Administrative Rules of Montana
Department 37 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Chapter 37.14 - RADIATION CONTROL
Subchapter 37.14.7 - Standards for Protection Against Radiation
Rule 37.14.725 - PRECAUTIONARY PROCEDURES: CAUTION SIGNS, LABELS, AND SIGNALS

Universal Citation: MT Admin Rules 37.14.725

Current through Register Vol. 18, September 20, 2024

(1) Except as otherwise authorized by the department, symbols prescribed by this rule shall use the conventional radiation caution colors: magenta or purple on yellow background.

(a) The symbol prescribed by this rule is the conventional 3-blade design:

Cross-hatch area is to be magenta or purple. Background is to be yellow. To put this symbol in perspective, "A" represents the radius of the center circle.

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(b) In addition to the contents of signs and labels prescribed in this rule, a licensee or registrant may provide on or near such signs and labels any additional information which may be appropriate in aiding individuals to minimize exposure to radiation.

(2) Each radiation area shall be conspicuously posted with a sign or signs bearing the radiation caution symbol and the words: "CAUTION--RADIATION AREA" or "DANGER--RADIATION AREA".

(3) High radiation areas shall be distinguished as follows:

(a) Each high radiation area shall be conspicuously posted with a sign or signs bearing the radiation caution symbol and the words: "CAUTION--HIGH RADIATION AREA" or "DANGER--HIGH RADIATION AREA".

(b) Each entrance or access point to a high radiation area shall be:
(i) equipped with a control device which shall cause the level of radiation to be reduced below that at which an individual might receive a dose of 100 millirems in 1 hour upon entry into the area; or

(ii) equipped with a control device which shall energize a conspicuous visible or audible alarm signal in such a manner that the individual entering the high radiation area and the licensee or a supervisor of the activity are made aware of the entry; or

(iii) maintained locked except during periods when access to the area is required, with positive control over each individual entry.

(c) The controls required by (b) above shall be established in such a way that no individual will be prevented from leaving a high radiation area.

(d) In the case of a high radiation area established for a period of 30 days or less, direct surveillance to prevent unauthorized entry may be substituted for the controls required by (b) above.

(e) Any licensee or registrant may apply to the department for approval of methods not included in (b) and (d) above for controlling access to high radiation areas. The department will approve the proposed alternatives if the licensee or registrant demonstrates that the alternative methods of control will prevent unauthorized entry into a high radiation area, and that the requirement of (c) above is met.

(4) Each airborne radioactivity area shall be conspicuously posted with a sign or signs bearing the radiation caution symbol and the words: "CAUTION--AIRBORNE RADIOACTIVITY AREA" or "DANGER--AIRBORNE RADIOACTIVITY AREA".

(5) Additional requirements for radioactivity areas are that:

(a) Each area or room in which any radioactive material, other than natural uranium or thorium, is used or stored in an amount exceeding 10 times the quantity of radioactive material specified in Appendix B of this subchapter shall be conspicuously posted with a sign or signs bearing the radiation caution symbol and the words: "CAUTION--RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL" or "DANGER--RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL".

(b) Each area or room in which natural uranium or thorium is used or stored in an amount exceeding 100 times the quantity specified in Appendix B of this subchapter shall be conspicuously posted with a sign or signs bearing the radiation caution symbol and the words: "CAUTION--RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL" or "DANGER--RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL".

(6) Containers of radioactive material shall meet the following requirements:

(a) Except as provided in (c) below, each container of radioactive material shall bear a durable, clearly visible label identifying the radioactive contents.

(b) A label required pursuant to (a) above shall bear the radiation caution symbol and the words: "CAUTION--RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL" or "DANGER--RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL".
(i) It shall also provide sufficient information to permit individuals handling or using the containers, or working in the vicinity thereof, to take precautions to avoid or minimize exposures. This information, as appropriate, will include radiation levels, kinds of material, estimate of activity, date for which activity is estimated, etc.

(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of (a) above, labeling is not required:
(i) for containers that do not contain radioactive material in quantities greater than the applicable quantities listed in Appendix B of this subchapter;

(ii) for containers containing only natural uranium or thorium in quantities no greater than 10 times the applicable quantities listed in Appendix B of this subchapter;

(iii) for containers that do not contain radioactive material in concentrations greater than the applicable concentrations listed in Appendix A, Table I, Column 2 of this subchapter;

(iv) for containers when they are attended by an individual who takes the precautions necessary to prevent the exposure of any individual to radiation or radioactive material in excess of the limits established by this subchapter;

(v) for containers when they are in transport and packaged and labeled in accordance with regulations published by the US department of transportation;

(vi) for containers which are accessible only to individuals authorized to handle or use them (for example, containers in locations such as water-filled canals, storage vaults, or hot cells) or to work in the vicinity thereof, provided that the contents are identified to such individuals by a readily available written record; and

(vii) for manufacturing and process equipment such as piping and tanks.

(7) All radiation machines shall be labeled in a manner which cautions individuals that radiation is produced when the machine is being operated.

Sec. 75-3-201, MCA; IMP, Sec. 75-3-201, MCA;

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