Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 6, September 18, 2024
(1)
Purpose
and scope.
a. The rules in this
chapter establish radiation safety requirements for using sources of radiation
for industrial radiography. The requirements of this chapter are in addition
to, and not in substitution for, other applicable requirements of 641-Chapters
38, 39, and 40. The rules in this chapter apply to all licensees or registrants
who use sources of radiation for industrial radiography.
b. All references to any Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR) in this chapter are those in effect as of July 22,
2020.
(2)
Definitions. For the purpose of this chapter, the definitions
of 641-Chapter 38 may also apply. As used in this chapter, the following
definitions apply:
"Annual refresher safety training" means a
review conducted or provided by the licensee for its employees on radiation
safety aspects of industrial radiography. The review may include, as
appropriate, the results of internal inspections, new procedures or equipment,
new or revised regulations, accidents or errors that have been observed, and
should also provide opportunities for employees to ask safety questions.
"Associated equipment" means equipment that is
used in conjunction with a radiographic exposure device to make radiographic
exposures that drives, guides, or comes in contact with the source, e.g., guide
tube, control tube, control (drive) cable, removable source stop, "J" tube and
collimator when it is used as an exposure head.
"Cabinet X-ray system" means an X-ray system
with the X-ray tube installed in an enclosure independent of existing
architectural structures except the floor on which it may be placed. The
cabinet X-ray system is intended to:
1. Contain at least that portion of a
material being irradiated;
2.
Provide radiation attenuation; and
3. Exclude personnel from its interior during
generation of radiation. Included are all X-ray systems designed primarily for
the inspection of carry-on baggage at airline, railroad, and bus terminals, and
in similar facilities. An X-ray tube used within a shielded part of a building,
or X-ray equipment which may temporarily or occasionally incorporate portable
shielding, is not considered a cabinet X-ray system.
"Certifiable cabinet X-ray system" means an
existing uncertified X-ray system that has been modified to meet certification
requirements specified in
21 CFR
1020.40.
"Certified cabinet X-ray system" means an
X-ray system which has been certified in accordance with
21
CFR 1010.2 as being manufactured and
assembled pursuant to the provisions of
21 CFR
1020.40.
"Certifying entity" means an independent
certifying organization meeting the requirements of Appendix A in 10 CFR Part
34 or an agreement state meeting the requirements in Appendix A, Parts II and
III of 10 CFR Part 34.
"Collimator" means a small radiation shield of
lead or other heavy metal that is placed on the end of a guide tube or directly
onto a radiographic exposure device to restrict the size of the radiation beam
when the sealed source is cranked into position to make a radiographic
exposure.
"Control (drive) cable" means the cable that
is connected to the source assembly and used to drive the source to and from
the exposure location.
"Control drive mechanism" means a device that
enables the source assembly to be moved to and from the exposure device.
"Control tube" means a protective sheath for
guiding the control cable. The control tube connects the control drive
mechanism to the radiographic exposure device.
"Crank-out device" means the cable, protective
sheath, and handcrank used to move the sealed source from the shielded to the
unshielded position to make an industrial radiographic exposure.
"Enclosed radiography" means industrial
radiography conducted in an enclosed cabinet or room and includes cabinet
radiography and shielded-room radiography.
"Exposure head" means a device that locates
the gamma radiography sealed source in the selected working position. (An
exposure head is also known as a source stop.)
"Field station" means a facility where
licensed material may be stored or used and from which equipment is
dispatched.
"Fluoroscopic imaging assembly" means a
subsystem in which X-ray photons produce a fluoroscopic image. It includes the
image receptors such as the image intensifier and spot-film device, electrical
interlocks, if any, and structural material providing linkage between the image
receptor and source assembly.
"GED" means general educational
development.
"Guide tube (projection sheath)" means a
flexible or rigid tube (i.e., "J" tube) for guiding the source assembly and the
attached control cable from the exposure device to the exposure head. The guide
tube may also include the connections necessary for attachment to the exposure
device and to the exposure head.
"Hands-on experience" means experience in all
of those areas considered to be directly involved in the radiography
process.
"I.D. card" means the document issued by the
agency, another agreement state, a licensing state, or third-party
certification to industrial radiographers following completion of requirements
stated in 45.1(10)"*."
"Independent certifying organization" means an
independent organization that meets all of the criteria of Appendix A in 10 CFR
Part 34.
"Lay-barge radiography" means industrial
radiography performed on any water vessel used for laying pipe.
"Lixiscope" means a portable light-intensified
imaging device using a sealed source.
"Lock-out survey" means a radiation survey
performed to verify that a sealed source is in its shielded position. The
lock-out survey is performed before moving the radiographic exposure device or
source changer to a new location or when securing the radiographic exposure
device or source changer.
