South Carolina Code of Regulations
Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
Subchapter 61-63 - Radioactive Materials (Title A)
Part V - SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR INDUSTRIAL RADIOGRAPHIC OPERATIONS
Section 61-63.V.RHA 5.6 - Performance and Locking Requirements for Radiography Equipment

Universal Citation: SC Code Regs 61-63.V.RHA 5.6

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 9, September 27, 2024

5.6.1 Each radiographic exposure device, source assembly or sealed source, and all associated equipment must meet the requirements specified in American National Standard N432-1980 "Radiological Safety for the Design and Construction of Apparatus for Gamma Radiography," (published as NBS Handbook 136 issued January 1981). This publication has been approved for incorporation by reference by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR Part 51. This publication may be purchased from the American National Standards Institute, Inc., 25 West 43rd Street, New York, New York 10036; Telephone (212) 642-4900. Copies of the document are available for inspection at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission library, 11545 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland, 20852. A copy of the document is also on file at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202)741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

Engineering analyses may be submitted by an applicant or licensee to demonstrate the applicability of previously performed testing on similar individual radiography equipment components. Upon review, the Department may find this an acceptable alternative to actual testing of the component pursuant to the referenced standard.

5.6.2 In addition to the requirements specified in RHA 5.6.1, the following requirements apply to radiographic exposure devices, source changers, source assemblies and sealed sources.

5.6.2.1 Each radiographic exposure device must have attached to it by the user, a durable, legible, clearly visible label bearing the:
(i) Chemical symbol and mass number of the radionuclide in the device;

(ii) Activity and the date on which this activity was last measured;

(iii) Model number and serial number of the sealed source;

(iv) Manufacturer of the sealed source; and

(v) Licensee's name, address, and telephone number

5.6.2.2 Radiographic exposure devices intended for use as Type B transport containers must meet the applicable requirements of 10 CFR Part 71.

5.6.2.3 Modification of radiographic exposure devices, source changers, and source assemblies and associated equipment is prohibited, unless the design of any replacement component, including source holder, source assembly, controls or guide tubes would not compromise the design safety features of the system.

5.6.3 In addition to the requirements specified in RHA 5.6.1 and RHA 5.6.2, the following requirements apply to radiographic exposure devices, source assemblies and associated equipment that allow the source to be moved out of the device for radiographic operations or to source changers.

5.6.3.1 The coupling between the source assembly and the control cable must be designed in such a manner that the source assembly will not become disconnected if cranked outside the guide tube. The coupling must be such that it cannot be unintentionally disconnected under normal and reasonably foreseeable abnormal conditions.

5.6.3.2 The device must automatically secure the source assembly when it is cranked back into the fully shielded position within the device. This securing system may only be released by means of a deliberate operation on the exposure device.

5.6.3.3 The outlet fittings, lock box, and drive cable fittings on each radiographic exposure device must be equipped with safety plugs or covers which must be installed during storage and transportation to protect the source assembly from water, mud, sand or other foreign matter.

5.6.3.4 Each sealed source or source assembly must have attached to it or engraved in it, a durable, legible, visible label with the words: "Danger-Radioactive." The label must not interfere with the safe operations of the exposure device or associated equipment.

5.6.3.5 The guide tube must be able to withstand a crushing test that closely approximates the crushing forces that are likely to be encountered during use, and a kinking resistance test that closely approximates the kinking forces likely to be encountered during use.

5.6.3.6 Guide tubes must be used when moving the source out of the device.

5.6.3.7 An exposure head or similar device designed to prevent the source assembly from passing out of the end of the guide tube must be attached to the outermost end of the guide tube during industrial radiographic operations.

5.6.3.8 The guide tube exposure head connection must be able to withstand the tensile test for control units specified in ANSI N432-1980.

5.6.3.9 Source changers must provide a system for assuring that the source will not be accidentally withdrawn from the changer when connecting or disconnecting the drive cable to or from a source assembly.

5.6.4 All radiographic exposure devices and associated equipment in use after January 10, 1996, must comply with the requirements of the above sections.

5.6.5 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 RHA 5.15. 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.

5.6.6 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.

5.6.7 Notwithstanding RHA 5.6.1 of this section, equipment used in industrial radiographic operations need not comply with section 8. 9. 2 (c) of the Endurance Test in American National Standards Institute N432-1980, if the prototype equipment has been tested using a torque value representative of the torque that an individual using the radiography equipment can realistically exert on the lever or crankshaft of the drive mechanism.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. South Carolina 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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