Basic Safety Standards For Protection Research Articles

Organizational Health Literacy as a supportive tool for the effective implementation of the 2013/59/EURATOM Directive in Italy.

Since 2013, European countries have transposed the 2013/59/EURATOM Directive that lays down basic safety standards for protection against dangers arising from exposure to ionising radiation. In the years between the issuance of the European Directive and its formal transposition, Italian researchers investigated solutions to renew the technological, educational, and organizational culture in radiology departments. This article proposed a reflection on the contribution of Organizational Health Literacy (OHL) to implement Legislative Decree 101/2020 in the practice of Italian radiology departments. By implementing OHL principles, examinations with exposure to ionizing radiation and related informative processes could be personalized based on patients' knowledge, abilities, and competencies, as well as on the services' provision. These principles can be in fact integrated with the organizational, training, and management requirements set by the Directive. According with the state-of-the-art, decision-makers and health managers could support the application of OHL principles in Italian radiology departments.

IMPACT OF LEGISLATIVE CHANGE ON THE CLASSIFICATION OF RAW MATERIALS AND BUILDING MATERIALS IN TERMS OF NATURAL RADIOACTIVITY

Natural radioactivity is present in the human environment to a greater or lesser extent, also in varioustypes of raw or building materials. Monitoring of the concentration of natural radioactive isotopesof potassium 40K, radium 226Ra and thorium 228Th or 232Th in samples of raw and/or constructionmaterials allows assessing the exposure of people to ionizing radiation emitted by these materials.Exceeding the limit value of the radioactive concentration index for raw and/or building materials,defined in the Ordinance of the Council of Ministers (Polish Journal of Laws/Dz.U. No. 33/2021),may result in an effective radiation dose greater than 1 mSv/year – the dose limit for the population.In Poland, pertinent legislation requiring the establishing of the natural radioactivity of raw and/orbuilding materials dates back to the 1970s and has been changed several times by now. However, themost significant changes in the legislation have occurred recently. Due to the obligation of imposingthe application of the provisions of the of European Council 2013/59/EURATOM of 5 December2013 laying down basic safety standards for protection against risks arising from exposure to theeffects of ionizing and repealing Directives 89/618/Euratom, 90/641/ Euratom, 96/29/Euratom,97/43/Euratom and 2003/122/Euratom (the so-called BSS version), it was necessary to adopt theamendment to the Atomic Law. The implementation of the BSS Directive in Poland was issued on thebasis of the resolution of the Parliament of June 13, 2019 amending the Atomic Law Act and the FireProtection Act (Polish Journal of Laws/Dz.U. 2019, item 1593). The amendment of the Atomic LawActs led to the harmonisation of regulations on radioactivity in raw and building materials betweenPoland and the Member States. This article presents the impact of an amendment of the AtomicLaw and of the accompanying normative acts on the studies of the natural radioactivity of raw andconstruction materials, using the example of an analysis of the concentration of natural radioactiveisotopes present in the coal combustion products (CCP), i.e. fly ash, slags and ash-slag mixtures.

Generic justification of medical exposure to ionising radiations in two European countries

Abstract The European Directive 2013/56/EURATOM aims to safeguard patients, members of the public and workers by setting out basic safety standards for protection against the dangers arising from exposure to ionising radiation. However, each European member state must consider how the Directive should be transposed at a national level and this has led to different organisational models being adopted. With regard to medical exposure to ionising radiation (MEIR), Ireland and Italy are interesting countries to compare because they have transposed the Directive in contrasting ways. Comparison of these models may highlight ways to harmonise approaches and improve efficiency. Case studies were prepared by reviewing national laws, analysing scientific documents and conducting interviews with managers of organisations assigned the responsibility for MEIR. The case studies focused on the generic justification (GJ) of MEIR, determining if the benefits of a radiological practice outweigh the risks, at a population level. Ireland implemented a centralised model by designating responsibility for the regulation of MEIR to an independent competent authority, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA). The Health Technology Assessment Directorate in HIQA has built upon their experience in conducting evidence synthesis to inform health policy, but it may experience challenges as the single gateway for GJ decisions. In Italy, GJ is entrusted to national professional scientific radiological societies. The decentralised Italian model facilitates an immediate response to GJ applications from stakeholders, but the absence of strong national coordination may lead to duplication, loss of information and or partial knowledge of processes. Collaboration between European member states in the area of GJ of MEIR could support the standardisation of practices in Europe. This could be facilitated through the creation of a European working group. Key messages • The creation of a European working group focused on generic justification in radiation protection exposure is advocated. • A European working group would lead to less duplication of effort and a more streamlined process for generic justification.

