Scientific Study on
External Ionising Radiation Exposure during Vehicle Radiographic Inspections
“X-ray Study” UNECE – WP.30
Geneva, 12 June 2012
(c) International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2012
Jens Hügel Head – Sustainable Development
This is the IRU
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(c) International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2012
Evolution of IRU Membership
1948: eight founder countries
2012: 170 Members in 73 countries
2012: 22 CRIPA Members
2012: 170 Members in 73 countries
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Security demands lead to increase in vehicle scanning
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Is there a health and safety risk for drivers?
Scientific Study
(c) International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2012
Study by the Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health Zagreb, Croatia – Recommended by the ILO
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There are 2 typesof scanners used at borders
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Silhouette Scanner Driver sits inside
the vehicle
Driver drives the vehicle through the scanner
There are 2 typesof scanners used at borders
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LINAC Scanner Driver is not in
the vehicle
LINAC scanner moves along the stationary vehicle
Study Methodology
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Background radiationwas measured and equipment calibrated
Phantom driver control measurements
Drivers carriedpersonal dosimeters
Dosimeters wereplaced in the cabin
Study Methodology
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On site scanning and safety procedures were observed and compared with accepted international standards
Customs officers, x-ray scanning operators, inspection staff and drivers were interviewed at every border crossing visited
Study Results
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Customs keep history track of every truck-company - driver scanned (blacklist?)
Study Results
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Scanning stationary vehicles takes considerable time
Clear information on the scanning process is missing
Border authorities were sometimes not acquainted with radiation protection standards
Study Results
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There is an occupational health and safety risks for drivers if safety procedures are not followed
No residual radiation occurs in the vehicle
Study Results
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Internationally recognised radiation protection standards are not always followed
4 Main Recommendations
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1. Install appropriate information panels everywhere x-ray scanning is performed
2. Develop x-ray scanning certificates to avoid repetitive scanning and to accelerate the x-ray scanning process
3. Implement internationally recognised x-ray scanning procedures
4. Improve education of drivers, Customs officers and x-ray scanning operators on the functioning and risks of x-ray scanning
Save the date!
(c) International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2012Page 15
www.iru.org
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