Latest ICRP Publication: Radiological Protection in Geological Disposal of Long-lived Solid Radioactive Waste, ICRP Publication 122, Ann. ICRP 42(3), 2013; W. Weiss, C-M. Larsson, C. McKenney, J-P. Minon, S. Mobbs, T. Schneider, H. Umeki, W. Hilden, C. Pescatore, M. Vesterlind

This report updates previous recommendations of the ICRP related to geological disposal of long-lived solid radioactive waste. The report explains how the ICRP system of radiological protection described in Publication 103 (2007) can be applied in the context of the geological disposal of long-lived solid radioactive waste. 

This report describes the different stages in the life time of a geological disposal facility, and addresses the application of relevant radiological protection principles for each stage depending on the various exposure situations that can be encountered. In particular, the crucial factor that influences the application of the protection system over the different phases in the life time of a disposal facility is the level of oversight or ‘watchful care’ that is present. The level of oversight affects the capability to control the source, i.e. the waste and the repository, and to avoid or reduce potential exposures. Three main time frames are considered: time of direct oversight, when the disposal facility is being implemented and is under active supervision; time of indirect oversight, when the disposal facility is sealed and oversight is being exercised by regulators or special administrative bodies or society at large to provide additional assurance on behalf of society; and time of no oversight, when oversight is no longer exercised in case memory of the disposal facility is lost (Source: www.icrp.org).