RadoNorm – towards effective radiation protection based on improved scientific evidence and social considerations – focus on RADON and NORM

RadoNorm aims to manage risks from exposures to radon and naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) to promote effective radiation protection based on improved scientific evidence and social considerations. It supports the European Member States and the EU Commission (EC) in implementing the Basic Safety Standards for protection against ionising radiation hazards at the legislative, executive, and operational levels (Directive 2013/59/EURATOM). The project is grounded on (1) implementation of multidisciplinary and innovative research and technologies, (2) integration of education and training, and (3) dissemination of project results targeting a broad stakeholder community including the public, regulators, and policymakers. The objectives are achieved through scientific research-related topics (exposure, dosimetry, biology, epidemiology, societal aspects), cross-cutting topics (education and training, dissemination, ethics) and project management. The project will yield guidelines at legal, executive and operational levels. It will enable consolidated and harmonised decision-making in the field of radiation protection, considering societal aspects and sustainable knowledge transfer. The project contributes to EC activities to strengthen radiation protection in a consistent and joint manner, as has already been done through the establishment of radiation protection platforms, the promotion of projects (e.g., DoReMi, OPERRA) and the partnership CONCERT-EJP. The outcomes may also impact future recommendations.

Radon migration in the area around the coal mine during closing process

The Upper Silesian Coal Basin (USCB) in Poland is an excellent example of an area affected by an increased migration of radon and by radon penetration into buildings. This occurs due to changes in the geological environment caused by the exploitation of mineral resources. Studies conducted in the past showed that the levels of radon emission, depend to a large extent on the geological structure of the subsurface layers. Mining-induced changes of the rock body are one of the main factors influencing the radon's ability to migrate. Some investigations were made near shafts which were closed many years before, and it was found that physical changes and disintegration of the rock body caused by mining activity (e.g. subsidence) could still influence the environment. Enhanced radon emission was observed even in the case of shafts closed for >50 years.The “Anna” coal mine - our study area – was opened in 1832, and hard coal was extracted until 2017. In this paper, we present the results of radon emission monitoring within a mine closure context. Measurements started in 2016, when the underground coal mine was still under operation; observations continued during the liquidation process, and more measurements will be taken in the post-closure period.The importance of the hazards related to radon emission has been reported by many organisations. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a statistically significant increase in the risk of lung cancer occurs as a result of prolonged exposure to radon when the concentration is at 100 Bq/m3, and increases by 16% per each 100 Bq/m3 increase. Moreover, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stated that radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. For these reasons, the Council Directive 2013/59/EURATOM of 5 December 2013 established basic safety standards for protection against the hazards related to ionizing radiation in 2013, paying particular attention to issues related to radon exposure. The goal of our work was to collect data on radon migration in an area influenced by mining activity around the “Anna” coal mine, and to assess the corresponding radon hazard.

