Experience with ALARA audits in the non-nuclear power industry

The Ionising Radiations Regulations 1985 which apply to all work with ionising radiations in the UK, give statutory significance to the ICRP concept that all exposures should be kept as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA). Under certain circumstances they require the employer to appoint a Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) to provide advice on compliance with the regulations. The National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) acts as RPA to some 600 organisations (largely industrial, medical and research) and in support of this role has established a structured approach (the ALARA audit) to help determine whether the ALARA principle has been implemented. This approach has been integrated into a documentary package, the RPA operational files, which provides an up to date picture for each establishment of the uses, the radiation protection programs and the resultant dose profiles