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Project Code [2018-HW-MS-13]
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Project title
Personal Online DosImetry Using computational Methods
Primary Funding Agency
Environmental Protection Agency
Co-Funding Organisation(s)
n/a
Lead Organisation
St. James's Hospital
Lead Applicant
Una O'Connor
Project Abstract
Individual monitoring of radiation workers is essential to allow application of the ALARA principle and for compliance with legal dose limits. However, uncertainties still exist in personal dosimetry. The objective of this project is to improve occupational dosimetry by an innovative approach: the development of an online application based on computer simulations without the use of physical dosimeters. Doses will be assessed based on technology such as personal tracking devices, flexible phantoms combined with X-ray geometry. The objective is to develop an online application in which we will calculate individual occupational doses in real-time, instead of measuring them with one or more dosimeters. The methodology will be validated for workplaces where improvements in dosimetry are needed including interventional radiology. The legal aspects to introduce this as an official dosimetry method will be established. The proposed online personal dosimetry application shall overcome the problems that arise from current passive and active dosimeters. Such limitations include uncertainty in assessing doses when part of the body is shielded, the delay in calculating the doses and the situation where workers position dosimeters incorrectly. In addition, it will increase awareness among workers and will improve the application of the ALARA principle. In the project plan, one work-package (WP6) is dedicated to the dissemination of the project results in order to achieve maximum impact of the online application. One of the tasks will be to investigate the criteria for the approval of online dosimetry in legal terms. The project advisory board will be closely involved in this task. Communication with stakeholders will take place, with representatives of governmental bodies (HERCA), end-users (ILO), societies of exposed workers (EFOMP, EFRS) and medical sector representatives. A two-day final workshop is also planned. The main aim of this workshop will be to emphasize and discuss the ALARA principle and to present the advantages of online dosimetry systems in routine practice. Scientific dissemination is planned through participation in national and international conferences, workshops, project website, social media networks, PhD theses and publications in peer-reviewed open-access scientific journals.
Grant Approved
�88,750.00
Research Hub
Healthy Environment
Research Theme
Health and well being
Initial Projected Completion Date
29/02/2020