The FIRST large-scale mapping of radon concentration in soil gas and water in Romania

In the framework of the last Council Directive 2013/59 (Euratom, 2014) laying down basic safety standards for protection against the dangers arising from exposure to ionizing radiation, the problem of radon was assumed in Romania at national level by responsible authorities through the design and development of a National Radon Action Plan and an adequate legislation (HG nr. 526/2018). In order to identify radon risk areas, however, it is necessary to perform systematic radon measurements in different environmental media (soil gas, water, indoor air) and to map the results. This paper presents an atlas of up-to-date radon in soil and water levels for central and western part of Romania. The radon in soil map includes data from 2564 measurements carried out on-site, using Luk3C radon detector. The Luk-VR system was used to measure radon activity concentration from 2452 samples of drinking water. The average radon activity concentration was 29.3 kBq m−3 for soil gas, respectively 9.8 Bq l−1 for water dissolved air. Mapping of radon can be a useful tool to implement radon policies at both the national and local levels, defining priority areas for further study when land-use decisions must be made.

Determining the mean year value of radon in the indoor air

This paper describes how Denmark has implemented the directive 2013/59/EURATOM, laying down basic safety standards for protection against the dangers caused by exposure to ionising radiation. Ionising radiation develops from radon. Furthermore, the paper describes a procedure to determine the value of the mean year concentration of radon based on short-term measurements. Procedures are described both for radon measurements in the indoor environment of buildings used for accommodation and buildings used for other purposes such as workspace, day-care for children and schools. In addition, the paper argues for the described requirements that short-term measurements should follow in order to be used for estimating the concentration of radon indoors as the mean year value.

345. Italian diagnostic reference levels for diagnostic and interventional radiology

Purpose The Diagnostic reference level (DRL) is recognised as an important tool in identifying high and non-justified exposure levels in diagnostic imaging practice and, in general, in the optimisation practice of patient exposure. In Italy, the D.Lgs. 187/2000 has introduced a set of DRL values and has requested their use in the medical exposure practice. Since many years, it has recognised this set, derived from European guidelines published in the 90’, requires an update to assure the efficacy of the tool. Methods In the last decade, with this in mind professional societies and national institutes have developed national surveys to assess level of patient exposure in different areas of diagnostic imaging. These data, together with relevant European data, have supported the development of the ISS ISTISAN 17/33 publication aiming to propose to the radiology community an updated set of national DRL values for the diagnostic and interventional radiology, i.e. general radiography, fluoroscopy and CT for adult and paediatric patients and interventional radiology for adults [1] . Results and Conclusions The ISS document can serves as a reference in the forthcoming legislative decree implementing the Council Directive 2013/59/EURATOM of 5/12/2013, laying down basic safety standards for protection against the dangers arising from exposure to ionising radiation, has been transposing at national level. Because the Directive identifies in the DRLs a useful tool to support the optimisation also in interventional radiology (IR), a practice rapidly increasing and representing a critical scenario from the point of patient radiation protection, the ISS document is introducing DRLs for the most common IR procedures.

Dotting the eyes: mouse strain dependency of the lens epithelium to low dose radiation-induced DNA damage

Purpose: Epidemiological evidence regarding the radiosensitivity of the lens of the eye and radiation cataract development has led to changes in the EU Basic Safety Standards for protection of the lens against ionizing radiation. However, mechanistic details of lens radiation response pathways and their significance for cataractogenesis remain unclear. Radiation-induced DNA damage and the potential impairment of repair pathways within the lens epithelium, a cell monolayer that covers the anterior hemisphere of the lens, are likely to be involved.Materials and Methods: In this work, the lens epithelium has been analyzed for its DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair response to ionizing radiation. The responses of epithelial cells located at the anterior pole (central region) have been compared to at the very periphery of the monolayer (germinative and transitional zones). Described here are the different responses in the two regions and across four strains (C57BL/6, 129S2, BALB/c and CBA/Ca) over a low dose (0–25 mGy) in-vivo whole body X-irradiation range up to 24 hours post exposure.Results: DNA damage and repair as visualized through 53BP1 staining was present across the lens epithelium, although repair kinetics appeared non-uniform. Epithelial cells in the central region have significantly more 53BP1 foci. The sensitivities of different mouse strains have also been compared.Conclusions: 129S2 and BALB/c showed higher levels of DNA damage, with BALB/c showing significantly less inter-individual variability and appearing to be a more robust model for future DNA damage and repair studies. As a result of this study, BALB/c was identified as a suitable radiosensitive lens strain to detect and quantify early low dose ionizing radiation DNA damage effects in the mouse eye lens specifically, as an indicator of cataract formation.

