Work agreements between IMG and ANVS on radiation monitoring at the Ministry of Defence
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) uses radiation and radioactive materials in many different ways. The Military Health Inspectorate (IMG) is the body charged with monitoring the safety of this use. The Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection (ANVS) safeguards and promotes radiation protection in the Netherlands. In order to bolster each other in their monitoring activities, the Military Health Inspectorate and the ANVS have reached work agreements. We signed these agreements on 18 March.
Safety of military personnel, population and environment
The Military Health Inspectorate and the ANVS both monitor the use of radiation and radioactivity. Are the rules and regulations adhered to and are these materials used safely? The IMG is tasked with monitoring specific use within the MoD. They look at the safety of military personnel, civilians working for the MoD and the safety implications for the immediate vicinity and the wider environment. They fulfil this role in the Netherlands, but also in relation to operational deployments abroad. The ANVS ensures that the population and the environment in the Netherlands are protected from radiation. In practice, there is considerable overlap between the work of the Military Health Inspectorate and the work of the ANVS.
More comprehensive monitoring
Inspectors from both organisations are already working together on a regular basis. These new work agreements will ensure even better cooperation. For example, we have agreed to keep each other abreast of any inspections we conduct at MoD sites. We may also decide to initiate joint inspections or share findings. In addition, we can take joint action in the event of incidents involving ionising radiation and radioactive substances.
Use of radiation at the Ministry of Defence
The Ministry of Defence uses ionising radiation in many different ways. For example, it employs dentists who use X-ray machines. Sealed sources are also used for purposes such as non-destructive testing (NDT). The Ministry of Defence’s complex licence (in Dutch) contains further details about how it makes use of ionising radiation and radioactivity.