Surface-clearance levels for the normal reuse of objects for 413 radionuclides

Area of Science:

• Nuclear safety
• Radiation protection
• Radiological engineering

Background:

• Nuclear facilities generate objects with residual radioactive contamination.
• Safe reuse of these objects requires defined surface-clearance levels.
• Existing clearance levels may not cover all radionuclides or scenarios.

Purpose of the Study:

• To derive surface-specific clearance levels for 413 radionuclides.
• To support the normal reuse of objects leaving controlled nuclear areas.
• To provide guidance on applying these clearance levels.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the SUrface DOse QUantification (SUDOQU) model for probabilistic dose assessments.
• Derived four sets of clearance levels based on different dose coefficient choices.
• Applied general dose criteria and a dose constraint for the representative person.

Main Results:

• Established surface-clearance levels for 413 radionuclides.
• Clearance levels account for both fixed and removable radioactive contamination.
• Results are presented considering the conservatism of exposure scenarios and dose coefficients.

Conclusions:

• The derived surface-clearance levels facilitate the safe reuse of objects from nuclear facilities.
• Guidance is provided for selecting and applying appropriate clearance values.
• The study contributes to robust radiation protection practices in nuclear decommissioning and waste management.