INTRODUCTION
- Medical use of X-rays for diagnosis and treatment has proven to be beneficial to society at large
- Diagnostic Radiology includes various modalities of medical imaging by using X-rays
- Unsafe use of X-rays radiation has health risks associated with it and require proper care of the equipment i.e. from manufacture, supply, installation, use, maintenance, servicing and ultimately decommissioning
- The Atomic Energy (Radiation Protection) Rules, 2004 [AE(RP)R-2004], promulgated under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, provides the legal framework for the safe handling of radiation generating equipment (in this context - X-ray equipment)
- As per Rule 3 of AE(RP)R-2004 it is mandatory for all the manufacturers/ Suppliers/Users of x-ray equipment, to obtain requisite ‘Licence’ from AERB for carrying out any of the above activities
PRE-REQUISITES FOR OBTAINING LICENCE FOR OPERATION OF X-RAY EQUIPMENT
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X-ray Room Layout and Shielding Requirements
As per the layout guidelines of AERB
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Staffing Requirements
Qualifications as prescribed by the Competent Authority
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Radiological Safety Officer (RSO)
For ensuring safety in work practices
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Radiation Protection Devices
Protection of the workers
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Personnel Monitoring Service
Measurement of doses to radiation workers
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Quality Assurance (QA) Requirements
Patient safety and image quality with minimum doses