Safety in the design and use of gamma and electron irradiation facilities

Gamma emitting radioisotopes and high energy electrons are used to carry out industrial and medical activities such as the sterilisation of medical equipment, the treatment of food, polymerisation, cross-linking, plastic improvement and semiconductor manufacture. This publication is concerned with the design and safe use of gamma and electron beam irradiation plants especially the requirements of the Ionising Radiations Regulations 1985 and the associated Approved Code of Practice. The main safety design objective is to limit radiation exposure of personnel to levels as low as practicable (ALARP) which means shielding so that workers receive no more radiation than the natural background level. The legislative background administrative arrangements and hazard assessments are given. There is a list of references. (UK)