CODE NO. AERB/RF-RPF/SC-1 (Rev.

1)

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

AERB SAFETY CODE

RADIATION PROCESSING FACILITIES

ATOMIC ENERGY REGULATORY BOARD

AERB SAFETY CODE NO. AERB/RF-RPF/SC-1 (Rev. 1)

RADIATION PROCESSING FACILITIES

Approved by the Board in November 2015

Atomic Energy Regulatory Board

Mumbai-400 094
India

October 2016
 Price:

Order for this ‘Safety Code’ should be addressed to:

The Chief Administrative Officer

Atomic Energy Regulatory Board
Niyamak Bhavan
Anushaktinagar
Mumbai-400 094
India
 FOREWORD

Activities concerning establishment and utilization of nuclear facilities and use of

radioactive sources are to be carried out in India in accordance with the provisions of the
Atomic Energy Act, 1962. In pursuance of the objective of ensuring safety of
occupational workers, members of the public and protection of the environment, the
Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has been entrusted with the responsibility of
laying down safety standards and enforcing rules and regulations for such activities.
The Board has, therefore, undertaken a programme of developing safety standards,
safety codes, and related guides and manuals for the purpose. While some of these
documents cover aspects such as siting, design, construction, operation, quality
assurance and decommissioning of nuclear and radiation facilities, other documents
cover regulatory aspects of these facilities.
Safety codes and safety standards are formulated on the basis of internationally
accepted safety criteria for design, construction and operation of specific equipment,
structures, systems and components of nuclear and radiation facilities. Safety codes
establish the objectives and set requirements that should be fulfilled to provide
adequate assurance for safety in nuclear and radiation facilities. Safety guides elaborate
various requirements and furnish approaches for their implementation. Safety manuals
deal with specific topics and contain detailed scientific and technical information on the
subject. These documents are prepared by experts in the relevant fields and are
extensively reviewed by advisory committees of the Board before they are published.
These documents are revised, when necessary, in the light of experience and feedback
from users as well as new developments in the field.
AERB Safety Code titled 'Operation and Maintenance of Land Based Stationary
Gamma Irradiator'(AERB/SC/IRRAD), published in 1993 was applicable to the users
of the Gamma Radiation Processing Facilities (GRAPF) only. However, in the recent
past, various new designs of GRAPF have emerged and installed in the country. At the
same time, industrial accelerator radiation processing facilities (IARPF) utilizing the
radiation generating equipment such as e-beam and X-rays are also gaining momentum
for radiation processing applications. The design requirements for GRAPF are covered
in the AERB Safety Standard titled 'Land-Based Stationary Gamma Irradiators'
[AERB/RF-IRRAD/SS-6 (Rev-1), 2007].
This safety code is effective from the date of issue and supersedes the earlier safety code
on the subject 'Operation and Maintenance of Land Based Stationary Gamma
Irradiators' (AERB/SC/IRRAD; 1993) and it consolidates all the regulatory
requirements relevant to radiation processing facilities utilising sources of ionizing
radiation including radioactive sources and radiation generating equipment (GRAPF &
IARPF) in a single document. Appendices are an integral part of the document, whereas
bibliography is included to provide further information on the subject that might be
helpful to the user(s).
The first draft of Safety code was prepared by a consultant experienced in the safety
review of Radiation Processing Facilities. It has been reviewed experts in the field,
AERB Safety Review Committee for Radiation Processing Plants (SRC-RPP),

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Standing Committee for Review and Revision of AERB Radiation Safety Documents
(SC-RR-RSD) and Advisory Committee on Radiological Safety (ACRS) have further
reviewed and vetted it for issue. The draft safety code was placed on AERB website for
public comments and the same was suitably modified considering the comments.
AERB wishes to thank all individuals and organisations who have prepared and
reviewed the draft and helped in its finalisation. The list of experts, who have
participated in this task, along with their affiliations, is included for information.

(S.A. Bhardwaj)
Chairman, AERB

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 DEFINITIONS

Activity
The quantity 'A' for an amount of radio nuclide in a given energy state at a given time is
defined as:
A = dN/dt
Where 'dN' is the expectation value of the number of spontaneous nuclear
transformations from the given energy state in a time interval 'dt'. The SI unit of activity
is the reciprocal of second (s-1), termed the Becquerel (Bq).
ALARA
An acronym for 'As Low As Reasonably Achievable'. A concept meaning that the
design and use of sources, and the practices associated therewith, should be such as to
ensure that exposures are kept as low as reasonably achievable, with economic and
social factors taken into account.
Applicant
Any person who applies to the Competent Authority for consent to undertake any of the
actions for which the consent is required.
Approval
Atype of regulatory consent issued by the Regulatory Body to a proposal.
Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB)
A national authority designated by the Government of India having the legal authority
for issuing regulatory consent for various activities related to the nuclear and radiation
facility and to perform safety and regulatory functions, including their enforcement for
the protection of site personnel, the public and the environment against undue radiation
hazards.
Commissioning
The process during which structures, systems and components of a nuclear and
radiation facility, on being constructed, are made functional and verified to be in
accordance with design specifications and to have met the performance criteria.
CompetentAuthority
Any official or authority appointed, approved or recognised by the Government of
India for the purpose of the Rules promulgated under theAtomic EnergyAct, 1962.
Consent
It is a written permission, issued to the 'Consentee' by the regulatory body to perform
specified activities related to nuclear and radiation facilities. The types of Consent are
'Licence' 'Authorisation', 'Registration', and 'Approval' and will apply according to the
category of the facility, the particular activity, and radiation source involved.

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Consentee
A person to whom consent is granted by the Competent Authority under the relevant
Rules.
Contamination
The presence of radioactive substances in or on a material or in the human body or other
place in excess of quantities specified by the CompetentAuthority.
ControlledArea
A delineated area to which access is controlled and in which specific protection
measures and safety provisions are, or could be, required for:
(a) controlling normal exposures or preventing the spread of contamination
during normal working conditions; and
(b) preventing potential exposures or limiting their extent should they occur.
Decommissioning
The process by which a nuclear or radiation facility is finally taken out of operation, in a
manner that provides adequate protection to the health and safety of the workers, the
public and the environment.
Disposal
The emplacement of waste in a repository without the intention of retrieval or the
approved direct discharge of waste into the environment with subsequent dispersion
Dose
A measure of the radiation received or absorbed by a target. The quantities termed
absorbed dose, organ dose, equivalent dose, effective dose, committed equivalent dose,
or committed effective dose are used, depending on the context. The modifying terms
are used when they are necessary for defining the quantity of interest.
Dose Limit
The value of the effective dose or the equivalent dose to individuals from controlled
practices that should not be exceeded.
Emergency
A situation which endangers or is likely to endanger safety of the site personnel, the
nuclear/radiation facility or the public and the environment.
Emergency Plan
Aset of procedures to be implemented in the event of an accident.
Employer
Any person with recognised responsibility, commitment and duties towards a worker in

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his or her employment by virtue of a mutually agreed relationship. (A self-employed
person is regarded as being both a worker and employer).
Exposure
The act or condition of being subject to irradiation. Exposure can be either external
(irradiation by sources outside the body) or internal (irradiation by sources inside the
body). Exposure can be classified as either normal exposure or potential exposure;
occupational, medical or public exposure; and in intervention situations, either
emergency exposure or chronic exposure. The term 'exposure' is also used in radiation
dosimetry to express the amount of ions produced in air by ionising radiation.
Handle
Manufacture, possess, store, use, transfer by sale or otherwise export, import, transport
or dispose of.
Inspector (Regulatory)
Aperson authorised by the Regulatory Body to carry out regulatory inspection.
Irradiation Cell
An enclosed area in the irradiator where the product is irradiated.
Irradiator
A facility that houses a particle accelerator, X-ray machine or large radioactive sources
for imparting high radiation dose to materials.
Licence
A type of regulatory consent, granted by the regulatory body for all sources, practices
and uses for nuclear facilities involving the nuclear fuel cycle and also certain
categories of radiation facilities. It also means authority given by the regulatory body to
a person to operate the above said facilities.
Monitoring
The continuous or periodic measurement of parameters for reasons related to the
determination, assessment in respect of structure, system or component in a facility or
control of radiation.
Person
Any individual, or a company, or association, or body of individuals, whether
incorporated or not or central government or a state government.
Potential Exposure
Exposure that is not expected to be delivered with certainty but that may result from an
accident at a source or owing to an event or sequence of events of a probabilistic nature,
including equipment failures and operating errors.

