Abstract
In order to apply ALARA principle, a highly sophisticated automated lead shielding was designed to reduce radiation dose from Tc-99m to the working staff in nuclear medicine/health centers. An automated IR sensor based radioactive container with movable lid was fabricated in order to reduce radiation exposure time. In case of existing radioactive storage containers, radiation protection aim was compromised due to heavy weight lid of containers used for the shielding purpose. In this research work lid of container was supported with electromechanical assembly and infrared sensors. Infrared sensors were adjusted as to facilitate automatic movement of lid. Timing for opening and closing of lid was optimized and adjusted as per requirement. The reduction of radiation dose per month for technologists with this designed shielding was calculated from 37.5 mu Sv to 1.3 mu Sv. Implementation of designed shielding in nuclear medicine center helped in achieving average percentage attenuation of 96.56%. Therefore the operating philosophy for maintaining the occupational doses as low as reasonably achievable was made possible with the help of this designed shielding.