Assessments - doe-std-1098-99_reaffirmed_2004

DOE-STD-1098-99

Radiological Control

Excellence in Radiological Control

June 2004

134 Assessments

Assessment, as used in this Standard, refers to the process of providing independent feedback to senior line managers to

indicate the adequacy of the radiological control program.

Inspections, audits, reviews, investigations, and self-assessments are part of the numerous checks and balances

needed in a good radiological control program. Internal audits of the radiation protection program shall be

conducted such that over a 36-month period, all functional elements are assessed [see 835.102]. The audits should

address program performance, applicability, content, and implementation. These audits should be performed by the

radiological control organization, the quality assurance organization, or other organizations having the requisite

knowledge to adequately assess radiological control activities.

Identification of the functional elements of the program depends upon many site- or facility specific factors. Based

upon the contents of 10 CFR 835, the following functional elements should be considered for inclusion in the

assessment program:

Personnel dosimetry and dose assessment

Portable and fixed instrumentation

Radiological monitoring (area and item monitoring)

ALARA program

Accident and emergency dose controls

Radioactive material control, including sealed radioactive source control and material release

Entry controls

Training

Posting and labeling

Records and reports

Radiological design and administrative controls

Managers, supervisors, and workers should look upon assessments as helpful. It is desirable to approach

assessments with nothing to hide and with the radiological control program as an open book. Results of

assessments should be incorporated into the ongoing process of improving radiological control performance.

Managers should encourage the positive view that identifying even minor deficiencies represents an opportunity for

further improvement. The number of deficiencies does not in itself measure the overall quality of the radiological

control program. A prioritization system to implement actions for resolving the deficiencies should be

implemented.

In developing corrective action plans for assessment activities, managers should address root causes for the

identified deficiencies or concerns, not just the specific symptoms identified by the reviewer.

Feedback on findings from assessments, root-cause analyses, status of corrective actions, and adherence to action

plan schedules should be frequently provided to management.

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