Rules and Regulations regarding Radiation Protection in Pakistan

2. Presented By:
Absar Ahmed
2014-ag-4549
Degree:
BSc(Hons) Environmental Engineering
Semester:
6th

3. PNRA regulation on radiation
protection
2004

4. Contents
 About PNRA Regulations
 Objectives of Regulatory Authority
 Activities of Regulatory Authority
 Control of Occupational Exposure
 Control of Public Exposure
 Transport Safety
 Planning for and response to radiation emergencies
 Education and Training (E&T)
 Conclusion
 References

5. About PNRA Regulations
The Regulatory Authority is headed by a Chairman who is also the Chief Operating Officer. He
is assisted by two full-time members, and seven part-time members appointment by the federal
government. The seven part-time members consist of three technical members, three nominated
members – one each from Ministry of Health, the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency, and the
Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission – and Director-General, Strategic Plans Division.
M. Anwar Habib
Chairman PNRA

6. PNRA currently has approximately one
hundred (100) employees including:
 Scientists, Engineers, Health/Medical Physicists
 Technicians
 Administration and Financial Officers
 Supporting staff
 Maintenance services personnel
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7. Objectives of Regulatory Authority
It's objective is to establish a regulatory body that has sufficient staff, independent funding
and legal powers for controlling, regulating and supervising all matters related to nuclear
safety and radiation protection measures in Pakistan. The Authority is responsible for all
the nuclear and radiation safety measures in Pakistan.
 To achieve these objectives, the Authority, has been given the power to:
 Make and enforce such regulations for nuclear safety and radiation protection
 Plan, develop and execute comprehensive policies and programs for the protection of
life
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8. Activities of Regulatory Authority
 Notifications and authorization system
Issuance of authorizations to a person (as defined in the ordinance) to
perform specified activities is one of the main functions of PNRA.
Depending upon the potential magnitude and nature of the hazards
associated with nuclear/radiation installations, authorizations are
required at various stages.
 Inventory of sources
A computerized inventory of radioactive sources in the country is being
maintained in the PNRA since 1990. The software is being upgraded to
allow for better tracking and control.
Regional Directorates carry out physical verification inspections
periodically and also carry out assessment of safety and security
measures. PNRA is planning to further strengthen its inspection and review system
for specifying sources to ensure that all such sources remain under regulatory
control.

9.  Safety and Security of Sources
The safety and security of radioactive sources have been given utmost importance in
the PNRA activities. Radioactive sources are under strict regulatory control so that
there is very little chance that a source be lost, misplaced or stolen. A computerized
inventory of radioactive sources in the country is being maintained at PNRA since
1990.
 Communications with the Public and Quality Management System
PNRA has recently established an Information Services Directorate (ISD) for
developing good communication links with the public organizations regarding the
safety on radiation protection.
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10. Control of Occupational Exposure
 Individual monitoring for external radiation
The occupational exposure record of each radiation worker has been centrally
computerized and is kept available for verification of a Regulatory Inspector. Adequate
management system is available with the service providers and verified during inspection of
each facility. These services operate under the authorization of the Regulatory Authority.
 Calibration of monitoring equipment for external radiation
Radiation measuring instruments are calibrated at Secondary Standard Dosimetry
Lab (SSDL) located at PINSTECH NILORE Islamabad. The laboratory maintains Secondary
Standard Instruments in adequate agreement with the international measuring system.
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11. Continued…..
 Workplace monitoring
The workplace monitoring is carried out by using Survey Meter and
Contamination Meters by a Regulatory Inspector during routine inspection
of the facility. Regulatory requirements demand that these instruments are
regularly calibrated at SSDL PINSTECH, and this is verified during
each inspection.
 Central dose record keeping for external and internal exposure
The central service provider is responsible for maintaining and keeping
dose record of each radiation worker in the country. This record is verified
by a Regulatory Inspector during the inspection of the facility.
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12. Control of Public Exposure
 Control of radioactive discharges
Concentration and discharge limits for radionuclides have been approved by
PNRA. Source monitoring and compliance with discharge and concentration limits is
verified by the regional directorates of PNRA.
Concentration limits for radionuclides in gaseous and liquid effluents have been
prepared on the basis of BSS-115.
 Environmental and food monitoring
A wide network of environmental and food monitoring has been established in the
country by the major nuclear energy promoter i.e. PAEC. Similarly, under the radiation
protection regulations, each nuclear facility/center is required to establish its own
environmental monitoring program and keep surveillance over the releases made by it.
Limits based on the public dose of 1mSv/year which is verified by PNRA inspectors.
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13. Continued….
PNRA carries out food monitoring program to assess radioactive contamination in food
before issuing of a Radiation Free Certificate to the exporters of food items.
 National waste management strategy
Under these regulations, development of new disposal facilities shall
be under the regulatory control of PNRA. Regulations allocate
responsibility to the licensee for all aspects of safety of radioactive waste
management.
 Treatment of radioactive waste
The procedures for the characterization and segregation of radioactive
waste are normally prepared by the licensee in accordance with the PNRA
requirements. Provision has been made in the draft regulations for the
processing of radioactive waste to be performed adequately to fulfill
acceptance requirement for disposal as well as requirements for handling,
transport and storage of waste packages.
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14. Continued……
 Storage of radioactive waste
At each facility, the licensee is required to allocate a clearly
dedicated area and provide controlled access to the storage of radioactive
waste. Safety of existing storage facilities is ensured through inspections and this is
upgraded to the extent necessary.
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15. Transport Safety
 National competent authority for the safe transport of radioactive material
Chairman, PNRA is the designated national Competent Authority for the safe
transport of radioactive material. PNRA has earmarked appropriate resources and efforts are
underway to improve the transportation of radioactive material in the country. It is likely that
a research contract may be issued to a university for studies in this regard.
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16. Planning for and response to radiation
emergencies
 National level arrangements for emergency preparedness and response
In case of a nuclear accident or radiological emergency, the Chairman
PNRA acts as an advisor to the Government of Pakistan on actions undertaken to mitigate the
consequences of the nuclear accident or radiological emergency situation.
PNRA functions include keeping Chairman PNRA briefed on the emergency
situation so that he can provide accurate advice to the Government of Pakistan.
The PNRA has established a National Radiation Emergency Co-ordination
Centre (NRECC) for receipt and dissemination of information in response to nuclear
accidents or radiological emergencies happening domestically or abroad
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17. Education and Training (E&T)
 E&T of persons with comprehensive responsibilities in radiation protection
Entry-level professionals have been imparted training in the field through one year
or two years course through conducted at PAEC’s major training institutes PIEAS and
KINPOE.(Karachi Institute of Power Engineering)
 E&T of manager and workers
No exclusive training program for the education and training of managers, workers
in the authorized facilities in the country. . Thus, the education of these personnel in radiation
protection is carried out through delivering lectures
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18. Conclusion
Although the existing radiation protection infrastructure is meeting the basic
statuary requirements of the country under existing country regulations, considerable
improvements are needed to make it more efficient. Radiation is a very vast field and requires
accuracy and precision at every stage of its application. The need for proper training of personnel,
studies and the importance of up-to-date information cannot be but emphasized. Pakistan has
limited resources at its disposal.

19. References
 https://www.google.com.pk/webhp?sourceid=chrome-
instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-
8#q=PNRA+regulations+on+radiation+protection+2004
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