The need to review low-dose decision-making in radiation protection.

The current approach in the system of protection, and the way in which it is implemented in regulation and practical application, has resulted in the allocation of significant and disproportionate societal resources to reduce relatively low-level exposures to even lower levels. The resulting exposure levels are often a fraction of the basic natural background level, and in particular are comparable to, or often significantly less than, the variability of natural background exposures due to individual decision-making, which the system of protection deems acceptable. There are arguments for a wider approach to decision-making at such low doses, recognising the uncertainties in radiation risk estimation and acknowledging the context that all human life takes place in a variable natural background radiation which generally dominates these lower dose exposures. Recommendations are presented for improvements in how decisions are made in controlling low doses.

Key outcome summaries of the scientific programme of the IRPA15 congress.

This special issue of JRP includes a selection of research papers and review articles presented at the 15th Congress of the International Radiation Protection Association (IRPA15) as chosen by the scientific committee. All invited journal contributions are suitably expanded beyond the initial conference presentations to meet the criteria for a full journal article and include (a) presentation within a comprehensive radiological protection context and (b) additional data/interpretation. Published contributions address a wide spectrum of scientific topics and concepts to further develop the radiation protection (RP) system. They are based on scientific evidence and available experience in a wide spectrum of applications of the protection system. The IRPA is the international voice of the RP profession. It promotes excellence in RP by providing benchmarks of good practice, enhancing professional competence, and encourages the application of the highest standards of professional conduct, skills and knowledge for the benefit of individuals and society. Within the overarching theme of the conference 'Bridging RP Culture and Science-Widening Public Empathy' IRPA15 provided an invaluable opportunity to discuss and strengthen the relations between RP culture and science, and share developing scientific knowledge and related experience in RP among members of the scientific community, between representatives of key international organizations, including ICRP, IAEA, WHO, and NEA but also with the public. Some discussions focused on the rationale of available RP programmes and priorities, with an opportunity to identify and further develop key scientific issues of the current RP system as well as key processes for the interaction between members of the scientific community and society. The scientific programme of IRPA15 included eight topics and four thematic areas. The topical areas were: Underpinning Science; Dosimetry and Measurement; the System of Protection; Standards and Regulation; Practical Implementation-Medical Sector, as well as Industry and Research; Emergency Preparedness and Response; Existing Exposures and Non-ionizing Radiation. The thematic areas addressed were: Ethics; Communication and Public Understanding; RP Culture; Human Capital and Competency.

The future of our radiation protection profession.

There is widespread recognition of the challenge of an ageing profession and the need to recruit, train and retain the next generation of radiation protection professionals. This challenge was the topic of a special session at the International Radiation Protection Association IRPA15 International Congress. It is necessary to address three key aspects: capturing the future professional: gaining RP knowledge and skills: addressing retention, development and career progression. We must support the flow of students into science-based topics and attractively promote our profession. The availability of university and other training courses, together with research opportunities, must be supported. Mentoring of young professionals is key, supported by empathetic seniors in the profession. The overall challenge necessitates cooperation across a wide range of organisations at both international and national level.

The Inter-Agency Committee on Radiation Safety-30 years of international coordination of radiation protection and safety matters.

The Inter-Agency Committee on Radiation Safety (IACRS) was constituted in 1990, as a forum for collaboration and coordination between international bodies with regards to radiation safety. It consists today of representatives of eight intergovernmental member organizations (the European Commision, Food and Agriculture Organization, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), International Labour Office, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development/ Nuclear Energy Agency (OECD/NEA), Pan American Health Organization, United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation and the World Health Organization) and five observer non-governmental organizations (International Commission on Radiological Protection, International Commission on Radiation Units & Measurements, International Electrotechnical Commission, International Radiation Protection Association and International Organization for Standardization). The IACRS provides a platform for interaction between these relevant international bodies to contribute to a common understanding of the scientific basis and legal framework for the application of the system of radiation protection, towards global harmonisation of radiation safety standards. The IACRS played a key role in the development of the International Basic Safety Standards (BSS) in 1996 and in its revision in 2014. Further, an IACRS specific Task Group-chaired by the IAEA-fosters the implementation of the BSS in a consistent and coherent manner in all Member States of the United Nations. The IACRS operates via a standing secretariat jointly provided by the IAEA and OECD/NEA and is chaired by one of its member organizations on a rotating basis for periods of about 18 months. This approach has proved to be effective and was the foundation for ensuring continuity of the work of the committee and at the same time allowing a rotating leadership for all member organizations. Currently, the IACRS is chaired by the WHO. The International Radiation Safety Framework under which the IACRS works is structured around four main areas: (a) science; (b) principles; (c) standards; and (d) practice. This paper presents briefly the mandates, roles and functions of the various international bodies that are relevant to the four above mentioned areas of work, discusses how these bodies coordinate their actions and complement each other to enhance radiation protection and safety worldwide and describes their contribution to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. The paper also provides an overview of the main accomplishments of the IACRS since its inception 30 years ago, and an outlook on key challenges for its future activities.

Radiation protection infrastructure-challenges in developing countries.

