alara and professional networks - promoting optimisation of radiation protection
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ALARA AND PROFESSIONAL NETWORKS - PROMOTING OPTIMISATION OF RADIATION PROTECTION . Caroline SCHIEBER IRPA RC-10 , Buenos-Aires, 22 October 2008. Content of the presentation. Foundation of optimisation of radiation protection Historical evolution From ICRP 60 to ICRP 103 - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
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ALARA AND PROFESSIONAL NETWORKS - PROMOTING OPTIMISATION OF RADIATION
PROTECTION
Caroline SCHIEBER
IRPA RC-10 , Buenos-Aires, 22 October 2008
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Content of the presentation
Foundation of optimisation of radiation protection Historical evolution From ICRP 60 to ICRP 103
Optimisation in practice Optimisation process Elements supporting the ALARA approach
Role and interest of professional networking
Challenges for the future
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The foundation of the principle of optimisation of
radiation protection
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Historical evolution of the concept (1)
Until the 40's, radiation protection was based on protection against the deterministic effects of ionising radiation The individual dose limit, set up well below the threshold of
deterministic effects was a guaranty that such effects would not appear below the limit.
During the 1940s Recognition of 'stochastic effects' Impossibility to demonstrate the existence or non-existence of a
threshold for such effects Due to this uncertainty, the limit is no longer a guaranty of the
absence of risk
=> Prudent attitude of the ICRP with the recommendation"That every effort be made to reduce exposures to all types of ionising radiation to the lowest possible level" (1955)
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Historical evolution of the concept (2)
To reduce exposure
to the lowest possible level
To keep exposure
as low as practicable Pub 1 - 1959
To keep exposure
as low as readily achievable
economic and social consideration being taken into account
Pub 9 -1966
To keep exposure
as low as reasonably achievable
economic and social consideration being taken into account
Pub 22 - 1973
To keep exposure
as low as reasonably achievable
economic and social factors being taken into account
Pub 26 - 1977
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Historical evolution of the concept (3)
ICRP 60 (1990) Need to consider in the optimisation process :
"the magnitude of individual exposures, the number of people exposed and the likelihood of incurring exposures where these are not certain to be receivers
Emphasis on the equity issue : optimisation may introduce inequity between one individual and the other (uneven distribution of benefits and detriments through society)
=> Propose the use of dose constraint for practices:• a source-related value of individual dose used to limit
the range of options considered into the procedure of optimisation
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Historical evolution of the concept (4)
ICRP 103 (2007)
'the likelihood of incurring exposures, the number of people exposed, and the magnitude of their individual doses should all be kept as low as reasonably achievable, taking into account economic and societal factors.
This means that the level of protection should be the best under the prevailing circumstances, maximising the margin of benefit over harm.
In order to avoid severely inequitable outcomes of this optimisation procedure, there should be restrictions on the doses or risks to individuals from a particular source (dose or risk constraints and reference levels)'
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From ICRP 60 to ICRP 103 (1)
ICRP 60 Practices
• justification, optimisation, limitation (except for medical exposures)
• Dose limits• Individual dose constraint
Interventions• justification, optimisation• Intervention levels
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From ICRP 60 to ICRP 103 (2)
The ICRP 60 approach
Interventions "generic" optimisation
Optimisation
Dose limit
Dose constraint Action/intervention level
Practices
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From ICRP 60 to ICRP 103 (3)
ICRP 103 Planned exposure situations: situations involving the
deliberate introduction and operation of sources. • Justification, optimisation, limitation (except medical exposures)• Dose limits, dose constraint
Emergency exposure situations: situations that may occur during the operation of a planned situation, or from a malicious act, or from any other unexpected situation, and require urgent action in order to avoid or reduce undesirable consequences.
• Justification, optimisation• Reference levels
Existing exposure situations: exposure situations that already exist when a decision on control has to be taken, including prolonged exposure situations after emergencies
• Justification, optimisation• Reference levels
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From ICRP 60 to ICRP 103 (4)
Planned exposure situations
Emergency and existing exposure situations
OptimisationOptimisation
Dose limit
Dose constraint
Reference level
The ICRP 103 approach
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Levels of protection
Dose Limits Dose Constraints and Reference Levels
Protect individuals from public and occupational exposure…from all regulated sources,
in planned exposure situations
from a source, in all exposure situations
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Dose range proposed by ICRP 103 for dose constraints and reference levels (1)
Band of constraint or
reference level(ICRP 103)
Characteristics
Greater than 20 to 100 mSv
Individuals exposed by sources that are not controllable, or where actions to reduce doses would be disproportionately disruptive. Exposures are usually controlled by action on the exposure pathways.
Greater than 1 to 20 mSv
Individuals will usually receive benefit from the exposure situation but not necessarily from the exposure itself. Exposures may be controlled at source or, alternatively, by action in the exposure pathways.
1 mSv or less
Individuals are exposed to a source that gives them little or no individual benefit but benefits to society in general. Exposures are usually controlled by action taken directly on the source for which radiological protection requirements can be planned in advance.