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QualityAssurance
Planned and systematic actions necessary to provide adequate confidence that an item
or a facility will perform satisfactorily in service as per design specifications.
Radiological Safety Officer (or Radiation Safety Officer)
Any person who is so designated by the employer and who, in the opinion of the
Competent Authority, is qualified to discharge the functions outlined in the Atomic
Energy (Radiation Protection) Rules, 2004.
Radiation Generating Equipment
Device capable of generating radiation, such as X-rays, neutrons, electrons or other
charged particles.
Regulatory Body
(See 'Atomic Energy Regulatory Board')
Sealed Source
Radioactive source material that is either permanently sealed in a capsule or is closely
bounded and in solid form. The capsule or material of a sealed source shall be strong
enough to maintain leak tightness under conditions of wear and tear for which the
source was designed and also under foreseeable mishaps.
Source
Anything that causes radiation exposure, either by emitting ionising radiation or
releasing radioactive substances or materials.
Radiation Cell
(See 'Irradiation Cell')
Radiation Worker
Any person who is occupationally exposed to radiation, and who in the opinion of the
Regulatory Body, should be subjected to radiation surveillance.
Regulatory Constraints
Restrictions on radiation protection parameters specified by the regulatory body.
SupervisedArea
Any area not designated as a controlled area but for which occupational exposure
conditions are kept under review even though specific protective measures and safety
provisions are not normally needed.
Worker
Any person who works, whether full-time, part-time or temporarily, for an employer
and who has recognised rights and duties in relation to occupational radiation
protection. (A self-employed person is regarded as having the duties of both an
employer and a worker).

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 SPECIAL DEFINITIONS
(Specific for the Present Safety Code)

Facility Operator
Facility operator is a person who is certified in compliance with the eligibility criteria as
specified by the Regulatory Body and is required to operate the facility as per written
instructions and established standard operating procedures.
Gamma Irradiation Chamber
Gamma Irradiation Chamber is a type of Self-Contained Dry Source Storage Gamma
Irradiator. In this irradiator sealed gamma sources are completely contained in a dry
container constructed of solid materials. The sealed sources are shielded at all times,
and human access to the sealed sources and the volume undergoing irradiation is not
normally possible in its design configuration.
Gamma Radiation Processing Facility (GRAPF)
A radiation processing facility containing radioactive sources emitting gamma
radiation and associated systems used for delivering prescribed dose to a specified
target in a preset time.
IndustrialAccelerator Radiation Processing Facility (IARPF)
A radiation processing facility containing radiation generating equipment such as an
electron-beam accelerating device and emitting electron beam or X-rays. It also
consists of associated systems for delivering prescribed radiation dose to a specified
target in a preset time.
Licensee
A person to whom license is granted by the Competent Authority under the relevant
Rules.
Radiation Processing Facility (RPF)
A facility containing radiation sources and associated systems used for delivering
prescribed dose to a specified target in a preset time. GRAPF and IARPF are referred to
as radiation processing facilities. The term 'facility' used in this safety codes shall mean
an RPF, unless specified otherwise.
Safety Interlock
A safety interlock is an engineered device for precluding likely exposure of an
individual to ionizing radiation, either by preventing entry to the controlled area or by
automatically removing the cause of the exposure.

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 CONTENTS

FOREWORD ........................................................................................ i
DEFINITIONS ........................................................................................ iii
SPECIAL DEFINITIONS ......................................................................... vii
1. INTRODUCTION ...................................................................... 1
1.1 General ......................................................................... 1
1.2 Objective ....................................................................... 1
1.3 Scope ............................................................................. 2

2. REQUIREMENTS FOR OBTAINING LICENCE .................... 3

2.1 General Requirements ................................................... 3
2.2 Regulatory Requirements for Obtaining Licence ......... 3
2.3 Site Approval ................................................................ 3
2.4 Approval for Design and Construction ......................... 4
2.5 Consent for Commissioning/Approval for First
Source Loading ............................................................. 4
2.6 Licence for Operation ................................................... 5
2.7 Additional Requirements .............................................. 5

3. RESPONSIBILITIES OF PERSONNEL ................................... 6

3.1 Employer ....................................................................... 6
3.2 Licensee ........................................................................ 7
3.3 Radiological Safety Officer (RSO) ............................... 9
3.4 Operator......................................................................... 10
3.5 Manufacturer/Supplier .................................................. 11

4. RADIATION MONITORING .................................................... 13

4.1 Work Place Monitoring ................................................. 13
4.2 Individual Monitoring ................................................... 13

5. SOURCE LOADING/UNLOADING IN GAMMA

RADIATION PROCESSING FACILITY (GRAPF) .................. 15
5.1 Preparation .................................................................... 15
5.2 Source Loading/Unloading Operation .......................... 15
5.3 Emergency..................................................................... 16
5.4 After Completion of Source Loading/Unloading ......... 16

6. MODIFICATIONS IN RADIATION PROCESSING

FACILITY ................................................................................. 17
6.1 Approval for Modifications .......................................... 17
6.2 Consultation for Modification ...................................... 17
6.3 Re-commissioning after Modification .......................... 17
7. SECURITY OF THE RADIATION PROCESSING FACILITY 18
7.1 Security of Sources ....................................................... 18
7.2 Security Guidelines ....................................................... 18

8. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE PLANS 19

8.1 Emergency Response Plan ............................................ 19
8.2 Response Measures ....................................................... 20
8.3 Emergency Preparedness .............................................. 20

9. DECOMMISSIONING .............................................................. 21
9.1 Approval for Decommissioning .................................... 21
9.2 Decommissioning Report ............................................. 21
9.3 Financial Provisions for Decommissioning .................. 21

APPENDIX A : REQUIREMENTS FOR INDUSTRIAL

ACCELERATOR RADIATION PROCESSING
FACILITY (IARPF) ..................................................... 22

APPENDIX B : QUALITY ASSURANCE DURING OPERATION

OF RADIATION PROCESSING FACILITY............... 30

BIBLIOGRAPHY...................................................................................... 36

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS ........................................................................ 38

SAFETY REVIEW COMMITTEE FOR RADIATION PROCESSING

PLANTS (SRC-RPP) ................................................................................ 38

STANDING COMMITTEE FOR REVIEW AND REVISION OF

AERB RADIATION SAFETY DOCUMENTS (SCRRRSD) ............... 39

ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON RADIOLOGICAL SAFETY (ACRS) .. 40

LIST OF REGULATORY SAFETY DOCUMENTS ON

RADIATION PROCESSING FACILITIES .............................................. 41
 1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 General
Radiation Processing facilities that utilize ionizing radiations are used for a
variety of beneficial applications such as sterilization of medical products,
food processing, mutation breeding and industrial processing. The amount of
radioactivity in a gamma radiation processing facility (GRAPF) is typically
about 1015-1017 Bq (1 PBq-100 PBq). The industrial accelerator radiation
processing facilities (IARPF) included in this safety code are all electron
accelerator based radiation processing facilities. IARPF use either electron
beam generated from machine sources operated at or below an energy level of
10 MeV and/or X-rays generated from machine sources operated at or below
an energy level of 7.5 MeV. As with any other industrial equipment or plant,
the radiation processing facility also has some potential hazards during
operation. These hazards are related to unintended exposure to radiation, fire
and breaches in security.
The requirements for radiation processing facilities are intended to prevent
accidents and to provide for the protection and safety measures. The
magnitudes and likelihood of exposures and the number of individuals
exposed are required to be kept as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA),
economic and social factors being taken into account.
The terms 'ionizing radiation' and 'radiation' are used interchangeably in this
safety code, and both mean the same thing unless specified as otherwise.
1.2 Objective
The purpose of this safety code is to prescribe all safety requirements for
design, construction, operation, emergency management, servicing,
maintenance and decommissioning of a radiation processing facility (RPF).
These include:
(i) Prevention of undue exposure of workers and members of the public
to ionizing radiation, non-ionizing radiation and noxious gases-
achieved through engineered safety features (such as protective
barriers, interlocks, ventilation), compliance with approved
administrative controls and appropriate monitoring.
(ii) The magnitudes and likelihood of exposures and the number of
individuals exposed are required to be kept as low as reasonably
achievable (ALARA), economic and social factors being taken into
account.
(iii) Prevention of environmental and facility contamination with
radioactive substances- achieved through engineered safety features,
compliance with approved administrative controls and appropriate
monitoring.

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1.3 Scope
(i) This safety code covers radiation safety requirements for Radiation
Processing facilities i.e. GRAPF and IARPF operated on commercial
scale or for research and development.
(ii) This safety code is applicable to siting, commissioning, operation,
maintenance and decommissioning of the radiation processing
facilities (RPF).
(iii) The siting and design requirements of IARPF are explicitly covered
in this document under Appendix-A. However, the design
requirements for GRAPFs are specified in theAERB Safety Standard
on 'Land-based Stationary Gamma Irradiators' [AERB/RF-
IRRAD/SS-6 (Rev.1), 2007].
(iv) This safety code is applicable for radiation processing facilities using
following radiation sources:
60
(a) Co
(b) Electrons generated from machine sources operated at or
below an energy level of 10 MeV
(c) X-rays generated from machine sources operated at or below
primary electron beam energy level of 7.5 MeV.
(v) This safety code is not applicable to Gamma Irradiation Chambers
(GIC).