Development of a European harmonised standard to determine the natural radioactivity concentrations in building materials

In 2013 the European Commission has published its latest basic safety standards for protection against the dangers arising from exposure to ionising radiation (Council Directive 2013/59/Euratom). The council directive regulates radiation exposure from building materials through the presence of radioactivity (226Ra, 232Th and 40K) in these materials. Pivotal to successful regulation is the availability of a harmonised test method for the determination of the radionuclide concentrations as these nuclides form the basis for dose assessment and compliance. In 2017 a Technical Specification (CEN, 2017) on the determination of the activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in construction products was published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). The purpose of this work is to give an outline of the proposed method, with the protocols for sampling, measurement and data processing as well as a summary of the robustness testing and the expert comments that have been received following the final consultation.

Characterization of radon levels in soil and groundwater in the North Maladeta Fault area (Central Pyrenees) and their effects on indoor radon concentration in a thermal spa

Radon levels in the soil and groundwater in the North Maladeta Fault area (located in the Aran Valley sector, Central Pyrenees) are analysed from both geological and radiation protection perspectives. This area is characterized by the presence of two important normal faults: the North Maladeta fault (NMF) and the Tredós Fault (TF). Two primary aspects make this study interesting: (i) the NMF shows geomorphic evidence of neotectonic activity and (ii) the presence of a thermal spa, Banhs de Tredós, which exploits one of the several natural springs of the area and needs to be evaluated for radiation dosing from radon according to the European regulation on basic safety standards for protection against ionizing radiation. The average soil radon and thoron concentrations along a profile perpendicular to the two normal faults — 22 ± 3 kBq·m−3 and 34 ± 3 kBq·m−3, respectively — are not high and can be compared to the radionuclide content of the granitic rocks of the area, 25 ± 4 Bq·kg−1 for 226Ra and 38 ± 2 Bq·kg−1 for 224Ra. However, the hypothesis that the normal faults are still active is supported by the presence of anomalies in both the soil radon and thoron levels that are unlikely to be of local origin together with the presence of similar anomalies in CO2 fluxes and the fact that the highest groundwater radon values are located close to the normal faults. Additionally, groundwater 222Rn data have complemented the hydrochemistry data, enabling researchers to better distinguish between water pathways in the granitic and non-granitic aquifers. Indoor radon levels in the spa vary within a wide range, [7–1664] Bq·m−3 because the groundwater used in the treatment rooms is the primary source of radon in the air. Tap water radon levels inside the spa present an average value of 50 ± 8 kBq·m−3, which does not exceed the level stipulated by the Spanish Nuclear Safety Council (CSN) of 100 kBq·m−3 for water used for human consumption. This finding implies that even relatively low radon concentration values in water can constitute a relevant indoor radon source when the transfer from water to indoor air is efficient. The estimated effective dose range of values for a spa worker due to radon inhalation is [1–9] mSv·y−1. The use of annual averaged radon concentration values may significantly underestimate the dose in these situations; therefore, a detailed dynamic study must be performed by considering the time that the workers spend in the spa.

The basement of residential buildings as part of radon preventive measures

The Directive 2013/59/Euratom was adopted by the Council of the European Union in 2013. It lays down basic safety standards for protection against the dangers from exposure to ionising radiation. The directive obliges our country to adopt the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary for its implementation. According to research conducted by the Institute of Nuclear Physics in Kraków, radon constitutes the largest source of ionising radiation a resident of our country is exposed to. Its share reaches almost 40% of the annual dose. Inhalation of radon and products of its decay in rooms constitutes a significant part of the dose of ionising radiation whose source is radon. Residential premises are the rooms in which we spend nearly 60% of our life in our climate zone. Environmental studies conducted in these rooms demonstrate that the concentration of radon in their interior is in many cases greater than its concentration outside the building. This issue is dealt with in Article 74 of the Directive 2013/59/Euratom. It recommends taking action to prevent long-term health risks resulting from exposure to radon in residential and public premises. Architectural and construction solutions applied in buildings play a significant role in the prevention of such dangers. One of the radon preventive measures in the indoor environment is the design of basements in residential buildings.

