Assessment of radiation protection status in diagnostic X-ray facilities at four different districts in Bangladesh

Abstract

Objective

To evaluate the radiation protection status and regulatory compliance for radiological diagnostic facilities in Bangladesh.

Methods

A total of 153 diagnostic X-ray facilities were selected from four different districts (Chandpur, Dinajpur, Pirojpur, and Tangail) of Bangladesh, to assess the detailed radiation safety infrastructure and verify the regulatory compliance (BAER Act-2012, NSRC Rules-1997, and Regulatory Guides) using standard checklist and radiation measuring device.

Results

The results show that 71% facilities are licensed, 66% have certified radiation control officers (RCOs), 93% possesses personal protective equipment, 78% have appointed qualified radiation workers, 79% workers have personal dosimeters, and near 92% have the required wall thickness in the X-ray room. Proper shielding is observed at 73% entrance doors and in 76% control rooms. The shortcomings are found in the standard room size requirement (25%) and the presence of warning signs (29%). Radiation dose rates in the control room are within the permissible limit in most facilities (72%), but not satisfactory at the entrance door (22%). Chandpur district has a better radiation safety structure than the other three districts, where Pirojpur district stands in the bottom position. Facilities that have a CT scan with a conventional X-ray show better compliance compared to only conventional X-ray and dental X-ray facilities.

Conclusions

Comparative study with the regulatory survey, which was conducted in 2000, demonstrates significant improvements in radiation safety infrastructure in these districts. These findings represent significant progress and also highlight gaps in the radiation safety structure in rural areas of the country. The Regulatory Authority should focus on improvement in the areas lacking to ensure a proper radiation safety structure in Bangladesh.