6 CCR 1007-1
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT RADIATION CONTROL - LICENSES AND RADIATION SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR IRRADIATORS 6 CCR 1007-1 Part 19 [Editor’s Notes follow the text of the rules at the end of this CCR Document.] _________________________________________________________________________ PART 19: LICENSES AND RADIATION SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR IRRADIATORS
19.1 Purpose and Scope.
19.1.1 Authority.
Rules and regulations set forth herein are adopted pursuant to the provisions of sections 25-1- 108, 25-1.5-101(1)(l), and 25-11-104, CRS.
19.1.2 Basis and Purpose.
A statement of basis and purpose accompanies this part and changes to this part. A copy may be obtained from the Department.
19.1.3 Scope.
Part 19 contains requirements for the issuance of a license authorizing the use of sealed sources containing radioactive materials in irradiators used to irradiate objects or materials using gamma radiation. Part 19 also contains radiation safety requirements for operating irradiators.
19.1.4 Applicability.
19.1.4.1 The regulations in this part apply to panoramic irradiators that have either dry or wet storage of the radioactive sealed sources and to underwater irradiators in which both the source and the product being irradiated are under water. Irradiators whose dose rates exceed 5 gray (500 rad) per hour at 1 meter from the radioactive sealed sources in air or in water, as applicable for the irradiator type, are covered by this part.
19.1.4.2 The regulations in this part do not apply to self-contained dry-source-storage irradiators (those in which both the source and the area subject to irradiation are contained within a device and are not accessible by personnel), medical radiology or teletherapy, radiography (the irradiation of materials for nondestructive testing purposes), gauging, or open-field (agricultural) irradiations.
19.1.4.3 The requirements of this part are in addition to the requirements of Parts 1, 3, 4, 10, 12, 13, and 17.
19.1.4.4 Nothing in this part relieves the licensee from complying with other applicable Federal, State and local regulations governing the siting, zoning, land use, and building code requirements for industrial facilities.
19.1.5 Published Material Incorporated by Reference.
Published material incorporated in Part 19 by reference is available in accord with Part 1, Section 1.4.
19.2 Definitions.
As used in this part, these terms have the definitions set forth as follows. “Doubly encapsulated sealed source” means a sealed source in which the radioactive material is sealed within a capsule and that capsule is sealed within another capsule. “Irradiator” means a facility that uses radioactive sealed sources for the irradiation of objects or materials and in which radiation dose rates exceeding 5 gray (500 rad) per hour exist at 1 meter from the sealed radioactive sources in air or water, as applicable for the irradiator type, but does not include irradiators in which both the sealed source and the area subject to irradiation are contained within a device and are not accessible to personnel. “Irradiator operator” means an individual who has successfully completed the training and testing described in 19.18 and is authorized by the terms of the license to operate the irradiator without a supervisor present.
“Panoramic dry-source-storage irradiator” means an irradiator in which the irradiations occur in air in areas potentially accessible to personnel and in which the sources are stored in shields made of solid materials. The term includes beam-type dry-source-storage irradiators in which only a narrow beam of radiation is produced for performing irradiations. “Panoramic irradiator” means an irradiator in which the irradiations are done in air in areas potentially accessible to personnel. The term includes beam-type irradiators. “Panoramic wet-source-storage irradiator” means an irradiator in which the irradiations occur in air in areas potentially accessible to personnel and in which the sources are stored under water in a storage pool.
“Pool irradiator” means any irradiator at which the sources are stored or used in a pool of water including panoramic wet-source-storage irradiators and underwater irradiators. “Product conveyor system” means a system for moving the product to be irradiated to, from, and within the area where irradiation takes place.
“Radiation room” means a shielded room in which irradiations take place. Underwater irradiators do not have radiation rooms.
“Seismic area” means any area where the probability of a horizontal acceleration in rock of more than 0.3 times the acceleration of gravity in 250 years is greater than 10 percent, as designated by the U.S. Geological Survey.
“Underwater irradiator” means an irradiator in which the sources always remain shielded under water and humans do not have access to the sealed sources or the space subject to irradiation without entering the pool.
SPECIFIC LICENSING REQUIREMENTS
19.3 Application for a Specific License.
19.3.1 A person shall file an application for a specific license authorizing the use of sealed sources in an irradiator pursuant to 3.8.
19.4 Specific Licenses for Irradiators.
19.4.1 The Department will approve an application for a specific license for the use of licensed material in an irradiator if the applicant meets the requirements contained in this section.
19.4.2 The applicant shall satisfy the general requirements specified in 3.9 of the regulations and the requirements contained in this part.
