(1) Section R313-15-603 applies to licensees
or registrants with sources of radiation in non-self- shielded irradiators.
Section R313-15-603 does not apply to sources of radiation that are used in
teletherapy, in industrial radiography, or in completely self-shielded
irradiators in which the source of radiation is both stored and operated within
the same shielding radiation barrier and, in the designed configuration of the
irradiator, is always physically inaccessible to any individual and cannot
create a high levels of radiation in an area that is accessible to any
individual.
(2) Each area in which
there may exist radiation levels in excess of five Gy (500 rad) in one hour at
one meter from a source of radiation that is used to irradiate materials shall
meet the following requirements:
(a) Each
entrance or access point shall be equipped with entry control devices which:
(i) Function automatically to prevent any
individual from inadvertently entering a very high radiation area;
and
(ii) Permit deliberate entry
into the area only after a control device is actuated that causes the radiation
level within the area, from the source of radiation, to be reduced below that
at which it would be possible for an individual to receive a deep dose
equivalent in excess of one mSv (0.1 rem) in one hour; and
(iii) Prevent operation of the source of
radiation if it would produce radiation levels in the area that could result in
a deep dose equivalent to an individual in excess of one mSv (0.1 rem) in one
hour.
(b) Additional
control devices shall be provided so that, upon failure of the entry control
devices to function as required by Subsection R313-15-603(2)(a):
(i) The radiation level within the area, from
the source of radiation, is reduced below that at which it would be possible
for an individual to receive a deep dose equivalent in excess of one mSv (0.1
rem) in one hour; and
(ii)
Conspicuous visible and audible alarm signals are generated to make an
individual attempting to enter the area aware of the hazard and at least one
other authorized individual, who is physically present, familiar with the
activity, and prepared to render or summon assistance, aware of the failure of
the entry control devices.
(c) The licensee or registrant shall provide
control devices so that, upon failure or removal of physical radiation barriers
other than the sealed source's shielded storage container:
(i) The radiation level from the source of
radiation is reduced below that at which it would be possible for an individual
to receive a deep dose equivalent in excess of one mSv (0.1 rem) in one hour;
and
(ii) Conspicuous visible and
audible alarm signals are generated to make potentially affected individuals
aware of the hazard and the licensee or registrant or at least one other
individual, who is familiar with the activity and prepared to render or summon
assistance, aware of the failure or removal of the physical barrier.
(d) When the shield for stored
sealed sources is a liquid, the licensee or registrant shall provide means to
monitor the integrity of the shield and to signal, automatically, loss of
adequate shielding.
(e) Physical
radiation barriers that comprise permanent structural components, such as
walls, that have no credible probability of failure or removal in ordinary
circumstances need not meet the requirements of Subsections R313-15-603(2)(c)
and R313-15-603(2)(d).
(f) Each
area shall be equipped with devices that will automatically generate
conspicuous visible and audible alarm signals to alert personnel in the area
before the source of radiation can be put into operation and in time for any
individual in the area to operate a clearly identified control device, which
shall be installed in the area and which can prevent the source of radiation
from being put into operation.
(g)
Each area shall be controlled by use of such administrative procedures and such
devices as are necessary to ensure that the area is cleared of personnel prior
to each use of the source of radiation.
(h) Each area shall be checked by a radiation
measurement to ensure that, prior to the first individual's entry into the area
after any use of the source of radiation, the radiation level from the source
of radiation in the area is below that at which it would be possible for an
individual to receive a deep dose equivalent in excess of one mSv (0.1 rem) in
one hour.
(i) The entry control
devices required in Subsection R313-15-603(2)(a) shall be tested for proper
functioning. See Section
R313-15-1110
for recordkeeping requirements.
(i) Testing
shall be conducted prior to initial operation with the source of radiation on
any day, unless operations were continued uninterrupted from the previous day;
and
(ii) Testing shall be conducted
prior to resumption of operation of the source of radiation after any
unintentional interruption; and
(iii) The licensee or registrant shall submit
and adhere to a schedule for periodic tests of the entry control and warning
systems.
(j) The
licensee or registrant shall not conduct operations, other than those necessary
to place the source of radiation in safe condition or to effect repairs on
controls, unless control devices are functioning properly.
(k) Entry and exit portals that are used in
transporting materials to and from the irradiation area, and that are not
intended for use by individuals, shall be controlled by such devices and
administrative procedures as are necessary to physically protect and warn
against inadvertent entry by any individual through these portals. Exit portals
for irradiated materials shall be equipped to detect and signal the presence of
any loose radioactive material that is carried toward such an exit and
automatically to prevent loose radioactive material from being carried out of
the area.
(3) Licensees,
registrants, or applicants for licenses or registrations for sources of
radiation within the purview of Subsection R313-15-603(2) which will be used in
a variety of positions or in locations, such as open fields or forests, that
make it impractical to comply with certain requirements of Subsection
R313-15-603(2), such as those for the automatic control of radiation levels,
may apply to the Director for approval of alternative safety measures.
Alternative safety measures shall provide personnel protection at least
equivalent to those specified in Subsection R313-15-603(2). At least one of the
alternative measures shall include an entry-preventing interlock control based
on a measurement of the radiation that ensures the absence of high radiation
levels before an individual can gain access to the area where such sources of
radiation are used.
(4) The entry
control devices required by Subsections R313-15-603(2) and R313-15-603(3) shall
be established in such a way that no individual will be prevented from leaving
the area.
