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Maintaining skills through training courses
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The field of radiation protection includes the use of radiation sources
and radioactive substances in medicine, industry and research as well
as the exposure to natural sources of radiation. The qualified
competence of persons in charge of radiation protection is essential
for maintaining a high level of safety for occupationally exposed
workers, patients and the general public.
Over the last years, there has been a noticeable deterioration in
necessary radiation protection competencies. The safe management and
disposal of radioactive waste will continue to have a high priority and
require specialised expertise - radiation protection among others - as
well as activities related to the decommissioning of nuclear facilities.
The application of safeguard measures and the development of defence
procedures against nuclear hazards require sophisticated measuring
methods and specialised technological tools. Adequately trained
personnel with a high level of competence in radiation protection are,
therefore, also needed in this area.
Harmonisation of qualifications in radiation protection in the European Union
Within the context of a single market and expansion of the European Union (EU), harmonisation
of qualifications of radiation protection experts, defined as Qualified
Expert in the EU Council Directive 96/29/Euratom, is of vital
importance for the free movement of workers within Europe.
In order to meet changing demands, to achieve an equivalent level of
qualified competence in radiation protection and to facilitate
recognition of expert's competence in radiation protection, which would
then enable the international exchange of personnel, actions should be
taken in addition to various national approaches to harmonise
curricula, length of study and basis for recognition of the acquired
qualifications.
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