Radiological risk analysis of particle accelerators

Considering the growing use of high-current accelerators in medicine, industry and research, there is a need for evaluating the hazard potentials of new accelerator systems from the design stage itself. The present paper discusses the factors taken care of in a radiological safety analysis of accelerators. Possible hazards identified are beam loss, target rupture, faulty components and personnel being trapped in an active area. Human error is one of the major factors leading to accelerator hazard. How radiation dose to both occupational workers and general public is reduced and taken care of are discussed.