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 2. REQUIREMENTS FOR OBTAINING LICENCE

2.1 General Requirements

(i) The title of the land, on which the facility is intended to be set up,
shall be in the name of the applicant prior to obtaining site approval
from the regulatory authority. If the title of the land is not in the name
of the applicant, then there shall be a legal agreement between the
applicant and the owner of the land covering in its scope the setting
up, operation and decommissioning of the radiation processing
facility. In case of GRAPF, the provisions of para (iii) below shall be
clearly defined in the agreement.
(ii) The applicant shall be registered with local statutory body as a legal
entity.
(iii) In the case of a GRAPF, details specifying the responsibility and the
procedure for the removal of the radioactive sources from the facility
to an approved agency, in the event of decommissioning of the
facility or any kind of disruption to the continued safe operation of
the facility or bankruptcy shall be furnished to the Competent
Authority.
(iv) In the case of a GRAPF, prior to obtaining the licence, a separate fund
shall be earmarked by the employer (in the form of bank guarantee)
towards expenditure for removal and transport of the sources. The
bank guarantee for such purposes shall be deposited in consultation
with source supplier. The quantum of the fund shall be reviewed
periodically by the source supplier.
2.2 Regulatory Requirements for Obtaining Licence
The licensing process1 includes issuance of consent by the Competent
Authority at various stages such as siting, construction, commissioning for
operation of the facility, source replenishment, modification during routine
operation, and Decommissioning.
2.3 SiteApproval
(i) The applicant shall submit details of the proposed site to the
Regulatory Body in the prescribed format.
(ii) The applicant shall demonstrate that the site meets the requirements
specified in the AERB Safety Standard on 'Land-based Stationary
Gamma Irradiators' [No. AERB/RF-IRRAD/SS-6 (Rev.1), 2007] for
GRAPF installation. The site requirements of IARPF are provided in
Appendix-Aof this safety code.

1 The process proceeds in conformity with the relevant provisions of the AERB Safety Guide titled
'Consenting Process for Radiation Facilities' (AERB/RF/SG/G-3).

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2.4 Approval for Design and Construction
(i) The GRAPF shall be designed as per the requirements stipulated by
AERB Safety Standard on 'Land-based Stationary Gamma
Irradiators' [AERB/RF-IRRAD/SS-6 (Rev.1), 2007]. The design
requirements of IARPF are provided in Appendix-A of this safety
code.
(ii) An application in the prescribed format shall be submitted to the
Regulatory Body along with Preliminary Safety Analysis Report
(PSAR) including the quality assurance program during
construction.
(iii) Construction of the facility shall not be undertaken before obtaining
approval from the Regulatory Body.
(iv) The facility shall be constructed in accordance with the design
approved by the Regulatory Body.
(v) Quality assurance program shall be ensured during construction of
the facility. The reports on the same shall be submitted periodically to
the Regulatory Body.
(vi) Approval from Regulatory Body shall be obtained for any
modifications of approved design, if required to be done during
construction.
(vii) The Regulatory Body should carry out inspection of the facility
during its construction to check the quality assurance documents and
to verify that the facility is constructed in accordance with the
approved design.
2.5 Consent for Commissioning/Approval for First Source Loading
(i) The applicant shall perform functional tests on each operating and
safety systems as specified by the manufacturer/designer after
completion of installation of facility. The applicant shall ensure that
the built-in design safety features are incorporated in the facility as
per the Preliminary Safety Analysis Report (PSAR) approved by the
Regulatory Body.
(ii) Acceptance Test Reports (ATR) specifying the results of the
functional tests conducted on all the systems of the facility shall be
submitted to the Regulatory Body in the prescribed format.
(iii) Appropriately trained and certified facility operators and a
Radiological Safety Officer shall be available while submitting the
application for obtaining initial radioactive source procurement and
loading permission from Regulatory Body.
(iv) Authorized inspectors of the Regulatory Body carries out an
inspection of the facility to verify the submitted ATR. Based on the
findings of the inspection approval may be issued to the applicant
for:

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 (a) initial source loading at the facility for carrying out
commissioning trial operations such as radiation protection survey
and dosimetry studies in case of GRAPF and (b) carrying out trial
operations with accelerated electron beam in case of IARPF.
2.6 Licence for Operation
(i) The application for obtaining the licence for operation of the RPF
shall be submitted to the Regulatory Body in the prescribed format.
The application shall be accompanied by the Final Safety Analysis
Report (FSAR) along with Quality Assurance Manual (QAM) of the
design and systems installed in the facility and the Radiation
Protection Manual (RPM) in the prescribed formats.
(ii) The facility should conform to the security guidance as provided in
the AERB Safety Guide on 'Security of Radioactive Sources in
Radiation Facilities' [No.AERB/RF-RS/SG-1]
(iii) Based on the review of information provided in the application and
the inspection carried out by the authorized inspectors of the
Competent Authority, licence may be issued to the applicant for
operation of the facility under the provisions of the Atomic Energy
(Radiation Protection) Rules, 2004.
2.7 Additional Requirements
(i) Radiation processing facilities planning to carry out radiation
processing of food and allied products shall comply with additional
provisions as prescribed in the Atomic Energy (Radiation Processing
of Food andAllied Products) Rules, 2012.
(ii) All applicable statutory requirements of other relevant authorities
shall be duly satisfied by the Radiation Processing Facility before
commencing the routine operation of the facility.

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 3. RESPONSIBILITIES OF PERSONNEL

3.1 Employer
The employer shall have responsibilities specified in Rule 20 of the Atomic
Energy (Radiation Protection) Rules, 2004. The employer shall:
(i) Designate, with the written approval of the Competent Authority, a
person having qualifications as specified in this safety code, as
Radiological Safety officer (RSO).
(ii) Ensure the availability of adequate number of trained/certified
operators for the operation of the facility.
(iii) Ensure that the provisions of this safety code are implemented by the
licensee, Radiological Safety Officer and other worker(s).
(iv) Provide necessary facilities and equipment to the licensee,
Radiological Safety Officer, trained certified operators and other
worker(s) to carry out their functions effectively in conformity with
the regulatory requirements.
(v) Procure from the former employer, where applicable, the dose
records and health surveillance reports of a worker prior to his
employment in the facility.
(vi) Provide personnel monitoring devices to workers, and ensure that
they are worn as required, and also ensure that individual dose
records are maintained as prescribed by the CompetentAuthority.
(vii) Upon termination of service of a worker provide to his new employer,
on request, his dose records and health surveillance reports.
(viii) Furnish to each worker dose records and health surveillance reports
of the worker in his employment annually, as and when requested by
the worker and at the termination of his service.
(ix) Inform the Competent Authority if the licensee or the Radiological
Safety Officer (RSO) or any facility operator leaves the employment.
(x) Constitute a local safety committee (LSC) to review the safety status
of the facility periodically in terms of operational safety, servicing
and maintenance and regulatory compliance. The Radiological
Safety Officer shall be the Member-Secretary of the LSC. The
Committee shall include members familiar with and experienced in
the operation of the facility as well as members not directly
connected with day to day operation of the facility. Competent
Authority shall be informed about the Committee and its work.
(xi) Ensure that the quality assurance program for servicing and
maintenance of the facility is established. Records of the QA shall be
maintained for inspection/audit by the Regulatory Body.

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 (xii) Report to the Competent Authority of any change in the safety
organisation of the facility.
(xiii) Ensure that the operating and servicing manual is revised taking into
consideration the operating experience and that the designer and
manufacturer are advised accordingly. Revision of manuals shall
incorporate any safety directive issued by the Regulatory Body.
(xiv) Inform the Competent Authority, within twenty four hours of
occurrence, of any accident involving radiation injury, a source or
loss of source of which he is the custodian.
(xv) Arrange for health surveillance of workers as specified under Rule 25
ofAtomic Energy (Radiation Protection) Rules, 2004.
(xvi) Obtain prior Approval from the Regulatory Body for any
modifications, if required to be done in the facility.
(xvii) Obtain prior Approval from the Regulatory Body for
decommissioning the facility and, in the case of a GRAPF, disposal
of the source.
3.2 Licensee
The licensee shall have responsibilities specified in Rule 21 of the Atomic
Energy (Radiation Protection) Rules, 2004. The licensee shall ensure that:
(i) All systems/components features are regularly serviced and
maintained in good working order. Servicing and maintenance are
carried out and as per the manual provided by the manufacturer/
designer and records are maintained. All component replacement
record are maintained in the log book.
(ii) All applicable provisions specified in this safety code are established
and maintained.
(iii) The necessary equipment to enable the working rules and emergency
procedures to be efficiently carried out is readily available.
(iv) Radiation monitoring is carried out in accordance with the
requirements of this safety code.
(v) Radiation monitoring equipment and any other equipment provided
to limit radiation exposure is regularly inspected, maintained and
calibrated.
(vi) Periodic tests and inspections of safety systems and control
mechanisms are carried out.
(vii) Spares of critical components are available in workable condition.
(viii) Records are maintained and are available for inspection by the
relevant statutory authority.
(ix) Adequate instruction is given to employees concerning any radiation
hazards associated with their work, and precautions necessary to

