Radiation protection authorities recommendations

Radioactive waste is any waste material—gas, liquid, or solid—whose radioactivity exceeds certain limits. These limits have been established by governments or by local authorities, guided by the recommendations of the International Commission on Radiation Protection (ICRP). The ICRP recommendations define the maximum permissible concentration (MPC) for each individual radionuclide and for mixtures of radionuclides in water or air. The U.S. regulation defines such limiting concentration as the radioactivity concentration limit (C), which is the terminology used in this text, Values of C for selected actinides and long-lived fission products in water or air are given in App. D. 

If an individual s measured dose is higher than that established by a TWD or an established ACL, a member of the radiation protection organization will determine the cause of the reading and will recommend corrective measures to line management. Final authority to allow a worker who has received more than anticipated radiation dose to return to duty lies with the HCF management based on the advice of the radiation protection organization and medical personnel. The SNL RPPM provides details for release from work restrictions. 

The philosophy adopted for treatment of liquid wastes is to concentrate and remove tiie radionuclides and bring down their concentration in the liquid to the levels at which these can be safely discharged. The safe discharge limits are established by national regulatory authorities for any specific site according to the recommendations of the International Commission on Radiation Protection. The concentrated radioactive residue is suitably conditioned and packed prior to its disposal. 

Site personnel (permanent and temporary plant staff and contractor personnel) who enter controlled areas are required to be duly authorized in accordance with established administrative procedures (Ref. [2], para. 1.23) and recommendations on radiation protection and on training. Authorization for entry may be granted for the entire controlled area or for a limited part of it. The authorization may expire at a specified time or it may be withdrawn if radiological conditions change. Special permission to enter a controlled area may be granted to persons who are not authorized in compliance with the recommendations on radiation protection, provided that they comply with a written system of work procedures which includes being accompanied at all times by an authorized escort. 

National Committee on Radiation Protection (NCRP)—American committee of scientific authorities that published recommendations on maximum permissible exposure to radiation. 

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