Attributes of Effective Review and Audit

DOE-STD-1136-2004

Guide of Good Practices for Occupational Radiological Protection in Uranium Facilities

3.2.2.6 Attributes of Effective Review and Audit

Evaluation of the effectiveness of an ALARA program requires both reviews and auditing. The

reviews will include detailed examination of the written ALARA program plan and the records of ALARA

activities. The objectives in such reviews are to find if the written plan is being followed, and what is

working or not working well. Such reviews can be performed adequately by either a knowledgeable

member of the facility staff or an equally knowledgeable outsider. The written report of a review should

be directed to a member of management who is responsible for implementation of the ALARA program.

Audits are best performed by an outside expert who is knowledgeable about work with uranium

and its radiological characteristics so that the auditor can look for problems and make appropriate

evaluations and recommendations. The auditor should not only examine the ALARA program plan and

records, but should also visit the working areas and laboratories in the facility with a knowledgeable escort

who can answer questions about activities and conditions in the facility.

Reviews and/or audits provide the means to evaluate the effectiveness of the ALARA program

through a detailed analysis of the data. Through these analyses, specific opportunities for improvement

may be identified. For example, the exposure experience of a specific group can be tracked to evaluate

trends and their probable causes. An increasing exposure trend can signal degradation in the radiological

control program, a need for specialized training, changes in the work force, or a change in equipment or

operational procedure in the areas in which higher exposures are being experienced. Similarly, a decreasing

exposure trend could mean either that the ALARA program is accomplishing its objective or that a major

change in radiological work has occurred. Such trends should be examined at least quarterly to permit

initiation of timely corrective actions.

When exposure trends and probable causes are clearly understood, the information should be

provided to both management and staff. If an increasing exposure trend is identified, it can call attention to

the problem allowing corrective action to be taken or to signal special procedures or precautions that may

be needed. When the ALARA program is successful in reducing exposures, immediate feedback can verify

program effectiveness and encourage further support of the program.

Reviews and/or audits and communication of the results provide the base for program upgrade.

Audits and/or reviews are also an effective means to evaluate the effectiveness of a policy or procedure

change and assist in determining what changes are most effective for a given set of conditions, provide a

basis for future decisions as to effective means for reducing exposure, provide a basis for comparing costs

with results, and provide a measure of the program's effectiveness for controlling individual and person-

rem exposures as well as dose ranges and percentage of total person-rem represented by the ranges.

3.2.2.7 ALARA at Uranium Processing Facilities

The ALARA concept has wide application and serves as a basis for sound radiological control

programs. The fundamental ALARA objective is to reduce radiation doses to the lowest practical levels

commensurate with sound economics and operating practices. Realistic numerical goals can be set and

achieved; however, compliance with numerical standards does not provide evidence that the ALARA

concept is fully incorporated in the radiological control program. Rather, the success of a mature ALARA

program is measured by many factors including intangibles, such as dedication to the concept of

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