"Minimal threat" means that during the
operations of electronic devices capable of generating or emitting fields of
radiation:
1. No deliberate exposure
of an individual occurs;
2. The
radiation is not emitted in an open beam configuration; and
3. No known physical injury to an individual
has occurred.
"Offshore" means within the territorial waters of
the United States.
"Offshoreplatform radiography" means
industrial radiography conducted from an offshore platform over a body of
water.
"Permanent radiographic installation" means an
enclosed shielded room, cell, or vault, not located at a temporary job site, in
which radiography is performed.
"Practical examination" means a demonstration
through practical application of the safety rules and principles in industrial
radiography including use of all appropriate equipment and procedures.
"Radiation safety officer" means an individual
named by the licensee or registrant who has a knowledge of, responsibility for,
and authority to enforce appropriate radiation protection rules, standards, and
practices on behalf of the licensee or registrant and who meets the
requirements of 45.1(10) "J."
"Radiographer" means any individual who has
successfully completed the training, testing, and documentation requirements of
45.1(10)"*," who performs or personally supervises industrial radiographic
operations, and is responsible to the licensee or registrant for ensuring
compliance with the requirement of these rules and all license and certificate
of registration conditions.
"Radiographer certification" means written
approval received from a certifying entity stating that an individual has
satisfactorily met certain established radiation safety, testing, and
experience criteria.
"Radiographer's assistant" means any
individual who has successfully completed the training, testing, and
documentation requirements of 45.1(10) "a" and who uses sources of radiation
and related handling tools or radiation survey instruments under the direct
supervision of a radiographer trainer.
"Radiographer trainer (instructor)" means any
individual who instructs and supervises radiographer's assistants during
on-the-job training and who meets the requirements of
45.1(10)"c."
"Radiographic exposure device" (also called a
camera or a projector) means any instrument containing a sealed source fastened
or contained therein, in which the sealed source or shielding thereof may be
moved or otherwise changed from a shielded to unshielded position for purposes
of making a radiographic exposure, or any other X-ray industrial system whereby
a permanent or semipermanent image is recorded on an image receptor by action
of ionizing radiation.
"Radiographic operations" means all activities
associated with the presence of radioactive sources or radiation in a
radiographic exposure device during use of the device or transport (except when
being transported by a common or contract transport), to include surveys to
confirm the adequacy of boundaries, setting up equipment and any activity
inside restricted area boundaries.
"Radiographicpersonnel" means any radiographer
or radiographer's assistant.
"Residential location" means any area where
structures in which people lodge or live are located, and the grounds on which
such structures are located including, but not limited to, houses, apartments,
condominiums, and garages.
"Shieldedposition" means the location within
the radiographic exposure device or source changer where the sealed source is
secured and restricted from movement.
"Shielded-room radiography" means industrial
radiography conducted in a room shielded so that radiation levels at every
location on the exterior meet the limitations specified in
641-40.26(136C).
"Source assembly" means an assembly that
consists of the sealed source and a connector that attaches the source to the
control cable. The source assembly may also include a stop ball used to secure
the source in the shielded position.
"Source changer" means a device designed and
used for replacement of sealed sources in radiographic exposure devices,
including those source changers also used for transporting and storage of
sealed sources.
"Source container" means a shielded device in
which sealed sources are secured, transported, and stored.
"Storage area" means any location, facility,
or vehicle which is used to store, to transport, or to secure a radiographic
exposure device, a storage container, or a sealed source when it is not in use
and which is locked or has a physical barrier to prevent accidental exposure,
tampering with, or unauthorized removal of the device, container, or
source.
"Storage container" means a container in which
sealed sources are secured and stored.
"S-tube" means a tube through which the
radioactive source travels when inside a radiographic exposure device.
"Temporary job site" means any location where
radiographic operations are conducted and where licensed material may be stored
other than the location(s) listed in a specific license or certificate of
registration.
"Trainee status card" means the document
issued by the agency following completion of the requirements of 45.1(10)
"o"(l) and (2).
"Transport container" means a package that is
designed to provide radiation safety and security when sealed sources are
transported and which meets all applicable requirements of the U.S. Department
of Transportation.
"Underwater radiography" means industrial
radiography performed when the radiographic exposure device and related
equipment are beneath the surface of the water.
(3)
Exemptions.
a. Uses of certified and certifiable cabinet
X-ray systems designed to exclude individuals are exempt from the requirements
of this chapter, except for the requirements of 45.2(6)"b" and
"c."
b. Industrial
uses of lixiscopes are exempt from the requirements in this chapter.
c. Radiation machines determined by the
agency to constitute a minimal threat to human health and safety in accordance
with 641-subrule 38.3(1) are exempt from the rules in this chapter, except for
the requirements of this subrule.
