Summary from the SFRP-IRPA workshops “on the reasonableness in the practical implementation of the ALARA principle”

Abstract

The fundamental principles of the System of Radiation Protection of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) are justification, optimization, and application of dose limits. The working group (WG) dealing with the nuclear sector advocated a holistic approach to optimizing hazards as a whole, not just the dose, in a process of continuous improvement. The concept of as low as diagnostically achievable in the use of the equipment (search for the optimized image) was encouraged until a proper balance between a cost–benefit analysis and the quality management system demonstrates that new and more optimized equipment is needed. On the basis of practical case studies, in all sectors, the optimization remains a challenge, and experience shows that it is implemented through a deliberative process to achieve a reasonable compromise with all informed parties.