Industrial Radiography Emergency Preparedness IAEA International Atomic Energy

Industrial Radiography Emergency Preparedness IAEA International Atomic Energy Agency Day 5 – Lecture 8

Objectives • Consider the need for emergency planning and preparedness in industrial radiography • Be aware of basic aim of an emergency plan • Identify the key elements of an emergency plan IAEA 2

Contents • • Likely events Emergency equipment Emergency plans Accident reports IAEA 3

Emergency Planning and Preparedness • • Assessment of the hazards Acquisition of emergency equipment Development of written procedures Training IAEA 4

Likely events : Gamma • Radiographer failure to retract source (failure • • • to monitor) Source stuck out Source disconnection Exposure device stuck in “exposed” condition Theft of exposure device Malfunction or defeat of control system Contamination due to damaged source IAEA 5

Likely events : X-Ray • Failure of automatic timer • Device energised accidentally • Radiographer failure to terminate exposure (failure to monitor) • Damaged, faulty or defeated safety systems • Physical damage affecting shielding IAEA 6

Emergency Equipment • • Radiation monitor PPE (overalls, footwear) Personal alarm and dosemeter shielding material (bags of lead shot) IAEA 7

Emergency Equipment • Remote handling tongs • Shielded container • Hand tools ( wrench, pliers, croppers) • First aid kit • Radiation warning labels & signs • Barriers/ropes IAEA 8

Emergency Equipment IAEA 9

Written Procedures (Emergency plan) • • Available to relevant persons Concise instructions Specify immediate action Identify responsible persons IAEA 10

Example Emergency Plan : Unshielded gamma source 1. Action by radiographer • Recognise abnormal situation • Move away from exposed source • Remain calm IAEA 11

Example Emergency Plan • Measure radiation dose rates • Confirm extent of controlled area • Prevent access into area and supervise • Inform RPO IAEA 12

Example Emergency Plan 2. Action by RPO • Plan a course of action based on emergency procedures • Rehearse • Implement course of action IAEA 13

Action by RPO If necessary : • Evacuate area • Seek technical assistance • Notify Regulatory Authority • Prepare in incident report • Arrange for dose assessment • Repair/replace equipment IAEA 14

Training • Personnel should be trained to deal with identified situations • Drills and exercises should be conducted • Useful feedback from exercises IAEA 15

Accident Notification and Report Includes: • Description of accident • Methods used to render the source safe • Dose Assessments • Cause of the accident • Corrective actions IAEA 16

Summary • Planning for emergencies • likely events • preventions • Action to take during an emergency • equipment • Role of RPO • Action to take after an emergency • notifications • reports IAEA 17