The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) is the regulatory authority in India responsible for ensuring the safe use of radiation and nuclear energy. Established by the Government of India, AERB oversees the safety standards and regulations for the use of nuclear and radiation equipment across various sectors, including medical, industrial, and research applications.

1. Establishment and Purpose:

• Established in 1983 by the Government of India, AERB operates under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, to ensure that the use of ionizing radiation and nuclear energy in India is conducted in a safe manner.
• Its primary objective is to ensure that radiation risks to workers, the public, and the environment are kept as low as reasonably achievable.

2. Key Responsibilities:

• Regulating Radiation Facilities:
  • AERB formulates regulations, safety codes, and guidelines for radiation facilities such as X-ray installations, nuclear power plants, and industrial radiation uses.
  • It provides licenses and approvals for the establishment, operation, and decommissioning of these facilities.
• Monitoring Compliance:
  • The board conducts inspections and audits to ensure compliance with safety norms.
  • Facilities using radiation sources must submit safety reports and undergo regular inspections by AERB.
• Licensing and Authorizations:
  • AERB issues licenses for the procurement, installation, and operation of radiation equipment, including diagnostic radiology, nuclear medicine, and radiation therapy equipment.
  • It also approves and certifies individuals as Radiological Safety Officers (RSOs) to oversee safety measures in facilities using radiation.
• Enforcement:
  • AERB has the authority to enforce safety standards and take enforcement actions against facilities that fail to comply with regulations, including issuing notices, sealing equipment, and revoking licenses.

3. Radiation Safety Framework:

• AERB ensures radiation protection by setting annual dose limits for radiation exposure to workers and the general public, based on international standards set by bodies like the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
• It requires that facilities implement shielding measures, install safety devices, and carry out regular Quality Assurance (QA) to ensure that radiation levels are within safe limits.

4. e-LORA System:

• e-Licensing of Radiation Applications (e-LORA) is AERB’s online portal designed to streamline regulatory processes.
• Through e-LORA, facilities can register, apply for licenses, submit compliance reports, and manage their radiation safety requirements efficiently.
• It simplifies communication between AERB and stakeholders, reducing paperwork and improving the transparency of regulatory actions.

5. Training and Public Awareness:

• AERB is responsible for educating and training radiation workers to ensure safe practices.
• It provides guidelines for the recognition of courses for X-ray technologists and conducts awareness programs to inform the public and radiation professionals about radiation safety.

6. Regulatory Scope:

• The scope of AERB extends across various domains:
  • Medical Facilities: Regulates diagnostic radiology, radiation therapy, and nuclear medicine to ensure patient safety.
  • Industrial Facilities: Oversees industrial radiography, sterilization facilities, and other applications of radiation in industry.
  • Nuclear Power Plants: Ensures that the operation of nuclear reactors adheres to stringent safety standards to prevent accidents.

7. Reporting and Accountability:

• Facilities must report incidents, equipment malfunctions, or accidents to AERB. The board evaluates these incidents, ensuring that corrective actions are taken to prevent recurrence.
• It also monitors radiation exposure data for radiation workers to ensure that doses are within permissible limits.

Summary:

The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) is a crucial entity in ensuring the safe use of radiation in India. Its regulatory oversight, licensing, and compliance monitoring are key in minimizing radiation risks and protecting workers and the public. However, the AERB’s role doesn’t end there. It also plays a significant part in protecting the environment from the potential hazards of radiation. The use of digital platforms like e-LORA further enhances regulatory efficiency and compliance management in radiation practices.