Executive Summary:
- On May 24, 2024, the Mexican Official Standard establishing the limits of radioactive contamination and criteria for its control (“NOM-008-NUCL-2024”), issued by the Ministry of Energy (“SENER”) (the “NOM”), was published in the Official Gazette of the Federation (“DOF”).
- The purpose of this NOM is to establish limits and criteria to control radioactive contamination in nuclear and radioactive facilities, protecting personnel and minimizing risks.
The NOM establishes permissible limits for radioactive contamination, both on the surface and suspended in the air, covering all nuclear and radioactive facilities in the country. These limits are essential to protect occupationally exposed personnel and ensure operational safety.
Contaminated areas must be clearly marked and delimited to prevent accidental transfer of radiation. It also requires the mandatory use of appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment to minimize exposure to radiation. The NOM also includes specific measures for monitoring and minimizing radioactive contamination, ensuring that all activities are carried out under strict safety controls.
SENER, through the National Commission for Nuclear Safety and Safeguards (CENSNA), will be the entity responsible for monitoring and ensuring compliance with this standard. Conformity assessments will be carried out through visual and documentary verifications, supplemented by interviews, to ensure that all provisions are properly complied with.
Additionally, it is important to note that the NOM details the methods for measuring surface radioactive contamination, both fixed and removable, using calibrated and appropriate equipment for the measurements. These procedures are essential to ensure the accuracy of the measurements and to obtain a true reflection of the contamination levels.
The NOM includes several appendices that provide additional and specific information:
- Specific values for surface contamination: Clear limits are established for different types of radionuclides.
- Criteria for the selection of protective clothing: The conditions under which each type of protective clothing should be used are described.
- Examples of effective dose equivalent estimates: Practical examples are included to illustrate the calculation of effective dose with and without respiratory protection equipment.
- Detailed procedures for direct and smear measurements: Detailed methods are provided for the measurement of radioactive contamination, ensuring the accuracy and consistency of the results.
Therefore, this NOM establishes a clear and detailed framework for the management and control of radioactive contamination in nuclear facilities, guaranteeing the safety of personnel and compliance with established standards. The NOM is essential to maintain high levels of radiological safety and protect both workers and the environment from the risks associated with radiation.
Link to the note:
https://dof.gob.mx/nota_detalle.php?codigo=5728406&fecha=24/05/2024#gsc.tab=0
