Radiological protection of Young Scientist and Scientific Researcher trainees in controlled areas of the Argonaut reactor installation: analytical approach

Abstract

Since the increasing use of ionizing radiations in medical and industrial proceedings, recommendations and actions have been necessaries to reduce the individual radiological risks. In the Nuclear Engineering Institute (IEN), there is the Argonauta research nuclear reactor (RARG) used for producing radionuclides, neutrongraphy studies and training young scientists (YST) and scientific researchers (SRT). During their trainings, these trainees are exposed to ionizing radiations meanly during the neutrongraphyc experiments when they need to adjust neutrongraphy plates in front the J9 channel with the RARG in critical condition. At this moment, they are exposed to neutron and gamma radiations in the RARG hall. This paper evaluated the gamma and neutron expositions that YST and SRT are submitted during the neutrongraphy experiments, by using area monitors to measure the ambient dose equivalent rates in two points near to J9 channel. Considering only this experiment, there was found that the annual individual effective dose could reach up to 2.5 mSv, which is more than 150% of the annual dose to member of the public (MP), but below the annual effective dose to occupationally exposed individual (OEI) as a worker. The question is if YST and SRT should be considered an OEI or a MP. This question is answered through an analytical approach of the regulations and recommendations. The conclusion is that YST and SRT shall be controlled as OEI, but must be submitted to MP’ restriction doses.