Use of Root Cause Analysis Methodologies as a Learning Tool in Radiological Protection Training

Abstract Root cause methodologies are used to investigate events in different types of human activities such as aerospace, nuclear, and chemical industries, where high risk is involved; its main objective is to find out for the main causes of the event, to develop corrective actions, and to give learned lessons in order to avoid recurrence. Radiological protection training is a basic for those workers exposed to radiation from nuclear sources or other types of radiation such as x rays. Most of the methodologies available use some common techniques; for example !arrier "nalysis, #vent and $ausal %actor $harting "nalysis, %ault &ree "nalysis and $hange "nalysis. Radiological protection is related to safety, and uses concepts based on distance, time and shielding; therefore, careful preparation should be taken to design, bring to operation and maintenance of these radiological installations; at all times, radiological protection measures must be taken. 'owever, as incidents occur the operational experience builds up and becomes an asset for training of newcomers in radiation protection. (e propose the use of this experience as a learning tool in classroom. &his will give insight in the foundations of radiological protection, as well in the application of its main concepts for planning tasks in real cases.