Web-based system to unify the radiological protection programs: ionizing radiation monitoring and optimization

A monitoring program for the purposes of radiological protection should demonstrate an adequate protection degree and prove that working conditions remain appropriate as time goes by. For operational control of exposures to ionizing radiation in any workplace, the International Commission on Radiation Protection (ICRP) recommends establishing a program of operational radiation protection, proportional to the risk, to ensure the effective management of all necessary measures to satisfy the principle of optimization. This research work focus on the potential value of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to enhance communication and education on Radiological Protection throughout Brazil. The work includes the informatization of the monitoring policy and techniques, interrelating information currently scattered in several documents, providing Brazilian radioactive facilities a complete repository for research, consultation and information, which allows to size optimization efforts by technology, enabling them to be effective and justified. The content of monitoring programs involves not only the collection and interrelationship of existing information in the publications, but also new approaches from some recommendations, presenting some initiatives towards safety. In this sense, the two contents researched and expanded are: the need for an auditor monitoring and discussions on potential exposures. The recommendations proposed in this thesis meet the new international requirements established by the International Agency of Nuclear Energy (IAEA) and propose appropriate actions to be incorporated into labor practice. Respecting the scope of the principles of radiological protection, an auditing program permits to evaluate whether criteria and actions previously established by Radiological Protection Service are effectively implemented and remain appropriate as time goes by. The results of auditing procedures help to detect deficiencies in the process, enabling conclusions and recommendations, avoiding possible triggers of undue exposures. Through systematic examinations of activities in each type of monitoring, auditing attempt to ensure the process, supporting the employee in performing task-related monitoring and support the facility that choose responsible actions towards safety. Furthermore, regarding potential exposures, only two publications of ICRP develop expressively the issue. Even though these publications provide the fundamental theory, they are incomplete in their examples. There is still lack of knowledge of failure probabilities, which currently constitutes a broad research field in radiological protection. This research work proposes the development of fault trees, suggesting paths to quantify probabilistically the occurrence of potential exposures, as well as probabilities to reach a certain level of dose. We believe that the potential of ICT shall contribute greatly to provide information where it is needed, stimulating development in this large country where it is a strong challenge to ensure access to information to as many people as possible, minimizing costs and optimizing results. (author)