Review of the activities undertaken in 2004 Harmonization of Radiation Protection RAS

1. 1 Review of the activities undertaken in 2004 Harmonization of Radiation Protection RAS/9/029Meeting of Coordination Group of RCA Project on Harmonization of Radiation Protection with the Regional Manager Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 21-23 February 2005  P. O�DONNELL PPSS/NSRW

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4. 4 Ensure the harmonization of results on personal dosimetry among RCA member states Provide access for the participants to standardized radiation qualities for calibration of their dosimetry systems Evaluate the performances of dosimetry systems on the measurement of ICRU�s operational quantities

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8. 8 Reported value / Delivered value

9. 9 Fraction of the outside from the trumpet curve limits (in %)

10. 10 Conclusions The results of both intercomparison programmes for the determination of operational quantities Hp(d) were satisfactory in most participating laboratories. There is clear improvement from the previous phase and the laboratories demonstrated a good performance in both quantities tested. The RCA personal dosimeter intercomparison programmes have contributed to the technical improvement of individual external exposure monitoring of member states. Some countries, however, need to have more effort to improve their dosimetry system.

11. 11 Recommendations The RCA personal dosimeter intercomparison programmes should be continued to help their effort and to give opportunities to check their dosimetry system. It is recommended to follow this regional approach for determination of quantities used in workplace monitoring and internal dosimetry. The possibility of expanding the use of glass dosimeters and the introduction of electronic dosimetry in the region needs to be studied.

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13. 13 To raise the level of preparedness of the medical community to response to a radiation emergency in the region. To provide the students with the practical medical skills needed to cope with the initial medical response to a radiation emergency.

14. 14 In addition to receiving lectures, the students also participated in demonstrations, laboratory exercises, and drills. The participants completed a self-assessment questionnaire to evaluate their States� current level of preparedness to provide medical support during a radiation emergency. The workshop was intended to train individuals who would then conduct training in their States.

15. 15 The role of IAEA in emergency preparedness and response; IAEA guidance on emergency preparedness and response; Emergency preparedness and response: overview, principles, medical response; Case studies: health consequences of the Chernobyl accident; Case studies: consequences of medical overexposure (examples of Panama, Costa Rica, and Poland); Case studies: the emergency in Goi�nia, Brazil; Case studies: the emergency in Thailand.

16. 16 Conclusions The results of the pre-test showed only a few of the course participants possessed the practical knowledge and skills needed. The results of the review test, at the end of the course, showed that most of the participants had gained sufficient knowledge and skills. Since the participants committed to conduct training in their States using the standardized training material provided, it is expected that the course will have an important impact on the level of preparedness in the region. High quality of the support given by specialists at NIRS.

17. 17 Recommendations However, maintaining an adequate level of preparedness will require ongoing refresher training and provisions to present updated information on a routine basis. Having the course at NIRS also allowed the students access to the institute�s staff who greatly improved the training experience by sharing their knowledge and experience with the participants. The TO would support conducting further courses on the medical aspect of response at NIRS.

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19. 19 To provide a basic understanding of the principles of radiation protection and safety as applied to industrial radiography. To have an awareness of the hazards associated with the sources of radiation used in industrial radiography. To understand the importance of undertaking work in accordance with specified procedures. RPOs should understand the significance of regulatory requirements.

20. 20 In addition to receiving lectures, the students also participated in demonstrations and industrial visits. There were two demonstration sessions carried out throughout this course and both were performed at the NDT Laboratory of BAEC. The demonstrations were on the operation of gamma projector and on an emergency action.

21. 21 nature and properties of ionizing radiations basic principles of practical radiation protection and terminology principal requirements of the IAEA Basic Safety Standards potential hazards associated with the sources of ionizing radiations used in industrial radiography the importance of keeping all exposures as low as reasonably achievable emergency plans appropriate to industrial radiography

22. 22 Conclusions This course has successfully been implemented due to close cooperation between experts, local organisers and participants. Combination between lectures, demonstrations, and an industrial visit have made this course more effective and meaningful to participants. Participation indicated the seriousness of RCA member states to improve the level of radiation safety in industrial radiography. It exists a very deep gap between the Regulatory Authorities and the Practitioners on radiation safety. The course has successfully improved the level of participant�s knowledge and experience.

23. 23 Recommendations To establish some form of a qualification and certification scheme for radiation protection officers and radiography operators. Participants should introduce this training module to the Regulatory Authority and other relevant organizations of their respective countries. Participants should take any opportunity (seminars or workshops) to stress the importance of radiation safety to radiographers. The host country and institute should continue to organise more international events of this nature.

24. 24 e-mail: P.O�Donnell@iaea.org