Since its establishment, the IAEA has provided dosimetry for staff and advice to Member States. IAEA staff and experts undertake a large number of inspections and operational missions annually. The IAEA must ensure a high level of quality of measurements of radiation exposure for its staff and experts.

A project called Enhancing Radiation Safety through Efficient and Modern Dosimetry – RADSED - enables the IAEA to ensure its radiation measurement technologies are up-to-date.

The project, which will run from 2016 to 2026, focuses on the provision of accurate and cost-effective measurements of radiation exposures. It enables the IAEA and Member States to keep abreast of new scientific and technological developments in the monitoring of workers’ exposures.

In the past, it was easy to choose between individual dosimetry techniques as few options were available and most Member States used the same technique such as Thermoluminescent dosimeter. Now, many techniques are available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. RADSED aims to evaluate and compare measurement and dose-assessment technologies. The project includes dosimetric systems currently in use and those in advanced stages of development. The project aims to improve:

• Dose assessment of IAEA staff and external experts;
• Recommendations to Member States on more accurate and efficient modalities, recognising trade-offs between accuracy, efficiency and costs; and
• Recommendations to IAEA managers and to Member States for measurement systems for planned and non-routine operations.