Consenting Process for Radiation Facilities - Atomic Energy ...

dose rates. Pre-loaded and manual afterloading brachytherapy may result in
loss or misplacement of sources and unavoidable dose to operating and nursing
staff. Remote afterloading (RAL) brachytherapy unit reduces the dose to
medical and paramedical staff and other patients.
Check sources are used in radiotherapy facility for checking the functionality
of the radiation measuring equipment such as survey meter. The regulatory
procedure for procurement of these sources is same as that for discrete
brachytherapy sources (see subsection 3.8.4).
3.8.2 Site and Layout Plan Approval
The brachytherapy facility should be located at one end of a hospital and
contiguous with other radiotherapy facilities. Basement is desirable for
location of brachytherapy facilities since the earth can form a cheap and
effective shielding. However, it should be ensured that site should be free
from flooding and high moisture in air.
The brachytherapy facility requires adequate shielding and access control.
The brachytherapy rooms, including wards in case of manual procedures,
have to be planned. Access control and containment of source in case of loss
of control are paramount. The Site and Layout of the brachytherapy facility
has to be approved by AERB prior to its construction. The technical parameters
as applicable for Site and Layout Plan approval are to be submitted by the
applicant.
The format for Application for Site and Layout Plan Approval for
Brachytherapy Facility is given in Annexure 20.
3.8.3 Construction
The construction of the brachytherapy facility can be started after obtaining
layout plan approval and no separate regulatory clearance is required for
construction.
3.8.4 Procurement of Sources
In order to carry out brachytherapy procedures using sealed radioisotopes,
the applicant should first submit an application to obtain consent for
procurement of source or the equipment with source. For manual afterloading
(MAL) technique no equipment is used. However, for remote afterloading
(RAL) technique computer controlled equipment is required and hence the
consentee needs to ensure that the equipment is type approved before
procurement. In case the equipment is not type approved, the local
manufacturer/local supplier should submit the documents to AERB
demonstrating the compliance with the applicable national/international
standards and the Type Approval procedures as per subsection 3.18.1 shall
be followed.
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