In 2010, the EAN Steering Group decided to extend the duration of the EAN association for another period of 5 years. In parallel, the EAN Steering Group organized a brainstorming seminar on the actions that were performed by the network and on the future challenges of the practical implementation of ALARA. In July 2010, the Steering Group agreed on a Strategic Plan for 2010-2015, which described the expected work of EAN during this period taking into account these challenges.

Download the full 2010-2015 EAN Strategic Plan (pdf).

NEW CHALLENGES FOR ALARA

In 2007, ICRP published its new general recommendations (ICRP 103) in which the optimization principle is now clearly emphasized for all types of exposure situations, below source-related dose constraints or reference levels. This evolution is very important, especially for emergency and existing exposure situations (e.g. radon and Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials). Moreover, as the development of national policies for the management of existing exposures situations is increasing in many countries, there is a challenge during the forthcoming years for facilitating the practical implementation of ALARA in such situations.

In the medical sector, even if improvements have been noticed in recent years, there is still a need for the development of ALARA practices, in particular due to the development of new technologies and the constant increase of both patient and worker exposures, and because of a number of serious radiological incidents and accidents. This requires the diffusion of radiation protection and ALARA cultures within the medical community.

Developments in the medical sector, as well as the increased interest in the use of non-medical exposures (for example for security reasons) also raise the issue of the justification of exposures, which often cannot be disconnected from the optimisation process.

In the nuclear sector, the ageing of existing installations, and a large-scale retirement of nuclear workers - including radiation protection specialists - requires a new focus on maintaining and expanding skills, through RP and ALARA education and training. In parallel, new nuclear installations (nuclear power plants, nuclear waste disposal, research reactors, etc.) will be built in the near future. The designers then need advices from the radiation protection community on the way to implement the ALARA principle at the design stage.

EAN MEMBERS SHARED INTERESTS

Promotion of a practical implementation of ALARA

The need for, and significance of, applying the ALARA principle are stated in ICRP recommendations, as well as in European/International Basic Safety Standards, and in national regulations. It is the role of the radiation protection community to convert the ALARA principle into individual and collective acts and behaviours. There is still room for improving the practical implementation of ALARA and for reaching a better harmonisation in radiation protection policies and practices, at the European level.

Dissemination of ALARA culture

EAN must contribute to the definition, contextualisation, evolution and dissemination of ALARA culture by promoting the practical implementation of the ALARA principle in every sector of activity that imply a radiological risk for the workers or the public, in all exposure situations.

Sharing experience

EAN is a non-institutional platform of radiation protection specialists, who do consider the feedback exchange through networking and co-operation as one of the most effective and efficient ways of improving the practical implementation of ALARA, in all sectors of activity.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES OF EAN FOR 2010-2015

Focus the work on challenging issues

• Organization of topical Workshops
• Undertaking specific surveys
• Production of EAN feedback documents and position papers
• Establishment of working groups on challenging issues following initiatives from EAN Members or requests from external organizations.

Promote the recognition of EAN as an expert organisation on ALARA issues on the international RP scene

• Dissemination of EAN documents at the international and national levels
• Promotion of EAN through participation and presentations of the network to national/international seminars
• Cooperation agreements with international and professional organizations and networks
• Participation of EAN to international projects.

Encourage the participation of key stakeholders to EAN

• Encourage the participation of various stakeholders to EAN activities (workshops, working groups, mailing-list, etc.).
• Enlarge the EAN Membership.