(4)
Receipt, transfer, and disposal
of sources of radiation. Each licensee and registrant shall maintain
records showing the receipt, transfer, and disposal of sealed sources and
devices using DU for shielding and machine-produced sources of radiation. These
records shall include the date, the name of the individual making the record,
the radionuclide, number of curies or mass (for DU), and the make, model, and
serial number of each source of radiation and device, as appropriate. Records
shall be maintained for three years after they are made.
(5)
Radiation survey
instruments.
a. The licensee or
registrant shall maintain sufficient calibrated and operable radiation survey
instruments at each location where sources of radiation are present to make
physical radiation surveys as required by this chapter and 641-subrule
40.36(1). Instrumentation required by this subrule shall have a range such that
2 millirems (0.02 millisievert) per hour through 1 rem (0.01 sievert) per hour
can be measured.
b. Notwithstanding
the requirements of 641-subrule 40.36(3) each radiation survey instrument shall
be calibrated:
(1) At energies appropriate for
use and at intervals not to exceed six months and after each instrument
servicing;
(2) Such that accuracy
within plus or minus 20 percent of the calibration source can be demonstrated
at each point checked;
(3) At 2
points located approximately 1/3 and 2/3 of full-scale on each scale for linear
scale instruments; at midrange of each decade, and at 2 points of at least 1
decade for logarithmic scale instruments; and at 3 points between 2 and 1000
mrem per hour for digital instruments; and
(4) By a person licensed or registered by the
agency, another agreement state, or the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission to
perform such service.
c.
Records of these calibrations shall be maintained for three years after the
calibration date for inspection by the agency.
d. Each radiation survey instrument shall be
checked with a radiation source at the beginning of each day of use and at the
beginning of each work shift to ensure it is operating
properly.
(6)
Quarterly inventory. Each licensee shall conduct a physical
inventory at intervals not to exceed three months to account for all sealed
sources and radiography exposure devices received and possessed. Sources of
radiation include radiographic exposure devices containing depleted uranium.
The records of the inventories shall be maintained for three years from the
date of the inventory for inspection by the agency and shall include: the
manufacturer, model number, serial number, radionuclide, number of curies, and
location of each source of radiation; number of kilograms of depleted uranium
shielding; date of the inventory; and name of the individual making the
inventory.
(7)
Utilization
logs.
a. Each licensee shall
maintain utilization logs of the use of each sealed source. The logs shall
include:
(1) A unique description, which
includes the make, model, and serial number of each radiographic exposure
device containing a sealed source or transport or storage container in which
the sealed source is located;
(2)
The identity and signature of the radiographer to whom the sealed source is
assigned;
(3) The plant or site
where each sealed source is used and the date of use; and
(4) The date(s) each sealed source is removed
from storage and returned to storage.
b. Each registrant shall maintain current
logs of the use of each source of radiation. The logs shall include:
(1) A unique identification, which includes
the make, model and serial number of each source of radiation;
(2) The identity of the radiographer using
the source of radiation;
(3) The
date(s) each source of radiation is energized or used and the number of
exposures made.
c.
Utilization logs may be kept on clear, legible records containing all the
information required by 45.1 (7)"a" or "b."
Copies of utilization logs shall be maintained for agency inspection for three
years from the date of the recorded event. The records shall be kept at the
location specified by the license or certificate of
registration.
(8)
Inspection and maintenance.
a. Each licensee or registrant shall perform
visual and operability checks on survey meters, radiographic exposure devices,
transport and storage containers, associated equipment and source changers
before use on each day the equipment is to be used to ensure that the equipment
is in good working condition, that the sources are adequately shielded, and
that required labeling is present. Survey instrument operability must be
performed using check sources or other appropriate means.
b. Each licensee or registrant shall have
written procedures and conduct a program, at intervals not to exceed three
months, or prior to the first use thereafter, of inspection and maintenance of
radiation machines, radiographic exposure devices, transport and storage
containers, source changers, survey instruments, and associated equipment to
ensure proper functioning of components important to safety. All appropriate
parts shall be maintained in accordance with manufacturer's specifications.
Replacement components shall meet design specifications. This program shall
cover, as a minimum, the items in Appendix B of this chapter.
c. Each licensee shall have a program and
written procedures for the inspection and maintenance necessary to maintain the
Type B packaging used to transport radioactive materials. The program must
include procedures to ensure that Type B packages are shipped and maintained in
accordance with the certificate of compliance or other approval.
d. If equipment problems are found, the
equipment must be removed from service until repaired.
e. The record of equipment problems and of
any maintenance performed under 45.1(8) must be retained for three years after
the record is made. The record must include the date of check or inspection,
name of inspector, equipment involved, any problems found, and what repair or
maintenance, if any, was performed.
