Managing the radiation risk: ALARA, a principle, an obligation, a state of mind

摘要

According to information from nuclear facility operators and the OPRI (Office for lonization Radiation Protection), in 1993, only two workers exceeded the annual limit of 50 mSv in the nuclear industry sector. However, respecting dose limits is not enough to guarantee that the risk related to exposure to ionizing radiation is socially acceptable. This is why the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable), that aims at "maintaining exposure as low as reasonably achievable taking into account economic and social factors," is the heart of the radiation protection system. The application of this principle in France is as obligatory as the respect of dose limits. Its implementation implies a management and optimization approach to radiation risk based on the motivation of all participants.