Summary of the WNA–ICRP workshop on optimisation of risk based on the all-hazards approach

ICRP initiated a review of the System of Radiological Protection. Contributing to this the World Nuclear Association (WNA) organised a workshop in collaboration with ICRP covering optimisation and communication as main topics. This article summarises the outcome of the optimisation part. ICRP and WNA addressed the expectations referred to the review and corresponding challenges. In this context ICRP mentioned the TG114 work, whereas WNA underpinned the need to include industry expertise in the review. A regulatory perspective and several examples of successful applications of the optimisation principle were presented. As an outcome, four main areas were identified, which need to be looked at more closely. These were the all-hazards approach as radiation was not always the primary hazard, graded approach as too much focus on very low doses doesn't deliver reasonable 'value for money' for society, balanced regulations for the different hazards as over-conservatism in one field hampers an all-hazards approach, and simplicity as the existing system in some parts confuses society and practitioners. ICRP isn't expected to develop an all-embracing 'all-hazards approach' to protection. A clear upfront top-tier statement in the revised Recommendations recognising that radiation cannot be considered in isolation would allow authorities to implement such an approach into the national regulations.