Radiological safety during handling of radioisotopes at Dhruva

Dhruva is a 100 MWth research reactor uses natural Uranium as fuel, heavy water as moderator and primary coolant and has maximum thermal neutron flux is of the order of 2.1 x 10¹⁴ n/cm²/scythe reactor provides various irradiation facilities like Pneumatic carrier facility, self serve, tray rods, and adjuster rod. Radio-isotope handling involves safety evaluation of samples considering irradiation period, reactivity change and nuclear heating in samples. Post irradiation handling involves assessment of cooling and shielding requirements and loading of samples into shielded flask for safe transport. All operation on irradiated samples capsules should be carried out in hot cells to avoid radiation exposure and spread of contamination. Radiological safety surveillance is provided during the loading of radioisotopes in the suitable shielding flask on the basis of gross radioactivity. Personnel monitoring of radiation workers involved in isotope handling is carried out with Thermoluminescence Dosimeter (TLD) and Direct Reading Dosimeter (DRD). No case of overexposure has been reported during the handling of radioisotopes. Strict adherence to safety norms and standard procedures are necessary to minimise radiation exposure and avoid any spread of contamination