7
 limit radiation exposure of persons and to avoid radiation accidents
and injuries.
(x) No person is permitted to operate the radiation processing facility
until he has been adequately trained and is competent to operate the
radiation processing facility in accordance with the safety
procedures.
(xi) The necessary supervision is provided to all employees in the
performance of their work in accordance with the provisions of this
safety code.
(xii) In case of actual or suspected exposure exceeding the prescribed dose
limits to personnel, the Competent Authority is informed without
delay in the prescribed format.
(xiii) In the event of exposure received by any person in excess of the
regulatory limits, Competent Authority is informed promptly of the
occurrence of the incident, investigation and follow up actions
including steps to prevent recurrence of such incidents.
(xiv) In case of actual or suspected exposure exceeding the prescribed dose
limits, appropriate medical procedures are carried out, medical
reports are retained and full details of the incident are reported to the
CompetentAuthority as soon as possible.
(xv) Periodic safety status report of the facility in the prescribed format is
submitted to the CompetentAuthority.
(xvi) Loading, replenishment, redistribution or disposal of sources is
carried out only by the authorized source supplier.
(xvii) Installation, repair and service of parts of the facility, which may
affect radiation safety, are carried out through the original
designer/supplier/manufacturer of the facility or by a qualified
person in consultation with the CompetentAuthority.
(xviii) Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), a display board listing of
emergency contact numbers and a copy of emergency action plan are
available in the control room.
(xix) Training and retraining of the operators in the safe operation of the
facility are conducted periodically and records are maintained.
(xx) Appropriate fire authority is notified of the location of all radiation
sources installed and is informed about the potential hazards at the
facility.
(xxi) Response procedures for handling an emergency situation are
prepared in accordance with section 8 of this safety code and a copy
is submitted to the CompetentAuthority.
(xxii) Internal inspection/audit or other management control is established
so that the safe operating procedures are implemented and the
emergency procedures are rehearsed by workers.

8
3.3 Radiological Safety Officer (RSO)
3.3.1 Qualification
(i) A Degree in Engineering or in Science from a recognized
university/institution with Physics as one of the subjects.
or
A Diploma in Engineering from a recognized university/institution
with a minimum of five years of experience in radiation surveillance
in a radiation processing facility supported by personnel monitoring
(TLD) service.
and
Successful completion of radiation safety course recognized by the
CompetentAuthority.
OR
A Post Graduate Diploma/Degree in Radiological Physics from a
recognized university/institution.
(ii) Approval from the Competent Authority to function as a
Radiological Safety Officer in an RPF.
3.3.2 Responsibilities of the Radiological Safety Officer
The RSO shall have responsibilities specified in Rule 22 of theAtomic Energy
(Radiation Protection) Rules, 2004. The RSO shall:
(i) Carry out routine measurements and analysis of radiation levels in
the controlled area, supervised area of the radiation facility and
maintain records of the results thereof.
(ii) Investigate any situation that could lead to potential exposures.
(iii) Advise the employer regarding:
(a) The necessary measures aimed at ensuring that the regulatory
constraints and the terms and conditions of the licence are
adhered to.
(b) The safe storage and movement of radioactive material within
the radiation facility.
(c) Initiation of suitable remedial measures in respect of any
situation that could lead to potential exposures.
(d) Routine measurements and analysis of radiation and
radioactivity levels in the off-site environment of the
radiation processing facility and maintenance of the records
thereof.
(iv) Ensure that test and maintenance schedules for safety related
components and systems are carried out in accordance with the
schedule provided in Table-1 (a) and 1 (b) ofAppendix-B.

9
 (v) Report on all hazardous situations along with details of any
immediate remedial actions taken are made available to the employer
and licensee for submitting to the CompetentAuthority.
(vi) Ensure that personnel monitoring devices are provided to workers in
the facility, used as required and securely stored in a radiation-free
area.
(vii) Supervise during maintenance and test procedures on systems and
components or in areas where radiation safety may be affected or
where service/maintenance personnel may need to be given special
protection.
(viii) Ensure that monitoring instruments are calibrated periodically.
(ix) Maintain servicing, operation log books and associated QArecords.
(x) Assist the employer in:
(a) Instructing the workers on hazards of radiation and on
suitable safety measures and work practices aimed at
ensuring that exposure to radiation is kept as low as
reasonably achievable.
(b) The safe disposal of radioactive wastes.
(c) Developing suitable emergency response plans to deal with
accidents and maintaining emergency preparedness.
(xi) Advise the licensee on:
(a) The modifications in working conditions of a pregnant
worker.
(b) The safety and security of radioactive sources.
(xii) Furnish to the licensee and the Competent Authority periodic reports
on the safety status of the radiation installation.
(xiii) Inform the CompetentAuthority when he leaves the employment.
3.4 Operator
3.4.1 Qualifications
(i) Degree in Science from a recognized University/Institution.
or
Diploma in Engineering from a recognized University/Institution.
(ii) Successful completion of radiation safety course recognized by the
CompetentAuthority.
3.4.2 Responsibilities of Operator
The Operator shall:
(i) Operate the facility as per written instructions and established
Standard Operating Procedures.

10
 (ii) Assist in servicing/maintenance and testing.
(iii) Use personnel dosimeter in correct manner at all times while working
within the facility.
(iv) Always be available in the control room when radiation processing
facility is in operation.
(v) Make complete and correct entries in the operation logbook.
(vi) Promptly report to RSO of any malfunction (actual & suspected) of
any system or deviation from any operating parameter.
(vii) Report to the RSO in writing of any unusual occurrence or suspected
exposure above normal levels and seek advice on remedial action.
(viii) Assist the RSO to analyse and prevent such situations.
3.5 Manufacturer/Supplier
Manufacturer/Supplier shall ensure that:
(i) Radiation processing facilities are supplied only to users who have
been authorised in writing by the Competent Authority to operate
such facilities.
(ii) RPF is constructed as per the design approved by the regulatory body.
(iii) Operating instructions which include a general description of the
radiation processing facility and detailed operating procedures are
supplied to the user.
(iv) Adequate training is provided to the personnel of the radiation
processing facility in the operation and maintenance of the facility.
The records for the same shall be provided to the facility.
(v) Instructions for the periodic inspection and maintenance of the
radiation processing facility, including test procedures for
contamination detection are supplied to the user.
(vi) Instructions specifying procedures to be implemented in an
emergency situation, which has caused or may cause a radiation
hazard to any individual, are provided to the user.
(vii) Copies of all drawings, operating and service manuals, radiation
surveys, and other records held by the supplier relating to the
radiation processing facility and its source of radiation, are
maintained until such time that the facility has been
decommissioned.
(viii) Services are available to maintain and repair the facility.
(ix) Prompt corrective action is taken in the case of emergencies relating
to the facility and its source of radiation.

11
(x) Assistance is provided to the radiation processing facility in the event
of an emergency.
(xi) Assistance is provided to the employer/licensee during source
augmentation, commissioning and disposal of the source as and
when needed.

12
 4. RADIATION MONITORING

4.1 Work Place Monitoring

(i) Radiation surveys shall be carried out by Radiological Safety Officer
or an authorised person who has the knowledge and training
necessary to select and use suitable survey instruments.
(ii) Periodic radiation protection survey shall be carried out at locations
in and around the facility.
(iii) Continuous radiation surveillance shall be provided during loading
and unloading of radioactive sources in the facility.
(iv) Work place monitoring shall be provided during the handling of an
unusual or abnormal event.
(v) Extensive radiation monitoring shall be provided during the handling
of any emergency situation.
(vi) Proper functioning of installed radiation monitors at personnel
access door, product exit door and at resin bed of DM plant shall be
ensured all the time.
(vii) A radiation survey shall be performed to confirm continued
compliance with standards when changes to the radiation processing
facility have been made such as:
(a) An increase in the amount of activity above the previous
maximum in case of a GRAPF
(b) Sealed source rearrangement in case of a GRAPF
(c) An increase in the performance specifications, such as energy
or beam current, of a machine source above the previous
maxima in case of an IARPF
(d) Adecrease in shielding
(e) Any other change which may have increased the leakage
radiation levels.
(viii) If the survey indicates the need for corrective action, another survey
shall be performed after appropriate modifications have been made.
(ix) Records for all type of radiation monitoring shall be maintained and
made available for regulatory inspection.
4.2 Individual Monitoring
(i) Adequate number of passive personnel dosimeters shall be made
available and used by all workers employed with the facility.
(ii) The control badge shall be placed/stored in a radiation-free zone in
the facility.

13
(iii) Workers shall be informed of the dose received by them.
(iv) Active personnel monitors such as pocket dosimeters or alarm-based
dosimeters shall be used by all personnel involved in the following
situations:
(a) Loading and unloading of radioactive sources in the GRAPF
(b) While working near beam components in IARPF
(c) Handling of any unusual or abnormal event in the facility
(d) Handling of emergencies.
(vi) Records for all type of personnel monitoring shall be maintained
and made available for regulatory inspection.