(9)
Permanent radiographic
installations. Permanent radiographic installations having high
radiation area entrance controls of the type described in 641-paragraphs
40.42(1)"b" and "c" shall also meet the
following requirements:
a. Each entrance that
is used for personnel access to the high radiation area shall have both visible
and audible warning signals to warn of the presence of radiation. The visible
signal shall be activated by radiation. The audible signal shall be activated
when an attempt is made to enter the installation while the source is
exposed.
b. The control device or
alarm system shall be tested for proper operation at the beginning of each day
of equipment use. If a control device or alarm system is operating improperly,
it shall be immediately labeled as defective and repaired before industrial
radiographic operations are resumed. Records of these tests shall be maintained
for inspection by the agency for three years from the date of the
event.
(10)
Training and testing for radiographic personnel.
a. Radiographer's assistant requirements. No
licensee or registrant shall permit any individual to act as a radiographer's
assistant, as defined in this chapter, until:
(1) It has been documented on the appropriate
agency form or equivalent that such individual has received copies of and has
demonstrated an understanding of:
1. The
subjects outlined in Appendix A, presented in a 40-hour course approved by the
agency, another agreement state, or the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory
Commission;
2. The rules contained
in this chapter and the applicable sections of 641-Chapter 38, the applicable
U.S. Department of Transportation and NRC transportation regulations in
641-Chapter 39, and 641-Chapter 40;
3. The appropriate conditions of license(s)
or certificate(s) of registration;
4. The licensee's or registrant's operating
and emergency procedures;
5. And
developed competence to use, under the personal supervision of the
radiographer, the licensee's or registrant's radiographic exposure devices,
sealed sources, associated equipment, and radiation survey instruments that the
assistant will use;
6. And has
demonstrated competence in the use of radiographic exposure devices, sources,
survey instruments and associated equipment described in
45.1(10)"a"(1) by successful completion of a practical
examination covering this material.
(2) The individual possesses a current
agency-issued trainee status card issued after completion of 45.1
(10)"a"(1). Trainee status will be granted only once for each
individual and is valid for no longer than two years.
b. Radiographer requirements. No licensee or
registrant shall permit any individual to act as a radiographer:
(1) Until it has been documented to the
agency that such individual:
1. Has completed
the requirements of 45.1 (10)"a"( 1);
2. Has completed on-the-job training as a
radiographic trainee supervised by one or more radiographic trainers. The
on-the-job training shall be documented on the appropriate agency form or
equivalent and shall include a minimum of two months (320 hours) of active
participation in the performance of industrial radiography utilizing
radioactive material or one month (160 hours) of active participation in the
performance of industrial radiography utilizing radiation machines, or both.
Individuals performing industrial radiography utilizing radioactive materials
and radiation machines must complete both segments of the on-the-job training
(three months or 480 hours). Active participation does not include safety
meetings or classroom training;
3.
Has demonstrated competence in the use of sources of radiation, radiographic
exposure devices, related handling tools, and radiation survey instruments
which may be employed in industrial radiographic assignments by successful
completion of a practical examination covering this
material;
(2) Unless the
individual has successfully completed within the last five years the
appropriate agency-administered examination prescribed in
45.1(10)"f"(2) or equivalent examination; and
(3) Unless the individual possesses a current
I.D. card.
c.
Radiographer trainer. No individual shall act as a radiographer trainer unless
such individual:
(1) Has met the requirements
of 45.1(10)"a"(1) and"b";
(2) Has one year of documented experience as
an industrial radiographer and possesses a current ID card issued at least one
year prior to the application for a trainer card; and
(3) Is named on the specific license or
certificate of registration issued by the agency and under which an individual
is acting as a radiographer trainer, or
(4) Possesses a valid radiographer trainer
card issued by the agency.
d. Radiation safety officer. The radiation
safety officer shall ensure that radiation safety activities are being
performed in accordance with approved procedures and regulatory requirements in
the daily operation of the licensee's program.
(1) A radiation safety officer (RSO) shall be
designated for every industrial radiography license and certificate of
registration issued by the agency.
(2) The RSO's qualifications shall include:
1. Possession of a high school diploma or a
certificate of high school equivalency based on the GED test;
2. Completion of the training and testing
requirements of 45.1(10)"a"(1) and
45.1(10)"b"(1)"3," (2), and (3);
3. 2000 hours of hands-on experience as a
qualified radiographer in industrial radiographic operations; and
4. Formal training in the establishment and
maintenance of a radiation protection program.
