Vietnam: 6 requirements to control radiation sources

According to Article 6 of Circular No. 19/2012/TT-BKHCN of the Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam, the organizations and individuals that do radiological works must comply with the following requirements to control radiation sources:

- Ensure the smallest quantity of radiation sources and activity of radioactive sources to do radiological works.

- Store radioactive sources in safe places with proper covers, and take measures to control the exposure and radioactive contamination.

- Periodically check the radiation sources.

- Regularly check the leak of radioactive sources.

- Take measures to ensure the radiation safety when moving the radioactive sources inside and outside the premises.

- Collect, treat, keep, and dispose of radioactive waste, used radioactive sources, and control the level of discharging radioactive waste to the environment as prescribed by law.

Moreover, according to Article 7 of Circular No. 19/2012/TT-BKHCN of the Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam, when calculating and designing radiation protection for the controlled area and supervised area, the organizations and individuals that do radiological works must apply the dose limit of occupational radiation that is smaller than or equal to 3/10 of the dose limit for radiological workers. When calculating and designing radiation protection for public areas, the organizations and individuals that do radiological works must apply the dose limit of occupational radiation that is smaller than or equal to 3/10 of the dose limit for the public based on the following factors:

- The dose contribution from radiation sources and other radiations works, including the radiations sources and radiological works that might arise in the future;

- The potential changes that might affect the public exposure such as changing the characteristics and the operation of sources;

- The experiences in effectively operating the radiation sources or doing similar radiological works.

Note: The facility design of the radiation facilities that treat or store radioactive waste must contain information about the foundation, the underground water, surface water, tap water; the assessment of osmosis, the delivery of radioactive nuclei in the soil and the water; proof that the design is able to prevent the leak of radioactive substances into the soil, the water, and the air.

View more details at the Circular No. 19/2012/TT-BKHCN of the Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam, effective from December 23, 2012.

Le Vy

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