AEC enhances efforts in Occupational Radiation Monitoring in Uganda

AEC operates and maintains a Dosimetry service for purposes of ensuring that radiation measuring devices are worn by individuals who are occupationally exposed to radiation among others…

Introduction

Radiation exposure in the workplace is a critical concern for workers in industries where radioactive materials are used, such as healthcare, mining, research, and energy production. In Uganda, the growing use of radiation in various sectors has necessitated serious measures to protect workers from the potential risks associated with radiation exposure. To address these concerns, Atomic Energy Council (AEC) has been at the forefront of enhancing efforts on occupational radiation monitoring, aiming at ensuring radiation safety and protection of workers across the country.

Section 13 of the Atomic Energy Act, Cap 154 mandates the Atomic Energy Council to operate and maintain a Dosimetry service for purposes of; ensuring that radiation measuring devices are worn by individuals who are occupationally exposed to radiation; maintaining records and providing a reporting service by which it will maintain adequate records of all exposure measurements and provide to an authorised person and to the Council reports, at suitable intervals, of the information contained in those records and providing early or efficacious warnings to individuals who have been or are likely to be subject to over-exposure to ionizing radiation.

AEC is actively involved in monitoring radiation exposure, establishing safety protocols, conducting inspections, and providing training to both employers and employees on how to use radiation generating devices safely. Given the potential health risks of radiation, the Council has intensified its efforts to address the challenges of occupational radiation exposure through advanced monitoring systems and proactive safety measures.

Occupational Radiation Monitoring in Uganda

One of the Council’s key strategies is to protect workers from the dangers associated with radiation exposure by enhancing radiation monitoring systems. Occupational radiation monitoring is essential to detect, measure, and track radiation exposures levels that workers are exposed to, in various settings. This allows for early detection of excessive exposure, enabling corrective actions to be taken before any significant health effects occur.

Radiation workers monitored

Atomic Energy Council monitors one thousand four hundred sixty-four (1464) radiation workers in four hundred seventeen (417) facilities in 96 districts of Uganda.
Radiation workers are issued with Thermoluminescence dosimeters (TLDs) for occupational exposure monitoring. The TLDs (Figure 1) are periodically read, annealed and calibrated for cumulative absorbed dose measurements using the Harshaw TLD reader Model 6600 Plus Automated Reader Instrument (see figure 2 and 3). The reader can read, anneal and calibrate 200 TLDs at a time.

The data read from dosimeters is reviewed regularly to ensure that workers don’t exceed safe radiation limits. Regular radiation monitoring of workers ensures that workers are not exposed to high levels of radiation. When high levels of radiation exposure are identified, those over exposed can be re-assigned to safer tasks or otherwise appropriately advised.
The number of monitored radiation workers in the different facilities over the years has gradually increased as a result of sensitization of the radiation workers and the owners of the facilities and the acquisition of adequate monitoring badges.

The number of monitored workers has been increasing steadily. This was a result of continued follow up to facilities to return the TLDs, the acquisition of the TLD reader, monitoring badges and the continued sensitization of the owners of the facilities and the radiation workers on the importance of radiation occupational monitoring.

There is an increase in number of facilities with monitored workers over the years.

Training and Capacity Building

The AEC has prioritized the training and education of workers, employers, and the Radiation Safety Officers on occupational radiation monitoring. The Council regularly organizes training workshops, seminars, and training programs to ensure that all stakeholders understand and appreciate the importance of radiation monitoring and how monitoring equipment is used.

Training focuses on the proper use, wearing of badges, interpretation of dosimetry results and emergency response procedures in case of an accidental radiation release. By enhancing the knowledge and skills of those working in radiation prone areas, the AEC ensures that safety standards are adhered to and that workers can adapt and sustain a good safety culture.

Strengthening Regulatory Compliance

The AEC has strengthened regulatory oversight to ensure compliance with national and international radiation safety standards. The Council conducts regular inspections and audits of workplaces where radiation is used. These inspections assess the effectiveness of radiation protection programs and ensures that employers are meeting their responsibilities to protect workers from harmful exposure.

The AEC collaborates with other international bodies, such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to align Uganda’s occupational radiation safety standards with the best global practices. This collaboration has led to improvements in monitoring systems, safety protocols, and the overall regulatory framework in Uganda.

Recommendations

a) Recommendations to the Legal persons (owners of facilities)

1. Provide radiation workers with monitoring devices
2. Use dosimetry service providers approved by Council
3. Return TLDs to Council after three months wearing period
4. Return all issued TLDs whether used or unused to Council for reading and annealing after the 3 months wearing period
5. Collect dosimetry results from the Council

b) Recommendations to occupationally exposed workers

1. Properly use the monitoring equipment and personal protective equipment provided
2. Always request for your dose results from the authorized person
3. Store the TLD away from the radiation area, heat, water or humidity

Conclusion

The Atomic Energy Council’s enhanced efforts in occupational radiation monitoring is a critical step towards protecting the health and safety of radiation workers across the country. These monitoring initiatives play an important role in ensuring that occupational radiation exposure remains at safe levels, protecting workers for years to come.

Downloads for Dosimetry

• • • • Brochure Dosimetry
      • Application for Dosimetry Services
      • Dosimetry service conditions
      • Investigation Levels for dosimetry
      • Flowcharts for Dosimetry at AEC