Against the backdrop of non-compliance to Atomic Energy (Radiation Protection) Rules 2004, radiation safety regulator Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has recently sent a letter to the state run KEM Hospital to provide Thermo Luminescent Dosimeter (TLD) badges to all radiation workers to monitor their radiation doses while working in the radiation field of X-ray units.

TLD is a type of passive dosimeter which is used to measure exposure from ionising radiation.

This comes in the wake of radio-safety related concerns raised by the Municipal Mazdoor Union, Mumbai recently about stopping of TLD service availed by radiation workers. A copy of the letter which is currently been examined by Pharmabiz states that the regulator has, therefore, urged the hospital to make TLD badges available within 20 days from the date of receiving the letter i.e. March 3, 2015. Hospital authorities, however, clarified that TLD badges will be made available to the workers as per the guidelines of AERB accordingly.

The letter further states,"Institute is hereby directed to stop the radiation work until the availability of TLD badges to all radiation workers, failure of which appropriate regulatory enforcement actions may be initiated against the institute in accordance with Atomic Energy (Radiation Protection) Rules 2004.
 
TLD is one of a number of methods used in the area of dosimetry. The TLD consists of a crystal (CaSO4) which gives off light when heated, the light being proportional to the degree of exposure seen by the TLD. The crystal is usually placed in a holder which contains filters which can be used to differentiate between skin doses and penetrating doses of ionising radiation. The TLD is normally worn on the trunk of the body but can also be worn on the extremities (for measuring doses to the fingers).  

AERB was constituted on November 15, 1983 by the President of India by exercising the powers conferred by the Atomic Energy Act to carry out certain regulatory and safety functions under the Act. The regulatory authority of AERB is derived from the rules and notifications promulgated under the Atomic Energy Act and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The main function of AERB is to ensure the use of ionising radiation and nuclear energy in India does not cause undue risk to the health of people and the environment.

In accordance to the regulatory guidelines of Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB),the law also mandates compliance to regulatory requirements like appointment of a radiology safety officer with the hospital to co-ordinate with AERB on a periodic basis for compliance to the stipulated rules.