Background
A fundamental principle in radiation protection is optimisation
that is that radiation exposures should be as low as reasonably
achievable (ALARA). The first summary of the European survey on
occupational radiation exposure, ESOREX, specifically identified the
non-nuclear industry, in particular industrial radiography, as a work
sector that has given rise to some significant occupational exposures.
This fact was supported in the 2nd Workshop of the European ALARA Network (EAN)
which further identified industrial radiography as an area where the
ALARA principle could be further developed. Subsequently, industrial
radiography was taken as the focus of the 5th EAN Workshop, from which, improvements in the following key areas were recommended:
- Analytical techniques to assist in the decision-making process,
- Site radiography working procedures, especially the arrangements between the radiography company and the client,
- Operational arrangements at management level and in the practical working field,
- Training of radiography staff in radiation protection.
The
European Commission considered that an established European NDT ALARA
Network would facilitate the further progress of the above listed
recommendations and make provision for the sustainability of improved
working practices and constructive dialogue amongst relevant parties in
the longer term.
Aims and objectives of the project
Overall aim of the project
The overall aim was to establish an active European NDT ALARA
Network to facilitate the promotion of the ALARA principle in
industrial radiography. When operational the network should:
- Provide
a mechanism for the direct exchange of experience and information on
regulatory requirements, administrative and operational procedures
having a direct bearing on the reduction of doses to workers and the
general public, - Provide a platform for the sharing of knowledge
on operational and practical measures between NDT companies, client
bodies and radiological protection bodies, - Issue guidance with respect to a structured approach to the ALARA principle in the area of non-destructive testing.
Specific objectives of the project
- Review of optimisation and harmonisation of radiological protection in the NDT industry: previous work in this area (5th
EAN Workshop) has already identified a number of NDT issues where
further optimisation or European harmonisation should be pursued. These
are in the areas of, for example, regulatory issues, equipment
employed, procedures adopted and radiographer profile. - Development
of Codes of Practice
Written guidance, focussing on working arrangements and procedures to
help ensure that ALARA is achieved in practice will be produced for
dissemination in Member States. - Development
of initiatives to improve and support training: national training
requirements for radiography personnel vary considerably. - Integration
of the NDT Network into EAN: at the end of the project, the objective
was to integrate the NDT Network into EAN as a sub-network.