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 or
registrant's program.
(A) The minimum
qualifications, training, and experience for radiation safety officers for
industrial radiography are as follows:
(1)
Completion of the training and testing requirements of
105 CMR
120.320(B);
(2) 2000 hours of hands-on experience as a
qualified radiographer in industrial radiographic operations; and,
(3) Formal training in the establishment and
maintenance of a radiation protection program.
(B) The Agency will consider alternatives
when the radiation safety officer has appropriate training and experience in
the field of ionizing radiation, and in addition, has adequate experience and
knowledge with respect to the establishment and maintenance of a radiation
safety protection program.
(C) The
specific duties of the RSO include, but are not limited to, the following:
(1) To establish and oversee operating,
emergency, and ALARA procedures as required by 105 CMR 120.200, and to review
them regularly to ensure that the procedures are current and conform to Agency
regulations and to the license or registration conditions;
(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 105 CMR 120.000,
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 105 CMR
120.200;
(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 105 CMR 120.000.
(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
105 CMR
120.316 and
120.318;
and,
(12) To ensure that personnel
are complying with 105 CMR 120.000, the conditions of the license or the
registration, and the operating and emergency procedures of the licensee or
registrant.
