Washington Administrative Code
Title 246 - Health, Department of
RADIATION
Chapter 246-221 - Radiation protection standards
Section 246-221-120 - Caution signs, and labels

Universal Citation: WA Admin Code 246-221-120

Current through Register Vol. 24-18, September 15, 2024

(1) The radiation symbol shall be used on all signs, labels, or other written means of warning individuals concerning radiation hazards.

(a) The symbol prescribed by this section is the conventional three-blade design: Radiation symbol

(b) The symbol prescribed by this section shall be:
(i) Magenta, purple, or black on a yellow background; or

(ii) Conspicuously etched or stamped without regard to a color requirement on sources, source holders or device components containing sources which are subjected to extreme environmental conditions which would cause the color to deteriorate.

(2) The conventional radiation symbol as described in subsection (1) of this section shall be used only for:

(a) Instructing individuals to be cognizant of a potential radiation hazard as prescribed in subsections (4) through (10) of this section.

(b) Indicating that information presented pertains to the topic of radiation.

(3) In addition to the contents of signs and labels prescribed in this section, 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.

(4) Each radiation area and entrance thereto shall be conspicuously posted with a sign or signs bearing the radiation caution symbol and the words: CAUTION* - RADIATION AREA. However, in an exceptionally large room where other activities of a nonradiological nature are conducted the entrance need not be posted provided a conspicuous barricade with an appropriate number of signs is established to delineate the radiation area.

(5) Each high radiation area and all entrances thereto 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. To avoid unnecessary exposure, the licensee or registrant may satisfy this requirement by posting the sign at the estimated location or vicinity of the high radiation area.

(6) Each very high radiation area shall be conspicuously posted with a sign or signs bearing the radiation caution symbol and the words: GRAVE DANGER - VERY HIGH RADIATION AREA. To avoid unnecessary exposure, the licensee or registrant may satisfy this requirement by posting the sign at the estimated location or vicinity of the very high radiation area.

(7) 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.

(8) Each area or room in which any radioactive material is used or stored in an amount exceeding 10 times the quantity of radioactive material specified in WAC 246-221-300 shall be conspicuously posted with a sign or signs bearing the radiation caution symbol and the words: CAUTION* - RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL or DANGER - RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL.

(9) Each container of radioactive material shall bear a durable, clearly visible label identifying the radioactive contents including:

(a) The radiation caution symbol and the words: CAUTION* - RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL or DANGER - RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL.

(b) Sufficient information to permit individuals handling or using the containers, or working in the vicinity thereof, to take precautions to avoid or minimize exposures, such as radionuclides present, radiation levels, estimate of activity and mass enrichment.

(c) Where containers are used for storage, the quantities and kinds of radioactive materials in the containers and the date of measurement of the quantities.

(10) All radiation machines shall be labeled in a conspicuous manner so as to caution individuals that radiation is produced when the machine is being operated.

Statutory Authority: RCW 70.98.050. 94-01-073, § 246-221-120, filed 12/9/93, effective 1/9/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.98.050 and 70.98.080. 91-15-112 (Order 184), § 246-221-120, filed 7/24/91, effective 8/24/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-221-120, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.98.080. 87-01-031 (Order 2450), § 402-24-090, filed 12/11/86. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.98.050. 81-01-011 (Order 1570), § 402-24-090, filed 12/8/80; Order 1095, § 402-24-090, filed 2/6/76; Order 1, § 402-24-090, filed 1/8/69; Rules (part), filed 10/26/66.

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