Development of an Assessment Method for Building Materials Under Euratom Scope.

In 2013, the European Commission published its basic safety standards for protection against the dangers arising from exposure to ionizing radiation (Council Directive 2013/59/Euratom)-also known as EU-BSS. As a result, the use of raw materials with potentially elevated activity concentrations such as fly ash, phosphogypsum, and slags will now fall under EU-BSS scope when applied in building materials. In light of this new policy, a variety of tools are available to assess compliance with the 1-mSv y reference level for building materials. At the heart of these tools is a gamma-spectrometric determination of the naturally occurring radionuclides Ra, Th, and K in the material of concern. As a large number of construction products contain a certain amount of the raw material that falls under the scope of the EU regulation, this policy will lead to substantial measurement of building materials that pose little radiation risk. For this reason, a method is developed to enable assessment against the 1-mSv value not on the basis of gamma-spectrometric analysis but rather based on the product's material composition. The proposed method prescribes a maximum permitted content of raw materials with potentially elevated activity concentrations in terms of a weight percentage of the end product, where the raw materials of concern are defined as those listed in Annex XIII of the EU-BSS. The permitted content is a function of the product's surface density. Therefore, a product with a low surface density of up to 25 kg m can consist of nearly 100% raw materials with potentially elevated activity concentrations, and this percentage drops to around 15% for products with a surface density of around 500 kg m. Building materials that comply with these requirements on product composition are exempt from testing, while products that do not comply must perform regular gamma-spectrometric analysis. A full validation and testing of the method is provided. In addition, the paper discusses issues relevant for regulatory implementation.

State of the art atmospheric dispersion modelling: should the Gaussian plume model still be used?

Abstract For regulatory purposes with respect to licensing and supervision of airborne releases of nuclear installations, the Gaussian plume model is still in use in Germany. However, for complex situations the Gaussian plume model is to be replaced by a Lagrangian particle model. Now the new EU basic safety standards for protection against the dangers arising from exposure to ionising radiation (EU BSS) [1] asks for a realistic assessment of doses to the members of the public from authorised practices. This call for a realistic assessment raises the question whether dispersion modelling with the Gaussian plume model is an adequate approach anymore or whether the use of more complex models is mandatory.

The European Federation of Organisations for Medical Physics. Policy Statement No. 7.1: The roles, responsibilities and status of the medical physicist including the criteria for the staffing levels in a Medical Physics Department approved by EFOMP Council on 5th February 2016

This EFOMP Policy Statement is an amalgamation and an update of the EFOMP Policy Statements No. 2, 4 and 7. It presents guidelines for the roles, responsibilities and status of the medical physicist together with recommended minimum staffing levels. These recommendations take into account the ever-increasing demands for competence, patient safety, specialisation and cost effectiveness of modern healthcare services, the requirements of the European Union Council Directive 2013/59/Euratom laying down the basic safety standards for protection against the dangers arising from exposure to ionising radiation, the European Commission’s Radiation Protection Report No. 174: “Guidelines on medical physics expert”, as well as the relevant publications of the International Atomic Energy Agency. The provided recommendations on minimum staffing levels are in very good agreement with those provided by both the European Commission and the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The European Federation of Organisations for Medical Physics Policy Statement No. 6.1: Recommended Guidelines on National Registration Schemes for Medical Physicists

