it is sharing of knowledge. By Bimal Chandra Das, Rtd. AGM (Safety), Bokaro Steel Plant,/ Bokaro. Kolkata

1. B C DAS
(Salient features of The Radiation Protection Rules, 1971 framed under the Atomic
Energy Act, 1962)
Rule No. 3
No person shall handle any radio active material except in accordance with the terms and conditions
of a license granted to him by the Competent Authority (C.A) i.e. Atomic Energy Regulatory Board
(AERB) of Central Government.
Rule No. 5
Prohibition of employment of persons below the age of 18 years.
Rule No. 6
No license for handling radio active material shall be granted unless, in the opinion of competent
authority:
- The request for such license is for the purpose envisaged by act.
- The equipment, facilities and work practices afford adequate protection.
- The person in charge of the radiation workers possesses adequate qualification to direct the
work.
Rule No.7. Period of validity of a license
Every license issued under these rules shall, unless otherwise specified, be valid for three years from
the date of issue of such license.
Rule No.8. Power to revoke or modify a license
License can be revoked by the C.A. or the terms and conditions governing the grant of license can
be modified by him if he considers so in public interest in accordance with the procedures laid down
in these rules.
Rule No. 9. Power to withdraw a license
If the provisions of these rules are contravened by license in the opinion of the C.A, he may
withdraw the license in accordance with the procedures.
Rule No.12. Radiological Safety Officer
Every employer shall designate, with the approval of the C.A., either himself or a person under his
employment as R.S.O. who shall in addition to his other duties, perform the duties and functions
specified in rule 13.
Rule No. 13. Duties and Functions of Radiological Safety Officer
The duties and functions of R>S>O> in any radiation installation shall be :-
a) To take all necessary steps for ensuring that operational limits are not exceeded.
b) To instruct the radiation workers under his charge on the hazards of radiations and on suitable
safety measures and work practices aimed at minimizing exposure to radiation contamination.
c) To carry out any leakage test on any sealed sources as per Rule-34.
d) To regulate the safe movement of all radioactive material, including wastes, within the area under
his charge.
e) To investigate and initiate prompt & suitable remedial measures in respect of any situation that
could lead to radiation hazards.
f) To ensure that reports on all hazardous situations including spillage control as per rule 47 or as
laid down in the notification issued by the C.A. regarding operational limits along with details of
any immediate remedial measures that may have been initiated, are made available immediately
to his employer.
g) To ensure that ultimate disposal of waste, containing active material is done in a manner
approved by the C.A.