ENER/D3/2021-105-3 Radio-toxicological Analyses of Bioassay Samples for Committed Effective Dose Assessment of Exposed Workers

Description

Radio-toxicological measurements of biological samples with subsequent assessment of doses due to intakes of radioactive substances are subject of this call for tender. The monitoring program foresees ‘routine’ radio-toxicological analyses of up to 300 urine samples and up to 30 faeces samples per year. However, annual allowance of 360 urine and 40 faeces samples analyses for actinides, 10 samples analyses for presence of a particular suspected isotope, 20 measurements of tritium, and 10 full assessments of committed effective dose and equivalent dose is envisaged under the tender specifications. Lot 1: About 170 staff members from different European Commission departments subject to individual monitoring provided by the contracting authority are occupationally exposed to ionising radiation in the course of their work. Under the European and national radiation protection regulations, any employer is responsible for implementing arrangements for the radiation protection of their workers. The employer shall arrange for precautions and radiation monitoring appropriate to the risks associated with the work involving external exposure to ionising radiation as well as doses due to potential intakes of radioactive substances. Therefore, the contracting authority has established a system for systematic monitoring, recording and reporting of individual radiation exposures. The individual radiation monitoring comprises also the regular detection of possible intakes of radioactive substances by means of biological excreta measurements (routine monitoring) as well as ad-hoc detection of possible intakes (special monitoring). The analyses should determine the concentration of radioactive actinides and of tritium, as described in the tender specifications. In cases where an intake of a significant amount of one or more radioactive substances is identified, the contractor shall estimate the 50 years committed effective dose as well as the equivalent dose. To assist with these calculations, the Medical Service of the Directorate-General for Human Resources and Security and/or the Health Protection Sector of the Contracting authority will deliver additional information on the exposed worker(s) concerned as required. Radio-toxicological measurements of biological samples with subsequent assessment of doses due to intakes of radioactive substances are subject of this call for tender. See internet address provided in section I.3).