Radiation protection optimisation in new nuclear build : challenges in the application of the 'As Low As Reasonably Achievable' (ALARA) principle

• Main Author: Bryant, Peter A
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Published: University of Surrey 2021
• DOI: 10.15126/thesis.900145

The "As Low As Reasonably Achievable" (ALARA) principle is one of the 3 fundamental elements of radiation protection. Noting that ionising radiation is both encountered naturally in the environment as part of everyday life, and artificially as part of a range of practices, the ALARA principle aims to provide a means of optimising radiation exposures. Recent studies have highlighted ongoing challenges with the application of the principle, particular around the determination of the optimised, or "reasonable" outcome. In the case of nuclear power these challenges are heightened by a generally negative public perception of radiation in the context of nuclear power, as a result of the incidents at the Chernobyl and Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station. This has led to the ALARA principle often being overly conservatively applied and focusing of dose minimisation rather than optimisation, at a cost disproportionate to the risk. With the ongoing concerns of climate change, the UK, as with other countries have made a commitment to embrace low carbon energy systems. In support of this ambition new nuclear power has been identified as a key part of the energy mix, highlighting the need to further develop the ALARA concept, to ensure a fair treatment of the perceived "unique" radiological risk of nuclear power. This PhD by Published Works has pulled together 6 peer reviewed publications in support of resolving a number of key challenges associated with the ALARA principle in the context of New Nuclear Build in the UK. The key contributions of this PhD to the advancement of the field include: • The development of a holistic approach to applying the ALARA principle, allowing a risk informed treatment of all hazards rather than focusing solely on radiation. • The development of an approach to integrate public engagement into the ALARA framework, allowing consideration of the societal impact from stress and concerns associated with the spread of misinformation. • The development of a framework to tackle the future radiation protection skills gap and meet the demand across the nuclear fuel cycle and other radiation protection related industries. • The development of a flexible competency system to take a holistic view of the technical capability and training requirements across both the future new nuclear operators and supply chain, required to support the application of the ALARA principle. It is hoped that the contents of the PhD thesis will provide a useful input to the ongoing development of the ALARA principle, not only within the UK nuclear industry, but wider radiation protection field, both in the UK and abroad.