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 5.9 - Leak Testing, Repair, Tagging, Opening, Modification and Replacement of Sealed Sources

5.9.1 The replacement of any sealed source fastened to or contained in a radiographic exposure device and leak testing, repair, tagging, opening, or any other modification of any sealed source shall be performed only by persons specifically authorized to do so by the Department in accordance with RHA 5.4 the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, or any Agreement State.

5.9.2 Each licensee who uses a sealed source shall have the source tested for leakage at intervals not to exceed 6 months. The leak testing of the source must be performed using a method approved by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission or by an Agreement State. The wipe sample should be taken from the nearest accessible point to the sealed source where contamination might accumulate. The wipe sample must be analyzed for radioactive contamination. The analysis must be capable of detecting the presence of 0.005 microcurie of radioactive material on the test sample and must be performed by a person specifically authorized by the Commission or an Agreement State to perform the analysis.

5.9.3 Each licensee shall maintain records of leak test results for sealed sources and for devices containing DU. The results must be stated in units of microcuries (becquerels). The licensee shall retain each record for 3 years after it is made or until the source in storage is removed.

5.9.4 Any test conducted pursuant to RHA 5.9.2 which reveals the presence of 0.005 microcuries (185 Bq) or more of removable radioactive material shall be considered evidence that the sealed source is leaking. The licensee shall immediately withdraw the equipment involved from use and shall cause it to be decontaminated and repaired or to be disposed of in accordance with regulations of the Department. Within five days after obtaining results of the leak test, the licensee shall file a report with the Department describing the equipment involved, the test results and the corrective action taken.

5.9.5 Each exposure device using depleted uranium (DU) shielding and an "S" tube configuration must be tested for DU contamination at intervals not to exceed 12 months. The analysis must be capable of detecting the presence of .005 microcuries (185 Bq) of radioactive material on the test sample and must be performed by a person specifically authorized by the Department or an Agreement State to perform the analysis. Should such testing reveal the presence of .005 microcuries (185 Bq) or more of removable DU contamination, the exposure device must be removed from use until an evaluation of the wear on the S-tube has been made. Should the evaluation reveal that the S-tube is worn through, the device may not be used again. DU shielded devices do not have to be tested for DU contamination while in storage and not in use. Before using or transferring such a device however, the device must be tested for DU contamination if the interval of storage exceeded 12 months. A record of the DU leak-test must be made in accordance with RHA 5.9.3. Licensees will have until May 26, 2001, to comply with the DU leak-testing requirements of this paragraph.

5.9.6 Unless a sealed source is accompanied by a certificate from the transferor that shows that it has been leak tested within 6 months before the transfer, it may not be used by the licensee until tested for leakage. Sealed sources that are in storage and not in use do not require leak testing, but must be tested before use or transfer to another person if the interval of storage exceeds 6 months.