Elaboración de un Plan de Protección Radiológica para el Laboratorio de Ensayos No Destructivos de la Escuela Politécnica Nacional

Abstract

Nowadays some requirements to ensure the quality and reliability of materials, components or pieces through techniques that include exposure to ionizing radiation have generated the emergence of a discipline in charge of providing recommendations to maximize its use and ensure staff health and security. For this reason, radiation protection has become a task of mandatory implementation for all institutions that use ionizing radiation. This project develops a plan, according national and international standards, to optimize and ensure the protection of operators at the Nondestructive Testing Laboratory of the Escuela Politécnica Nacional during the execution of a radiography testing. The hierarchical structure at the laboratory and the responsibilities of each member are defined. Radiation protection measures are established like: signage, standards and inspection procedures recommendations for staff training and equipment maintenance. Shielding design at the laboratory is verified. Recommendations for a new distribution in the physical space of the Laboratory and alternatives for new equipment are defined. Finally a discussion of the results and the importance of the creation of a protection program is performed, and how mechanical engineering is involved in this issue.