Area:
Research & Applications

Topics:
Nuclear energy, radionuclide laboratories, reactor technology, decommissioning and decontamination, waste management

Security:
Passport

Transport:
Bus leaves 12.15 hrs and returns approx. 20.30 hrs

Nota Bene:
Wednesday morning refresher courses (three sessions) may be attended

Lunch:
Lunch boxes offered by IRPA 2018 organisation

Schematic program:

• Reception/Security Coffee/Tea
• Tour Decontamination and internal dosimetry (dedicated to Radiation Physicians)
• Technical visit: Whole body counting laboratory & decontamination wing
• Coffee/Tea pause
• Transport to Lakehouse for refresher course
• Refresher course: Low dose effects of ionising radiation by: Marjan Moreels

Information:

SCK•CEN is one of the largest research institutions in Belgium and  conducts fundamental and applied nuclear research at an advanced scientific level and in an international context. The activities of SCK•CEN are focused on three main research topics: the safety of nuclear installations, the well-considered management of radioactive waste, and human and environmental protection against ionising radiation. Next to performing research to peaceful applications of radioactivity, SCK•CEN provides specialist services such as consultancy and organises training courses via its SCK•CEN Academy for Nuclear Science and Technology. For more general information see SCK•CEN under Technical Visits (4 Tours).

In the whole-body counting laboratory direct gamma measurements are performed on people to determine the doses from internal contamination of radionuclides through inhalation, ingestion or via wounds. Typical measurements used are whole-body counting, lung measurements, thyroid measurements, wound measurements, etc. All those measurements must be performed within a low background radiation environment with adjusted calibration.

There is a special space mainly used for decontamination of staff members who were accidentally contaminated by radioactivity (which, fortunately, happens very rarely). To this end, measurement setups, showers, shower tables, a decontamination bath, special detergents, aerosol devices, specific drugs, etc. are available. This infrastructure can also be used for radioactive decontamination of staff members from external companies and even for the general public as part of the Belgian Nuclear Emergency Plan.