DOCUMENT TITLE

RADIATION PROTECTION
PROGRAMME (RPP)
REQUIREMENT GUIDELINES
DOCUMENT TITLE
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 RADIATION PROTECTION PROGRAMME REQUIREMENT GUIDELINES

DOCUMENT HISTORY

DOCUMENT TITLE RADIATION PROTECTION PROGRAMME REQUIREMENT GUIDELINES

OWNER RADIATION DEPARTMENT

AUTHOR RADIATION DEPARTMENT / LEGAL DEPARTMENT
DOCUMENT NO. 1 REVISION NO.
ISSUE DATE MAY 2020
NEXT REVIEW DUE MAY 2023
DISTRIBUTION AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD VIA SHENA WEBSITE

REV REVISION DESCRIPTION NAME ENDORSER DATE

Chief Inspector
0 Draft for review Radiation Team April 2020
(Radiation)

DISCLAIMER

This document is the property of the Safety Health and Environment National Authority (SHENA), Brunei Darussalam. Circulation is
restricted to the SHENA and its designated associates. It must not be copied or used for any other purpose other than which it is supplied,
without the expressed written authority of the SHENA.

SHENA disclaims any responsibility or liability for any use or misuse of the document by any person and makes no warranty as to the
accuracy or suitability of the information to any third party. Any misuse of the document is not supported by the SHENA and may be reported
to the relevant authorities for further legal action if necessary.

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CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................... 3
2. OUR VISION, MISSION, KEY PRINCIPLES AND VALUES ................................................. 3
3. PURPOSE .................................................................................................................. 4
4. SCOPE ....................................................................................................................... 4
5. DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS ............................................................................. 4
6. BASIC ELEMENTS OF A RADIATION PROTECTION PROGRAMME ................................... 5
7. PART 1: LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT FOR SAFETY ............................................... 5
8. PART 2: ROLES AND RESPONSIBLITIES....................................................................... 6
9. PART 3: COMPETENCY PROGRAMME .......................................................................... 6
10. PART 4: EXPOSURE LIMIT ........................................................................................... 6
11. PART 5: MONITORING PROGRAMME ............................................................................ 7
12. PART 6: HEALTH SURVEILLANCE ................................................................................ 7
13. PART 7: STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES .......................................................... 8
14. PART 8: QUALITY ASSURANCE ................................................................................... 8
15. PART 9: SECURITY PLAN ............................................................................................ 8
16. PART 10: EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE ............................................ 9
17. PART 11: DISPOSAL PLAN .......................................................................................... 9
18. PART 12: RECORD KEEPING ....................................................................................... 9
19. PART 13: REFERENCE DOCUMENT .............................................................................. 9
20. EFFECTIVE DATE...................................................................................................... 10
21. REFERENCES...................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
APPENDIX A .................................................................................................................... 11
APPENDIX B .................................................................................................................... 12
APPENDIX C .................................................................................................................... 13
APPENDIX D .................................................................................................................... 15

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1. INTRODUCTION
The Safety, Health and Environment National Authority (SHENA) is a statutory body set up under the
Safety Health and Environment National Authority Order, 2018. The Authority acts and enforces all
matters relating to workplace safety, health and the environment as well as radiation within Brunei
Darussalam. SHENA is headed by a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) reporting directly to the Minister
responsible for the administration of the SHENA Order, 2018.

2. OUR VISION, MISSION, KEY PRINCIPLES AND VALUES

2.1 SHENA Vision Statement
We are committed to making a difference and ensuring Brunei Darussalam is a safe place to work
and live.

2.2 SHENA Mission Statement

We will maintain a robust fit for purpose national safety, health and environmental regulatory
framework and ensure that the risks to people, assets and the environment are controlled in
compliance with Law and regulation, set by the government, implemented by those who create the
risk and underpinned by continuous improvement.

2.3 Principles
Our operational philosophy is governed by four key principles:
1. Structured
2. Auditable
3. Focused
4. Engaged

In all our activities we will ensure a transparent and open dialogue with all our stakeholders. Our
stakeholders include industry, government, and the general public and our key principles apply
equally to all.

2.4 Values
All our employees are expected to adopt key values in their day–to-day engagements. Our
employees will demonstrate the following values in all aspects of our activities:
1. Integrity
2. Respect
3. Reasonability
4. Professionalism

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3. PURPOSE
This document is created as guidelines for applicants in the development of a Radiation Protection
Programme (RPP).

