Page 27 - AERB Bulletin English

Safety Surveillance of Radiation Facilities

Radiation Applications in Medical,
Industry and Research The Graded approach in AERB Consenting
Process based on Radiation Hazard
Potential
Radiation sources such as radioisotopes
192
( Ir, 60 Co, 137 Cs, 170 Tm, 75 Se, 241 Am, 99m Tc) and radiation
generating equipment (X-ray machines, accelerators) are
being used in multifarious and ingenious ways to achieve
overall societal health and prosperity. The radiation sources
have a wide range of applications in the industry, medicine,
LICENCE
agriculture and research institutions and AERB regulates
these facilities/institutions. These sources possess radiation
hazard potential ranging from very low to high. Proper design,
handling and disposal methodologies are required for ensuring AUTHORISATION
safe and intended use of radiation sources. Regulation of these
sources is in accordance with the radiation hazard potential
involved and the extent of use in the public domain.
REGISTRATION
As per the Atomic Energy (Radiation Protection) Rules,
2004 promulgated under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, the
radiation sources are classified as LICENCE, AUTHORISATION, APPROVAL
REGISTRATION and CONSENT/APPROVAL categories,
based on their hazard potential. Accordingly, the statutory
requirements are graded and may require multiple stages
of approval to address the hazard, before final issuance of
consent to operate the facility/ equipment.

Medical Applications of Radiation Sources

Radiotherapy

Teletherapy

Teletherapy is a branch of radiotherapy in which
tumour is treated by using ionising radiation
keeping radiation source(s) at certain distance.
The radioisotope like 60 Co and radiation
generators such as Linear Accelerators are used.

Proton Beam Therapy

It is a type of radiation therapy that uses a beam of protons
having energies 70 to 230 MeV. Proton beam is specifically
beneficial in treating paediatric cancers and deep-seated
tumours more effectively than the conventional Gamma/ X-ray
radiation therapy. First-of-a-kind Proton Beam Therapy facility
in the country was licensed in December 2018.

Sources and devices used in teletherapy are of high radiation
hazard potential.

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AERB BULLETIN 2019
AERB BULLETIN 2019