title: Risk analysis using fuzzy set theory of the accidental exposure of medical staff during brachytherapy procedures.
abstract: Using fuzzy set theory, this paper presents results from risk analyses that explore potential exposure of medical operators working in a high dose rate brachytherapy irradiation plant. In these analyses, the HEART methodology, a first generation method for human reliability analysis, has been employed to evaluate the probability of human error. This technique has been modified on the basis of fuzzy set concepts to take into account, more directly, the uncertainties of the so-called error-promoting factors on which the method is based. Moreover, with regard to some identified accident scenarios, fuzzy potential dose was also evaluated to estimate the relevant risk. The results also provide some recommendations for procedures and safety equipment to reduce the occurrence of radiological exposure accidents.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy. castiglia@din.unipa.it
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Castiglia
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Giardina
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Tomarchio
mesh_terms: D001918:Brachytherapy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D017143:Fuzzy Logic; D006801:Humans; D019300:Medical Errors / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D011834:Radiation Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D011835:Radiation Protection / Q000379:methods*; D018788:Radioactive Hazard Release; D011874:Radiometry / Q000379:methods*; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D017751:Safety Management / Q000379:methods