Role and missions of the Adviser in Radiation Protection

The French Labor Code requires the appointment of a Radiation Protection Competent Person (PCR ). This person is now known as a professional radiation protection advisor (CRP). This obligation is an integral part of the provisions of article R4451-123 of the French Labor Code. Every establishment using ionizing radiation must comply with this rule. The sectors concerned include medical, research and all nuclear facilities.

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Role of the Adviser in Radiation Protection

The role of the Adviser in Radiation Protection is to provide information and training:

It assesses risks and develops measures to prevent them from occurring.

It prepares and controls the implementation of strict health monitoring programs in compliance with standards.

Using their expertise, they trains workers in safe working practices regarding the ionisation source.

The Radiation Protection Advisers (RPA ) must have sufficient knowledge and skills to perform their duties properly.

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What are the organisations' obligations?

Organisations that hold, use or handle ionising radiation sources have a legal obligation to appoint a RPA, who can be consulted on all questions relating to their use.

what are the obligations of ionizing radiation organizations-en

The provision of an electronic personal dosimeter (EPD ) is an essential requirement for these establishments.

They must also ensure that their workers have access to appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

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What is the role of the Adviser in Radiation Protection or RPA?

The Radiation Protection Adviser appointed by the employer is involved in the plant's ionising radiation activities.

role of the radiation protection officer

Their tasks include :

  • Training and safety advice for exposed personnel,
  • Dosimetric monitoring and definition of maximum dose objectives,
  • On-site expertise: delimitation of controlled area and issue of authorisations,
  • Risk assessment and definition of protective measures
  • Analysis and control of exceedances,
  • Ensure the link and the relationship with the control bodies, the occupational physicians, the Labour Inspectorates, Institute for Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN), the Directorate General for Labour (DGT),the French Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN),....

The mission of the Adviser in Radiation Protection is to ensure compliance with the Labour Code in order to guarantee the safety of workers in exposed areas. 

How to become an Adviser in Radiation Protection?

To be a Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA), you must have a certificate obtained after a training programme provided by accredited organisations.

How to train an Adviser in Radiation Protection?

How to train an Adviser in Radiation Protection?

The person must complete a training course provided by a competent body. This training will lead to a certification valid for a period of 5 years. 

The decree of December 18, 2019 repeals the former decree of December 6, 2013 and defines the new procedures applicable in force on January 1ᵉʳ, 2020, pursuant toarticle R4451-123 of the French Labor Code and its revision(decree no. 2018-437 of June 4, 2018 on the protection of workers against the risks due to ionizing radiation).

How can a competent person fulfill his or her duties?

How can a competent person fulfill his or her duties?

The Radiation Protection Adviser must ensure that their establishment has a programme in place which includes:

  • A safety committee to coordinate and supervise the department's radiation protection activities.
  • An operational dosimetry program to monitor technicians working in the presence of radioactive substances, as well as workers subject to other exposures. The active dosimetry program must include methods and procedures for measuring individual doses, including dose equivalents received from external sources, using active dosimeters.
  • A training program to ensure that all staff have sufficient knowledge of the risks and how to control them, so that they can work safely in all conditions of use; this training includes a module on the ALARA principle.
  • A medical surveillance program with the occupational physician to monitor the dosimetry of workers who have been exposed to levels in excess of regulatory limits.

What should be the level of competence in radiation protection?

The level of competence in radiation protection must be appropriate to the tasks and responsibilities assigned. In addition, they must be able to perform their duties professionally.

what should be the level of competence in radiation protection

The PCR must have knowledge and experience in the field:

  • Be able to recognize events, situations or actions that could lead to increased exposure;
  • Ensure that these situations are resolved by the implementation of appropriate measures;
  • Be familiar with legal requirements and standards;
  • Contributing to the improvement of measures within their organization is achieved through education and training activities. Development also plays an important role in this process. Expert advice is also crucial. Specific radiation protection responses, such as risk assessments, are also necessary.

What are the obligations of an Adviser in Radiation Protection?

what are the obligations of radiation protection officers?

The Radiation Protection Advisers (RPA) are in charge, under the responsibility of the CEO, of the safety of the group of workers and the public exposed to ionising radiation.

They must implement a risk prevention policy on the site. They monitor the doses of workers exposed to radiation and transmit the data to the Ionising Radiation Exposure Monitoring Information System. A report must be submitted to the Social and Economic Committee (SSC) or, in its absence, to the staff representatives each year. If the exposure limit values are exceeded, the RPA must carry out all the necessary investigations on the sites and take all the necessary measures in conjunction with occupational medicine to bring the sites back into compliance.

to remember

Remember: Organisations must appoint a person responsible for radiation protection

The RPA has a key protective role in ensuring that organisations using ionising radiation fulfil their obligations under the regulations and are aware of the risk associated with working with radiation. They are responsible for liaising with the authorities involved in enforcement. 

You are now familiar with the role of a RPA. This is an important step in ensuring that all organisations comply with radiation protection provisions, as well as reducing the risk of ionising radiation and its effects on the health of professionals and the environment.

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