19.4.3 The applicant must describe the training provided to irradiator operators including:
19.4.3.1 Classroom training;
19.4.3.2 On-the-job or simulator training;
19.4.3.3 Safety reviews;
19.4.3.4 Means employed by the applicant to test each operator’s understanding of the Department’s regulations and licensing requirements and the irradiator operating and emergency procedures; and
19.4.3.5 Minimum training and experience of personnel who may provide training.
19.4.4 The application must include an outline of the written operating and emergency procedures listed in 19.19 that describes the radiation safety aspects of the procedures.
19.4.5 The application must describe the organizational structure for managing the irradiator, specifically the radiation safety responsibilities and authorities of the radiation safety officer and those management personnel who have important radiation safety responsibilities or authorities.
19.4.5.1 In particular, the application must specify who, within the management structure, has authority to stop unsafe operations.
19.4.5.2 The application must also describe the training and experience required for the position of radiation safety officer.
19.4.6 The application must include:
19.4.6.1 A description of the access control systems required by 19.8;
19.4.6.2 A description of the radiation monitors required by 19.11;
19.4.6.3 A description of the method of detecting leaking sources required by 19.22 including the sensitivity of the method; and 19.4.6.4 A diagram of the facility that shows the locations of all required interlocks and radiation monitors.
19.4.7 If the applicant intends to perform leak testing of dry-source-storage sealed sources, the applicant shall establish procedures for leak testing and submit a description of these procedures to the Department. The description shall include the:
19.4.7.1 Instruments to be used;
19.4.7.2 Methods of performing the analysis; and
19.4.7.3 Pertinent experience of the individual who analyzes the samples.
19.4.8 If licensee personnel are to load or unload sources, the applicant shall describe the qualifications and training of the personnel and the procedures to be used. If the applicant intends to contract for source loading or unloading at its facility, the loading or unloading must be done by an organization specifically authorized by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission or an Agreement State to load or unload irradiator sources.
19.4.9 The applicant shall describe the inspection and maintenance checks, including the frequency of the checks required by 19.23.
19.5 Start of Construction.
19.5.1 The applicant may not begin construction of a new irradiator prior to the submission to the Department of both the application for a license for the irradiator and the fee required by Part 12 of these regulations.
19.5.1.1 As used in this section, the term “construction” includes the construction of any portion of the permanent irradiator structure on the site but does not include: engineering and design work, purchase of a site, site surveys or soil testing, site preparation, site excavation, construction of warehouse or auxiliary structures, and other similar tasks.
19.5.1.2 Any activities undertaken prior to the issuance of a license are entirely at the risk of the applicant and have no bearing on the issuance of a license with respect to the requirements of the Act, and rules, regulations, and orders issued under the Act.
19.6 Applications for Exemptions.
19.6.1 Any application for a license or for amendment of a license authorizing use of a teletherapy-type unit for irradiation of materials or objects may include proposed alternatives for the requirements of this part. The Department will approve the proposed alternatives if the applicant provides adequate rationale for the proposed alternatives and demonstrates that they are likely to provide an adequate level of safety for workers and the public. DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR IRRADIATORS
19.7 Requirements and Performance Criteria for Sealed Sources.
Sealed sources shall:
19.7.1 Have a certificate of registration issued by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission or an Agreement State, or shall have been evaluated in accordance with 10 CFR 32.210 or the equivalent state regulation;
19.7.2 Be doubly encapsulated;
19.7.3 Use radioactive material that is as nondispersible as practical and that is as insoluble as practical if the source is used in a wet-source-storage or wet-source-change irradiator;
19.7.4 Be encapsulated in a material resistant to general corrosion and to localized corrosion, such as 316L stainless steel or other material with equivalent resistance if the sources are used in irradiator pools; and 19.7.5 Have been leak tested in prototype testing and found leak-free after each of the tests described in
19.7.5.1 through 19.7.5.6.
19.7.5.1 Temperature Test.
19.7.5.2 Pressure Test.
19.7.5.3 Impact Test.
19.7.5.4 Vibration Test.
19.7.5.5 Puncture Test.
19.7.5.6 Bend Test.
19.8 Access Control.
19.8.1 Each entrance to a radiation room at a panoramic irradiator must have a door or other physical barrier to prevent inadvertent entry of personnel if the sources are not in the shielded position.
19.8.1.1 Product conveyor systems may serve as barriers as long as they reliably and consistently function as a barrier.
19.8.1.2 It must not be possible to move the sources out of their shielded position if the door or barrier is open.
19.8.1.3 Opening the door or barrier while the sources are exposed must cause the sources to return promptly to their shielded position.
19.8.1.4 The personnel entrance door or barrier must have a lock that is operated by the same key used to move the sources.
19.8.1.5 The doors and barriers must not prevent any individual in the radiation room from leaving.
19.8.2 In addition, each entrance to a radiation room at a panoramic irradiator must have an independent backup access control to detect personnel entry while the sources are exposed.
