Emergency response to radiological occurrences in the centre of isotopes in Cuba

It is internationally recognized that establishment and implementation emergency provisions are key issues for an effective response. This paper aims to summarize the experiences in responding to radiological events in the Centre of Isotopes (CENTIS), the biggest radioactive facility in Cuba. Specific potential accident scenarios are assessed by identifying maximum radioactive inventories, operational procedures, room dimensions and ventilation system parameters. Additionally, transport accidents are analyzed since CENTIS is also the main carrier of radioactive materials in Cuba. A range of events is considered from highly improbable events of larger consequence to more frequent events of small radiological impact. The maximum radionuclide release events are identified. A review of the radiological occurrences from 1997 to 2007 is conducted, using the Cuban's regulatory classification system. The details of these occurrences have been entered into the Radiological Event Database (RED). Spills of 131I in controlled zone are mainly registered. It has been not reported any incident in about two thousand road shipments carried out. Results show a good agreement between hypothesized occurrences and those registered. There were obtained the maximum values of exposures for workers and first responders as follows: 2.23mSv (effective dose (E)), 0.7mSv (committed effective dose) and 50.49mSv (equivalent dose to hands). The biggest contribution to E took place during opening a radioactive package with 14.8GBq of 90Sr in controlled zone. Suitable sets of individual protective means and monitoring equipment have been guaranteed. The programmes of training and full-scale exercises are fulfilled. Finally, it is concluded that findings from operational experience and preparedness infrastructure have contributed to CENTIS' emergency response capabilities. (author)