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Exposure to natural radiation: norm and radon

PROINSA offers specialised services to manage exposure to naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) and radon gas, guaranteeing the safety of people and respect for the environment. We carry out characterisation studies, radiological monitoring, waste management and training, applying ALARA measures to minimise exposure and comply with current regulations. We adapt our solutions to specific industries and environments, always prioritising protection and sustainability.

Industries Norm

In certain areas, exposure to natural sources of radiation consisting of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM materials) may be relevant. This is regulated by Royal Decree 1029/2022 and the Nuclear Safety Council Instruction IS-33.

PROINSA provides radiological protection services for NORM materials in order to determine whether there is a significant exposure of employees or members of the public from the point of view of radiological protection and, if so, to intervene, guaranteeing our top priority: the protection of people and respect for the environment.

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Specialised Services in Radiation Protection against NORM materials

Comprehensive solutions to ensure natural radiation safety and regulatory compliance

Advice on radiation protection measures

Radiological characterisation studies

Preparation of the radiation protection manual and waste management plan NORM

Classification of work areas (with specific consideration of maintenance work)

Classification of exposed workers

Rules for access, stay and work in areas with radiological risk

Radiation and contamination monitoring

Waste management NORM (including sorting and marking)

Monitoring of liquid and gaseous effluents and estimation of doses to the public

Maintenance, verification and calibration of systems for the detection and measurement of ionising radiation

Dosimetric surveillance of workers

Verification of compliance with medical surveillance requirements

Staff education and training

Implementation of other ALARA measures

Types of NORM Industries

Rare earth mining.

Production of thorium compounds and manufacture of thorium-containing products

Niobium/tantalum ore processing

Oil and gas production

Geothermal energy production (excluding domestic energy)*.

Manufacture of titanium dioxide pigments

Phosphate rock mining and processing

Zirconium silicate and zirconium oxide processing (in particular in the refractory industry, foundry industry and ceramics industry)

Cement production (specifically maintenance of clinker kilns)

Coal-fired thermal power generation

Primary iron/steel, tin, copper and aluminium production

Groundwater filtration installations

Mining and processing of metallic ores other than uranium*.

Manufacture of pulp and paper* Kaolin extraction*.

Facilities with work activities involving the storage, handling or disposal of waste NORM

(*) Sector not currently included in CSN Instruction 1S-33, but which is expected to be regulated once the transposition of Directive 2013/59/Euratom is completed.

Commitment to radiation safety

Protection of People and the Environment

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RADON exposure

The presence of Radon gas in certain areas may also constitute a relevant source of radiation, which is regulated by Royal Decree 1029/2022 and Instruction IS-33 of the Nuclear Safety Council. PROINSA provides radiological protection services against exposure to Radon gas in order to determine whether there is a significant exposure of employees or members of the public, from the point of view of radiological protection and, if so, to intervene, guaranteeing our top priority: the protection of people and respect for the environment.

Determination of the equilibrium factor of the air concentration of radon progeny or other parameters that may significantly influence the dose assessment.
Determination of temporal fluctuations (day/night, occupied building/empty building, etc.).
Determination of times of permanence in the different areas.
Determination of doses associated with certain tasks.
Proposal of dose reduction measures.
Dosimetry surveillance.
Personnel education and training.
Application of other ALARA measures.

Places of exposure to RADON

Underground workplaces such as construction sites, tunnels, mines (other than uranium mines) and caves.
Places where groundwater is processed, handled or used.
All workplaces located below ground level or on the ground floor of priority municipalities.