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

(c) International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2012Page 6

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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