14
 5. SOURCE LOADING/UNLOADING IN GAMMA
RADIATION PROCESSING FACILITY
(GRAPF)

5.1 Preparation

5.1.1 Loading, unloading and handling of radioactive sources shall be undertaken

under close supervision of Radiological Safety Officer under a well-defined
radiation protection program.
5.1.2 Source loading/unloading operations shall not be carried out if all the
operating, control and safety systems are not functioning in the intended
manner.
5.1.3 Motive power for source and product movement shall be disabled during
source loading/unloading operations.
5.1.4 Mock runs shall be carried out with dummy sources prior to undertaking
actual operations using proper tool for picking & lifting of source pencils.
5.1.5 The hoist to be used for lifting the source transport cask shall be tested
periodically through the authorised testing agency and valid certificate of
testing shall be submitted to regulatory body prior to source loading
operations.
5.1.6 Radiation safety assessment of the whole operation shall be made by
Radiological Safety Officer and protection and safety shall be optimized.
5.2 Source Loading/Unloading Operation
5.2.1 Procedures described by the manufacturer/supplier and accepted by the
CompetentAuthority shall be strictly adhered to.
5.2.2 Radiation survey of the transport cask including external radiation survey and
external removable contamination shall be performed prior to opening it.
5.2.3 Proper under water lighting system in the water pool shall be provided to
facilitate smooth source handling operation.
5.2.4 It shall be ensured that water inside the pool remain clear for proper visibility
for the operation.
5.2.5 It shall be ensured that no inflammable or explosive material is present in the
vicinity of area of sources loading/unloading operation.
5.2.6 All source loading/unloading operations shall be carried out by trained
personnel of source supplier.
5.2.7 The personnel involved in source loading/unloading operation shall use
appropriate safety gears such as safety belts and helmet.

15
5.2.8 The physical barrier shall be used during source loading/unloading operation
to prevent accidental fall of any personnel inside the water pool.
5.2.9 All personnel involved in the operation shall be monitored with personnel
monitoring badges and pocket dosimeters and individual dose records shall be
maintained.
5.2.10 Good housekeeping practices shall be observed during and after source
loading/unloading operations to prevent any abnormal situations/incidents.
5.3 Emergency
5.3.1 The source supplier shall provide assistance to handle any emergency
situations involving radiation source and ensuring safe disposal, if necessary.
5.3.2 In case of any emergency or abnormal situation during the operation, the
source shall be brought back to its fully shielded position either in the cask or
shielded position in the radiation processing facility.
5.4 After Completion of Source Loading/Unloading
5.4.1 The record of the position of each source unit in the source rack and its activity
as on date shall be maintained.
5.4.2 Following the source loading operations, source supplier shall carry out
internal contamination survey of the empty transport cask by taking swipe
samples from inside the cask cavity.
5.4.3 After completion of source loading/rearrangement/redistribution operation,
report on the above operation, radiation protection survey and product
dosimetry report shall be submitted to Regulatory Body. The routine
operation of the radiation processing facility shall be subject to obtaining prior
licence/ permission from the CompetentAuthority.

16
 6. MODIFICATIONS IN THE RADIATION
PROCESSING FACILITY

6.1 Approval for Modifications

The licensee shall obtain approval from the Regulatory Body prior to
introducing any modification which may cause a radiation hazard such as:
(i) Modifications of operating procedures
(ii) Modification of the safety control system
(iii) Modifications of the infrastructure of the facility
(iv) Loading, replenishment, removal or redistribution of sources in case
of GRAPF
(v) An increase in the performance specifications, such as energy or
beam current, of a machine source above the previous maxima in
case of accelerator-based facilities.
6.2 Consultation for Modification
Any modifications to the operating, control and safety systems shall be
carried out in consultation with the designer/manufacturer of the facility only
or by a qualified person in consultation with the CompetentAuthority.
6.3 Re-commissioning after Modification
The facility shall be re-commissioned only after obtaining approval from the
CompetentAuthority.

17
 7. SECURITY OF THE RADIATION
PROCESSING FACILITY

7.1 Security of Sources

7.1.1 The employer shall ensure security of the radioactive sources at all times.
7.1.2 The facility shall be secured against all envisaged theft, sabotage or any other
kind of security threat.
7.2 Security Guidelines
The facility should conform to the security guidance as provided in the AERB
Safety Guide on 'Security of Radioactive Sources in Radiation Facilities',
[No. AERB/RF-RS/SG-1 (2011)].

18
 8. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND
RESPONSE PLANS

8.1 Emergency Response Plan

8.1.1 The licensee, in consultation with Radiological Safety Officer, shall prepare
emergency response plan and ensure emergency preparedness measures.
8.1.2 Emergency response plans shall be made available to mitigate any
consequences of emergencies. The response plan shall address the events
such as:
(i) Radioactive source rack stuck in an unshielded position
(ii) Radioactive contamination- (detection of leaking radioactive
sources, contamination of source storage water pool)
(iii) Fire, explosion or gas leakages inside the accelerator equipment area,
radiation cell or product storage area
(iv) Loss of source shielding (e.g. very low water level in GRAPFs)
(v) Malfunctioning or deliberate defeat of the safety interlock systems
and access control systems
(vi) Accidental radiation exposure of individual(s) in excess of dose
limits
(vii) Breach of security, natural occurrences such as earthquake, flood,
tornadoes, etc.
8.1.3 The emergency plan shall be specific to each situation and shall include, as
appropriate:
(i) Identification of reasonably foreseeable accidents and other
incidents or occurrences and their predicted consequences
(ii) Communication procedures, including an emergency call out list,
recommended actions for specified situations, a list of persons
identified for implementing the specified action plan, and
specification of situations requiring evacuation together with
procedures for implementation
(iii) A statement regarding immediate life-saving actions, statutory
responsibilities and the names of persons identified for
implementing actions to discharge them
(iv) Availability of emergency equipment, including a list of the
equipment available and their locations
(v) Availability of first aid equipment, including a list of the equipment
available, their locations and the names of persons trained to use
them (where applicable)

19
 (vi) An outline of the post-emergency recovery procedures designed to
restore normal operating conditions.
8.2 Response Measures

8.2.1 The response measures shall be concise, unambiguous, easily practicable and
aimed at restoring normal operation keeping exposures to individuals
ALARA.
8.2.2 In case of injury to any individual, medical attention shall be accorded
priority.
8.2.3 In case of external emergency, measures shall be taken to cordon off and
decontaminate the area.
8.2.4 Response to an emergency shall consist of initial actions to be implemented
immediately and follow up actions subsequently.
8.3 Emergency Preparedness
8.3.1 Contact numbers of responsible emergency response persons including
Licensee/Employer, RSO, fire services, ambulance, medical center,
manufacturer, source supplier and the CompetentAuthority shall be displayed
at control panel and other relevant locations.
8.3.2 Periodic review of emergency plans shall be carried out to enhance the
effectiveness of the plans.
8.3.3 The employer shall report every unusual event to the Competent Authority
immediately and certainly within 24 hours of its occurrence. The details shall
include
(i) Date and time of occurrence
(ii) Status of RPF at the time of incident
(iii) Source activity at the time of incident
(iv) Brief description of the event
(v) Action implemented
(vi) Probable cause of the incident.
8.3.4 The immediate notification shall be followed by a detailed report after
carrying out investigations.
8.3.5 The Manufacturer/Supplier shall provide assistance to handle any emergency
situations involving radiation source.
8.3.6 The licensee shall conduct an emergency exercise at least once in a year and
report of the exercise shall be prepared immediately upon completion of
exercise and made available to the CompetentAuthority, when required.

20
 9. DECOMMISSIONING

9.1 Approval for Decommissioning

9.1.1 The employer/licensee shall obtain prior approval from the Competent
Authority for any proposal to decommission of the RPF and, in the case of
GRPF, for disposal of the radioactive sources.
9.1.2 The employer/licensee shall provide the details of the decommissioning
procedure in the prescribed format to the CompetentAuthority.
9.2 Decommissioning Report
The employer/licensee shall submit a report to the Competent Authority on
completion of decommissioning providing details of decommissioning, safe
disposal of sources and personnel doses received during decommissioning
operations.
9.3 Financial Provisions for Decommissioning
In case of the unlikely event of bankruptcy or other constraints, financial
provision shall be made to meet the cost of safeguarding radioactive source in
a GRAPF. The financial provision shall be made prior to obtaining the licence.
A separate fund shall be earmarked by the employer in the form of bank
guarantee towards the expenditure towards removal and transportation of
radioactive sources to the supplier or any other agency approved by
Regulatory Body for safe custody. The bank guarantee for such purpose shall
be deposited in consultation with source supplier. The quantum of the fund
shall be reviewed periodically by the source supplier.

21
 APPENDIX-A

REQUIREMENTS FOR INDUSTRIAL ACCELERATOR

RADIATION PROCESSING FACILITY (IARPF)

A.1 SCOPE
A.1.1 Industrial Accelerator Radiation Processing Facility (IARPF) uses either an
electron beam directly or electron beam generated high-energy photons for
radiation processing. These facilities are notable for absence of inventory of
any radioactive source material in the plant, and associated handling hazards.
A.1.2 For direct electron beam use, the beam energy shall be limited to 10 MeV; and
for generating high-energy photons, the primary electron beam energy shall
be limited to 7.5 MeV. A beam power of several kW is used in various
radiation processing applications in an IARPF. Radiation shielding and
personnel-safety interlocks shall be provided to limit the radiation exposure to
workers and member of public, and prevent accidental exposure respectively.
A.1.3 AERB Safety Guides No. AERB/SG/IS-5 and AERB/RF/SG/G-3 should be
appropriately used for layout, design, construction and operation of IARPF.
A.1.4 Electron accelerators of the following types shall be used in an IARPF:
(i) High-voltage DC accelerator from 0.5 to 3 MeV beam energy.
(ii) Radio-frequency (RF) electron linear accelerator (RF Linac) from 3
MeV upwards.
(iii) Other electron accelerators such as microtron, betatron, rhodotron
and induction-linac shall be utilized in radiation processing facility
with the specific permission of CompetentAuthority.
A.1.5 This Safety code shall be applicable to the land-based installations only.
A.2 Common Requirements
Design and operational safety details for IARPF, which are common for any
of above types of accelerator, shall meet following requirements:
A.2.1 Siting Requirements
(i) The applicant shall submit authenticated documents issued by
relevant Government agencies showing the status of ownership/lease
of the premises for the proposed IARPF. All the statutory
requirements of central and state governments, as applicable for the
facility, shall be complied with.
(ii) The building of IARPF shall be engineered on the basis of seismic
characteristic of the site taking into account the maximum intensity
of a likely earthquake as specified in IS-1893 (Part-1), 2002 or an
updated version.

