NISP-RP-11 RP Fundamentals

 Chapter 11 covers RP (Radiation Protection) Fundamentals and they are fundamental principles and concepts that guide the safe use of ionizing radiation, such as X-rays, gamma rays, and radioactive materials, to protect human health and the environment. These principles are essential in various fields, including medicine, industry, nuclear power generation, and research, where ionizing radiation is utilized. The primary goal of radiation protection is to minimize radiation exposure while ensuring that the benefits of using radiation outweigh the risks. Here are some key Radiation Protection fundamentals:

Justification: The use of ionizing radiation should be justified, meaning that it should only be used when there is a clear medical, scientific, or industrial need. The benefits of the radiation exposure should outweigh the potential risks.

Dose Limitation: Radiation exposure should be limited to ensure that individuals, both radiation workers and the public, receive doses that are as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA). This involves setting dose limits and working to keep exposures below these limits.

Optimization (ALARA): The ALARA principle promotes the optimization of radiation protection measures to reduce exposures to the lowest levels that are reasonably achievable. This involves using the most effective methods and technologies to minimize exposure.

Time: Reducing the amount of time exposed to radiation is an effective way to lower radiation dose. Minimizing the time spent near radiation sources is a fundamental principle of radiation protection.

Distance: Increasing the distance from a radiation source can significantly reduce radiation exposure. The inverse square law governs the relationship between distance and exposure.

Shielding: The use of shielding materials, such as lead, concrete, or specialized shielding materials, can effectively reduce radiation exposure. Proper shielding is a key aspect of radiation safety in facilities using ionizing radiation.

Contamination Control: Radiation protection involves controlling the spread of radioactive contamination by implementing measures such as decontamination procedures, proper storage of radioactive materials, and monitoring for contamination.

Education and Training: Individuals working with ionizing radiation must receive appropriate education and training to understand the risks and safety measures associated with radiation sources. This includes radiation safety practices and emergency response procedures.

Monitoring and Dosimetry: Regular monitoring of radiation levels and individual dose assessments are essential for ensuring compliance with dose limits and maintaining a safe working environment. Dosimeters and radiation detectors are used for this purpose.

Radiation Safety Culture: A strong radiation safety culture promotes awareness, responsibility, and accountability among individuals and organizations working with ionizing radiation. It encourages a commitment to safety at all levels.

Regulations and Standards: Compliance with national and international regulations and standards related to radiation protection is crucial for ensuring safety. Regulatory agencies set requirements and conduct inspections to enforce compliance.

Emergency Preparedness: Facilities using ionizing radiation should have emergency plans in place to respond to accidents, spills, or unexpected releases of radiation. This includes procedures for evacuations and communication with relevant authorities. These RP fundamentals are designed to protect both radiation workers and the public from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation, including radiation-induced illnesses and cancer. Adhering to these principles is essential in minimizing radiation-related risks and ensuring the safe and responsible use of ionizing radiation.

1.1           Purpose

This procedure describes the core values and behaviors that are necessary to implement effective radiological protection fundamentals for the protection of workers and the public.  Radiation protection personnel are expected to understand and apply these values and behaviors during the conduct of assigned work.

1.2           Scope and Applicability

This procedure identifies the fundamentals that must be applied during the conduct of assigned work.  The unwavering commitment of radiological protection professionals is protection of plant personnel and the public from unplanned exposure to the plant’s radioactive source term.  Radiological protection professionals achieve this by implementing a robust radiological protection program that includes a strong foundation of fundamentals and a culture that strives for continuous improvement.  Some of the key attributes of a robust program and the focus of this good practice include, monitoring radiological conditions, control of radiological work, managing radiological risk, interaction and teamwork, and knowledge and skills.

Member utilities are expected to use this standard to implement effective radiological protection fundamentals for the protection of workers and the public. 

This procedure will provide a compilation of excellence in fundamental radiological protection practices. This document further describes some of the knowledge, skills and behavior attributes needed to function as a high performing radiological protection organization. Managers, supervisors and technicians should use this document to promote use of fundamentals, increase engagement, and to improve personnel and plant performance.

2.0          General Requirements

The values and behaviors in this procedure are incorporated, discussed, and emphasized as part of the training programs, department meetings, and pre-job briefs as applicable for RP personnel. 

3.0          Fundamentals

The diagram below illustrates the key fundamental attributes that must be demonstrated by RP personnel during the conduct of work.

1.1           Monitoring Radiological Conditions

Radiation Protection (RP) personnel apply knowledge, skills and behaviors to ensure radiological conditions are anticipated, detected and verified.  RP personnel:

1.1.1      Understand and value the importance of selecting the correct radiological instrument (e.g. detector type, air sampler, etc.) for the task based on knowledge of historical conditions, anticipated source-term, knowledge of plant the system, component configuration, and the type of work activity.

