# Multi-Organizational Insights Into Radiological Safety Standards in High-Dose Rate Brachytherapy

## TL;DR

This paper reviews global safety standards for high-dose rate brachytherapy to understand how different organizations regulate radiation safety.

## Contribution

The paper systematically categorizes and compares safety standards from multiple international organizations in HDR brachytherapy.

## Key findings

- Safety standards are grouped into layout, equipment, and source categories.
- The IAEA provides comprehensive guidance used as a global reference.
- AERB regulations are widely followed in India for radiation safety.

## Abstract

The review provides an extensive study of regulations and recommendations set forth by organizations worldwide in the domain of high-dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy for the prevention and mitigation of radiation hazards. The relevant reports and publications by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM), United States (US) Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) were accessed, and necessary information was compiled to clarify and understand concepts, similarities, and differences in safety standards concerning to the topic. The regulations and guidance are categorized under three major components of safety, namely layout, equipment, and source. Layout category accesses structure, design, layout, and survey. The equipment category summarizes the requirements of equipment, installation, commissioning, quality assurance (QA) and performance, safety precautions and preparedness, safety procedures, and instructions. The source category includes requirements for sealed source possession and use, calibration, categorization, certification, licensing, QA tests, and security. IAEA gives inclusive guidance on radiation protection and regulatory requirements, forming the basis of reference for other organizations worldwide. AERB regulates the radiation facilities in India; therefore, most set-ups follow their safety standards and instructions.