Back to 250 millisieverts in case of emergency?

December 10, 2014

NRA mulls raising exposure limit in emergency

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/nuclear.html

Dec. 10, 2014 - Updated 11:21 UTC+1

Japan's nuclear regulation authority is considering raising the radiation exposure limit for workers in the event of an emergency, such as a nuclear accident.

During the Fukushima Daiichi plant's accident in 2011, many workers were exposed to radiation beyond the government limit of 100 millisieverts.

The government had to raise the limit for workers to 250 millisieverts, as a temporary exception.

Commissioners at the Nuclear Regulation Authority on Wednesday discussed revising the existing limit during an emergency.

They agreed that the revision should require power companies to get the prior consent of workers for possible health risks. Companies would also be required to provide education and training for workers to avoid unnecessary exposure.

NRA Chairman Shunichi Tanaka proposed that it would be appropriate to set the new limit at 250 millisieverts. He cited the temporary increase to that level during the Fukushima Daiichi accident.

Tanaka also said the emergency limit would be comparable to medium exposure levels set by countries overseas. He also stressed the importance of gaining prior consent and providing training for workers.

The commissioners agreed to continue discussing details of the new rules based on Wednesday's talks.