Unless a different meaning is clearly required by context words and phrases used in this chapter shall have the following meanings: General terms common with other chapters as defined in chapter
173-400 WAC, and terms specific to the standards and limits of radionuclides as defined in this section.
(1) "ALARA" means as low as reasonably achievable making every reasonable effort to maintain exposures to radiation as far below the dose standards in this chapter as is practical, consistent with the purpose for which the licensed activity is undertaken, taking into account the state of technology, the economics of improvements in relation to the state of technology, the economics of improvements in relation to benefits to the public health and safety, and other socioeconomic considerations, and in relation to the utilization of nuclear energy, ionizing radiation, and radioactive materials in the public interest.
(2) "As low as reasonably achievable control technology" (ALARACT) means the use of radionuclide emission control technology that achieves emission levels that are consistent with the philosophy of ALARA.
(3) Best available radionuclide control technology "BARCT" means technology which will result in a radionuclide emission limitation based on the maximum degree of reduction for radionuclides which would be emitted from any proposed new or modified emission units which the permitting authority on a case-by-case basis, taking into account energy, environmental, and economic impacts and other costs, determines is achievable for such emission unit or modification through application of production processes or available methods, systems, and techniques. In no event shall application of best available radionuclide technology result in emissions of radionuclides which would exceed the ambient annual standard limitation specified in this chapter.
(4) "Effective dose equivalent" means the sum of the products of absorbed dose and appropriate factors to account for differences in biological effectiveness due to the quality of radiation and its distribution in the body of reference man.
(5) "Radionuclide" means any nuclide that emits radiation.
(6) "Rem" means a unit of dose equivalent radiation.
[Statutory Authority: RCW
70.94.331 and
70.94.422. WSR 07-12-003 (Order 06-15), § 173-480-030, filed 5/23/07, effective 6/23/07. Statutory Authority: RCW
70.94.331. WSR 86-10-053 (Order 86-04), § 173-480-030, filed 5/7/86.]