Congress:
EuroSafe Imaging 2019
Keywords:
Action 2 - Clinical diagnostic reference levels (DRLs), Action 4 - Dose management systems, Action 8 - Radiation protection training and learning material, Radioprotection / Radiation dose, Radiation physics, Radiographers, CT, Fluoroscopy, Plain radiographic studies, Radiation safety, Health policy and practice, Education, Quality assurance
Authors:
K. E. Applegate, C. J. Martin
DOI:
10.26044/esi2019/ESI-0117
Background/introduction
ICRP: Who We Are and Committee 3
The International Council for Radiation Protection (ICRP) is an independent,
not-for-profit organization with a mission to advance for the public benefit the science of radiological protection,
in particular by providing recommendations and guidance on all aspects of protection against ionising radiation.
Founded in 1928,
it currently comprises a community of more than 250 globally-recognised experts in radiological protection (RP) science,
policy,
and practice from more than 30 countries.
The Work of ICRP
“In preparing its recommendations,
ICRP considers the fundamental principles and quantitative bases upon which appropriate radiation protection measures can be established,
while leaving to the various national protection bodies the responsibility of formulating the specific advice,
codes of practice,
or regulations that are best suited to the needs of their individual countries.
ICRP has published well over one hundred publications on all aspects of radiological protection.
Most address a particular area within radiological protection,
but a handful of publications,
the so-called fundamental recommendations (for example,
P103,
2007,
FREELY AVAILABLE),
each describe the overall system of radiological protection.
The system of radiological protection is based on the current understanding of the science of radiation exposures and effects,
and value judgements.
These value judgements take into account societal expectations,
ethics,
and experience gained in application of the system.
As the understanding of the science and societal expectations have evolved over time,
so too has the system of radiological protection.
As well,
the recommendations continue to take into account novel uses of radiation in medicine and other fields to help ensure an adequate level of safety under all circumstances.
ICRP offers its recommendations to regulatory and advisory agencies and provides advice the intended to be of help to management and professional staff with responsibilities for radiological protection.
Legislation in most countries adheres closely to ICRP recommendations.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) International Basic Safety Standards for Protection against Ionizing Radiation and for the Safety of Radiation Sources is based heavily on ICRP recommendations,
and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention 115,
Radiation Protection Convention,
General Observation 1992,
refers specifically to the recommendations of ICRP.
ICRP recommendations form the basis of radiological protection standards,
legislation,
programmes,
and practice worldwide.” [BCA ACTIONS 8 and 10]