ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a concise description of the philosophy of radiation protection, the problems associated with the design and operation of a large radiation facility and offers some solutions to the problems. There are a number of related aspects to be considered when establishing a health physics or radiation protection program. Radiation protection is accomplished by combination of active and passive means. The setting of radiation protection standards requires consideration of compensatory trade-offs between currently assumed hazards and benefits. The enormous environmental problems which are associated with the construction and operation of large nuclear-fueled power-generating plants are not characteristic of a large food irradiation facility. The standard established by the American Board of Health Physics (ABHP) for the certification of health physicists is a suitable working standard for use in evaluating candidates although for most facilities, certification is probably not a reasonable prerequisite.