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Dose range proposed by ICRP 103 for dose constraints and reference levels (2)
Band of constraint or
reference level(ICRP 103)
Examples
Greater than 20 to 100 mSv
• Reference level set for the highest planned residual dose from a radiological emergency
Greater than 1 to 20 mSv
• Constraints set for occupational exposure in planned situations• Constraints set for comforters and carers of patients treated with radiopharmaceuticals• Reference level for the highest planned residual dose from radon in dwellings• Reference level for existing situation resulting from accidents: between 1 and 5 mSv
1 mSv or less• Constraints set for public exposure in planned situations
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Planned Exposure Situations
Occupational exposure Constraints usually set by operator Small operators may need guidance from regulator Transient/itinerant workers need special attention
Public exposure Constraints usually set by regulator About 0.3 mSv in a year appropriate
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Emergency Exposure Situations
Optimisation recommended to and below Reference Levels The old intervention system implied optimisation to
intervention levels
Reference Level: An upper value of residual dose for all pathways combined The old system implied averted dose for single
countermeasures
Additional guidance is under preparation Existing guidance in ICRP P63 is extended, not replaced
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Individual dose level
Reference level
Step 1 Step 2 Step 3
Existing Exposure Situations
Optimisation recommended to and below reference levels The 1990 system implied optimisation to intervention levels
Optimisation, an iterative process This does not mean a moving target – the reference level
stays
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Optimisation in practice
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Optimisation process
A source related process to keep the magnitude of individual exposures, the number of people exposed and the likelihood of potential exposure As Low As Reasonnably Achievable, taking into account economic and societal factors
An on-going, cyclical process: Evaluate exposure situation to identify the need for action Set up appropriate individual dose constraint or reference
level Identify possible protection options to obtain exposures below
the dose constraint Select best option under prevailing circumstances Implement the selected option Regular review of the exposure situation
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Optimisation process (2)
Level of effort and formalisation has to be commensurate with the level of individual and collective exposures (level of risk)
Evolution from a strict consideration of "cost-benefit" decision making
processes (the 'economic and social factors' being integrated in the so-called 'alpha value - monetary unit of collective exposure)
to more flexible processes, integrating other considerations and based on quantitative as well as qualitative judgements
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The elements supporting an ALARA approach (1)
A commitment of all stakeholders, eg: Authorities Operating managers All non-exposed individuals whose action can impact the
level of exposure of other individuals The exposed individuals…
All stakeholders involved have to know an agree with the basic assumption of radiation protection (any level of exposure can induce a risk)
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The elements supporting an ALARA approach (2)
Commitment of Authorities Regulations and willingness to enforce it Guidelines: balance between dialogue and control.
Commitment of operating management Definition of Radiation Protection policy
• Set general goals,• Attribute responsibilities in ALARA implementation• Maintain independence of RP professionals from operation• Allocate means and resources for ALARA implementation,• Motivate (acknowledgment of efforts).
To set up a confident ambiance between all involved parties (stakeholders).
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The elements supporting an ALARA approach (3)
Commitment of individuals Individual empowerment Produce and share information Vigilant attitude Adapted training to functions and responsibilities Retraining for keeping motivation Self-education and training
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The elements supporting an ALARA approach (4)
Decision-making and coordination structures Organise dialogue between the professional disciplines
involved in an operation Favour the transparency of the optimisation process
• Identification of decision criteria• Traceability of the decision making process
Procedures, rules Clarify the responsibilities for the implementation of the optimisation
process
Tools Software (prediction of exposure, dose rate modelisation,…) Feed-back experience databases… ALARA check-list (design, preparation, operation, feed-back,..) Decision-aiding tools
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Optimisation of protection and stakeholder involvement (1)
ICRP 101 - examples of stakeholder Decision maker Exposed individual or their representative Institutional and non-institutional technical support to DMP Representatives of the society (elected and NGOs)
Stakeholder involvement: A proven means to achieve incorporation of values into the decision-making process improvement of the quality of decisions resolution of conflicts among competing interests building of shared understanding with both workers and the
public (does not mean a consensus!) building trust in institutions
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Optimisation of protection and stakeholder involvement (2)
Involving concerned parties reinforce the safety culture
Introduce flexibility in the management of radiological risk
Stakeholders may be particularly helpful for Identification of the attributes of exposure situations Identification of protective actions
Stakeholders involvement does not imply that the operating management/the authorities do not have the responsibility for the 'final decision' with respect to the adequacy of protection solutions
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ALARA in summary
A behaviour and a frame of mind
A questioning attitude of 'individuals':
Have I done all I reasonably can to reduce individual doses and the number of people exposed ?
