SRP has a long history of IRPA engagement and there has always been a UK member on the IRPA Executive Council . Together with our Partner Societies , we are widely recognised as one of the strongest and most effective contributors to the work of IRPA . Currently , Claire-Louise Chapple ( Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust ) is a member of the IRPA Executive Council . Many of our members participate in IRPA committees and task groups covering topics such as public communication , radiation protection ( RP ) culture in healthcare and research , naturally occurring radioactive material issues , nonionising radiation and IRPA ’ s Young Generation Network . In 2012 SRP hosted the IRPA13 International Congress in Glasgow and in 2026 we will host the 7th European IRPA Congress in Liverpool .
SRP ’ s Partner Societies
• Association of University Radiation Protection Officers
• British Institute of Radiology
• British Nuclear Medicine Society
• Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine
• Royal College of Radiologists
• Society and College of Radiographers
Supporting IRPA input to the new International Commission on Radiological Protection ( ICRP ) recommendations
ICRP has embarked on a review of the system of radiological protection with the aim of updating its 2007 general recommendations . SRP has set up a group including representatives of our Partner Societies to coordinate responses to ICRP proposals as they are formulated . During the last 18 months , SRP representatives have met with the ICRP Main Commission at its Windsor meeting ( April 2022 ) and given presentations at meetings , including the ICRP Symposium in Vancouver ( November 2022 ). SRP has also responded to a number of requests from IRPA as it develops responses to ICRP requests for feedback . The responses fall into three main themes :
Science Small changes in low dose (< 100 mSv ) risk estimates may not warrant new recommendations , although the need to reassess cancer dose-response relationships and consider non-cancer diseases is recognised . Proposed changes to ICRP dose quantities and International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements ( ICRU ) operational quantities are generally welcomed . However , it is noted that the present system works well and these changes do not of themselves appear to warrant the publication of new ICRP general recommendations . Applications An important focus for the practical application of the system is the promotion of reasonableness in the optimisation of protection at low doses in different circumstances of exposure . Experience has shown that in many cases , particularly when considering very low public exposures , application of this As Low as Reasonably Achievable ( ALARA ) principle overemphasises the “ as low as ” without due consideration of the “ reasonably achievable ” and the caveat of “ taking economic and social factors into account ”. Communications ICRP recommendations are aimed principally at regulatory authorities , organisations and individuals who have responsibility for RP . There is a close connection between ICRP Recommendations and the International Basic Safety Standards which are cosponsored by UN international organisations . There is scope for improved coordination of the efforts of RP organisations in the development of the system , its dissemination to RP professionals and its communication to stakeholders affected by the application of the system . SRP will continue to support IRPA and also respond directly to ICRP as opportunities arise , noting that the review and updating of ICRP recommendations will take some years – a long-term commitment in which we will play our part to help ensure that the system remains fit-for-purpose and that any changes are useful improvements .
24 Radiation Protection Today www . srp-rpt . uk