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Latin America Occupational Radiation Protection Optimization Network (REPROLAM)

History

REPROLAM is a network, whose aim is to contribute to the integration and cooperation of radiation protection professionals of the Latin America and Caribbean. The main objectives of REPROLAM are:

  • Group persons whose professional activities are carried out in the field of Occupational Radiological Protection.
  • Facilitate the exchange of information and an integrated approach to the practical application of the principle of optimization of occupational radiation protection.
  • Contribute to the harmonization of occupational radiation protection policies and practices, particularly in relation to the principle of optimization, in the different components of the national infrastructure: users of radiation sources, technical scientific support services and regulatory authorities.
  • Promote or support meetings and conferences where the scientific objectives of the Network can be discussed.
  • Contribute to the integration and cooperation in relation to the knowledge and specialized services in occupational radiation protection available to the participating countries.
  • Support and promote scientific publications dedicated to ionizing radiation applications and radiation protection.
  • Organization and support for conducting regional inter-comparison exercises on topics of interest.
  • Disseminate the news and results of the Network.

It was founded in June 2011, at the Instituto de Radioproteção e Dosimetria - IRD / CNEN in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In the first years the members of REPROLAM are indicated as representatives of the participating countries. In November 2019 the constitution of the Network has been revised and modified, so that members can now be individuals or institutions working in the field of radiation protection.

The administration of the Network is carried out by a steering committee compound by 5 persons elected by the effective members and a one IAEA representative. The Network has eight working groups, whose objectives and goals are presented in this document.

Goals

The main goals of the groups are:

  • External Dosimetry: Foster the development of external dosimetry techniques and their implementation in the services of the region. Contribute to the harmonization of services and compliance with international standards. Improve and develop the levels of preparation and training of laboratory and dosimetry services personnel. Transfer knowledge regarding external dosimetry among all stakeholders. Encourage mutual cooperation and recognition of services and laboratories, as well as the association with other organizations and institutions.
  • Internal Dosimetry: Facilitate regional cooperation among internal dosimetry analysts. Harmonize methodologies for internal exposure control, evaluation and in vivo and in vitro measurements of workers and the public. Train interested stakeholders on the calibration of internal dosimetry equipment, monitoring and evaluation of internal exposure. Facilitate the implementation of intercomparison programs for in vivo and in vitro measurement techniques, as well as of intercomparison exercises on internal exposure doses evaluation. Impart knowledge regarding internal dosimetry, events and related news among all stakeholders.
  • Biological Dosimetry: Contribute to the development and application of cytogenetic assays within the framework of radiation protection and emergency response programs, in order to strengthen the operational capacities of Latin-American region countries.
  • Computational Dosimetry: Establish a computational dosimetry permanent group to facilitate cooperation in dosimetric evaluations using computational methods. Foster periodic Monte Carlo code comparison exercises, and the installation of a regional server.
  • Metrology: Implement, update and harmonize calibration and test methods. Organize intercomparison exercises in areas of interest. Provide assays to other groups within the network. Spread knowledge about calibrations throughout the network.
  • End Users: Update and harmonize occupational radiation protection concepts. Clarify and strengthen methods and procedures of occupational health surveillance. Impart knowledge among authorities and users about occupational radiation protection in medical and industrial practices. Increase awareness regarding good practices in the use of ionizing radiation. Spread information on the application and    correct use of the radiation protection and personal dosimetry equipment.
  • Safety Culture: Publish fundamental knowledge on safety culture in radioactive activities and facilities, in order to foster and encourage its development through the application of the Safety Culture Guidelines of the Ibero-American Forum of Radiological and Nuclear Regulatory Agencies (FORO).
  • Safety Assessment: Provide technical knowledge on the radiation safety assessment process for facilities and activities that use ionizing radiation. Train end users to perform safety evaluations, and regulators for their revision.

Resources

Monthly a newsletter, in Spanish and English, is produced and distributed with the reprolam´s members. This newsletter contains information about events, courses, and radiological protection topics of interest to REPROLAM members. We kindly invite you to participate in the activities of REPROLAM and to promote the Network with the colleagues of the radiation protection area. Together we will contribute to promote the optimization of the radiation protection procedures in the Latin America and Caribbean region, reducing the radiation risks for workers, patients, and the environment.

For more information visit the REPLOLAM website.

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