A necessity usually to work collectively to be able to answer to that question
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Role and interest of professional networks
in promoting and implementing
optimisation of radiation protection
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Different kind of 'professional' networks (1)
National, Regional, International level
Various fields: industrial, medical, nuclear,…
Authorities, professionals, members of the public, elected people,…
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Different kind of 'professional' networks (2)
Professional societies• eg: medical physicists, industrial radiography, RP societies,…
Associations/NGO• eg: Patients association• eg: GMF- Group of EU Municipalities with Nuclear Facilities• eg: Local Liaison Committees• eg: ANCLI (French National Association of Local Commission of
Information)• …
Dedicated network (one sector or multi-sectorial)• eg: Occupational RP (ISOE for RP in nuclear power plants)• eg: ALARA Networks (all sectors), eg EAN, RECAN, ARAN,..• eg: Authority networks (ERPAN)• …
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Activities / tools of such networks
Directory of contact persons
Web site
Newsletters
Discussion Forum
Workshops / congresses
Working groups
Centralisation of documentation
Production of specific guidelines
Participation to decision-making processes
….
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Interests (1)
Members sharing the same objectives
Particular benefit for isolated professionals
Creation of individual relationships
Sharing of experience
Identification of 'good practices'
Creation of knowledge
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Interests (2)
Training
Benchmarking
Harmonisation of practices
Spreading a professional culture RP culture but also sharing issues of other professionals For a better understanding and better collaboration
• eg: RP professionals working with patient association to spread RP culture or with agriculture professionals for preparation of post-accident situations
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Difficulties of networking
Resources Financial resources "Human" resources (time to be spent in participating in
activities of the network/association)
How to sustain motivation?
How to renew activities?
How to reach new members?
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The European ALARA Network (EAN)
1996 : EAN Founded and sponsored by EC (DG Research / DG Environment)
Self-sustainable since 2005
2007 : 8 20 countries are represented by at least one person. (13 in the Steering Committee)
Coordination : CEPN (France) - HPA (UK)
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EAN Objectives
To maintain and develop competences in radiation protection, with special emphasis on ALARA for all types of exposures - occupational, public, patients - in routine operations as well as emergency situations
To contribute to the harmonisation of radiation protection policies and practices, particularly concerning ALARA, at regulatory and operational levels
To cover all types of practices within the different sectors (nuclear industry, other industries, medical, research, transport, etc )
To cover radiation protection themes relevant to all sectors (e.g. waste management), as well as themes specific to one or more sector(s) (e.g. industrial radiography)
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EAN Activities 1996-2006 (1)
10 Workshops (700 participants)Decommissioning, NORMs, internal exposures, risks management, industrial radiography, medical sector and radiopharmaceuticals, site rehabilitation, inspection & control, waste management
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EAN Activities 1996-2006 (1)
10 Workshops ~ 100 topical recommendations to:
EU, ICRP, IAEA, National Authorities, Operators, Workers trainers, etc.
21 ALARA Newsletters (2 issues/year)
1,000s addressees
1 Website & its Forumhttp://www.eu-alara.net/ 10,000s/y downloads
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EAN Activities 1996-2006 (2)
Collaboration agreements signed with professional societies: EFNDT (Non Destructive Testing) ESR (Radiology) EFRS (Radiography) EFoMP (Medical Physics)
Co-operation with other existing networks: ISOE (Information System of Occupational Exposure) RECAN (Regional European & Central Asia ALARA Network)
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EAN Challenges - Development of Networking
To involve various types of stakeholders which are not yet well represented in EAN: operators, workers, NGOs, Unions, citizens, etc.
To help in launching other international ALARA networks in Africa, South Pacific, South America... and to collaborate with them afterwards.
To become a place where differences and divergences between stakeholders can be discussed and compromises and consensuses worked out.
To become an active and recognised interlocutor in risk management decision processes, influencing international rules and regulations on the basis of the experiences sharing as well as the promotion of good practices and lessons learned from incidents and accidents.
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Information System on Occupational Exposures (ISOE)
Created in 1992 by the Nuclear Energy Agency of OECD Joint secretariat with IAEA
Members: Nuclear power plant utilities (71 utilities in 29 countries) RP and/or Safety authorities (24 countries)
Objectives:to provide a forum for radiation protection professionals from nuclear electricity utilities and national regulatory authorities worldwide to share dose reduction information, operational experience and information to improve the optimisation of radiological protection at nuclear power plants.
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ISOE products
International database on occupational exposures in NPPs Collective doses (annual outage, job) since 1992 from more
than 300 NPPs Possibilities to extract data for trend and benchmarking
analysis
Regional and international symposia North America, Europe, Asia
Web site – “www.isoe-network.net” Forum of discussion Availability of database for members Various RP documents
Organisation of experience sharing visits between utilities
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Challenges for the future
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In view of optimisation of radiation protection
Foster optimisation in some fields Optimisation for medical exposures (patients and workers) Optimisation for emergency situations Optimisation for workers exposed to NORMs Optimisation for public and workers in existing exposure
situations
Need to identify the stakeholders / professionals in each field
In some fields, need to create new networks
Create links and cooperation between networks/societies of RP professionals and other professional networks