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16th European ALARA Network Workshop, Berne, Switzerland, 14 – 16 March 2016

"ALARA in Industrial Radiography - How can it be improved?"

capture dcran 2015-06-08  13.47.39

Aims and objectives

Industrial radiography (for non-destructive testing (NDT)) using gamma and X-ray sources is a long-established and widespread practice. A key radiation protection principle is optimisation, to ensure that the radiation exposure of radiography workers and other persons is As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA). In 2001, in Rome, the 5th EAN Workshop specifically considered ALARA in industrial radiography. It was concluded that ALARA was not always being achieved, and improvements in radiography equipment, working procedures, training and safety culture were recommended. Since then, industrial radiography has remained an area of concern in radiation protection, due to the levels of radiation exposure received and, in particular, the number and magnitude of accidental exposures. Consequently, EAN has decided to re-visit this topic. 

The objectives of the workshop are:

  • To review the conclusions and recommendations of the 5th EAN workshop, held in Rome in 2001, and determine whether any real improvements have been made (see link in the right column). 
  • To ask what else might be done to improve radiation safety in industrial radiography and ensure that exposures are ALARA.

The workshop consisted of presentations (oral and posters) intended to highlight the main issues, and a significant part of the program was devoted to discussions within working groups. From these discussions, participants are expected to produce recommendations on ALARA in industrial radiography, which are addressed to relevant local, national and international stakeholders.

Working Groups

As part of the programme, time has been devoted for discussions between participants (divided in four working groups). The working groups have tackled issues such as :

  1. Radiography equipment: can we make it safer (WG1)?
  2. Learning from radiography accidents: how do we stop them from happening again (WG2)?
  3. Training and Safety Culture: how can these be improved (WG3)?
  4. The ALARA process in radiography: setting suitable dose and risk constraints (WG4).

Presentations

Session 1 - Setting the scene

Session 2 - Industrial Radiography Equipment

Session 3 - Learning from Industrial Radiography Incidents

Session 4 - Education and Training and ALARA Culture

Session 5 - Conclusions and Recommendations

Posters