In 2017 the International Radiation Protection Association published the results of its consultation on the System of Protection. Amongst other issues, this identified concerns of practitioners over the interpretation of what is ‘reasonable’ in applying the As Low as Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) concept; and that in some cases it has become too cautious and limiting, with a tendency towards an approach of minimisation of exposure rather than exercising a balanced judgement on what is ‘reasonable’. IRPA followed this up with a programme of work that included several international meetings on the subject. From this work IRPA identified generic lessons which underpin the process of optimisation of protection for all situations. To this end they have prepared a draft IRPA Statement on Reasonableness in Optimisation of Protection for which they seek the widest review and comment by the IRPA Associate Societies.

The subject is fundamental to the practice of Radiation Protection and it is important that the Society garners comments from our members. We will also be consulting with our UK Partner Societies. In order to produce an overall response to meet the IRPA deadline for comments, please send your comments as soon as possible, but no later than 20 July.