Quantification of the hazard due to releases of radioactive substances in accidents and fires in workplaces with radioactive sources

Abstract

In the Czech Republic, under normal conditions, the radioactive sources are used transported and stored in accordance with the relevant regulations and instructions of the State Offi ce for Nuclear Safety (SONS), which is the regulatory authority of the state administration. Its main task is to ensure adequate safety and protection of persons in accordance with current international standards and guidelines. However, if there is an incidence, accident, or other emergency, these circumstances require taking some specifi c measures aimed at minimizing the impact of such situations on human health and the environment. During a fi re in the workplace, the radioactive sources can get out of control or radioactive substances may begin to leak into the environment. In these cases, it is necessary to evaluate the radiation situation by means of measurement and monitoring both the external radiation and radioactive contamination of the air and the surrounding environment. For this purpose, a system of quantities and units has been developed for this purpose. If the system is not used correctly, this may cause serious confusion in some cases. Inappropriate use of quantities may also result in some misunderstanding regarding the evaluation of the severity of the radiation situation. The paper gives an overview of the relevant quantities and units in accordance with the latest recommendations of international organizations which are active in this area.