[en] Full text: In answer to the question, 'What are the main problems in operational implementation of radiation protection standards', the author identifies several and these are summarized below. The first problem is due to the fact that in most cases practices began a long time before the setting of standards. The standards were established after countries had widely applied the many applications of atomic energy and radioisotopes. This resulted in a lack of personal monitoring over a long time. It was years before any exposure record was established for radiation workers in developing countries. Moreover, if any accident happened, it was not reported officially. The right of occupational workers to compensation was lost. This affected the later practices as workers developed bad practices in handling radioactive sources and harmful work habits. Working without guides or standards will result in work difficulties with regard to changing habits or observing new rules and procedures. The second problem is that in most developing countries, and for reasons of 'catching up', standards may not reflect the real situation of the country. This is mainly due to the translation of such standards from another language having been undertaken by non-specialists or persons inexperienced in the field of radiation practices. In some cases even the objectives may be lost in translation, not to mention that standards prepared for one region may not necessarily be applicable to another owing to differences in the governmental system or even to human attitudes. The third problem in implementation is that relating to the preparation of the standards themselves. Most developing countries suffer a lack of well-qualified specialists. Also, owing to poor communication between users, administrators and scientists, the quality of the prepared standards themselves may be poor and they may contain many contradictions which, if discovered during their implementation, may lead to their not being applied. In developing countries, the composition of committees responsible for setting standards can create some problems. Some will be only members because they are holding high degrees. The feedback for applications and how it affects the revision of poorly or well written standards has a large impact on the quality of standards and their implementation. The fourth problem in the implementation concerns the methods of how the standards documents are prepared and distributed. The language of the standards helps in clearing up any misinterpretation. The availability of all documents and the distribution and reminding of all occupational workers and other authorities of their availability will contribute to reducing the problems of operational implementation of standards. The fifth problem in operational implementation of standards is the lack of experienced and qualified regulatory staff in most developing countries. Also, there is a lack of good training programmes on those parts of the standards relevant to operators, regulators and inspectors. We found that the education, training and safety culture of these groups are the main keys with which to overcome all the operational problems in the implementation of radiation protection standards. (author)