Lessons learned from radiation accidents in industrial irradiation units

Several specialized committees met in Vienna to study the radiological accidents that occurred in the various industrial irradiation units and led to deaths. These committees were to assess the causes of these accidents and to develop lessons learned to prevent the recurrence of these accidents. The studies focused on four factors that led to the occurrence of these accidents. These factors are : The circumstances of the accident, the apparent deficiencies that led to the occurrence of the accident, the safety systems in the units, and human errors. These industrial irradiation units, whether they are collective or electronic irradiation units, are used to treat different products with radiation for the purpose of sterilization. This is the case of medical and pharmaceutical products. In another case, to develop the industrial specifications in order to obtain a product with good characteristics. For example to obtain a non-fireproof fabric or obtain a product with special industrial specifications for specific purposes, such as treating car tire materials . Also, food is irradiated with the aim of prolonging the preservation time at normal temperatures to get rid of pests or prevent entry of new pests imported from foreign countries. (author)