News Archive

The National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) is proud to announce the publication of NCRP Report 187, Operational Radiation Safety Program. View the Publication Overview.

The primary purposes of this report are to describe the essential elements, basic principles, and practices that comprise an operational radiation safety program and to update the guidance provided in NCRP Report No. 127, Operational Radiation Safety Program. Since Report No. 127 was published in 1998, the NCRP has published 19 additional reports covering radiation safety in specific settings such as veterinary medicine and educational institutions or impacting specific aspects of operational radiation safety. Where appropriate, these reports have been summarized or referenced in this report. Note that nonionizing radiation (e.g., laser safety) and radiation safety associated with space travel are outside the scope of this report.

The essential elements of a radiation safety program are described in detail, are appropriate for all radiation safety programs, and should be applied in a graded approach, commensurate with the hazards presented by radiological operations. An appendix expands on the report material and presents unique considerations for establishing and implementing operational radiation safety programs in specific occupational settings.

This report is intended for individuals with responsibility for establishing and implementing an operational ionizing radiation safety program. It provides guidance for the development of new radiation safety programs and serves as a useful tool for assessing mature radiation safety programs. This report may also be useful to the management of an organization or institution regarding the basic elements and requirements of an operational radiation safety program.

The Health Physics Society (HPS) is very pleased to note that all 16 coauthors, including NCRP Program Area Committee (PAC) 2 Chair Kathryn Pryor, and the 3 technical advisors responsible for this report are longtime HPS members.