Re: Dirty Bomb - Limitation of occupational exposure in emergencies

[Jose Julio Rozental <joseroze@netvision.net.il>]

I received a question about limitation of occupational exposure in emergencies, if the IAEA follows the same conception that ICRP

I think, taking into account what I read on this topic, that probably the information should be also sent to the list. 

IAEA follows ICRP and the IAEA Basic Safeety Standards, Safety Series, 115 page 75 mention:



PROTECTION OF WORKERS UNDERTAKING AN INTERVENTION

V.27. No worker undertaking an intervention(*)  shall be exposed in excess of the

maximum single year dose limit for occupational exposure specified in Schedule II,

except:

(a) for the purpose of saving life or preventing serious injury;

(b) if undertaking actions intended to avert a large collective dose; or

(c) if undertaking actions to prevent the development of catastrophic conditions.

When undertaking intervention under these circumstances, all reasonable efforts

shall be made to keep doses to workers below twice the maximum single

year dose limit, except for life saving actions, in which every effort shall be

made to keep doses below ten times the maximum single year dose limit in order

to avoid deterministic effects on health. In addition, workers undertaking actions

in which their doses may approach or exceed ten times the maximum single year

dose limit shall do so only when the benefits to others clearly outweigh their own

risk.



76 APPENDICES: DETAILED REQUIREMENTS

V.28. Workers who undertake actions in which the dose may exceed the maximum

single year dose limit shall be volunteers(**)  and shall be clearly and comprehensively

informed in advance of the associated health risk, and shall, to the extent

feasible, be trained in the actions that may be required.

V.29. The legal person responsible for ensuring compliance with the foregoing

requirements shall be specified in emergency plans.



(*) Workers undertaking an intervention may include, in addition to those employed by

registrants and licensees, such assisting personnel as police, firemen, medical personnel and

drivers and crews of evacuation vehicles.



(**)  If military personnel are involved, these requirements may not apply in some

circumstances. Exposure of such personnel shall, however, be limited to ad hoc levels to be

specified by the Regulatory Authority.



Jose Julio Rozental

joseroze@netvision.net.il

Israel