Introduction:

In India, the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board plays a crucial role in ensuring the safe use of ionizing radiation and nuclear energy, protecting the public, workers, and environment. It is imperative for any entity engaged in activities involving the utilization of radioactive materials or radiation-emitting equipment to obtain AERB registration and licensing. The importance of AERB registration in India cannot be overstated, as it ensures compliance with stringent safety standards and regulations, thus preventing potential hazards associated with radiation exposure. This article aims to provide guidance on the process of obtaining an AERB license online, elucidating the essential protocols and supporting documentation. Whether one is a member of a medical facility, industrial unit, or research institution, comprehending and adhering to AERB regulations is imperative for legal compliance and operational safety. A comprehensive, step-by-step approach to securing your AERB registration seamlessly and efficiently is Provided Below.

Importance of AERB Registration:

It is important to register with the AERB in India. The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) is the supreme authority charged with overseeing the responsible use of ionizing radiation and nuclear energy, ensuring the well-being and security of individuals, the public, and nature.

Anyone involved in activities that use radioactive materials or radiation-emitting equipment must register with the AERB. This includes medical facilities, industrial units, research institutions, and any organization that handles radioactive substances. By ensuring compliance with AERB regulations, organizations mitigate the risk of radiation hazards, which can have severe health and environmental consequences.

Proper registration and licensing ensure that these entities adhere to stringent safety standards, implement necessary protective measures, and undergo regular inspections and audits by the AERB. This is achieved through proper registration and licensing. This promotes a culture of safety and instills public confidence in the safe management of radioactive materials. Non-compliance can result in significant legal consequences, such as monetary penalties and business suspensions.

As a result, acquiring and maintaining AERB registration is essential for regulatory compliance, operational security, and the safeguarding of all parties involved in the application of ionizing radiation and nuclear energy.

Types of AERB Licenses

  • Industrial Licenses
  • Required for activities such as radiography, gauging, and irradiation.
  • Commonly used in manufacturing, construction, and other industrial sectors.
  • Medical Licenses
  • Cover the use of radiation in healthcare settings.
  • Include diagnostic radiology, radiation therapy, and nuclear medicine.
  • Ensure the safety of patients and healthcare workers.
  • Research Licenses
  • Necessary for academic and scientific institutions.
  • Apply to experiments and studies involving radioactive substances.
  • Ensure compliance with safety standards in research environments.
  • Eligibility Criteria
  • Specific requirements must be met for each type of license.
  • Includes qualifications, experience, and safety measures.

By categorizing licenses based on application, the AERB can tailor its regulatory approach to address the unique risks and safety needs of each sector, ensuring comprehensive oversight and protection.

Online Registration Procedure:

To streamline the licensing process, the AERB has introduced an e-governance platform called e-LORA (e-Licensing of Radiation Applications). All users of X-ray equipment, both those who have previously obtained an AERB license or registration and those who have not yet done so, are required to register through the e-LORA system.

Step-1. Register Your Institute:

Begin by registering your institute on the e-LORA platform.

Step-2. Declare X-ray Equipment Details:

Provide detailed information about your X-ray equipment on e-LORA.

Step-3. Existing License/Registration:

  • If your X-ray equipment already has a valid AERB license or registration, record the license details in e-LORA.
  • If your X-ray equipment does not have a valid AERB license or registration, apply for and obtain the necessary AERB license for operation.

Register your institute with eLORA

  1. Please visit our website www.aerb.gov.in for more information. The link eLORA is provided on the home page. You will be taken to the home page by it. Your browser may ask you for a security certificate.
  2. Click on Register institute on the right hand side to get institute registration application form,

Tab 1: Institute Details

  1. Complete All Fields:
  • Fill in all required information, noting that fields marked with an asterisk (*) are mandatory.
  • Ensure that the entered data matches the attached certificates.

     2. Facility Information:

  • In the 'Type of Facility' section, select 'Diagnostic Radiology' under the 'Practice' field.
  • Select 'Medical Diagnostic X-ray Facility' under the 'Role of Institute' field.

Tab 2: Employer Details

  1. Name:
  • Enter the full name as it appears on the attached proof of identity and date of birth (DOB).
  1. Date of Birth:
  • Enter the DOB exactly as it appears on the proof of identity and DOB.
  1. Document/Card Number:
  • Ensure the number matches the proof of identity and DOB provided.
  1. Email:
  • Provide a suitable email address for receiving user ID, password, and future communications.
  1. Mobile Number:
  • Provide a mobile number for receiving SMS alerts.

Tab 3: Attachments

  1. Mandatory Attachments.
  • Upload proof of identity and date of birth.
  • Upload proof of employment.
  1. Optional/Context-Based Attachments.
  • Upload additional supporting documents such as PAN card, TAN card, Aadhar card, driving license, or passport, if applicable.
  1. Submit Details
  • Review and submit all entered information and attachments.

Upon successful submission, the user will receive a message containing the application reference number. A copy of the submitted application can be downloaded. Additionally, an email with this information will be sent to the registered email address. It is advisable to keep a printed copy of your application form for your records.

NOTE- After the approval of institute registration, user will receive login credentials in their registered email id (make sure you enter correct email id).

