In the spotlight: Naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM)

Recording →

Moderator: H. Burçin Okyar (IAEA)

Presenters: Bogusław Michalik, Cristina Nuccetelli, Leo van Velzen

Organized jointly with the RadoNorm

About the Webinar

Many industries processing naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) follow a common cycle with several stages from the extraction of materials to the fabrication and the use of products and by-products, including the generation of discharges, residues and waste. An integrated approach to radiation safety and protection is required and consideration needs to be given to radiation protection of workers, the public and the environment for a wide range of industrial processes on a global basis.

A graded approach is among the key concepts of IAEA International Basic Safety Standards (GSR Part 3) and guidance is provided for its proper implementation in IAEA General Safety Guide on Occupational Radiation Protection (GSG-7), which is also in line with and required under the 2013 European Directive. Based on the Italian approach, the procedure of exemption from notification for further regulatory control is possible in two stages. It requires the application of a limitation of activity concentration as a very first stage, and in terms of radiation dose, if exemption levels are not violated. Only in cases where effective doses of workers and members of the public exceed appropriate levels of effective dose, the planned situation is not exempted, and the undertaker must adopt provisions about the protection of workers and of members of the public. The graded approach can be also found in the introduction of NORM residue classification, based on activity concentration and doses to members of the public, and the implementation of authorized and specialized landfills which can accept NORM residues not exempted under current exemption criteria.

The webinar will look at the RadoNorm project under EURATOM Horizon 2020, which aims at managing risk from radon and NORM exposure situations to assure effective radiation protection based on improved scientific evidence and social considerations. The proposed multidisciplinary and inclusive research project target all relevant steps of the radiation risk management cycle for radon and NORM exposure situations.

The webinar will also provide information on the Tenth International Symposium on Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM X) to be held from 9-13 May in Jaarbeurs, Utrecht, the Netherlands. The Symposium will focus on circular economy — the use of residues from industrial operations involving NORM — developments in traditional ‘cradle to grave’ approaches, the application of a graded approach, decision making on optimization of protection and safety for industrial operations and processes, and progress made since the 2019 NORM IX Symposium and the 2020 International Conference on the Management of NORM in Industry.

Learning objectives

• Have a better understanding of the industrial processes involving NORM and application of graded approach to regulation;
• Learn about the RadoNorm project with a perspective towards effective radiation protection based on improved scientific evidence and social considerations with focus on Radon and NORM
• Be informed about the Tenth International Symposium on Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM X) to be held from 9-13 May in Utrecht, the Netherlands