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Conference Spotlight
Nuclear Energy Conference & Expo (NECX)
September 8–11, 2025
Atlanta, GA|Atlanta Marriott Marquis
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Fusion Science and Technology
Latest News
The RAIN scale: A good intention that falls short
Radiation protection specialists agree that clear communication of radiation risks remains a vexing challenge that cannot be solved solely by finding new ways to convey technical information.
Earlier this year, an article in Nuclear News described a new radiation risk communication tool, known as the Radiation Index, or, RAIN (“Let it RAIN: A new approach to radiation communication,” NN, Jan. 2025, p. 36). The authors of the article created the RAIN scale to improve radiation risk communication to the general public who are not well-versed in important aspects of radiation exposures, including radiation dose quantities, units, and values; associated health consequences; and the benefits derived from radiation exposures.
Gaston Thiell, Xavier de la Roncière, Marc Dupont, Guy Coureau, Philippe Joyer
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 43 | Number 3 | May 2003 | Pages 478-483
Technical Paper | Safety and Environment | doi.org/10.13182/FST03-A294
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Risk assessment of a complex system that uses new technologies is described: the MegaJoule Laser (LMJ). The steps to obtaining the safety and security goals for LMJ are highlighted, i.e., to ensure safe operation, to put in place detection systems and means to prevent or limit serious accidents, and to limit the consequences to the environment and the workers. The objective is to show what has been done during LMJ design and construction to prevent serious accidents during routine operations and maintenance.The risks during operations and maintenance of the LMJ facility are identified by a preliminary risk analysis. The safety management to address adequately the protective features is described. As an example, a main accidental scenario in the LMJ target area is emphasized: workers' exposure to hazardous levels of nuclear radiation. The LMJ operation and maintenance safety requirements that must be taken into account by the industrial firms to which LMJ contracts have been awarded are discussed.