22
 (iii) A minimum distance of 30 meters shall be maintained from the
boundary wall of the IARPF to any nearby residential area and/or
public places.
(iv) Geological and geotechnical requirements for design and
construction of the IARPF shall take into account all applicable
requirements specified in Appendix-A of AERB Safety Standard No.
AERB/RF-IRRAD/SS-6 (Rev.1), 2007.
(v) The civil works structures of the IARPF shall be designed such that
the soil and ground characteristics do not cause any deterioration in
its strength and integrity during the useful life of the IARPF.
(vi) The maximum level of ground water and design basis flood level
shall be taken into account in the radiological safety aspects of the
design of the IARPF.
(vii) The access road to the site shall be strong enough to take the load of
heavy parts of the IARPF.
A.2.2 Engineered Safety Design Requirements
A.2.2.1 Biological Shielding
(i) Adequate thickness of biological shield around the accelerator beam
channel and radiation cell shall be provided such that the dose rate in
full occupancy areas does not exceed 1 μSv.h-1 while accelerator
beam is in 'Switched- ON' mode.
(ii) Any penetrations provided in biological shielding for services and
access shall not cause increase in the radiation levels out side the
shielding.
(iii) Concrete used for the construction of the biological shielding shall
have density stipulated in the shielding calculations. Adequate
quality control shall be ensured during pouring of concrete into the
walls to achieve the minimum specified density, and exclusion of
formation of porosity and voids.
A.2.2.2 Personnel Access Control System
Exclusion of any personnel presence in the accelerator beam channel and
radiation cell areas shall be positively achieved before the accelerator beam is
'switched-on'. This shall be achieved through a few engineered layers of
barrier involving design features, provision of sensors and associated
instrumentation, as well as adherence to strict procedural sequencing. Design
policy of defence in depth shall be adhered to, and demonstrated in the safety
assessment reports submitted to the Regulatory Body. Essential design
provisions for this are outlined below:
(i) PersonnelAccess Door
(a) Entry into accelerator beam channel and radiation cell areas
shall be regulated through personnel access door/s. Each

23
 personnel access door shall be accessible/visible to the plant
operator/RSO from their respective work places, e.g. control
room. In addition, CCTV surveillance shall be provided.
(b) Material and construction of the access door shall be such that
it can withstand fire in the plant for at least half an hour
(c) The product entry/exit shall be so designed that by suitable
interlocks it precludes the possibility of entry by personnel.
(ii) Beam Switch-on Interlocks
Control system for IARPF shall be designed to ensure complete
exclusion of any person in the accelerator beam channel and
radiation cell when electron beam is switched-on and accelerated.
This shall be achieved through a series of engineered safety
interlocks as mentioned below:
(a) Provision of limit switches to ensure complete closure of
access doors before beam is switched-on.
(b) The above limit switch shall be designed to switch-off the
electron beam when anyone tries to open the access door
during radiation processing.
(c) A sequential 'search and secure' procedure by the operator
himself, to ensure that nobody is present in the accelerator
beam channel and radiation cell, by activating the safety
buttons located therein. At the end of search, the access doors
shall be secured in the closure mode, and accelerator controls
are activated into operational standby mode.
(d) The standby mode shall not have dwell time lasting more than
a few minutes, after which the 'search and secure' condition
shall become deactivated.
(e) The close-circuit TV monitoring of access doors and secured
areas shall be provided in the control desk/console. Any
unauthorized entry into the monitored areas shall prompt
operator to turn the accelerator beam into 'switched off' mode,
with or without rendering plant in standby mode for
investigation of the incident.
(iii) Radiation Monitoring Instrumentation
All access doors to the monitored areas shall be provided with
display of beam mode (OFF, STANDBY, ON) and local radiation
monitoring instrumentation. Any increase above the prescribed dose
rate limits shall activate audio-visual alarms at these locations and
warning to the operator.
A.2.2.3 Work Area Zoning (for graded safety)
Radiation hazards in the IARPF plant areas shall have graded safety
requirements. Access to these work areas is regulated by categorising the

24
 areas into different zones. Access control gates shall be put at inter-zone
boundaries where entry of authorised persons is regulated e.g. with finger
print impression or magnetic card. Various IARPF plant areas shall be
categorized into one of the following zones:
(i) Zone-1 : NormalArea of Full Occupancy
These places shall be accessible all the time and irrespective of
whether accelerator beam is in OFF, STANDBY or ON mode. These
include places such as- control room, corridors and passages, plant
process equipment rooms and product loading/unloading and
storage areas. The biological shielding shall be so designed as to
ensure that the radiation dose rate in such areas of full occupancy at
any time, is below 1 μSvh-1.
(ii) Zone-2 : Controlled/Restricted EntryArea
These places are accessible during beam ON mode with appropriate
administrative controls in place. Appropriate area monitoring and
personnel radiation monitoring shall be provided for workers
visiting these areas during beam ON mode. In these places, the dose
rate during beam 'ON' may exceed 1 μSvh-1 but shall not exceed 10
-1
μSvh .
(iii) Zone-3 : InaccessibleAreas
These areas, having high dose rate during beam ON mode shall be
designed and engineered with safety interlocks and administrative
controls to exclude access and/or breach of safety during beam
STANDBY/ON mode. Such places include accelerator beam
channel and irradiation cell areas that have very high dose rates
during beam ON mode.
(iv) Only authorised persons shall be allowed to enter zone-2 and 3 areas
and when so allowed they shall wear appropriate personnel radiation
monitoring devices.
A.2.2.4 Fire Safety
A.2.2.4.1 Fire hazards in product processing
In case of interruption of beam versus product movement, engineered safety
systems shall be designed with suitable monitoring and interlocks such that:
(i) In case of failure of scanning magnetic field, the beam shall be
immediately switched off to preclude overheating of beam window
and product which may lead to fire hazard.
(ii) In case of interruption of conveyor movement for any reason, the
beam shall be immediately switched off similarly.
(iii) There shall be a suitable provision for non-interceptive monitoring of
beam at or near the processing location to limit the maximum beam
energy and current used in the product processing, as per
specifications of the safety envelope of the IARPF.

25
A.2.2.4.2 Plant Fire Safety
(i) Flammable substances, solvents, oils, hydrogen, acetylene etc. shall
be carefully stored and care shall be taken in housekeeping and
storage of other materials, to avoid and control fire hazard in the
IARPF.
(ii) Fire protection shall be planned in terms of prevention, provisions for
prompt detection and containment. Smoke detectors shall be
installed at appropriate locations with alarm annunciation in control
room.
(iii) Adequate fire extinguishers around the fire susceptible areas shall be
maintained. Proper training in firefighting shall be provided to
operation personnel. Periodic demonstrations and fire drills shall be
conducted.
(iv) Power cables for use in the electron beam irradiation cell shall be of
cross-linked fire-retardant low-smoke (FRLS) type. Other cables
shall be protected against the degrading effects of ozone present
therein.
A.2.2.5 Ventilation System
A.2.2.5.1 Beam Window Air-cooling
This shall require interlocking of beam window cooling by air/water
circulation with the beam switch-ON. The exhausted air from beam window
cooling contains high ozone content, and this shall be led to the exhaust stack
of plant ventilation system.
A.2.2.5.2 Plant Ventilation System
(i) Ozone (O3) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) and other toxic gases
generated during radiation processing shall be continuously
scavenged by means of a suitable ventilation system to minimize the
concentration in the irradiation cell and likely gaseous diffusion into
the occupied areas.
(ii) Air handling units (AHU) of the ventilation system shall be designed
to supply fresh air to various zones such that concentration of
noxious gases are within permissible limits and also ensuring
dissipation of heat from various power supply equipment.
(iii) Ventilation (induced draft type) in the radiation cell shall be achieved
by providing fresh air entry through grills/louvers and also
incorporating exhaust fans (with standby provision) in the system.
(iv) There shall be adequate number of fresh air changes in the radiation
cell to prevent the concentration of O3, NOx and other toxic gases
exceeding three times their Threshold Limit Values (TLV) during
radiation processing.

