Application of the dose limitation system to the mining and milling of radioactive ores

This publication is one of the Safety Guides to the Code of Practice on Radiation Protection of Workers in the Mining and Milling of Radioactive Ores, 1983 Edition, which was published as a joint IAEA/ILO/WHO publication (IAEA Safety Series No. 26). This Safety Guide is intended to demonstrate as well as facilitate the application of the principles of optimization in the control of risk among the workers engaged in the mining and milling of radioactive ores and to give some guidance on suitable technology. This document is intended to demonstrate and facilitate the application of the principle of optimization in the control of radiation risk among workers engaged in the mining and milling of radioactive ores, and to give some guidance on suitable technologies. The object of this Safety Guide is to provide information that will enable those responsible for radiation protection in mining and milling to optimize the protection of workers, having regard to the risks and the cost of protection, in accordance with the ALARA principle. The system of radiation protection optimization described in this Safety Guide is based only on the radiological risk. Non-radiological risks such as diesel fumes, silica dust, acid fumes, ammonia fumes, reduced oxygen concentration, and other industrial risks also exist in mines and mills. Limitations on exposure to these risks will usually be imposed by the appropriate competent authority