Technical description of the radiological safety system for X-ray absorption spectroscopy experiments on radioactive samples at the Rossendorf Beamline

The Rossendorf Beamline at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility is e quipped with a unique radiochemistry experimental station. This dedicated s tation has been designed to perform environmentally relevant experiments on radionuclides, in particular actinides, using synchrotron based X-ray abso rption fine structure spectroscopy. The technical concepts and the layout o f this experimental station, where radioactive solids and liquids with acti vities of up to 185 MBq can be studied, are presented. The radiological saf ety of experimenters, equipment, and of the environment are ensured by the specially, developed radiochemistry safety system. The multibarrier concept , the ventilation and air monitoring systems, the radiological protection s ystem, and special software components for recording and visualisation of t he safety status are described in detail.