Säteilyspoikkeamille

Säteilyspoikkeamille is Finnish terminology used to describe deviations from defined radiation safety parameters or regulatory limits in activities involving ionizing radiation. The term covers both actual deviations and near-miss events that could have led to increased exposure, contamination, or loss of control of radioactive materials. In practice, poikkeama refers to non-compliance with procedures, dose thresholds, or equipment performance that could affect safety.

Säteilypoikkeamat are typically managed through a reporting and investigation process. The responsible license holder or employer records the event, notifies the relevant regulatory authority if required, and conducts a root-cause analysis to identify contributing factors and corrective actions. Depending on severity, the event is classified as a minor deviation, a significant deviation, an incident, or an accident. Corrective actions may include changes to procedures, training, maintenance, or shielding improvements, and preventive measures to prevent recurrence.

The concept is used across sectors that handle ionizing radiation, including medical imaging and therapy, nuclear power and fuel cycle facilities, research laboratories, industrial radiography, and waste management. Handling säteilyspoikkeamille is part of broader radiation protection and safety culture efforts, aiming to minimize unnecessary exposure to workers and the public and to ensure compliance with dose limits and contamination standards.

Examples of säteilyspoikkeamille include incorrect dose administration in radiopharmacy, failure of monitoring equipment, loss of shielding integrity, contamination events, or workflow deviations that could increase exposure.