The agency will consider alternatives when the RSO has either
appropriate training or experience, or both, in the field of ionizing radiation
and, in addition, has adequate formal training with respect to the
establishment and maintenance of a radiation safety protection
program.
(3) The
specific duties of the RSO include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. To establish and oversee operating,
emergency, and ALARA procedures and to review them regularly to ensure that the
procedures are current and conform with these rules;
2. To oversee and approve all phases of the
training program for radiographic personnel so that appropriate and effective
radiation protection practices are taught;
3. To ensure that required radiation surveys
and leak tests are performed and documented in accordance with these rules,
including any corrective measures when levels of radiation exceed established
limits;
4. To ensure that personnel
monitoring devices are calibrated and used properly by occupationally exposed
personnel, that records are kept of the monitoring results, and that timely
notifications are made as required by 641-Chapter 40;
5. To ensure that any required interlock
switches and warning signals are functioning and that radiation signs, ropes,
and barriers are properly posted and positioned;
6. To investigate and report to the agency
each known or suspected case of radiation exposure to an individual or
radiation level detected in excess of limits established by these rules and
each theft or loss of source(s) of radiation, to determine the cause, and to
take steps to prevent its recurrence;
7. To have a thorough knowledge of management
policies and administrative procedures of the licensee or registrant;
8. To assume control and have the authority
to institute corrective actions including shutdown of operations when necessary
in emergency situations or unsafe conditions;
9. To maintain records as required by these
rules (see Appendix C);
10. To
ensure the proper storing, labeling, transport, and use of exposure devices and
sources of radiation;
11. To ensure
that quarterly inventory and inspection and maintenance programs are performed
in accordance with 45.1(6), 45.1(8), 45.2(3), and
45.3(6)"b";
12. To
ensure that personnel are complying with these rules, the conditions of the
license or the registration, and the operating and emergency procedures of the
licensee or registrant; and
13. To
ensure that annual refresher safety training has been provided for each
radiographer and radiographer's assistant at intervals not to exceed 12
months.
e.
Training and testing records. Each licensee and registrant shall maintain, for
agency inspection, training and testing records which demonstrate that the
applicable requirements of 45.1(10) "a" and"b" are met.
Records of training for all industrial radiographic personnel must include
personnel certification documents and verification of certification status,
copies of written tests, dates of oral and practical examinations, and names of
individuals conducting and receiving the oral and practical examinations.
Records of annual refresher training and semiannual inspection of job
performance for all industrial radiographic personnel must list the topics
discussed during the refresher safety training, the dates the annual refresher
safety training was conducted, and names of the instructors and attendees. For
inspections of job performance, the records must also include a list showing
the items checked and any noncompliances observed by the RSO. Records shall be
maintained until disposal is authorized by the agency. The agency shall not
release records for disposal unless the records have been maintained at least
three years.
f. Applications and
examinations.
(1) Application.
1. An application for taking the examination
shall be on forms prescribed and furnished by the agency along with the fee
required in 641-subrule 38.8(3). The application shall be submitted only after
the training requirements of 45.1(10)"a" and
"b" have been completed.
2. An individual whose ID. card has been
suspended or revoked shall obtain prior approval from the agency to apply to
take the examination.
(2)
Examination. The examination shall be given for the purpose of determining the
qualifications of applicants.
1. A written
examination shall be held at such times and places as the agency shall
determine. The scope of the examination and the methods of procedure, including
determination of the passing score, shall be prescribed by the agency. The
examination will emphasize the applicant's ability to safely use sources of
radiation and related equipment and the applicant's knowledge of these
rules.
2. A candidate failing an
examination may apply for reexamination in accordance with
45.1(10)"f"(1) and will be reexamined. A candidate shall not
retake the same version of the agency-administered examination.
3. The examination will be held at locations
designated by the agency. The examination shall normally be offered quarterly.
Dates, times, and locations of the examinations will be provided by the
agency.
4. The examination will be
in the English language.
5. To take
the examination, an individual shall have a picture identification card (such
as an Iowa driver's license) at the time of the examination.
6. Calculators will be permitted during the
examination; however, calculators or computers with preprogrammed data or
formulas, including exposure calculations, will not be permitted.
7. The examination will be a "closed book"
examination.
8. Examination
material shall be returned to the agency at the end of the examination. No
photographic or other copying of examination questions or materials shall be
permitted. Disclosure by any individual of the contents of any examination
prior to the administration is prohibited.