26
 (v) Ozone monitors shall be provided in installations where Ozone
concentrations are likely to be significant.
(vi) Discharge point of the duct (stack outlet) of exhaust fans shall be
located at a height appropriate to achieve dilution of Ozone to its
Threshold Limit Value (TLV) while reaching ground level, but at
least 2.5 m above the tallest part of the radiation processing facility.
(vii) Time delay interlock shall be provided to prevent personnel entry
into the radiation processing cell immediately after the beam switch
off. The delay time shall be adequate to allow dissociation of Ozone
and bring down its concentration below TLV (i.e. below 0.1 ppm for
normal human activity, and 0.05 ppm for heavy work).
(viii) Plant ventilation system shall consist of ventilation dampers to stop
and isolate air-circulation in an area affected by fire. This shall stop
spread of smoke and toxic fumes to other occupied areas, which shall
be subsequently scavenged in a controlled manner after
extinguishing the fire.
A.2.2.6 Electrical Safety
It shall be ensured that the plant design and operation are in compliance with
the safety requirements of the applicable government regulations and local
statutory body/agency on electrical equipment (both high and low voltage
systems, radiofrequency and magnetic devices etc.) used in the IARPF.
A.2.2.7 Low-conductivity Cooling Water (LCW) System
The following safety provisions are required in an LCW system:
(i) Accelerating cavity and RF power system of linac and internal tank
systems of DC accelerator shall use cooling water which is
conditioned for very low electrical conductivity, as per limits
specified by equipment supplier to minimize the leakage of current
from high voltage devices to the ground.
(ii) There shall be safety interlocks with regulating instruments for
temperature, flow and pressure of LCW, such that these shut the
beam current under abnormal conditions.
A.3 Accelerator-Type Specific Requirements
Two types of electron accelerators shall be applicable for use in the radiation
processing facilities, namely (i) the DC high-voltage accelerator and (ii) the
Linear RF accelerator. Specific facility configuration of plant equipment in
these two types shall conform to the requirements as specified below:
A.3.1 DC High-voltageAccelerator Systems
This system utilizes high voltage DC power supply of rectifier-multiplier
enclosed in a separate or the same tank as the accelerator channel.

27
A.3.1.1 High-voltage Power System
High-voltage power system shall be engineered to protect against arcing,
electrical discharge and inadvertent contact with live/charged components by
operation and maintenance personnel.
A.3.1.2 Insulation and Cover System
Insulation and cover gas systems shall use either sulphurhexa-fluoride (SF6)
gas or, mixture of nitrogen and carbon di-oxide (N2 + CO2). For any other
cover gas system, specific approval of CompetentAuthority shall be required.
The following provisions for safety shall be implemented in the plant while
using cover gases in an IARPF:
(i) Gases shall be monitored for maintaining their purity in usage as
recommended by the equipment supplier e.g. for moisture content,
impurities, products of dissociation under likely high-voltage
discharges.
(ii) Gas temperature and pressure shall be continuously monitored,
recorded and maintained within maximum and minimum specified
for normal operation.
(iii) Containment pressure vessels and connecting piping shall be
provided with overpressure relief devices (e.g. safety valves, rupture
disks), as recommended in the certification/statutory codes
applicable for pressure vessel construction and operation.
(iv) Gas-monitoring instrumentation and oxygen deficiency monitors
with alarms shall be installed at locations where the likelihood of gas
leakages or release due to overpressure safety device actuation
exists.
(v) The ventilation system shall have exhaust ducts running from the
lowest elevation to collect and scavenge the leaked heavier-than air
gases in the plant where the such gases are concentrated.
(vi) All pressure components of the gas handling system shall be tested
periodically for integrity of pressure as per the applicable statutory
regulations.
A.3.2 RF Linac Systems
A.3.2.1 The accelerating RF cavity which is subjected to heating due to RF power
dissipation in its internal walls shall be provided with air/water cooling
system to accurately maintain its temperature for satisfactory operation as
electron linear accelerator.
A.3.2.2 RF Power System
(i) RF power leakages being a potential source of electromagnetic
interference, causing malfunction of sensitive instrumentation for
radiation monitoring and process controls, shall be checked during

28
 testing of accelerator systems, before and during commissioning of
operations.
(ii) For human exposures, limits of allowable RF radiation leakages shall
be maintained as per internationally accepted limits such as those
prescribed by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing
Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). In general, leakage RF radiation
power density limit of 1 mw.cm-2 shall be maintained at all times.
(iii) RF power system and equipment shall be provided with separate
ground/earthing to avoid electromagnetic interference with other
devices.

29
 APPENDIX-B

QUALITY ASSURANCE DURING OPERATION OF

RADIATION PROCESSING FACILITY

B.1 Operational Checks

(i) The operator shall perform the following checks each time prior to
start up of radiation processing facility:
(a) Check for an emergency display or alarm, if existing, and
attend to the cause. In no case shall an interlock be bypassed
by the operator.
(b) Verify availability of motive power to source and product
movement mechanism, and exhaust fan.
(c) Verify correct functioning of each constituent of personnel
access system including radiation detector in the irradiation
cell.
(d) Where applicable, verify availability of requisite quantity of
emergency water supply system.
(e) Perform a physical check of the radiation cell prior to start up
in a predetermined sequence in predetermined time.
(f) Carry a functional portable radiation survey while entering
into the radiation cell.
(ii) Means shall be provided to record the entry of persons into the
radiation cell. CCTV surveillance shall be provided.
(iii) Water samples from the circulation system and the water pool shall
be routinely monitored for pH, conductivity and radioactive
contamination and records of the observations shall be maintained.
(iv) Ozone concentration in ambient air shall be monitored and recorded.
(v) NOx concentration in ambient air shall be determined if
concentration is expected to be significant.
(vi) In case of IARPF using SF6 or any other inert gases, oxygen
deficiency monitoring shall be carried out.
B.2 Servicing and Maintenance
(i) Adequate maintenance, testing and servicing shall be carried out as
needed so that the radiation processing facility remains capable of
meeting its design requirement for protection and safety throughout
its life time.
(ii) A formal program for regularly testing and maintenance of all safety
systems shall be set up in accordance with the procedures and

30
 schedules recommended by the designer/manufacturer to ensure
correct performance of systems, subsystems and components of the
radiation processing facility. The tests shall be carried out by
appropriately qualified persons in the presence of the Radiological
Safety Officer.
(iii) Preventive maintenance shall include lubrication of all moving parts,
inspection of source hoist wire ropes for its loose/frayed strands,
inspection of electrical/instrument cables for their deterioration of
insulation, inspection of heat/smoke detectors, level indicators and
associated circuits.
(iv) Portable survey meters and area monitors shall be calibrated before
their first use, after repairs and at a regular interval of two years.
(v) Weekly examination shall be made of source hoist cables/wire ropes
and guide cables. Source hoist cables shall be replaced if any
deterioration is observed during the periodic examinations.
(vi) The radiation monitors for the storage pool water or the water
treatment system shall be used as indicators of source leakage, or
pool water samples may be collected for analysis.
(vii) In the event of any failure or malfunctioning of any parameter
important to safety, servicing and maintenance shall be carried out
promptly. The facility shall not be used until all functions are restored
and operating and radiation safety systems are tested and entries are
made in the log book.
(viii) Preventive maintenance to account for radiation damage to cables in
industrial accelerator radiation processing facilities shall be carried
out regularly.
B.3 Frequency of Service and Maintenance
(i) The operating and safety systems of the radiation processing facility
shall be monitored for their smooth and accurate functioning. These
systems shall be maintained as per the manual provided by the
designer/supplier.
(ii) The smooth removal/ insertion of shielding plugs provided for
emergency handling on cell roof shall be tested at least once in two
years and the observations recorded.
(iii) Preventive maintenance of water sprinklers of fire fighting systems
shall be carried at least once in a year for ensuring its proper
functioning.
(iv) The various systems shall be tested/checked for their intended
function at the frequencies recommended in the Tables I (A) and I
(B).

