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Abstract: During the in vivo counting of individuals using a whole body counter at nuclear power plants (NPPs), external skin contamination is occasionally mistaken for internal radioactive contamination. This not only confuses the degree of external contamination and internal contamination, but can also result in the excessively conservative estimation of radioactive contamination. In this paper, previous experiments to improve in vivo counting at NPPs are introduced briefly and the practical application of techniques presented in those experiments to Korean NPPs is demonstrated in detail. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: For use in a cost–benefit analysis to establish optimum levels of radiation protection in Korea under the ALARA principle, we introduce a discrete step function model to evaluate man-sievert monetary value in the real economic value. The model formula, which is unique and country-specific, is composed of real GDP, the nominal risk coefficient for cancer and hereditary effects, the aversion factor against radiation exposure, and average life expectancy. Unlike previous researches on alpha-value assessment, we show different alpha values in the real term, differentiated with respect to the range of individual doses, which would be more realistic and informative for application to the radiation protection practices. GDP deflators of economy can reflect the society''s situations. Finally, we suggest that the Korean model can be generalized simply to other countries without normalizing any country-specific factors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) published the new recommendations 2007 on radiological protection. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is also under process in revising its International Basic Safety (BSS). According to revision of the ICRP recommendations and BSS, the Korean government plans to implement those changes. In the 2007 ICRP recommendations, there are some new concepts, principles and quantities. Based on the study carried out by Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety (KINS) so far, the following points are identified as major areas that need further in-depth review and consideration for the implementation of the ICRP 2007 recommendations into Korean radiation protection laws and regulations; changes in the radiation risk factors, radiation weighting factors and tissue weighting factors, maintenance of the ICRP 60 dose limits, practical application of the dose constraints and determination of the reference levels in many source to individual exposure relationships, change from process-based system to exposure situation-based system, strengthening of the principle of optimization in all exposure situations, system of radiation protection for the environment, practical application of the exclusion and exemption principles, active participation of the stakeholders, changes in glossary etc. The study for the implementation of the ICRP 2007 recommendations into national legislations will be conducted till the end of 2012. In the meantime, draft regulations will be developed and the possible impact on the nuclear industry will also be analyzed and active involvement of the stakeholders including licensees will be encouraged in the entire process. The final draft of the revised laws and regulations will be issued in the early of 2013 and the formal legislation process of this final draft will commence in due course. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Several kinds of special form radioactive sources for industrial, medical applications are being produced in Korea. Special form radioactive sources should meet strict safety requirements specified in the domestic safety regulations and the design of the sources should be certified by the regulatory authority, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEST). Several safety tests such as impact, percussion, heating, and leak tests are performed on the sources according to the domestic regulations and the international safety standards such as ANSI N542-1977 and ISO 2919-1999(E). As a regulatory expert body, Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety (KINS) assesses various types of application documents, such as safety analysis report, quality assurance program, and other documents evidencing fulfillment of requirements for design approval of the special form radioactive sources, submitted by a legal person who intends to produce special form radioactive sources and then reports the assessment result to MEST. A design approval certificate is issued to the applicant by MEST on the basis of a technical evaluation report presented by KINS. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]