9. Any individual observed by an agency
proctor to be compromising the integrity of the examination shall be required
to surrender the examination, the answer sheet, and any work paper. Such
individual will not be allowed to complete the examination, will forfeit the
examination fee, and will leave the examination site to avoid disturbing other
examinees. Such individual may resubmit an application and an additional
examination fee to take the examination not earlier than three months
later.
10. The names and scores of
individuals taking the examination shall be a public
record.
g.
Identification procedures.
(1) ID. card.
1. An I.D. card shall be issued to each
person who successfully completes the requirements of
45.1(10)"b" and the examination prescribed in
45.1(10)"f"(2) or an equivalent examination.
2. Each person's I.D. card shall contain the
person's photograph.
3. The I.D.
card remains the property of the state of Iowa and may be revoked or suspended
under the provisions of 45.1(10)"h."
4. Any individual who wishes to replace the
I.D. card shall submit to the agency a written request for a replacement I.D.
card, stating the reason a replacement I.D. card is needed and the fee required
in 641-subrule 3 8.8(3). The individual shall maintain in possession a copy of
the request while performing industrial radiographic operations until a
replacement I.D. card is received from the agency.
(2) Expiration of I.D. card. Each I.D. card
expires at the end of the day, in the month and year stated on the I.D.
card.
(3) Renewal of I.D. card.
1. Applications for examination to renew an
I.D. card shall be filed in accordance with 45.1(10)T(1).
2. The examination for renewal of an I.D.
card shall be administered in accordance with 45.1(10) y (2).
3. A renewed I.D. card shall be issued in
accordance with 45.1(10)"g"(1).
h. Revocation or suspension of an I.D. card.
(1) Any radiographer who violates these rules
may be required to show cause at a formal hearing why the I.D. card should not
be revoked or suspended.
(2) When
an agency order has been issued for an industrial radiographer to cease and
desist from the use of radioactive material or revoking or suspending the I.D.
card, the industrial radiographer shall surrender the I.D. card to the agency
until such time as the order is changed or the suspension expires.
(3) An agency's inspector may, in certain
instances, confiscate any radiographer's I.D. card on the spot while conducting
an inspection or investigation. If the inspector determines that the activities
being conducted by the radiographer are significant enough to be classified as
severity I, II, or III, as specified in
641-38.5 (136C), and after
obtaining the approval of agency management, the inspector may take any
radiographer's I.D. card. The agency will then issue a cease and desist order
to the radiographer's employer, forward the I.D. card(s) to the issuing entity,
and notify the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and other agreement
states.
i. Exemptions.
Any person using a source of radiation to determine the presence of explosives
in a package or the authenticity of a piece of art is exempt from the
provisions of 45.1 (10)"a" to "h."
j. Reciprocity.
(1) Reciprocal recognition by the agency of
an individual radiographer certification will be granted provided that:
1. The individual holds a valid certification
in the appropriate category and class issued by a certifying entity as defined
in 45.1(2).
2. The requirements and
procedures of the certifying entity issuing the certification require the same
or comparable certification standards as those required by
45.1(10)"a" through "e"; and
3. The individual submits a legible copy of
the certification to the agency prior to entry into Iowa.
(2) Enforcement actions with the agency,
another agreement state, or the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission or any
sanctions by an independent certifying entity may be considered when reviewing
a request for reciprocal recognition from a licensee, registrant, or certified
radiographer.
(3) Certified
radiographers who are granted reciprocity by the agency shall maintain the
certification upon which the reciprocal recognition was granted, or prior to
the expiration of such certification, shall meet the requirements of
45.1(10)"b."
(11)
Internal audits. Except
as provided in 45.1(11)"c," the RSO or designee shall conduct an inspection
program of the job performance of each radiographer and radiographer's
assistant to ensure that these rules, license requirements, and the licensee's
or registrant's operating and emergency procedures are followed. The inspection
program must:
a. Include observation of the
performance of each radiographer and radiographer's assistant during an actual
industrial radiographic operation, at intervals not to exceed six months;
and
b. Provide that, if a
radiographer or radiographer's assistant has not participated in an industrial
radiographic operation for more than six months since the last audit, the
radiographer or radiographer's assistant must demonstrate understanding of the
subjects contained in Appendix A of this chapter by a practical examination
before the individual can next participate in a radiographic
operation.
c. The agency may
consider alternatives in those situations where the individual serves as both
radiographer and RSO. In those operations where a single individual serves as
both radiographer and RSO, and performs all radiography operations, an
inspection program is not required.
d. Records of audits shall be maintained by
the licensee or registrant for agency inspection for three years from the date
of the audit.
