Radiation Safety Directorate (RSD) regulates and supervise matters related to radiation protection. Its mission is to ensure that the harmful effects of radiation on human health and the environment arising from licensed activities are As Low As Reasonably Achievable.

RSD is headed by a Director and staffed with experienced professionals - most of them having post graduate degrees in physical sciences and medicine. Like the other technical Directorates of PNRA, RSD works independently and give recommendations after careful assessment and evaluation of radiation safety situation at all licensed facilities. These are submitted for consideration and approval of the Authority, for implementation as regulatory decisions.

Radiation Protection work of RSD covers a number of different areas. These are preparation of regulations and supporting regulatory guidelines for different users of radiation, evaluation of radiation protection program at Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs) and application of radiation in medicine, research and industry for control of occupational exposure.

In addition, RSD maintains round the clock National Radiation Emergency Coordination Center (NRECC), to deal with accidents involving radiation at nuclear and radiation facilities. In case a radiation related accident occurs, technical support group, comprising of experts from various directorates of PNRA is summoned at NRECC for supervisory and advisory role on management of control of spread of radiation. The technical support group and NRECC personnel regularly participate in training exercises to maintain and further improve their skills. For a detailed overview of NRECC activities please see Emergency Preparedness.

Furthermore, RSD takes part in joint international projects with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), United Nations Scientific Committee on Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR), and International System of Occupational Exposure (ISOE) to improve the national infrastructure for radiation protection. It also participates in IAEA programs for updating Basic safety Standards and radiation protection practices.