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Over the last ten years, there has been a significant increase in projects to build, operate or upgrade cyclotrons in Canada. This is largely driven by their increased use for the production of radioisotopes. The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission regulates the use of nuclear energy and materials to protect health, safety, security and the environment in Canada. Its mandate includes the oversight of particle accelerators. The CNSC regulates the full life cycle of such facilities, with regulatory oversight though construction, commissioning, operation, and decommissioning activities. This paper outlines common practices for such projects, highlighting the particular aspects that should be considered in the early stages of project planning and providing examples of best practices and challenges that, if properly addressed, help ensure continued safe operation of the facility through its entire life cycle. The paper discusses the necessary elements of effective planning for such projects, touching on layout and space considerations; workload projection and maximum research capacity; shielding penetrations; cooling water circuit activity; storage of active components; management of radioactive waste from cyclotron and processing labs; construction and commissioning project management; integration of equipment safety systems and building safety systems; nuclear ventilation and filtration options; and strategies for staffing and training.
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