Introduction of dose constraints to protect against occupational radiation exposure when transposing Directive 2013/59/ Euratom into German radiological protection law

Abstract

Using typical areas of occupational radiological protection as examples, the Commission on Radiological Protection (SSK) reviewed whether existing regulations on dose constraints and optimisation instruments are compatible with the requirements laid down in Directive 2013/59/Euratom and whether, and under what conditions, an improvement in occupational radiological protection can be expected from the introduction of dose constraints in line with this directive.

The SSK does not see any need for the introduction of dose constraints at act or ordinance level to implement Directive 2013/59/Euratom - this applies to all the areas taken into consideration. However, it does recommend that reviewing whether the introduction of appropriate dose constraints is expedient be made mandatory for the persons responsible for radiological protection.

In order to implement a uniform standard for radiological protection in the medical sector, the Commission on Radiological Protection recommends the application of standardised values along the lines of dose constraints, and it recommends that the introduction of these values should be laid down accordingly in administrative provisions. Additionally, technical and administrative protection measures should be specified as optimisation instruments.

With regard to occupational radiation exposure, the Commission on Radiological Protection is of the opinion that the identification of a collective dose is a suitable optimisation instrument, as long as it can be assessed on the basis of collective doses for comparable activities or if it is used when planning specific work, for example repair or maintenance work.