An alternative proposal for the regulatory framework of the large accelerator facilities in the Korean Nuclear Safety Act

Abstract

Large accelerator facilities for scientific research and particle accelerators for radiotherapy have been constructed in Korea. The environments requiring radiological protection procedures have changed substantially and the legal requirements have also increased. However, the same regulatory criteria that are applied to small radiation-generating devices also apply to large accelerator facilities. This study evaluates an approach that uses new criteria based on radiological risk to classify different types of large accelerator facilities. To inform this study, regulations and licensing procedures adopted in various countries were reviewed. The radiological risks from different types of particle accelerators and different types of accelerated particles were investigated in relation to current and planned large accelerators in Korea. The investigation was based on neutron yield and induced radioactivity calculations undertaken using the Monte-Carlo code FLUKA. Based on this analysis, we propose two categories for large accelerator facilities. In the process of the facility construction through to getting an operation permit, we also propose a graded approach, which would require changes in the Korean Nuclear Safety Act. A two-step licensing procedure with a prior review and a final permit for accelerator operation is very practical and conservative in the view of radiation protection. The review process for the revision of the Nuclear Safety Act is currently in progress and a major aspect of this revision reflects the results of this study.