Risk assessment at workplaces in industrial radiography: from research to action

This study focuses on the use of gamma photons usually emitted by a source of iridium 192. Analysis of the working conditions for a radiographer considers first the preparation of the equipment at the home base, then the transport of the gamma projector, considered hazardous under legislation to the site; then the operation itself on the site with, several gamma-graphy shooting per night; and finally to return to base. A table has been produced in order to calculate the doses received during the different stages of the shooting of a a given activity: dose equivalent rate during transport by car: 1.5 μ Sv/h, dose equivalent during projector handling: 200 μSv/h, dose equivalent during collimator handling:15μSv/h, dose equivalent from change of position between projector and remote control: 10-2μSv/shooting, dose equivalent during source ejection: 4μSv/shooting, dose equivalent during source ejection behind a screen(1 cm of steel): 3μSv/shooting, dose equivalent at shelter point (behind screen): 5μSv/h. These calculations indicate that doses(exposure) which are often ignored, such as transport dose or collimator dose, are significant. Thus, working conditions need to be improved with regard to justification, optimization and limitation principles. All the work of the industrial radiographer must be evaluated according to a charter. The charter covers all aspects of operations. It begins with a review of basic radiation protection principles followed by the role and responsibilities of each stakeholder, personal training, medical and dosimetric monitoring of workers. Finally, the step by step procedure is described. (N.C.)