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

IAEA 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 2

IAEA Contents Likely events Emergency equipment Emergency plans Accident reports 3

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

IAEA 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 5

IAEA 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 6

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

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

IAEA Emergency Equipment 9

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

IAEA 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 17