Application of the radiation safety standards

Promoting and implementing a harmonized application of the radiation safety standards

Rationale - A harmonized application of the radiation safety standards is needed to ensure an effective, efficient and consistent application across all forms of exposure (occupational, public and medical) and all types of facilities, practices and activities. This project is aimed at promoting and implementing a harmonised application based on identifying Member States' needs, through a quantitative assessment scheme, and the ensuing action plans for the Member States to implement. The latter are generic action plans tailored according to the identified needs. Progress is then measured, needs re-identified, and action plans modified as gains are made by the Member State, thus ensuring an effective and efficient application of the standards. There is a need to facilitate the use of feedback, from the experience of Member States gained in the application of the radiation safety standards, in developing new or revising existing standards. This includes feedback from those not represented on the Committees and from operators and users of the standards. There is no established mechanism to collect, analyse and systematically utilize this information and feedback. Existing networks may be used as the starting point but a global approach is required to coordinate and to foster the exchange of information and experience. An overall information management system is needed to facilitate in a systematic manner both the harmonising methodology, and the collection, analysis and use of feedback.

Objective

To achieve an integrated and harmonized application of the radiation safety standards in Member States in radiation, transport and waste safety, covering all exposures, facilities, practices and activities; to improve the development of radiation safety standards by the establishment of an operational mechanism to collect, analyse and systematically utilise feedback from Member States on the application of the radiation safety standards.

Major Activities for 2008-2009

Promote, implement and maintain an integrated strategy and policy governing all mechanisms and activities for the application of the radiation safety standards
Coordinate and manage the periodic detailed analysis of the status, trends and needs of Member States for all thematic safety areas
Coordinate and manage the review and update the Key Requirements, Performance Indicators, eligibility and completion criteria, and Generic Action Plans for all Thematic Safety Areas
Coordinate and manage the evaluation process of the Member States assistance requests
Coordinate and manage the integrated mechanism for the technical implementation of country specific work plans, follow up and feedback of the application of the radiation safety standards
Establish and implement a formal mechanism to advise the Agency on the application of the radiation, transport and waste safety standards and international undertakings
Establish a mechanism to collect, analyse and systematically utilise the feedback from the experience of Member States in applying the radiation safety standards and to incorporate this feedback into the process of the development of radiation safety standard
Establish a mechanism to foster the stakeholders involvement in the application of the Agency radiation safety standards

For further information please contact P. deboodt or J. Wheatley