4. SCOPE
These guidelines outline the minimum regulatory requirements in developing the RPP, comprising
the safety, security and emergency aspects of the radiation activity to be conducted. In preparation
of the RPP, the licensee or applicant must:

(i) Ensure the type of radiation activity to be engaged is clearly identified, including the list of
radioactive material(s) and/or controlled apparatus (technical specifications to be provided)
to be used;

(ii) Elaborate the standard operating procedures (SOPs) on the conduct of the radiation activity
to ensure radiation safety and security are in place;

(iii) Ensure the submitted RPP is endorsed by the Radiation Protection Officer (RPO) and the
licensee;

(iv) Ensure the RPP is reviewed at least once in two years, OR when there are changes to
particulars OR as directed by the Authority; and

(v) Ensure the cover page of RPP carries the information required by the Authority (Refer to
Attachment A).

These guidelines may be amended or varied by the Authority from time to time.

5. DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

In this guideline, the abbreviations for words are as follows:

(i) ALARA - As Low as Reasonably Achievable

(ii) GRW - General Radiation Worker
(iii) OSL - Optically Stimulated Luminescence
(iv) RPL - Radio-Photoluminescence dosimeter
(v) RPO - Radiation Protection Officer
(vi) RPP - Radiation Protection Programme
(vii) TLD - Thermoluminescence dosimeter

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6. BASIC ELEMENTS OF A RADIATION PROTECTION PROGRAMME

A Radiation Protection Programme is expected to be comprehensive and comprises (but not limited
to) the following basic elements:

(i) Leadership and Management for Safety

(ii) Roles and Responsibilities
(iii) Worker Competency Programme
(iv) Exposure Limit
(v) Personal Monitoring Programme
(vi) Health Surveillance
(vii) Radiation Operating Procedures
(viii) Quality Assurance
(ix) Security Plan
(x) Emergency Preparedness and Response
(xi) Disposal Plan
(xii) Record Keeping
(xiii) Reference Documents

These basic elements are further described in section 7 to section 19.

7. PART 1: LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT FOR SAFETY

This Part is expected to clearly describe the business entity and the type of radiation activity involved
whereby the following information is required to be provided:

(i) Background;
(ii) Vision and mission;
(iii) Organisation chart and departments dealing with radioactive materials and controlled
apparatus;
(iv) Description of radiation activities;
(v) Inventory of radioactive material and controlled apparatus involved;
(vi) List of vessels involved in transporting radioactive material (if applicable);
(vii) List of monitoring dosimeter with the serial number;
(viii) Floor plan of exposure room and storage area of radioactive material and/or controlled
apparatus; and
(ix) List of the applicable guides and technical standards used.

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8. PART 2: ROLES AND RESPONSIBLITIES

The roles and responsibilities of the relevant personnel (as reflected in the organisation chart required
under Part 1 in section iii), should be clearly described:

(i) Licensee (the person responsible for the licence);

(ii) RPO; and

(iii) GRW.

9. PART 3: COMPETENCY PROGRAMME

Licensees should ensure new RPOs and GRWs undergo relevant radiation training conducted by
training providers registered with the Authority, in addition to any relevant in-house training prior to
conducting radiation activities. Training programme should have emphasis on the following:

(i) Radiation Protection Order, 2018 and its regulations;

(ii) Fundamental understanding of ionising radiation;
(iii) Responsibilities as a radiation worker;
(iv) Principles of radiation protection and clear demarcation of radiation designated areas;
(v) Main risks associated with ionising radiation;
(vi) Emergency preparedness and response in handling radiological accident;
(vii) Remedial measures taken after a radiological incident or accident;
(viii) Emergency training (drill); and
(ix) Awareness on safety and security culture of working with radioactive materials and controlled
apparatus in the facility.

For existing RPOs and GRWs licensees should establish an annual training plan for all radiation
workers (at least once a year). The training courses should be related to radiation activities
undertaken by the workers.

Licensees should provide information on the schedule plan for conducting emergency drill to which
the Authority is to be notified at least one (1) month prior to the date of exercise.

10. PART 4: EXPOSURE LIMIT

The dose constraints for the relevant personnel shall be determined by the licensees, taking into
consideration that the annual dose limit does not exceed 20mSv per year (Refer to Appendix B). The
purpose of dose constraints is used to optimise protection and safety of workers, which the intended
outcome is to ensure all exposures are controlled to levels that are as low as reasonably achievable
(ALARA).

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If the annual dose limit is exceeded, the licensees shall carry out internal investigation to determine
the circumstances in which the exposure took place and its consequences. The investigation report
shall be submitted to the Authority within thirty (30) days of the accident and/or incident.