This EFOMP Policy Statement is an update of Policy Statement No. 6 first published in 1994. The present version takes into account the European Union Parliament and Council Directive 2013/55/EU that amends Directive 2005/36/EU on the recognition of professional qualifications and the European Union Council Directive 2013/59/EURATOM laying down the basic safety standards for protection against the dangers arising from exposure to ionising radiation. The European Commission Radiation Protection Report No. 174, Guidelines on Medical Physics Expert and the EFOMP Policy Statement No. 12.1, Recommendations on Medical Physics Education and Training in Europe 2014, are also taken into consideration.The EFOMP National Member Organisations are encouraged to update their Medical Physics registration schemes where these exist or to develop registration schemes taking into account the present version of this EFOMP Policy Statement (Policy Statement No. 6.1“Recommended Guidelines on National Registration Schemes for Medical Physicists”).

Summary of the European Directive 2013/59/Euratom: essentials for health professionals in radiology.

The aspects of the new European Directive 2013/59/Euratom most relevant to diagnostic imaging and intervention are summarised. The Directive, laying down basic safety standards for protection against the dangers from exposure to ionising radiation, emphasises the need for justification of medical exposure (including asymptomatic individuals), introduces requirements concerning patient information and strengthens those for recording and reporting doses from radiological procedures, the use of diagnostic reference levels, the availability of dose-indicating devices and the improved role and support of the Medical Physics Experts in imaging. Relevant changes include new definitions, a new dose limit for the eye lens, non-medical imaging exposures, procedures in asymptomatic individuals, the use and regular review of diagnostic reference levels (including interventional procedures), dosimetric information in imaging systems and its transfer to the examination report, new requirements on responsibilities, the registry and analysis of accidental or unintended exposure and population dose evaluation (based on age and gender distribution). These changes will require Member States, the radiology community and the industry to adapt regulations, practices and equipment for a high standard of radiation safety. By 6 February 2018, the Directive has to be transposed into the national legislation of the Member States of the European Union.Main messages• The new European Basic Safety Standards Directive impacts radiology departments• Changes in justification, patient information, responsibilities and dose reporting are most significant• Diagnostic reference levels and the role of medical physics experts are clarified• Dose limits to the eye lens are lower than in the previous directive• Responsibilities in radiation safety have been defined

Protection from radon exposure at home and at work in the directive 2013/59/Euratom.

In recent years, international organisations involved in radiation protection and public health have produced new guidance, recommendations and requirements aiming better protection from radon exposure. These organisations have often worked in close collaboration in order to facilitate the establishment of harmonised standards. This paper deals with such standards and specifically with the new European Council Directive of 5 December 2013 on basic safety standards for protection against the dangers arising from exposure to ionising radiation (2013/59/Euratom). This new Directive has established a harmonised framework for the protection against ionising radiations, including protection from radon exposure. Requirements for radon in workplace are much more tightening than in previous Directive, and exposures to radon in dwellings are regulated for the first time in a Directive. Radon-related articles of this Directive are presented and discussed in this paper, along with some comparisons with other relevant international standards.

