Radiation Protection Principles for the Disposal of Solid Radioactive Waste

Takes into account the variable probabilities by generalising from a system of dose limitation to a system of risk limitation and showing how this can be applied. This report discusses the long timescales involved in solid radioactive waste disposal, in terms of truncation of calculations of collective dose equivalent.

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The application of the system of dose limitation recommended by the ICRP to the disposal of solid radioactive waste involves consideration of two special factors: the probabilistic nature of future exposures and the long timescales involved. This report takes into account the variable probabilities by generalising from a system of dose limitation to a system of risk limitation and showing how this can be applied. The long timescales involved in solid radioactive waste disposal are discussed in terms of truncation of calculations of collective dose equivalent, the weight to be assigned to future detriments and the use of utililty values in quantifying the significance of exposures with a low probability of occurrence. The report also includes a discussion of exemption rules to be used in deciding whether a waste stream should be subject to control and of operational aspects of solid radioactive waste disposal.