R02004: Optimon T, Development of a software programme for a computer-based decision-aiding tool to optimise monitoring resources.
Thursday 23 October 2003
This research project aims to produce a software tool to guide decision-makers on the sampling of various types of foods produced around nuclear sites.
Study Duration: October 1995 - October 2005
Contractor: Health Protection Agency: Radiation Protection Division (HPA-RPD)
Background
The software tool will help the Agency make decisions on the appropriate level of resources to devote to monitoring, including the number and type of food samples to investigate around each nuclear site in England and Wales. The programme will be populated with data on dose trends, foods locally available and radionuclides discharged from each nuclear site. This will allow the Agency to use its monitoring resources proportionately in relation to site discharges.
Research Approach
The project will develop the relevant software and an Access database link.
The final deliverable will be in the form of a software package (Optimon-T) and a manual.
Results and findings
The project produced a software package (optimon-T) which uses an expert-judgement system to assist the Agency in balancing the radiological monitoring resources required around each nuclear site in England and Wales. Prior to the development of the software the decision on monitoring resources was based on previous history, rather than considering many factors and weighting these appropriately.
The software will be a valuable tool to the Agency in aiding decisions on monitoring resources, including the amounts and types of food samples to be taken, so that ultimately the potential doses to local consumers can be estimated and compared to EU annual dose limits.
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