Singapore legislation

Regulation 71

of Radiation Protection (Ionising Radiation) Regulations 2023

Regulation 71

Definition of “radiation accident”

Subregulation 1

For the purposes of this Part, a radiation accident in a non‑medical application of ionising radiation or radioactive material is treated as having taken place if —

(a)

an unplanned or unexpected uncontrolled high level of ionising radiation occurs;

(b)

an individual enters a high radiation field by accident;

(c)

there is loss of control of unsealed radioactive material causing a spillage or leakage of the radioactive material;

(d)

the skin or clothing of an individual becomes contaminated; or

(e)

radioactive material is accidentally released into the environment exceeding the discharge level permitted by the Director‑General,such that any individual has, or could have, received an effective or committed effective dose which is equal to or exceeding one‑fifth of the appropriate dose limit specified in the Second Schedule.

Subregulation 2

For the purposes of this Part, a radiation accident in a medical application of ionising radiation or radioactive materials is treated as having taken place if there is an occurrence that involves the misuse of irradiating apparatus or maladministration of a radioactive material for medical purposes including —

(a)

any therapeutic treatment delivered —

(i)

to the wrong patient or to the wrong tissue of a patient;

(ii)

using the wrong radiopharmaceutical; or

(iii)

with a dose or dose fractionation which differs by more than 10% from the value prescribed by the medical practitioner or which may lead to acute effects;

(b)

any diagnostic exposure greater than 50% of the intended dose or resulting in doses repeatedly or substantially exceeding the established normal doses for diagnostic radiological examinations; or

(c)

any equipment failure, error, mishap or other unusual occurrence which has the potential to cause a patient to receive a dose significantly different from that intended.

Read in full context — Radiation Protection (Ionising Radiation) Regulations 2023 →