The annual dose analysis records for all radiation workers should be established and monitored by
the licensees. For termination of radiation workers, the licensees shall inform the Authority on the
termination together with submission of the dose records.

11. PART 5: MONITORING PROGRAMME

The licensees should describe the type of monitoring programmes for the demarcated radiation
designated areas.

The licensees should provide personal dosimeters to all radiation workers for the purpose of
occupational exposure assessment.

Personal dosimeters for all radiation workers shall be analysed by laboratories recognised by
Authority and monitored monthly. The dose records must be in line with the template provided by the
Authority (refer to Appendix C).

All licensees conducting any radiation activities should possess at least 2 units of suitable radiation
detectors (with valid calibration certificates).

Radiation activities that do not involve any physical handling of radioactive material or controlled
apparatus, for e.g. sales of controlled apparatus are exempted from using any personal dosimeter
or radiation monitoring equipment (survey meter).

Environmental monitoring should be conducted by the licensees (if requested by the Authority) and
monitoring result is to be submitted to the Authority on a quarterly basis.

12. PART 6: HEALTH SURVEILLANCE

Licensees should establish health surveillance programme in ensuring all RPOs and GRWs are fit to
work. Any person who is found to be medically unfit by a registered medical practitioner shall not be
allowed to conduct radiation activities.

Licensees shall ensure that the health of RPOs and GRWs in their organization are reviewed
regularly to determine whether such workers remain fit to perform their duties throughout his period
of assignment.

The state of health of a worker shall be reviewed at least once in two years and more frequently if
the radiation worker’s exposure conditions and state of health require.

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Restrictions on dealing with radiation activities shall be applied to pregnant women and breast-
feeding mothers.

13. PART 7: STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

The licensees should provide information on the establishment of standard operating procedures for
the following:

(i) Access to designated areas;

(ii) Use of personal and area monitoring equipment;

(iii) Maintenance of area and personal monitoring equipment;
(iv) Import and export of radioactive material and/or controlled apparatus;
(v) Transportation of radioactive materials (if applicable);
(vi) Calibration of controlled apparatus (if applicable);
(vii) Monitoring of the dose received by the patient (applicable to medical activity); and
(viii) Handling of radioactive material and/or controlled apparatus within or outside of licensees’
premises.

14. PART 8: QUALITY ASSURANCE

The licensees should provide information to ensure that their quality assurance is in place. This
should be supported by references from manufacturer’s recommendation and conducted by a
certified service provider recognised by Authority.

The licensees should provide information (including the technical requirements) on the leak / wipe
test performed on the radioactive materials containment and this should be conducted by a certified
service provider recognised by Authority.

15. PART 9: SECURITY PLAN

Licensees should provide information on the secure handling of radioactive materials in their
possession and consider every reasonable measure to prevent any theft, loss or sabotage.

The information provided should take into consideration control measures such as detection,
deterrents that lead to delay, and response to prevent unauthorised access to the radioactive
material. These measures must be proven to be effective i.e. the use of alarm sensors, fences, strong
storage containers, barriers for moving vehicles and/or trailers, security guards, etc.

A security plan should be detailed and provided in a separate document, titled: Security Radioactive
Material Programme (SRMP) for licensees who handles category 1 and 2 radioactive materials
(IAEA, 2005). (Refer to Appendix D).

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16. PART 10: EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE

The licensees should establish emergency preparedness and response procedures suited to the
licensed radiation activities that take into account of the following:

(i) Type of potential incident and radiological accident;

(ii) Actions to be taken during each incident or radiological accident identified;
(iii) List of recovery actions;
(iv) List of equipment used; and
(v) List of emergency phone numbers including the RPO.

Any radiological incident or accident should be reported to the Authority within twenty-four (24) hours.

The licensees shall carry out internal investigation to determine the circumstances in which the
exposure took place and its consequences. The investigation report shall be submitted to the
Authority within thirty (30) days of the accident and/or incident.

17. PART 11: DISPOSAL PLAN

The licensees should provide information on the disposal plan for radioactive waste, items
contaminated with radioactive material, radioactive material and controlled apparatus, whether in a
working condition or otherwise.

The licensees shall not dispose or transfer any radioactive material and controlled apparatus from its
premises without prior written approval from the Authority.

18. PART 12: RECORD KEEPING

The licensees should provide information on the means of record keeping with file reference number.

Records should include radiation worker information, import/export, dose records, quality assurance
records, etc. Access to records are limited to authorised personnel only and may be requested by
Authority at any time.