31
 TABLE-I (a)

FREQUENCY OF TESTS TO BE CARRIED OUT ON

VARIOUS SYSTEMS OF GRAPF
Daily Tests Weekly Tests Monthly Tests Quarterly Tests Half Yearly
Tests
Radiation Start up All installed Electrical and Inspection of
detector inside sequence area monitors instrument entire length of
the cell with a check cables for its source hoist and
source deterioration of guide cable
insulation
Normal Water Access control Radiation mode Piping in water Source guard
level of the systems access control pool and its
source storage interlock system clean up system
pool
Emergency Source hoist Product exit Appropriate Checking for
switch on the wire rope and radiation Fire proper
control panel guide cable monitor extinguisher functioning of
availability all instruments
including
radiation
monitors,
conductivity
monitor,
temperature
indicators, stop
watches
Water deionizer Irradiator shut Fire-fighting Posted notices
down controls equipment and symbols are
still present,
legible and
clearly visible.
Monitoring of Back up access
radiation/ control
radioactivity at system(s) such
deionizer resin as pressure plate
bed and at
exhaust system
Emergency stop Source rack
switch inside position
the cell switches
Examination of Source hoist
source guard mechanism
Product Ventilation
box/carriers system
Water level
control switches

32
Daily Tests Weekly Tests Monthly Tests Quarterly Tests Half Yearly
Tests
Emergency stop
devices at all
locations
Audio-visual
warning signals
Heat/smoke
detectors
Defeat approved
start up
procedures to
verify its proper
functioning
Power failure
and functional
performance of
UPS
Safety
interlocks on
removable
shield plugs
Delay timer
Source and
product
movement
system
Trip wire

33
 TABLE-I (b)

FREQUENCY OF TESTS TO BE CARRIED OUT ON

VARIOUS SYSTEMS OF IARPF
Daily Tests Weekly Tests Monthly Tests Quarterly Tests Half Yearly
Tests
Radiation Start-up All installed Electrical power Vacuum system
detector inside sequence area monitors supplies and leakage check
the cell with a check instruments, of accelerator
source including cable beam channel.
checks for
deterioration of
insulation
Pressure of Access control Irradiation mode Piping and Checking for
insulation gas, if systems access control valves of proper
used, in interlock system cooling water functioning of
accelerator and for accelerator (LCW) system all safety
storage tanks. and irradiation and water monitoring
cell areas. quality. instruments
including
radiation and
gas monitors,
temperature
indicators.
Emergency Water (LCW) Product exit Appropriate fire Posted notices
switch on the deionizer plant radiation extinguisher and symbols-
control panel monitor availability at whether these
strategic are present,
locations. legible and
clearly visible.
Emergency stop Irradiator shut Firefighting
switch inside down controls equipment
the cell
Product Back up access
box/carriers control
system(s)
Trip wire
Ventilation
system
LC Water
inventory, flow
& pressure
control switches
Emergency stop
devices at all
locations

34
Daily Tests Weekly Tests Monthly Tests Quarterly Tests Half Yearly
Tests
Audio-visual
warning signals
for accelerator
start up, high
radiation level
in areas.
Heat/smoke
detectors
Approved start
up procedures to
verify its proper
functioning
Power failure
and functional
performance of
UPS (if any)
Safety
interlocks on
any removable
shield plugs
Delay timer for
access
regulation in
designated
areas.
Safety
interlocks for
beam scanning
and product
movement
system

35
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. ATOMIC ENERGYACT, 1962 (33 of 1962)

2. ATOMIC ENERGY (RADIATION PROTECTION) RULES, 2004 (G.S.R.
303)
3. ATOMIC ENERGY REGULATORY BOARD; its powers and functions:
Constitution Order by Government of India (Order No. 25/2/83-ER dated
15.11.83), S.O. 4772, 1983.
4. ATOMIC ENERGY (SAFE DISPOSAL OF RADIOACTIVE WASTES)
RULES, 1987 (G.S.R. 125).
5. ATOMIC ENERGY (RADIATION PROCESSING OF FOOD AND
ALLIED PRODUCTS) RULES, 2012 (G.S.R. 158).
6. ATOMIC ENERGY REGULATORY BOARD, Safety Guide on 'Consenting
Process for Radiation Facilities', No. AERB/RF/SG/G-3, Mumbai, India
(2011).
7. ATOMIC ENERGY REGULATORY BOARD, Safety code for 'Operation
and Maintenance of Land Based Stationary Gamma Irradiators' NO. AERB-
SC-IRRAD, Mumbai, India (1993).
8. ATOMIC ENERGY REGULATORY BOARD, Safety Standard on 'Land-
based Stationary Gamma Irradiators' No. AERB/RF-IRRAD/SS-6 (Rev.1),
Mumbai, India, (2007).
9. ATOMIC ENERGY REGULATORY BOARD, Safety Guidelines on
'Accelerators' No.AERB/SG/IS-5, Mumbai, India, (2007).
10. ATOMIC ENERGY REGULATORY BOARD, Safety Code for ‘Safe
Transport of Radioactive Material’, No. AERB/NRF-TS/SC-1 (Rev.1),
Mumbai, India, (2015).
11. ATOMIC ENERGY REGULATORY BOARD, Safety Guide on 'Compliance
Assurance Programme for Safe Transport of Radioactive Material', No.
SG/TR-1, Mumbai, India (1991).
12. ATOMIC ENERGY REGULATORY BOARD, Safety Standard for 'Testing
and Classification of Sealed Radioactive Sources', No. AERB/SS/3 (Rev.1),
Mumbai, India (2001).
13. ATOMIC ENERGY REGULATORY BOARD, Safety Guide on 'Security of
Radioactive Sources in Radiation Facilities', No. AERB/RF-RS/SG-1,
Mumbai, India (2011).
14. ATOMIC ENERGY REGULATORY BOARD, Safety Guide on 'Security of
Radioactive Material during Transport”, No. AERB/NRF-TS/SG-10,
Mumbai, India (2008).

36
15. INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY, Safety Standard on
'Radiation Safety of Gamma, Electron and X-ray Irradiation facilities', No.
SSG-8, IAEA, Vienna,Austria (2010).
16. NATIONAL HEALTH AND RESEARCH COUNCIL, Code of Practice for
'Design and Safe Operation of Non-medical Irradiation Facilities' Australia
(1988).

37
 LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

Initial draft Prepared by:

Shri S.P. Agarwal : AERB (Former)

Draft Documents Review by:

Shri D.M. Rane : AERB

(Co-ordinator for Development of Code)
Shri Pravin J. Patil : AERB
Shri J.V.K. Sunil Kumar : AERB
Shri Meghraj Singh : AERB
Smt. Kadambini Devi : AERB
Shri Ganesh Bokam : AERB

SAFETY REVIEW COMMITTEE FOR RADIATION

PROCESSING PLANTS (SRC-RPP)

Dates of meeting: September 9, 12, 16 & 25, 2014

October 17, 2014

Chairman and Members of SRC-RPP:

Dr. A.N. Nandakumar (Chairman) : AERB (Former)

Dr. D.N. Sharma : BARC (Former)
Dr. A.K. Sharma : BARC (Former)
Shri P.K. Nema : BARC (Former)
Dr. R. Baskaran : Indira Gandhi Centre For
Atomic Research (IGCAR),
Kalpakkam
Shri L.N. Bandi : BRIT
Dr. A.U. Sonawane (Member-Secretary) : AERB
Shri R.K. Yadav (Invitee) : AERB

38
 STANDING COMMITTEE FOR REVIEW AND
REVISION OF AERB RADIATION SAFETY
DOCUMENTS (SCRRRSD)

Date of meeting: December 8, 2014

Chairman and Members of SCRRRSD:

Shri A.R. Sundararajan (Chairman) : AERB (Former)

Dr. D.N. Sharma : BARC (Former)
Dr. B.C. Bhatt : BARC (Former)
Shri P.K. Nema : BARC (Former)
Dr. M.G.R. Rajan : BARC
Shri D.A.R. Babu : BARC (Former)
Dr. A.U. Sonawane : AERB
Dr. (Smt.) Jain Reji George : BRIT
Shri V. Mohan : AERB
Smt. V. Anuradha : AERB
Shri R.K. Chaturvedi : AERB
(Member Secretary)

39
 ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON RADIOLOGICAL
SAFETY (ACRS)

Date of meeting : February 2, 2015

Chairman and Members ofACRS:

Dr. U.C. Mishra (Chairman) : BARC (Former)

Shri A.R. Sundararajan : AERB (Former)
Dr. M.R. Iyer : BARC (Former)
Dr. D.N. Sharma : BARC (Former)
Dr. Sudhir Gupta : Directorate General of
Health Services, New Delhi
Shri S.P. Agarwal : AERB (Former)
Dr. S. Shrivastava : Tata Memorial Hospital,
Mumbai
Dr. A.U. Sonawane (Member-Secretary) : AERB
Shri R.K. Chaturvedi (Invitee) : AERB

40
 LIST OF REGULATORY SAFETY DOCUMENTS ON
RADIATION PROCESSING FACILITIES

Safety Series No. Title

AERB/RF-RPF/SC-1 Radiation Processing Facilities
AERB/SC/TR-1 Transport of Radioactive Material
AERB/SC/G Regulation of Nuclear and Radiation Facilities
AERB/RF-IRRAD/SS-6 Land-based Stationary Gamma Irradiators
(Rev.1)
AERB/RF-RPF/SG-1 Plant Commissioning/Re-commissioning Dosimetry
for Food & Allied Products in Gamma Radiation
Processing Facilities-Type II & IV
AERB/RF-RPF/SG-2 Gamma Irradiation Chambers
AERB/SG/IS-5 Safety Guidelines on Accelerators
AERB/RF/SG/G-3 Consenting Process for Radiation Facilities
AERB/SG/G-4 Regulatory Inspection and Enforcement in Nuclear &
Radiation Facilities
AERB/SG/G-5 Role of Regulatory Body with respect to Emergency
Response and Preparedness at Nuclear & Radiation
Facilities
AERB/RF/SM/G-3 Regulatory Inspection and Enforecment in Radiation
Facilities

41
AERB SAFETY CODE NO. AERB/RF-RPF/SC-1 (Rev. 1)

Published by: Atomic Energy Regulatory Board,

Niyamak Bhavan, Anushaktinagar.
Mumbai – 400 094