A click away: the newly launched e-learning module on IAEA Safety Standard General Safety Requirement (GSR) Part 3 on Radiation Protection and Safety of Radiation Sources provides a condensed overview of the safety requirements for radiation protection and for radiation sources.
"It is the first in a larger e-learning initiative that will cover all IAEA safety requirements," said Dominique Delattre, Head of the Safety Standards and Security Guidance Development Section at the IAEA. "In about one hour, those interested can get a good overview on the Safety Requirements and why they are important for the use of nuclear science and technology for peaceful applications."
The IAEA Safety Standards provide a robust framework of safety fundamentals , requirements and guides to meet the requirements for the safe use of nuclear and radiation technology in areas such as medical uses of radiation, the operation of nuclear facilities, the production, transport and use of radioactive material and the management of radioactive waste. They reflect an international consensus and serve as the global reference for protecting people and the environment from harmful effects of ionizing radiation. "Regulating safety is a national responsibility and the IAEA safety standards help regulators and operators achieve higher standards of safety," Delattre added. "To increase the awareness globally about the IAEA safety standards, making online learning available is vital."
The new e-learning module will provide users with a broad understanding of how the publication applies fundamental safety principles to radiation protection and safety of radiation sources; the application of radiation protection principles to each exposure situation; how requirements are applied for each exposure situation; and the specific responsibilities assigned to governments, regulatory bodies, licensees and workers to implement the safety requirements for radiation protection.
"This e-learning course not only provides a comprehensive introduction to the purpose and scope of the GSR part 3, but also, and even more importantly, may help with its applications," said Miroslav Pinak, Head of the IAEA's Radiation Monitoring and Safety Section. "For example, a comprehensive explanation of application of relevant requirements in different exposure situations is especially valuable for many Members States in helping them to develop radiation protection programmes."
How does it work?
In person, classroom-based capacity building efforts often attract participants who are established in the nuclear field, but e-learning can draw a wider selection of learners.
The module is broken down into four chapters: background, scope and structure of GSR part 3; planned exposure situations; existing exposure situations; and emergency exposure situations. Each chapter provides insights to the main areas of the publication. The module offers links to different resources focused on specific topical areas throughout, such as occupational radiation protection and justification of facilities and activities. This enables users to directly access the specific resources that are applicable to them.
Having 52 overarching requirements in total, the GSR part 3 is the lengthiest of all the general safety requirements. "This publication is so complex that it is useful to first have an initial introduction of the document in order to better comprehend its overall structure and interpret the content," said Tatiana Karseka-Yanev, Nuclear Safety Officer at the IAEA and one of the developers of this online course, "the e-learning module provides this framework and covers the GSR's in a manner that is easy to grasp and understand."
Those interested in completing the course can do so at any time free of charge through the IAEA Learning Management System.