The ‘European Diagnostic Reference Levels For Paediatric Imaging’ Project

s / Physica Medica 30 (2014) e1ee15 e12 THE ‘EUROPEAN DIAGNOSTIC REFERENCE LEVELS FOR PAEDIATRIC IMAGING’ PROJECT John Damilakis. Professor of Medical Physics, University of Crete, Greece Despite a large number of studies available from European countries, the DRLs for paediatric patients are only available for some common radiological examinations. There is a need to consolidate what is available and to provide guidance on what actions are needed in using Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs) to further enhance radiation protection of children. The ‘European DRLs for Paediatric Imaging’ project is aimed to attend to this situation. The professional organisations involved include ESR as coordinator as well as EFOMP, EFRS, and ESPR, covering the key European stakeholders and professional groups with relevance to radiation protection of paediatric patients. The project is divided into 4 Work Packages (WPs); each work package covers specific tasks contributing to the common objective of enhancement of radiation protection of paediatric patients through the concept of DRLs. WP0, chaired by the coordinator of the project, is responsible for the management and general coordination of the project. WP1 is responsible for assessing and agreeing on a methodology for establishing and using DRLs for paediatric imaging, and for producing European guidelines including data provided by WP 2. WP2 is responsible for updating and extending the existing European DRLs to cover more procedures and a wider patient age/weight range. WP 3 chaired by the scientific coordinator will organize the European workshop in Lisbon, Portugal from October 15th to October 17th 2015 to discuss the findings of the studies conducted under the project and to subject the draft European Guidelines to critical review and discussion. SYNERGY BETWEEN NUCLEAR RESEARCH, INNOVATION AND EDUCATION IN EURATOM PROGRAMMES, WITH EMPHASIS ON SAFETY CULTURE Georges Van Goethem. European Commission, DG Research and Innovation, Dir Energy G.4 / Fission Energy, B-1049 Brussels, Belgium In a rapidly changing multicultural world full of political and economic uncertainties, research, innovation and education (RIE), in particular, in nuclear fission and radiation protection are faced with a number of scientific-technological and socio-political challenges. In the European Union (EU), these challenges are, for example, breakthrough technological developments of interdisciplinary type and enhanced public engagement in nuclear matters. The aim is to continuously improve applications of nuclear fission energy and ionising radiation in the medical and industrial fields for the benefit of all people. In the EU, the recent “Council Directive 2013/59/Euratom laying down basic safety standards for protection against the dangers arising from exposure to ionising radiation” has a new Chapter IV “Requirements for Radiation Protection Education, Training and Information” requiring Member States to have systems in place for the education, training and recognition of specific experts (in particular, “Medical physics experts” Article 83). For power generation or for medical applications, experts with highly qualified nuclear and radiation safety culture competences will be needed over a long time period, in particular, to deal with radiation protection issues in modern diagnosis and treatment. Safety culture is usually defined as “an organisation’s values and behaviours modelled by its leaders and internalised by its members that serve to make nuclear safety the overriding priority.” In this context, the main stakeholders of Euratom RIE programmes have developed a common approach regarding needs, vision and implementation instruments. Focussing on knowledge creation and competence building, their common approach can be summarized as follows: 1e Analysis of needs: e.g. what kind of knowledge, skills and competences (KSC) should be taught in order to continuously improve technical, human and organisational aspects ? 2 e Convergence towards a common vision: e.g. towards a new type of governance for RIE in the EU, integrating expert, policy and public knowledge to support decision making processes 3 e Development of instruments: e.g. synergy of national and Euratom RIE programmes aiming at preparing a new generation of experts in a global economy (EU and beyond). Making lifelong learning and cross-border mobility a reality is an important objective of the Education, Youth and Culture policy of the EU (e.g. “European Credit system for Vocational Education and Training” /ECVET/). Lessons will be drawn from the preliminary application of ECVET tools and methodology, such as the description of qualifications in terms of “units of learning outcomes” related to KSC, in Euratom projects. INVOLVEMENT OF AAPM IN EUROPE Gene Lief. White Plains Hospital, Radiation/Oncology Department, New York,

Final results of the European 'guidelines on MPE' project

The aim of the European Commission project 'Guidelines on Medical Physics Expert' (TREN/09/NUCL/SI2.549828) has been to provide for improved implementation of the provisions relating to the Medical Physics Expert (MPE) of Council Directive 97/43/EURATOM (Medical Exposures Directive, MED) and the more recent 2013/59/EURATOM of 5 December 2013 laying down basic safety standards for protection against the dangers arising from exposure to ionising radiation (BSS). In this way, the results of the project support the European Commission in its actions relating to the justification and optimisation of medical exposures. The final results of the project have been an elaboration of the role of the MPE including an agreed mission statement and detailed list of key activities, agreed qualification and curriculum frameworks for the MPE in Europe, recommendations for recognition of the MPE and minimum MPE staffing Levels. It is expected that the project will lead to improved harmonisation of the profession in Europe. This presentation will summarise the final results.