(12)
Personnel monitoring control.
a. The personnel monitoring program shall
meet the applicable requirements of 641 -Chapter 40.
b. When performing industrial radiographic
operations:
(1) No licensee or registrant
shall permit an individual to act as a radiographer, radiographer's assistant,
or radiographer trainer unless at all times during radiographic operations each
individual wears, on the trunk of the body, a combination of direct-reading
pocket dosimeter, an operating alarm ratemeter, and a film badge, an optically
stimulated luminescent device (OSL device) or a thermoluminescent dosimeter
(TLD) that is processed and evaluated by an accredited National Voluntary
Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP). For permanent radiographic
installations where other appropriate alarming or warning devices are in
routine use, the wearing of an alarm ratemeter is not required.
(2) Pocket dosimeters or electronic personal
dosimeters shall meet the criteria in ANSI N322-1977 and shall have a range of
zero to at least 200 millirems. Electronic personal dosimeters may only be used
in place of ion-chamber pocket dosimeters.
(3) Pocket dosimeters or electronic personal
dosimeters shall be recharged at the start of each work shift.
(4) Pocket dosimeters or electronic personal
dosimeters shall be read and exposures recorded at the beginning and at the end
of each work shift, and before each recharging.
(5) If an individual's pocket dosimeter is
discharged beyond its range (i.e., goes "off scale"), or if the electronic
personal dosimeter reads greater than 200 millirem (2 millisievert), and the
possibility of radiation exposure cannot be ruled out as the cause, industrial
radiographic operations by that individual shall cease and the individual's
film badge, OSL device, or TLD shall be within 24 hours sent for processing.
The individual shall not return to work with sources of radiation until a
determination of the radiation exposure has been made. This determination must
be made by the RSO or the RSO's designee. The results of this determination
must be included in the exposure records maintained in accordance with
641-Chapter 40.
(6) Each individual
monitoring device shall be assigned to and worn by only one
individual.
(7) Film badges, OSL
devices and TLDs must be replaced at least monthly.
(8) If an individual monitoring device is
lost or damaged, the worker shall cease work immediately until a replacement
individual monitoring device is provided and the exposure is calculated for the
time period from issuance to loss or damage of the individual monitoring
device. The results of the calculated exposure and the time period for which
the individual monitoring device was lost or damaged must be included in the
records maintained in 45.1(12)"c."
c. Records of pocket dosimeter readings of
personnel exposures and yearly operability checks required in 45.1(12)"J" shall
be maintained for three years by the licensee or registrant for agency
inspection. If the dosimeter readings were used to determine external radiation
dose (i.e., no TLD or film badge exposure records exist), the records shall be
maintained for three years after they are recorded. Records of estimates of
exposures as a result of off-scale personal direct reading dosimeters, or lost
or damaged film badges, OSLs, or TLDs, shall be maintained until the agency
terminates the license.
d. Pocket
dosimeters shall be checked for correct response to radiation at periods not to
exceed one year. Acceptable dosimeters shall read within plus or minus 20
percent of the true radiation exposure. Records of this check shall be
maintained for inspection by the agency for three years from the date of the
event.
e. Reports received from the
film badge, OSL device or TLD processor shall be kept for inspection by the
agency until the agency terminates the license.
f. Each alarm ratemeter must:
(1) Be checked to ensure that the alarm
functions properly (sounds) prior to use at the start of each shift. Records of
alarm function checks shall be maintained for two years by the licensee or
registrant for agency inspection;
(2) Be set to give an alarm signal at a
preset dose rate of 500 mR/hr;
(3)
Require special means to change the preset alarm function; and
(4) Be calibrated at periods not to exceed
one year for correct response to radiation: Acceptable ratemeters must alarm
within plus or minus 20 percent of the true radiation dose rate. Records of the
alarming ratemeter calibrations shall be maintained for three years by the
licensee or registrant for agency inspection.
(13)
Supervision of radiographer's
assistant. Whenever a radiographer's assistant uses radiographic
exposure devices, sealed sources or associated equipment or conducts radiation
surveys required by 45.2(5) or 45.3(7) to determine that the sealed source has
returned to the shielded position after an exposure, the radiographer's
assistant shall be under the direct supervision of a radiographer instructor.
The direct supervision must include:
a. The
radiographer's physical presence at the site where the source(s) of radiation
is being used;
b. The availability
of the radiographer to give immediate assistance if required; and
c. The radiographer's direct observation of
the radiographer's assistant's performance of the operations referred to in
this subrule.
(14)
Access control.
a. During
each industrial radiographic operation, a radiographer or radiographer's
assistant shall maintain continuous, direct visual surveillance of the
operation to protect against unauthorized entry into a restricted area,
radiation area or high radiation area, except at permanent radiographic
installations where all entryways are locked to protect against unauthorized or
accidental entry and the requirements of 45.1(9) are met.
b. Radiographic exposure devices shall not be
left unattended except when in storage or physically secured against
unauthorized removal.
