Radiation Readiness Reimagined: Latvia Updates Rules Due to Rising Threats 0 9

The Ministry of Climate and Energy (MCE) has developed and submitted for public discussion a draft regulation titled "Requirements for Readiness for Radiation Accidents and Actions in the Event of Such Accidents."

As explained by the MCE, considering geopolitical challenges and the fact that it has been 20 years since the previous regulations were developed, it is necessary to update the requirements to align with the current situation and create a unified understanding of the actions needed in the event of a radiation accident.

The draft revises categories of radiation risk, planning and response systems, proposes new standard levels of protection for the population and workers, and improves public awareness, institutional cooperation, and health monitoring.

The MCE emphasizes that one of the most important issues of readiness for radiation accidents is assessing potential threats to determine necessary measures. In accordance with the guidelines of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the draft regulation establishes five categories of threats.

Objects in the first and second categories of threats are those that require extensive readiness measures and actions both on-site and off-site (for example, various types of nuclear power plants).

The third category includes objects whose threats related to ionizing radiation are limited to buildings or areas (for example, medical facilities or laboratories).

The fourth category includes radiation accidents that may occur anywhere, sometimes in combination with other categories of threats (for example, moisture density meters, static electricity removal devices, consumer goods).

The fifth category concerns actions where there is a high likelihood that as a result of a radiation accident at objects in the first or second category (including outside the country), products will be contaminated with radiation to such an extent that immediate restrictions on their use will be required.

This category of threats is also relevant for Latvia, considering that the Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant is located approximately 100 kilometers away, and there are nine nuclear power plants within a radius of 500 kilometers from Latvia.

General criteria for readiness and actions in the event of a radiation accident define possible doses of ionizing radiation and are formed in accordance with IAEA guidelines.

As noted by the MCE, to ensure prompt actions in the event of a radiation accident, it is important that the facility where work with sources of ionizing radiation is conducted has a readiness and action plan.

The draft regulation provides for the mandatory development of a plan for operators of objects in the first, second, and third categories of threats. For objects in the fifth category, the State Civil Protection Plan applies, as it includes nuclear power plants from other countries. In the case of the transportation of radioactive materials (fourth category), a detailed readiness plan is not required, but the operator is obliged to have an action plan for emergencies.

The procedure for coordinating plans is also clarified: the operator first coordinates the plan with the State Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) and the Radiation Safety Center of the State Environmental Service (SES), and then with the local government.

To ensure the implementation of the activities provided for in the plan, it will be tested every four years and revised as necessary.

The draft also includes requirements for the protection of employees involved in the elimination of the consequences of radiation accidents.

The MCE emphasizes the importance of informing the public about necessary actions in the event of a radiation accident, especially in the case of nuclear incidents at nuclear power plants in other countries.

The draft regulation stipulates that the SFRS, together with the Radiation Safety Center, disseminates information on the effects of ionizing radiation and radiation accidents, protection measures, and instructions for the population at least once every three years. This information is posted on the websites of the SFRS and SES, as well as in the media.

Separate sections of the draft describe the planning and implementation of protective measures, as well as informing the population in the event of radiation accidents of state and regional scale.

The MCE will be responsible for leading response measures and eliminating consequences in such situations. The Radiation Safety Center provides information about the accident, assesses the situation, and offers protection recommendations.

Initial notification is provided by the SFRS, using information prepared by the Radiation Safety Center. After transmitting initial information to the MCE, the ministry also coordinates the provision of recommendations to the population and professional groups.

At the early stage of response, the SFRS informs the population based on data from the SES. After initial notification, the SFRS will notify the population located in the accident impact zone.

In the event of a radiation accident with victims exposed to ionizing radiation, medical monitoring will be conducted based on recommendations developed by the Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital (PSCUH). Long-term monitoring will also be provided by PSCUH.

The draft regulation includes a description of actions in the most likely radiation accident scenarios for Latvia: traffic accidents involving vehicles transporting radioactive materials; accidents in the operator's control zone; accidents caused by unauthorized actions with sources of ionizing radiation; detection of stolen or lost sources.

The draft also defines general criteria for the completion of a radiation accident and the transition from an emergency radiation situation to an existing one, as well as the conditions under which a decision may be made to declare the radiation accident over. The decision to terminate the accident is made by the Radiation Safety Center.