1. The Role of Personal Protective Equipment
For Radiological Dose Control
T Bain
Arnhem 2003

2. Objectives Share BNFL experience of PPE usage
Demonstrate effectiveness of PPE
Discuss standards and expectations of PPE

3. Operational Challenges
Routine operational activities
Decommissioning redundant facilities
New challenges

4. Personnel Protection Hierarchy of control Radiation protection systems
Biological screening
PPE contribution

5. PPE Expectations Functional and fit for purpose Protects
Meets operational requirements Protects , Cost effective
Complies with standards Meets relevant standards
Acceptable to the wearer Comfortable , Safe

6. PPE For Radiological Protection

7. PPE - Usage

8. Selection of PPE - Industry Model
Workplace Assessment - Analysis
NRPB Re-suspension models
Historical information
Little data assume pessimism
Specification of PPE- ALARP

9. Selection of PPE - Regulatory Model
Workplace Assessment Derives
Workplace Protection Required Derives
Selection of effective PPE

10. Application of Air-fed Suits
Suits for Respiratory & Dermal Protection
RPE of choice for maximum challenge
Dedicated Safety Department
Variety of suits for BNFL operations

11. Indicators of Suit Protection
EN 1073/1 Standard performance data
Successful application in operations
From biological health surveillance
Suit wearers have confidence

12. Non-ventilated Protective Suits
Most suits meet the standard - EN 1073/2
Workplace Applications
Workplace Compatibility
Standards versus Functionality

13. Respiratory Protective Equipment
Applications
Role in personnel protection
Protection Factors
Requirement for fit testing

14. Respirator Fit Testing
Training opportunity
Respirator fit assurance

15. Half-mask for Dose Reduction

16. Reassurance of protection
No measurable contamination inside PPE
No measurable contamination by nose blow or facial swabs
Biological / in vivo sampling indicates no significant chronic uptake
Reassurance from Standards & Test Houses

17. Standards & Guidance - Old
Nominal Protection Factors
PPE manufacturers guidance
PPE selected on operational (historical) experience
Radiological hazards partially addressed by regulators

18. New Standards and Guidance
UK - HSG 53
Assigned Protection Factors Requirements for Respirator Fit Testing
European - EN Wider European introduction
PPE Quality Standards
EN 1073/1 & EN 1073/2

19. Complying with New Standards
Standards esoteric - based on laboratory testing
Manufacturers PPE - designs to pass tests
PPE practicality and workplace functionality can be impaired
Regulators have new expectations o f our industry
Transition to new equipment and standards

20. Factors Driving PPE Developments
New technology materials available
Changing operational requirements
BNFL have a PPE Improvement Policy
Users, operators, regulators seek higher protection - ALARA

21. Expanding Suit Range Versatility: Protective skin concept
Improved Ergonomics: Functionality /human factors
Technology Advancements High air delivery systems

22. Summary PPE use at Sellafield is supported by robust safety regimes
BNFL are able to demonstrate the protection of employees
Significant contribution from PPE for personnel dose reduction
Realistic Standard setting and application is essential

23. THE FUTURE