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ASN also notes a more uniform contribution of the
nuclear medicine centres in the notification of significant
radiation protection events. Nevertheless, ASN notes
a reduction in the number of notifications in 2015.
Consequently, ASN will increase its checks on the
organisation dedicated to detecting, recording and
analysing events.
Computed Tomography
ASN carried out seven inspections in computed
tomography departments in 2015, stepping up the
verification of measures taken for patient radiation
protection. Progress in the optimisation of doses delivered
during examinations is fostered by the modernisation
of equipment, thanks to intensity modulation software
among other things. Nevertheless, ASN observes that
all the possibilities in this area are not always turned
to good account.
Ten significant events were notified in this sector. ASN
considers that this figure obliges medical personnel to
maintain increased vigilance in the application of patient
identification procedures and in informing women of
the risks of exposure of the foetus.
Conventional radiology
In 2015, the Orléans division conducted an inspection
campaign in private conventional radiology practices.
This campaign started in spring as a documentary survey
addressed to 80 practices in the Centre - Limousin regions.
At the end of this first stage, 16 practices were selected
for an on-site inspection.
ASNconsiders that patient radiationprotection is generally
well ensured, given the risks and the doses delivered, which
are generally low. Nevertheless, although the practices
complywith regulations through comparisonof the applied
doses with the diagnostic reference levels, the exposure
protocols are not always formalised in writing. Medical
staff monitoring and dosimetry are ensured. Radiation
protection controls are carried out. Two deviations from
regulationswere nevertheless detected relatively frequently,
namely the signalling of the radiological risk and the
radiological zoning of the premises on the one hand,
and the absence of active dosimetry when performing
procedures requiring the presence of a practitioner near
the patient on the other.
1.3 Radiation protection
in the industrial and research sectors
Industrial radiography
Three inspections of worksites using gamma radiography
were carried out in 2015. The results were relatively
satisfactory. ASN is particularly vigilant with regard to
this high-risk sector of activity.
Research
ASNconsiders that radiation protection in the 29 research
departments or units using ionising radiation authorised
by ASN in the Centre, Val de Loire and Limousin regions
is ensured satisfactorily. ASN is particularly attentive to
the use of lead-212, especially for
in vivo
studies on the
treatment of cancers.
Veterinary
ASNconsiders that the applicationof radiationprotection
measures by veterinary surgeons is generally satisfactory,
thanks inparticular to the support of a specialised training
organisation. ASN is attentive to the implications of the
spread of new devices in the practices. Two veterinary
practices have acquired a computed tomography scanner.
1.4 Nuclear safety and radiation
protection in the transport
of radioactive substances
ASN carried out four inspections in BNIs and three
inspections in small-scale nuclear activities in 2015.
The inspections focused chiefly on the organisational
structures inplace, themeasures applied, and compliance
with package approvals and operational specifications.
These inspections revealed incomplete application of
the regulatory requirements in one nuclear medicine
department. For the BNIs, the mains areas requiring
improvement are the management of deviations, rigour
inpre-shipment inspections andapplicationof procedures,
the completeness of the management systems and the
general rules for on-site transport operations.
1.5 Radiation protection
of the public and the environment
Radiation protection technical controls
Four organisations approved for radiation protection
controls (out of 42 in France) have their head office in
the Centre and/or Limousin regions. ASNmaintained its
oversight action in 2015 by auditing three organisations
and holding three supervisory checks.
The findings of these latter checks concern the conditions
of measurement of ionising radiation and the search for
anomalies in radiation attenuation devices.
Former uranium mines
In application of the Circular of 22nd July 2009, Areva
has made an inventory of the mining waste rock storage
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CHAPTER 08 :
REGIONAL OVERVIEW OF NUCLEAR SAFETY AND RADIATION PROTECTION
ASN report on the state of nuclear safety and radiation protection in France in 2015