[Radiation safety during work on the ANET-V therapeutic apparatus with 252Cf sources]

The Soviet ANET-W intracavitary neutron therapy apparatus is charged with 252Cf sources, the total mass of the radionuclide being 2100 micrograms. The radiation exposure of the staff has been studied and the results presented. Possible emergency situations have been analysed, methods of their prevention and liquidation worked out. Induced radioactivity in the patient's body has been estimated. Radiation dose levels for the medical staff are 10-15 times lower for the ANET-W apparatus than those for 252Cf sources administered by the manual series system but 10 times higher than those for the AGAT-W gamma-apparatus. The design, blocking system and emergency reset of the sources provide for safe work on the ANET-W apparatus. During liquidation of an emergency situation irradiation of the staff does not exceed 0.3 of the annual maximum tolerance dose. The level of induced activity in the patient's body is insignificant as in 10.5 min it does not exceed background values.