 There are three main topic areas where radiation safety is a direct concern to the steel industry: radioactivity in scrap and steel products, and naturally occurring radioactivity. Radiation safety
Corus has a specialist radiation team which acts as radiation protection adviser to the whole of Corus Group. Part of their duty is to administer the dosimetry service (radiation badges) for and inspect sites to ensure compliance with legislation. The radiation experts also provides advice and expertise on legislation, policy and technical matters. The development of EU directives and new UK legislation is monitored, and commented on. The teams’ expert advise is sought in the impact of UK legislation on steel industry processes, the measurement of electromagnetic fields and general advice in the use of lasers in compliance with British and European Standards. Radioactivity in scrap
Corus Swinden Technology Centre (STC) pioneered the development of radiation detection equipment for incoming scrap and were the first company to install such a system in Europe. There has been a continual programme of technical development and improvement to sensitivity, accuracy and ease of use of the Corus produced detection equipment, now available under the name Redeem®. Corus detector systems have been supplied to scrap processors and steelplants throughout Europe. In parallel procedures have been developed for safe working with radioactive materials found in scrap. The specialist radiation team is on call to provide assistance in incidents where radioactivity is found in scrap, and to advise on the safe handling and disposal of the material. The team will also aid in the development of procedures and equipment to detect (i.e. Redeem®) and handle such incidents. Radioactivity in products
Radiation monitoring of products (steel, slag, and off gas dust etc) has being implemented throughout the company. In the event of out-of-specification radiation levels detected, the Corus radiation experts are used to evaluate the situation, provide advise on actions required and the development of procedures to deal with such incidents. Because of increasing EU and World-wide environmental legislation customers of semi-finished steel products need to be assured that the steel materials that they are buying from the main steelmakers are free from levels of radiation that may cause further down-stream problems. Advice is given on suitable regimes for monitoring incoming material, and in the selection of appropriate instrumentation. Natural radioactivity in steel production
The sintering process used in production of iron from ore results in the concentration of volatile radioactive species in the emissions to atmosphere. The degree of concentration is such that in the UK the emissions have to be registered under the radioactive substances act. The Corus radiation specialist team will advise on technical aspects of measurement and assessment of the emissions and an assessment of the impact of the emissions on the local environment. | 
