C05032: Recovery handbook for UK nuclear accidents
Thursday 14 October 2004
This research project will produce a recovery handbook to guide decision makers through available recovery options in the event of a radiation incident.
Background
Technical and other relevant data should be available for decision makers in the aftermath of a radiation incident to support decisions on recovery of all environments. NRPB undertook a scoping study for the FSA and the Environment Agency to propose the structure and content of a recovery handbook. This received very positive feedback and a steering group was formed to co-fund and progress the development of the recovery handbook.
Research Approach
The project is split into four phases.
1. A preliminary handbook will be produced to reflect current understanding on recovery for inhabited and rural areas, bringing together existing information.
2. Through a workshop to explore issues on practical implementation of recovery options in inhabited areas. To consider format options for the handbook.
3. Detailed development of the handbook and trialling of the handbook in a number of fora. Production of a paper version and a CD version.
4. Finalise the recovery handbook.
Additional Information
This project is co-funded by the National Radiological Protection Board, Food Standards Agency, Environment Agency, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Scottish Executive, Department of Environment Northern Ireland and Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Results and findings
The recovery phase of an incident generally follows the emergency phase and is when efforts are focussed on a return to normality. The purpose of this project was to produce a handbook to guide decision-makers through available recovery options in the event of a radiation incident.
The project successfully produced a Handbook which compiles information on recovery options, and has been produced in five sections to aid navigation.
There is an introductory section giving background to Recovery and Radiation Protection, and sections dealing with recovery options for the following environments: Agricultural Food Production, Domestic Food Production and Gathering of Free Foods, Inhabited Areas and Drinking Water.
Each section details legislative and radiological aspects, descriptions of the recovery options, decision trees to assist in the choice of options, and a large number of comprehensive datasheets, giving detailed information on each of the recovery options. The handbook is available in paper and CD versions.
The information provided in this handbook represents a significant improvement in available resource in this area, by compiling all available information in a common format within one place.
This will be a valuable resource to the Agency in responding to any radiological incidents involving the dispersal of radioactivity into the environment.
The Handbook is also of use to all organisations with a responsibility to respond to radiological incidents.
This project was co-funded by the National Radiological Protection Board now the Health Protection Agency- Radiation Protection Division, Food Standards Agency, Environment Agency, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Scottish Executive, Department of Environment Northern Ireland and Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Dissemination information
The final report is available from the Agency's Information Centre.
To obtain a copy, please contact the Enquiry Desk, Information Services, Food Standards Agency (tel: 020 7276 8181/8182 or email: infocentre@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk)
Contact: For any enquiries concerning this research project, please contact the relevant Programme contact or email: science@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk HPA website: UK Recovery Handbook for Radiation Incidents: 2005