A special session was held in the International Radiation Protection Association (IRPA15) Congress to address the particular challenges facing developing countries regarding radiation protection infrastructure. The objective was to identify and share the key challenges facing developing countries regarding the ability to introduce and establish effective radiation protection programmes. The experiences of key international organisations (International Atomic Energy Agency, Pan American Health Organisation and World Health Organisation) that have support programmes were discussed, along with a perspective from several countries with developing programmes. The key common challenges include: governmental commitment at senior levels, with provision of the necessary resources: establishment of an independent regulatory body and related infrastructure: appropriate numbers of qualified staff in all necessary fields, including their education and training: supporting physical infrastructure, such as dosimetry and measurement equipment including calibration laboratories. In addressing these challenges the importance of support from the key international organisations was emphasised. More emphasis should be given to the application of the graded approach. The establishment of support networks at a national or regional level that allow for the sharing of experiences and resources, and that support the wellbeing of isolated professionals, is also crucial. In this aspect the support from wider professional bodies such as IRPA and established national radiation protection societies can also play a key role.

IRPA GUIDANCE-THE ROLE OF STAKEHOLDERS, RADIATION PROTECTION CULTURE AND ETHICS IN EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS.

The International Radiation Protection Association, IRPA, promotes the excellence in radiation protection by providing benchmarks of good practice, as well as enhancing professional competence and networking. In relation to emergency situations, including post-accident and recovery phases, a key issue is the ability of the system of protection to take a broader view of societal values, along with the need to develop processes which support and respect the dignity and well-being of the affected populations. Regarding the various situations of radiation exposure, IRPA's activities include aspects which can contribute to medical preparedness in radiation emergencies, focusing particularly on stakeholder engagement, radiation protection culture, the ethical dimensions of radiation protection and public understanding of risks. As it is a combination of science, experience, ethical and social values, radiation protection culture promotes radiation risk awareness in the different exposure situations, including the implementation of countermeasures in radiation and nuclear emergencies and post-accident situations, with attention also on medical countermeasures.

IRPA Consultation: is the system of protection 'fit for purpose' and can it be readily communicated? Views of the radiation protection professionals.

The system of protection, which provides the basic underpinning philosophy and principles for radiation protection, is constantly evolving in the light of developing scientific understanding and practical experience. Over recent times there has been significant learning from experiences relating to the Fukushima accident, and there is also increasing recognition of the importance of enhancing public understanding of radiation and risk. The practical application of radiation protection is undertaken by thousands of practitioners around the world, and it is IRPA's task to ensure that this experience is fed back for the benefit of all. This Memorandum reports the outcome of IRPA's consultation on the system of protection. The principal issues raised in the consultation include general perceptions of the system, risk uncertainties at low dose, the context of natural background exposure, dose limits and limitation, ALARA and reasonableness, and public understanding and communication of radiation and risk.

PRUDENCE AND CONSERVATISM IN RADIATION PROTECTION: A CASE STUDY.

Prudence is a cornerstone of radiation protection philosophy. However, whilst the concept is clearly valid at the level of principle, it is nonetheless necessary to ask 'How should prudence be applied in the context of various practical situations.' This is perhaps particularly important where exposures are low-within the range of natural background, where changes in the level of protection will have no meaningful impact whatsoever on the overall exposure level of any individual. The concept of prudence is applied at a 'top tier' level through the application of the Linear No Threshold hypothesis. In day-to-day protection considerations, including many types of dose assessments, the concept of prudence has translated into the need to take a conservative approach. This paper considers the combined impact of accumulated layers of conservatism, using the example of clearance as a case study. It concludes that doses actually resulting from the clearance process are typically more than two orders of magnitude below the internationally agreed objective of 'some tens of µSv y-1', which was itself established on the basis of considerable prudence. The implications of this outcome are discussed.

Prioritization methodology for the decommissioning of nuclear facilities: a study case on the Iraq former nuclear complex.

There are a number of sites in Iraq which have been used for nuclear activities and which contain potentially significant amounts of radioactive waste. The principal nuclear site being Al-Tuwaitha. Many of these sites suffered substantial physical damage during the Gulf Wars and have been subjected to subsequent looting. All require decommissioning in order to ensure both radiological and non-radiological safety. However, it is not possible to undertake the decommissioning of all sites and facilities at the same time. Therefore, a prioritization methodology has been developed in order to aid the decision-making process. The methodology comprises three principal stages of assessment: i) a quantitative surrogate risk assessment ii) a range of sensitivity analyses and iii) the inclusion of qualitative modifying factors. A group of Tuwaitha facilities presented the highest risk among the evaluated ones, followed by a middle ranking grouping of Tuwaitha facilities and some other sites, and a relatively large group of lower risk facilities and sites. The initial order of priority is changed when modifying factors are taken into account. It has to be considered the Iraq's isolation from the international nuclear community over the last two decades and the lack of experienced personnel. Therefore it is appropriate to initiate decommissioning operations on selected low risk facilities at Tuwaitha in order to build capacity and prepare for work to be carried out in more complex and potentially high hazard facilities. In addition it is appropriate to initiate some prudent precautionary actions relating to some of the higher risk facilities.

The state of radiological protection; views of the radiation protection profession: IRPA13, Glasgow, May 2012.

The IRPA13 Congress took place from 14-18 May 2012 in Glasgow, Scotland, UK, and was attended by almost 1500 radiological protection professionals. The scientific programme of the Congress was designed to capture a snapshot of the profession's views of the current state of knowledge, and of the challenges seen for the coming years. This paper provides a summary of these results of the Congress in twelve key scientific areas that served as the structural backbone of IRPA13.

The plenary session on the ICRP recommendations for the 21st century at IRPA-11, Madrid.

During the IRPA-11 Congress in Madrid in May 2004, a technical panel session was devoted to the presentation and discussion of the draft 2005 recommendations of the ICRP. Panel members had been given privileged access to the new draft and had been asked to concentrate on specific areas. This memorandum summarises the initial presentation of the main ideas in the draft recommendations by the ICRP Chairman, Roger Clarke, and then presents the views of the six panellists.