(15)
Posting.
a. Notwithstanding any provisions in
641-subrule 40.62(1) areas in which radiography is being performed shall be
conspicuously posted as required by 641-subrules 40.61(1) and
40.61(2).
b. Whenever practicable,
ropes or barriers shall be used in addition to appropriate signs to designate
areas in accordance with 641-subrule 40.26(1) and to help prevent unauthorized
entry.
c. During pipeline
industrial radiography operations, sufficient radiation signs and other
barriers shall be posted to prevent unmonitored individuals from entering the
radiation area.
d. Notwithstanding
the requirements of 45.1(15)"a," a restricted area may be established in
accordance with 641-subrule 40.26(1) and may be posted in accordance with
641-subrules 40.61(1) and 40.61(2), i.e., both signs may be posted at the same
location at the boundary of the restricted area.
(16)
Temporary job site
requirements.
a. Documents and
records. Each licensee or registrant conducting industrial radiography at a
temporary job site shall have the following records available at that site for
inspection by the agency:
(1) Appropriate
license or certificate of registration or equivalent document;
(2) The appropriate operating and emergency
procedures;
(3) The applicable
agency rules;
(4) Survey records
required pursuant to 45.2(5)"d" and
45.3(7)"j" for the period of operation at the site;
(5) Daily pocket dosimeter records for the
period of operation at the site;
(6) The daily alarming ratemeter records for
the period of operation at the site; and
(7) The latest radiation survey instrument
calibration and leak test records for specific devices and sealed sources in
use at the site. Acceptable records include tags or labels which are affixed to
the device or survey meter and decay charts for sources which have been
manufactured within the last six months.
b. Reserved.
(17)
Specific requirements for
radiographic personnel performing industrial radiography.
a. At a job site, the following shall be
supplied by the licensee or registrant:
(1) At
least one operable, calibrated radiation survey instrument;
(2) A current whole body personnel monitor
(TLD, OSL device or film badge) for each individual;
(3) An operable, calibrated pocket dosimeter
with a range of 0 to 200 milliroentgens (5.16 x
10-5C/kg) for each worker; and
(4) An operable, calibrated alarm ratemeter
for each worker; and
(5) The
appropriate barrier ropes and signs.
b. Each radiographer at a job site shall
possess a valid ID. card.
c. Each
radiographer's assistant at a job site shall possess a valid trainee status
card issued by the agency.
d.
Industrial radiographic operations shall not be performed if any of the items
in 45.1(17)"a," "b," and "c" are not
available at the job site or are inoperable.
e. No individual other than a radiographer or
a radiographer's assistant who is under the direct supervision of a
radiographer trainer shall manipulate controls or operate equipment used in
industrial radiographic operations.
f. During an inspection by the agency, the
agency inspector may terminate an operation if any of the items in 45.1(17) "a"
are not available and operable or if the required number of radiographic
personnel are not present. Operations shall not be resumed until such
conditions are met.
(18)
Notifications.
a. The agency
shall be notified of thefts or losses of sources of radiation, overexposures,
and excessive levels in accordance with
641-40.95 (136C) and
641-40.97 (136C).
b. Each licensee or registrant shall submit a
written report within 30 days to the agency whenever one of the following
events occurs:
(1) The source assembly cannot
be returned to the fully shielded position and properly secured;
(2) The source assembly becomes disconnected
from the drive cable;
(3) The
failure of any component (critical to safe operation of the radiographic
exposure device) to properly perform its intended function; or
(4) An indicator on a radiation-producing
machine fails to show that radiation is being produced or an exposure switch
fails to terminate production of radiation when turned to the off
position.
c. The licensee
or registrant shall include the following information in each report submitted
in accordance with 45.1(18)
"b":
(1) A description of the equipment
problem;
(2) Cause of each
incident, if known;
(3)
Manufacturer and model number of equipment involved in the incident;
(4) Location, time, and date of the
incident;
(5) Actions taken to
establish normal operations;
(6)
Corrective actions taken or planned to prevent recurrence; and
(7) Names of personnel involved in the
incident.
d. Any licensee
conducting radiographic operations or storing radioactive material at any
location not listed on the license for a period in excess of 180 days in a
calendar year shall notify the agency prior to exceeding the 180
days.
(19)
Copies
of operating and emergency procedures. Each licensee or registrant
shall maintain a copy of current operating and emergency procedures until the
agency terminates the license. Superseded material must be retained for three
years after the change is made.
