New Mexico Administrative Code
Title 20 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Chapter 3 - RADIATION PROTECTION
Part 5 - RADIATION SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR INDUSTRIAL RADIOGRAPHIC OPERATIONS
Section 20.3.5.18 - SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR RADIOGRAPHIC OPERATIONS

Universal Citation: 20 NM Admin Code 20.3.5.18

Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 6, March 26, 2024

A. Licensees and registrants shall supply the following items at each job site:

(1) At least one operable, calibrated survey instrument;

(2) A current whole body NVLAP certified dosimeter for each individual;

(3) An operable, calibrated pocket dosimeter with a range of 0 to 200 milliroentgens (2 milligrays) for each worker; and

(4) The appropriate barrier ropes and signs.

B. Industrial radiographic operations shall not be performed if any of the items in Subsection A of 20.3.5.18 NMAC are not available at the job site or are inoperable.

C. No individual other than a qualified radiographer, radiographer's assistant, radiographer instructor, or radiographer trainee (under the personal supervision of a radiographer instructor) shall manipulate controls or operate equipment used in industrial radiographer operations.

D. No individual shall act as radiographer instructor unless such individual possesses the qualifications required for radiographer instructors as listed in Subsection D of 20.3.5.11 NMAC.

E. During an inspection by the Department, the Department inspector may terminate an operation if any of the items in Subsection A of 20.3.5.18 NMAC are not available and operable or if the required number of radiographic personnel is not present. Operations shall not be resumed until such conditions are met.

F. All radiographic operations conducted at locations of use authorized on the license or registration must be conducted in a permanent radiographic installation, unless specifically authorized by the Department.

G. Whenever radiography is performed at a location other than a permanent radiographic installation, the radiographer must be accompanied by at least one other qualified radiographer or a radiographer's assistant who has at a minimum met the requirements specified within Subsections B or A of 20.3.5.11 NMAC as appropriate. The additional qualified individual shall observe the operations and be capable of providing immediate assistance to prevent unauthorized entry. Radiography may not be performed if only one qualified individual is present. Licensees will have one calendar year from the effective date of these regulations to meet the requirements for having two qualified individuals present at locations other than a permanent radiographic installation.

H. During each radiographic operation the radiographer, or the other individual present as required by Subsection G of 20.3.5.18 NMAC, shall maintain continuous direct visual surveillance of the operation to protect against unauthorized entry into a high radiation area, as defined in Part 1 of 20.3 NMAC, except:

(1) Where the high radiation area is equipped with a control device or alarm system as described in Part 4 of 20.3 NMAC; or

(2) Where the high radiation area is locked to protect against unauthorized or accidental entry.

I. All areas in which industrial radiography is being performed must be conspicuously posted as required by Part 4 of 20.3 NMAC. Exceptions to posting requirements listed in Part 4 do not apply to industrial radiographic operations.

J. Utilization Logs. Each licensee or registrant shall maintain current logs which shall be kept available for inspection by the Department for 3 years from the date of the recorded event, showing for each source of radiation the following information:

(1) A description, including the make, model, and serial number of the radiographic exposure device or transport or storage container in which the sealed source is located;

(2) The identity and signature of the radiographer to whom assigned;

(3) Locations where used and dates of use; and

(4) The date(s) each source of radiation is removed from storage and returned to storage.

K. Locking of Sources of Radiation.

(1) Each radiographic exposure device must have a lock or outer locked container designed to prevent unauthorized or accidental removal of the sealed source from its shielded position. The exposure device and/or its container must be kept locked (and if a keyed-lock, with the key removed at all times) when not under the direct surveillance of a radiographer or a radiographer's assistant except at permanent radiographic installations as stated in Subsection G of 20.3.5.18 NMAC. In addition, during radiographic operations the sealed source assembly must be secured in the shielded position each time the source is returned to that position.

(2) Each sealed source storage container and source changer must have a lock or outer locked container designed to prevent unauthorized or accidental removal of the sealed source from its shielded position. Storage containers and source changers must be kept locked (and if a keyed-lock, with the key removed at all times) when containing sealed sources except when under the direct surveillance of a radiographer or a radiographer's assistant.

L. A licensee may conduct underwater radiography only if procedures have been approved by the Department.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. New Mexico may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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