The impact of radiation protection training on the radiological safety and the related culture of exposed workers in Greece

Abstract

The safe use of radiation sources presupposes the engagement of personnel adequately educated and trained on radiation protection and with the necessary safety culture. This is necessary in order to understand their responsibilities and perform their duties in the safest way for themselves, the public and the patients, where appropriate. The Greek Atomic Energy Commission (EEAE) provides education and training on radiation protection to scientists, technical personnel and members of emergency response teams as well as the recognition of the related programs. To fulfil its role, EEAE implements a strategy on education and training in radiation protection through the development of appropriate programs which take into account the national needs, as well as the national capabilities and resources. In this respect, 65 one and two day training seminars were organised in the period 2011-2017 which were attended by 3126 radiation workers (i.e. medical radiology and nuclear medicine technologists, industrial radiographers and outside workers). The present work demonstrates a quantified assessment of the impact of EEAE training activities on particular categories of radiation workers. The study indicates a reduction inH_p(10) values as well as in the corresponding standard deviations of medical radiology technologists, nuclear medicine technologists, and industrial radiographers. A 48% decrease was also observed in the collective dose of medical radiology technologists with cumulativeH_p(10) values higher than the investigation level. Moreover, an important improvement of specific safety culture indicators, such as the percentage of non-returned personal dosemeters was noticed and presented.

Keywords: education; occupational exposure; safety culture; training.