Radiotoxicology testing for Euratom inspectors
The European Commission, DG XVII, has published a call for tender for tests in the field of physical health for Euratom's safety control nuclear inspectors. Since inspectors are exposed to a potential risk of radioisotope incorporation, they need to undergo regular professional monitoring in accordance with the latest scientific developments. Among existing tests, radiotoxicology tests on excreta form the basis for monitoring workers in research centres and the nuclear industry exposed to possible radiation. The checks must include the following two tests: - Tests on urine samples: Determination of the possible presence of radioactive contamination of the sample with respect to the following radioisotopes: natural uranium (alpha activity measure), plutonium 239 and americium 241; - Measures on faeces samples: Determination of the possible presence of the following radioisotopes in the sample: natural uranium (alpha activity), plutonium 239, americium 241 and thorium. The number of samples to be tested will be between 40 and 80 per year. An exact timetable will be determined by mutual agreement. The awarding authority will arrange for the samples to be taken to the laboratory (in frozen form for the faeces) in suitable containers supplied by the laboratory for faeces and urine samples. With respect to routine tests, the results thereof will be forwarded in the four weeks following the test. In the case of positive results the Commission's safety control or medical service will be alerted immediately by telephone (no later than three days after the test). In addition, the contracting party shall undertake to carry out urgent non-scheduled tests which could be required after an accident or incident. In this case, the medical service will be notified immediately of the test results and the laboratory manager must be able to be contacted easily and quickly during office hours so as to clarify the results if deemed necessary by the medical service. Requests for additional information may be sent to: European Commission Medical Service Jean Monnet Building L-2920 Luxembourg Tel. +352-430132592 Completed tenders should be sent to: European Commission Directorate-General for Energy (DG XVII) Euratom's Safety Control Division Batiment Cube Plateau du Kirchberg L-2920 Luxembourg Tel. +352-430132202; Fax +352-430133545