The new BSS: Towards practical radiation protection in the norm and building industry?

Abstract

A new user-friendly method for the determination of the activity concentration of several NORM residues was developed via measurements at the port of Antwerp and at selected companies. The activity concentrations of shipped goods and several building materials were determined with several detectors and the results are compared to the proposed EU-BSS (Euratom Basic Safety Standards limits). A NORM database was constructed based on a large scale portal monitor study of cargo shipped through the port of Antwerp. NuTeC has developed and validated an alternative, in-situ Activity Concentration Index (ACI) determination method. This method was applied to analyze numerous building materials available on the Belgian market. By means of on-site measurement campaigns at NORM processing companies and in the building industry practical approaches to radiation protection were developed in close interaction with the workers.