A wider perspective on the selection of countermeasures

In the past, the decision to apply countermeasures following nuclear accidents has been based primarily on their effectiveness in averting dose to man. However, particularly in recent years since the Chernobyl accident in 1986, it has been realised that other factors also need to be considered. These include the reasons and justification for introducing the countermeasure, the time scale over which they will be used, their effectiveness and their practicability. Practicability includes factors such as technical limitations and capacity, exposure during implementation, potential environmental impacts, economic implications and acceptability (both social and ethical) as well as a number of site specific issues. These criteria have been used to evaluate a range of commonly used countermeasures and a spreadsheet information system has been prepared by the members of an IUR Action Group. The system highlights factors to be taken into consideration in making a decision on the implementation of countermeasures.