Nuclear Energy for New Europe 2009

(This is a HTML version of the abstract for information only. It can differ from the original, submitted by the author(s). Special characters, formulas and figures are not properly reproduced here. Please, contact the author(s) or refer to the printed Book of Abstracts for the correct version.)

No: 1015

Conference: Nuclear Energy for New Europe 2009

Title: Current Status of Functions, Responsibilities and Training of Radiation Protection Officers in Slovenia

Theme: Radiation and Environment

Author(s): Matjaž Koželj, Igor Jenčič

Contact : Matjaž Koželj

E-mail: matjaz.kozelj@ijs.si

Address: Institut "Jožef Stefan" ICJT
1001 Ljubljana

Country: Slovenia

In the current, harmonised Slovenian legislation the definition and functions of Radiation Protection Expert (RPE) are based essentially on the definition of Qualified Expert in the Euratom BSS. The definition and functions of Radiation Protection Officer (RPO) are also included, but they were adopted from the International (IAEA) BSS with the addition of responsibilities for fulfilling some formal requirements regarding the implementation of radiation protection and communication of licensee with the regulatory body. This approach enabled us to fulfil the requirements of Euratom BSS and also to keep continuity with earlier system.
For the particular practice the program of training for RPOs is closely related to the training of Radiation Workers. It is extended just to cover legislation in more details and to familiarise the participants with practical aspects of licensing process. Consequently, the implementation of this training was not demanding and has been running from the date of implementation of current Regulation.
The situation is different in the field of training for nuclear installations, where operation of the radiation protection unit is required with the staff consisting of specially trained RPOs. Due to the complexity of work and other requirements, the training of these RPOs is not simply the “extended” regular training for Radiation Workers in nuclear installations. The latter one is well developed and successfully implemented in the more or less present form for more than two decades now. Since the demand for the training of RPOs was limited (small number of installations, almost no migration of workers), the required training for the (limited) new staff members was acquired abroad in the past. Considering the formal requirements for RPOs in nuclear installations, verifying and certifying this form of training has proved to be extensive and demanding task.
Comparison with other countries reveals that the RPO position is not generally introduced in EU. But even in the countries that have RPOs, the roles and duties are not the same as in our legislation. This applies also to the position of RPE and creates problems regarding mutual recognition of training, education and competences of RPEs and RPOs.
Five years have passed since the introduction of current Regulation for training of RPOs and Radiation Workers and it is possible to draw and present some conclusions regarding the requirements, implementation and effectives of training. Also, it is our aim to formulate some suggestions for the improvements in the possible future amendment to the Regulation.

No:	1015
Conference:	Nuclear Energy for New Europe 2009
Title:	Current Status of Functions, Responsibilities and Training of Radiation Protection Officers in Slovenia
Theme:	Radiation and Environment
Author(s):	Matjaž Koželj, Igor Jenčič
Contact :	Matjaž Koželj
E-mail:	matjaz.kozelj@ijs.si
Address:	Institut "Jožef Stefan" ICJT 1001 Ljubljana
Country:	Slovenia

In the current, harmonised Slovenian legislation the definition and functions of Radiation Protection Expert (RPE) are based essentially on the definition of Qualified Expert in the Euratom BSS. The definition and functions of Radiation Protection Officer (RPO) are also included, but they were adopted from the International (IAEA) BSS with the addition of responsibilities for fulfilling some formal requirements regarding the implementation of radiation protection and communication of licensee with the regulatory body. This approach enabled us to fulfil the requirements of Euratom BSS and also to keep continuity with earlier system. For the particular practice the program of training for RPOs is closely related to the training of Radiation Workers. It is extended just to cover legislation in more details and to familiarise the participants with practical aspects of licensing process. Consequently, the implementation of this training was not demanding and has been running from the date of implementation of current Regulation. The situation is different in the field of training for nuclear installations, where operation of the radiation protection unit is required with the staff consisting of specially trained RPOs. Due to the complexity of work and other requirements, the training of these RPOs is not simply the “extended” regular training for Radiation Workers in nuclear installations. The latter one is well developed and successfully implemented in the more or less present form for more than two decades now. Since the demand for the training of RPOs was limited (small number of installations, almost no migration of workers), the required training for the (limited) new staff members was acquired abroad in the past. Considering the formal requirements for RPOs in nuclear installations, verifying and certifying this form of training has proved to be extensive and demanding task. Comparison with other countries reveals that the RPO position is not generally introduced in EU. But even in the countries that have RPOs, the roles and duties are not the same as in our legislation. This applies also to the position of RPE and creates problems regarding mutual recognition of training, education and competences of RPEs and RPOs. Five years have passed since the introduction of current Regulation for training of RPOs and Radiation Workers and it is possible to draw and present some conclusions regarding the requirements, implementation and effectives of training. Also, it is our aim to formulate some suggestions for the improvements in the possible future amendment to the Regulation.