Limitation of radiation exposure (abnormal conditions)

• Pages: 21-24

6. Limitation of radiation exposure (abnormal conditions)

6.1. General

6.1.1. The employer should draw up a plan for emergencies resulting from

abnormal conditions on site as part of the overall plan for handling emergencies which

might arise at the installation, taking due account of the accident analyses made in the

safety analysis reports.

6.1.2. The employer should establish the appropriate lines of communication

and arrangements for co-operation with all bodies which have actions to perform, such

as local authorities (police, fire brigades, local hospitals) and national authorities.

6.1.3. The emergency plan should provide the means to demonstrate that the

employer and his staff, particularly the radiation protection officer, are prepared to deal

with any accident situation that may occur within the premises and that the necessary

resources in terms of equipment and manpower are available, at least for the

implementation of the immediate necessary steps. They should also know where and

how to obtain additional assistance.

6.1.4. The employer should notify the specified authorities, in accordance with

a pre-arranged system, of all accidents and emergency situations.

6.2. Procedures in case of emergency situations

6.2.1. The employer, the radiation and health surveillance personnel and other

safety personnel should prepare in advance, taking into account the potential for

radiological hazards, a set of procedures for emergency situations including, as

appropriate:

(a) procedures for becoming aware of the existence of an accident, assessing the

situation and taking the necessary steps based on information from special

surveillance and monitoring data, predictions of outcome of exposures and an

evaluation of the available countermeasures;

(b) notification to ambulance and fire-fighting services and to rescue and

decontamination teams concerning arrangements for the transport of injured

persons, the issuing of appropriate warnings at the correct time, etc.;

(c) the provision and periodic testing of an effective communication system, as well

as procedures to notify all persons, services and organisations that an emergency

situation exists, as appropriate to the real situation;

(d) procedures to check that all personnel are accounted for, from the accident area to

the pre-arranged assembly points;

(e) procedures for initial rescue work and controlled re-entry into the affected area by

those responsible for forestalling damage, and control measures to limit the extent

of the incident on site;

(f) procedures to carry out radiation surveys which give a rapid indication of the site

radiological conditions and hazard areas;

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