Declaration of existing x-ray equipment’s with eLORA

  1. Login using your User name and Password. User will reach into home page of institute
  2. Click ‘Declare Existing X-ray Equipment’
  3. Provide required details and submit the form. After successful submission, a submission message with equipment id will be displayed.

Note: Upon successful submission, the user will receive a message containing the application reference number. A copy of the submitted application can be downloaded. Additionally, an email with this information will be sent to the registered email address. It is advisable to keep a printed copy of your application form for your records.

Recording licence details of existing x-ray equipments in e-LORA

If the declared x-ray equipment has a valid licence for operation (licence/registration), the same should be recorded in eLORA.

  1. From the home page, you can also open the form for recording licence details.
  2. Click ‘Record Licence for Operation of X-ray Equipment’ menu
  3. Provide the necessary details and submit the form. The following information is required:

a. Equipment ID (select from the provided list, which includes all your declared equipment)

b. Reference number of the license for operation

c. Issuance date

d. Expiry date

e. Upload a scanned copy of the license for operation (License/Registration)

After successful submission, a confirmation message will be displayed. The submitted application form can be downloaded from the provided link.

Licence for operation of existing x-ray equipments in e-LORA

The prerequisites for obtaining a license include:

  1. Availability of qualified radiation workers (TLD cards should be available).
  2. Availability of necessary safety tools (such as protective barriers/protective aprons).
  3. Layout and shielding details (as per AERB requirements).
  4. Quality Assurance test report.
  5. Approved Radiation Safety Officer (RSO).

Details about submission are given below:

Add Employee: To declare qualified radiation workers

For every X-ray equipment/installation at least one operator & one medical practitioner shall be declared through add employees.

The minimum requirements for radiation workers in diagnostic radiology are listed below.

Role of Employee

Eligibility

Medical Practitioner

M.B.B.S. /MD/ MS/ BDS/MDS

Operator
  • Qualified X-ray technologist
  • Medical Practitioner (as above)

RSO

Medical Practitioner/ Qualified X-ray technologist with three years

experience can be designated as RSO after registering as Radiation

Professional (RP) in e-LORA. (specific guidelines for RP registration

are available in e-LORA home page)

In drop down of Type of employee, three options available as follows:

  1. Radiation Worker
  2. Non Radiation Worker
  3. Radiation Professional

Instrument registration: To declare your safety tools

Required safety tools for different types of x-ray equipment:

Type of Equipment

Required Safety Tools /Protective Accessories

Interventional Radiology

-Protective Apron

-Protective Rubber Flaps

-Ceiling suspended lead equivalent glass

Computed Tomography

Protective Apron

Radiography & Fluoroscopy

-Protective Barrier With Viewing Window

-Protective Apron

-Protective Rubber Flaps

Mammography

OPG

CBCT

Protective Barrier With Viewing Window

Radiography (Mobile)

Radiography (Portable)

C-arm/O-Arm

Dental (Intra-oral)

Dental (Hand –held)

Protective Apron

Layout and shielding details: To provide layout and shielding details

Prepare a 1:50 scale layout of each X-ray room, including details about the area, wall dimensions, wall thickness, distances of walls from the exposure area, and the relative positions of X-ray equipment, couch, control console/control room, protective barriers, doors, windows, and occupancy around the X-ray room. Detailed guidelines for layout preparation and shielding requirements are available on the AERB website. Refer to these guidelines and prepare the necessary data for submission.

For different types of X-ray equipment, the AERB has provided model layout plans on its website. If your X-ray room matches one of these model layouts, you do not need to submit all the details in the application form. However, if your X-ray room does not follow the standard requirements, you must provide the details in the prescribed format in the application.

You are required to keep a duly signed and stamped copy of the X-ray room layout, including shielding details, at your institution. This will be verified during an AERB inspection.

Quality Assurance: To submit QA test results

Ensure that each X-ray equipment undergoes Quality Assurance (QA) testing, and keep a signed and stamped QA report in the specified format. Include the test results as necessary in your application.

RSO approval

Users of Interventional Radiology and Computed Tomography must obtain approval from a Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) before applying for a license to operate through e-LORA.

Licence for operation of existing x-ray equipments in eLORA:

  1. The form for licence for operation of existing equipment is available in ‘Home page’
  2. Click ‘Licence for operation for Existing X-ray Equipments’ menu. A form will be opened.

The form will include the following tabs:

  • Employee Details: Displays the list of employees you have added.
  • Safety Tools Details: Displays the registered safety tools.
  • General Details: Information to be submitted.
  • Layout Details: Information to be provided where applicable.
  • QA Details: Information to be provided where applicable.

 

Radiation Survey Report:

Get a radiation assessment done from the manufacturer of the equipment or authorized agencies according to the prescribed format, and include the relevant information in the application (where applicable)

Tab : QA Test Report

  1. Consult the QA test report of the X-ray equipment and provide the necessary test results.

Upload the QA test report in the specified format, as applicable

Read the terms and condition and click for submission

After successful submission you will receive the acknowledgement in your inbox and registered email.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, securing AERB registration via e-LORA ensures compliance with India's radiation safety standards. This streamlined process, from initial registration to QA testing, guarantees safe handling of radiation equipment across sectors, fostering operational safety and regulatory adherence.