1.1.2      Adhere to a belief that area postings, radioactive materials clearly labeled, verbal and written radiological instructions are critical to workers being informed of radiological conditions.

1.1.3      Recognize work activities that pose elevated risk to unplanned internal or external radiological exposure and apply appropriate monitoring, control, and intervention (including exercising stop work authority) to mitigate the hazard.

1.1.4      Understand the real and potential radiological hazard of high radiological risk work activities.  Applies the knowledge for necessary controls, monitoring, and responsibility to correct or stop work to prevent actual radiological exposure conditions occur.

1.1.5      Understand the importance of performing comprehensive radiation and contamination surveys, and documenting the results with sufficient clarity and detail necessary to depict accurate work area radiological conditions.

1.2           Control of Radiological Work

The knowledge, skills, behaviors, and practices needed to ensure work activities are performed in a radiologically safe and reliable manner.  RP personnel:

1.2.1      Minimize the potential for unplanned dose by applying learnings from operational experience developing comprehensive radiation work permits, radiological plans, engineering controls, radiological procedures, and coaching/correcting worker behaviors.

1.2.2      Understand the potential risks and apply necessary controls when transferring radioactive material (including waste) within and out of radiologically controlled area.

1.2.3      Recognize and anticipate critical radiological work steps and hold points and apply appropriate counter measures to mitigate the hazards.

1.2.4      Ensure the controls for loose, fixed and airborne contamination at the job site are applied, including effectively monitored to prevent unplanned dose or the spread of the contamination.

1.2.5      Ensure dosimetry is appropriate, worn and located properly, and alarm set points are adequate to allow workers to work, but also warn workers of changing or unexpected conditions.

1.2.6      Ensure verbal and written radiological work instructions provide workers with timely, accurate radiological information, appropriate protective and contingency measures, and stop work criteria.

1.2.7      Use precise communications when describing radiological values and associated units of measure involved. For example, briefing radiological dose rates, discussing self reading dosimeter alarm dose and dose rates set points, or contamination levels.

1.2.8      Engage supervision and planners when RWPs or other radiological plans are unclear or inadequate.

1.2.9      Routinely challenge, coach workers, and reinforce the importance of understanding radiological conditions and adherence to radiological work requirements.

 

1.3           Interaction and Teamwork

Recognize that a successful RP program relies on the support and actions of others, both within and outside of the department.  RP personnel:

1.3.1      Maintain self-awareness of competency in performing radiological protection tasks and activities.  As a result, there is a willingness to seek assistance from other RP personnel to benefit from individual and team experience for improving individual standards and proficiency.

1.3.2      Strive to develop professional, working, and trusting relationship with peers and radiation workers, but not rely or assume that relationship will result in implementation of sound radiological work practices.

1.3.3      Coach and correct worker behaviors in a professional manner to reinforce expected standards, while self-critiquing behaviors and actions to identify opportunities to improve performance.

1.3.4      Provide critical input to radiological safety products, such as procedures, RWPs and ALARA plans, to improve the effectiveness of radiological controls.

1.4           Managing Radiological Risk

Apply radiological protection principles, protective measures, and conservative decision making to ensure optimal protection of workers and the environment.  RP personnel:

1.4.1      Recognize decision making and actions must place a greater value on safety over production.

1.4.2      Stop work when faced with uncertainty, unexpected radiological conditions, or working outside of established plans.

1.4.3      Raise questions to better understand work activities and plant conditions that have the potential to adversely affect radiological conditions.

1.4.4      Ensure critical steps, hold points, contingencies, and stop-work criteria are established and well understood by all personnel involved in high radiological risk work activities.

1.4.5      Understand and provide a direct oversight role to minimize the probability and consequence of an event,  balancing  direction of work, stepping out of role, and recognizing deviation from work plans and standards

1.5           Knowledge and Skills

Acquire and maintain essential knowledge and skills to perform assigned radiological protection activities.  RP personnel:

1.5.1      Understand radiological theories and principles and apply this knowledge to assigned work activities. For example, while selecting an instrument to perform a survey; provide job coverage; establish radiological postings; or understanding what can cause a change in radiological conditions.

1.5.2      Understand the radiological impact of plant system operations for both normal and abnormal conditions.

1.5.3      Recognize and communicates personal proficiency shortfalls when assigned tasks.

1.5.4      Understand must-know operating experience, how it relates and is applied to assigned work.

1.5.5      Take ownership in the effectiveness and value of training to improve and promote excellence by influencing training content, openly participating in training, and providing feedback.

2.0          Clarifying Notes

None

3.0          References

3.1            INPO 05-008, Radiological Protection at Nuclear Power Stations

 

Attachment 1 - Radiological Protection Fundamentals