Title: ProRad: a computer program to provide practical guidance in radiological emergency assessment and response

Authors: Alfredo L. Ferreira Filho, Fernando R.A. Lima, Eduardo C.M. Loureiro

Addresses: Centro Regional de Ciencias Nucleares (CRCN), Comissao Nacional de Energia Nuclear (CNEN), Av. Professor Luiz Freire 200, 50740–540, Recife, PE, Brazil. ' Centro Regional de Ciencias Nucleares (CRCN), Comissao Nacional de Energia Nuclear (CNEN), Av. Professor Luiz Freire 200, 50740–540, Recife, PE, Brazil. ' Escola Politecnica, Universidade de Pernambuco, Rua Benfica, 455, Madalena, 50751–450, Recife, PE, Brazil

Abstract: This work describes ProRad, a computer program that provides in a useful and functional way the tools, generic procedures and data necessary to support the on-scene controller, the radiological assessor and other members of a generic response organisation in case of a radiological emergency. It is based on the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) technical document Generic Procedures for Assessment and Response during a Radiological Emergency (IAEA-TECDOC-1162). These procedures provide action criteria that are clear, concise and predetermined and based on present knowledge and accumulated experiences, allowing immediate decision making. The application software has been developed using Borland Delphi 6.0 (Object Pascal), a powerful programming tool for the development of computer software that allow the creation of applications on the Microsoft Windows platform. The aim is to provide, by means of a portable computer, practical guidance for emergency response that will enhance the basic assessment and response capability needed to protect the public and emergency workers in case of different types of radiological emergencies. In addition to appropriate protective action recommendations, it will also provide (when necessary) general guidance on the recovery of radioactive sources and initial cleanup operations. The philosophy is to keep the process simple and fast, yet effective. The software is available in Spanish, English and Portuguese.

Keywords: radiological accident response; accident assessment; radiological emergency management; emergency planning; emergency workers; first responders; radiological assessor; computer-aided emergency management; emergency response tools; radiation emergencies; crisis management; portable computers.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLR.2009.029314

International Journal of Low Radiation, 2009 Vol.6 No.4, pp.352 - 359

Published online: 18 Nov 2009 *

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