Risk Reduction Techniques-ALARA

In one of our previous blogs < http://quakeschool.blogspot.com/2010/11/approaches-in-risk-reduction-alarp.html> we spoke of some Risk Reduction concepts, and discussed ALARP (As Low As Reasonably Practicable) as an approach for risk reduction- this being our attempt to explore various approaches and concepts of use today in the Risk Management sector. The other widely used and known concepts are- ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) and SFAIRP (So Far As Is Reasonably Practicable). The main aim of these concepts is to assist clarity when an attempt is made to achieve Safety.

Let us discuss ALARA in this post.

ALARA is a risk reduction technique used in the field of ‘Radiation Protection’ to minimize the risk of radioactive exposure to humans. While, all the social and economic factors are taken into consideration with their own uncertainties involved, it requires that all reasonable steps are taken for protection; in other words, all must be done to lower radiation exposures below dose limits. ALARA is a regulatory requirement for almost all radiation safety programs the world over, and is found to be a sound safety principle. The risk is persistent; therefore, ALARA becomes a stricter standard than ALARP.

For example, the North Carolina State University (NCSU) <http://www.ncsu.edu/ehs/radiation/forms/alara.pdf> has its radiation safety program which attempts to lower radiation exposure received by workers by using cost effective measures. Every radiation exposure can have unfavorable effects which may result in increased risk of genetic mutation and cancer. ALARA also requires commitment to safety by all those involved. North Carolina code contains guidelines and regulations that require radiation workers to adhere to legal dose (exposure) limits as part of regulatory compliance.

Have a closer look again at the diagram. There is a clear distinguishing line between ‘Tolerable Region’ and ‘Un acceptable Region’, because in the former, risk is undertaken only if a benefit is desired; and in the latter, level of risk is not acceptable and is subject to continuous monitoring. To understand this, one can compare safety protocols needed in a simple ‘Office Building’ to a ‘Hospital or a School Building’.

Keywords

ALARA, ALARP, Risk Reduction Techniques, As Low As Reasonably Practicable, As Low As Reasonably Achievable, Radiation Protection