility, the PA encompasses the entire nuclear facility to ensure that critical infrastructure and resources are adequately protected from unauthorized access and potential threats. This containment is essential for maintaining safety protocols and compliance with regulatory standards, thereby preventing any unauthorized interference with operations.

Public access areas, business offices, and areas outside the security fence do not fall under the PA as they do not serve the same level of security purpose. Public access areas are intended for use by the general public and do not require the same degree of protection. Similarly, business offices typically handle administrative functions and are not directly involved in sensitive operational activities. Areas outside the security fence are generally beyond the jurisdiction of the PA, as they do not directly contain or protect critical assets or infrastructure.