Recommendations for guidelines on radiation protection measures for Health/Medical/Welfare Activity Teams operating in a nuclear disaster

Abstract

【Background and Objectives】 In response to the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, the Japanese Red Cross Society (JRCS) has established standards for disaster relief team activities during a nuclear disaster and conducted training based on these standards. However, discrepancies have emerged between Japan’s nuclear disaster prevention system and JRCS standards. Our standards examined radiation protection measures applicable to all Health/Medical/Welfare Activity Teams involved in nuclear disasters. 【Outline of the new guidelines】 (1) Operations are prohibited in warning areas. (2) Exposure doses should be less than 20 mSv in principle and less than 50 mSv as a maximum, but efforts should be made to minimize exposure doses. (3) Pregnant individuals will not be dispatched. (4) Individuals exposed to doses exceeding 1 mSv will receive health monitoring. (5) Dispatch organizations should provide regular education and training to personnel during normal times. 【Summary】 Current JRCS standards emphasize safety and may unduly restrict relief efforts. Although the upper limit of radiation exposure has been raised, we strived to balance safety and activities by providing training in advance, safety management during activities, and health management after activities. We expect these guidelines apply to the JRCS and all Health/Medical/Welfare Activity Teams.