19. PART 13: REFERENCE DOCUMENT

Licensees should provide information on reference documents used in the development of the
radiation protection programme.

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20. EFFECTIVE DATE

These guidelines take effect immediately upon the date of release and when they are published on
the SHENA website at [Link]. For further questions regarding this guideline, the
licensees and applicants can contact the Authority at:

Safety Health and Environment National Authority (SHENA)

Level 4, Design and Technology Building,
Simpang 32-37, Kg Anggerek Desa,
Bandar Seri Begawan BB3713
Brunei Darussalam

Operating hours : Mon – Fri 8:00am – 11:30am; 2:00pm – 4:00pm

Office telephone no. : +673 2382000
Email address : radapplication@[Link]

21. REFERENCES
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) (2005) “Categorization of Radioactive Sources” IAEA
Safety Standards Series RS-G-1.9 ISBN 92–0–103905–0.

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APPENDIX A
EXAMPLE FOR
THE FRONT PAGE OF RADIATION PROTECTION PROGRAMME

RADIATION PROTECTION PROGRAMME

Version xxxxx

We hereby declare that all information contained in the Radiation Protection

Programme are correct and true. We further acknowledge that we understand
and agree that the programme will be implemented.

RADIATION PROTECTION OFFICER LICENSEE

(RPO)

Signature Signature

NAME : NAME:
DATE: DATE:

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APPENDIX B
DOSE LIMITS FOR
OCCUPATIONAL RADIATION WORKER AND PUBLIC

1. For occupational exposure of radiation worker over the age of 18 years old, the dose limits are: -

a. an effective dose is 20 mSv per year averaged over five consecutive years (total of 100 mSv
in 5 years);

b. an equivalent dose to the lenses of the eye is 20 mSv per year average over five consecutive
years (total of 100 mSv in 5 years);

c. an equivalent dose of the extremities (hand and feet) or to the skin is 500 mSv in a year; and

d. restriction applies to occupational exposure for a female worker who has notified pregnancy
or is breast feeding;

2. For occupational exposure of apprentices aged between 16 to 18 years old who are being trained for
employment involving radiation or use of sources in their studies, the dose limits are:

a. an effective dose is 6 mSv in a year;

b. an equivalent dose to the lenses of the eye is 20mSv in a year; and
c. an equivalent dose to extremities (hand and feet) or the skin is 150 mSv in a year.

3. Dose limit does not apply to medical exposure (patient) but with reasonable justification for exposure;

4. For public exposure, the dose limits are: -

a. an effective dose is 1 mSv in a year;

b. an equivalent dose to the lenses of the eye is 15 mSv in a year; and
c. an equivalent dose to skin is 50 mSv in a year.

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APPENDIX C
INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE DOSE RECORD

Figure 1: Summary for 5 years individual occupational exposure dose records

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Figure 2: Annual individual occupational exposure dose records

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APPENDIX D
CATEGORISATION OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL
CATEGORY SOURCES USED AND/OR PRACTICES REQUIRE
SRMP
• Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs)
1 • Irradiator sources
Yes
• Teletherapy source
• Multi – Beam Teletherapy (Gamma Knife) sources
• Any Radioactive Material More Than 400Gbq

• Industrial Gamma Radiography sources

2 • Brachytherapy sources Yes
• Calibration sources (60Co)

• Industrial level gauges

• Conveyor gauges
3 • Well logging gauges
No
• Security Purpose that used Radioactive Material
• Calibration sources (241Am)
• Blast furnace gauges
• Spinning pipe gauges (137Cs)
• Research reactor start-up sources (241Am/Be)

• Thickness gauges
• Fill level gauges
• Calibration sources (90Sr)
• Moisture detectors (241Am/Be)
4 • Density gauges (137Cs)
• Static Eliminators sources
• Bone Densitometers sources
No
• X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyser sources (55Fe)
• Electron capture detector sources
• Medical unsealed sources
• Tritium targets (3H)
• PET check sources (68GE)
• Mossbauer spectrometry sources (57Co)
• Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (Norm)
• Technologically enhanced natural occurring radioactive material
(TENORM)

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CATEGORISATION OF CONTROLLED APPARATUS

CATEGORY APPARATUS PRACTICES TUBE VOLTAGE

1 Industrial and Medical controlled apparatus ≥ 11MeV/MV

2 Industrial and Medical controlled apparatus ≥ 1 MeV/MV

3 Industrial and Medical controlled apparatus ≥ 30 keV/kV

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