19.8.2.1 Detection of entry while the sources are exposed must cause the sources to return to their fully shielded position and must also activate a visible and audible alarm to make the individual entering the room aware of the hazard.
19.8.2.2 The alarm must also alert at least one other individual who is onsite of the entry. That individual shall be trained on how to respond to the alarm and be prepared to promptly render or summon assistance.
19.8.3 A radiation monitor must be provided to detect the presence of high radiation levels in the radiation room of a panoramic irradiator before personnel entry.
19.8.3.1 The monitor must be integrated with personnel access door locks to prevent room access when radiation levels are high.
19.8.3.2 Attempted personnel entry while the monitor measures high radiation levels, must activate the alarm described in 19.8.2.
19.8.3.3 The monitor may be located in the entrance (normally referred to as the maze) but not in the direct radiation beam.
19.8.4 Before the sources move from their shielded position in a panoramic irradiator, the source control must automatically activate conspicuous visible and audible alarms to alert people in the radiation room that the sources will be moved from their shielded position.
19.8.4.1 The alarms must give individuals enough time to leave the room before the sources leave the shielded position.
19.8.5 Each radiation room at a panoramic irradiator must have a clearly visible and readily accessible control that would allow an individual in the room to make the sources return to their fully shielded position.
19.8.6 Each radiation room of a panoramic irradiator must contain a control that prevents the sources from moving from the shielded position unless the control has been activated and the door or barrier to the radiation room has been closed within a preset time after activation of the control.
19.8.7 Each entrance to the radiation room of a panoramic irradiator and each entrance to the area within the personnel access barrier of an underwater irradiator must be posted as required by 4.28.
19.8.7.1 Radiation postings for panoramic irradiators must comply with the posting requirements of 4.28, except that signs may be removed, covered, or otherwise made inoperative when the sources are fully shielded.
19.8.8 If the radiation room of a panoramic irradiator has roof plugs or other movable shielding, it must not be possible to operate the irradiator unless the shielding is in its proper location.
19.8.8.1 This requirement may be met by interlocks that prevent operation if shielding is not placed properly or by an operating procedure requiring inspection of shielding before operating.
19.8.9 Underwater irradiators must have a personnel access barrier around the pool which must be locked to prevent access when the irradiator is not attended.
19.8.9.1 Only operators and facility management may have access to keys to the
19.8.9.2 An intrusion alarm shall be installed to detect unauthorized entry when the personnel access barrier is locked.
19.8.9.3 Activation of the intrusion alarm must alert an individual (not necessarily onsite) who is prepared to respond or summon assistance.
19.9 Shielding.
19.9.1 The radiation dose rate in areas that are normally occupied during operation of a panoramic irradiator may not exceed 0.02 millisievert (2 millirem) per hour at any location 30 centimeters or more from the wall of the room when the sources are exposed.
19.9.9.1 The dose rate must be averaged over an area not to exceed 100 square
19.9.9.2 Areas where the radiation dose rate exceeds 0.02 millisievert (2 millirem) per hour must be locked, roped off, or posted.
19.9.2 The radiation dose at 30 centimeters over the edge of the pool of a pool irradiator may not exceed 0.02 millisievert (2 millirem) per hour when the sources are in the fully shielded position.
19.9.3 The radiation dose rate at 1 meter from the shield of a dry-source-storage panoramic irradiator when the source is shielded may not exceed 0.02 millisievert (2 millirem) per hour and at 5 centimeters from the shield may not exceed 0.2 millisievert (20 millirem) per hour.
19.10 Fire Protection.
19.10.1 The radiation room at a panoramic irradiator must have heat and smoke detectors.
19.10.1.1 The detectors must activate an audible alarm.
19.10.1.2 The alarm must be capable of alerting a person who is prepared to summon assistance promptly.
19.10.1.3 The sources must automatically become fully shielded if a fire is detected.
19.10.2 The radiation room at a panoramic irradiator must be equipped with a fire extinguishing system capable of extinguishing a fire without the entry of personnel into the room.
19.10.2.1 The system for the radiation room must have a shut-off valve to control flooding into unrestricted areas.
19.11 Radiation Monitors.
19.11.1 Irradiators with automatic product conveyor systems must have a radiation monitor with an audible alarm located to detect loose radioactive sources that are carried toward the product exit.
19.11.1.1 If the monitor detects a source, an alarm must sound and product conveyors must stop automatically.
19.11.1.2 The alarm must be capable of alerting an individual in the facility who is prepared to summon assistance.
19.11.1.3 Underwater irradiators in which the product moves within an enclosed stationary tube are exempt from the requirements of this paragraph.
19.11.2 Underwater irradiators that are not in a shielded radiation room must have a radiation monitor over the pool to detect abnormal radiation levels.
19.11.2.1 The monitor must have an audible alarm and a visible indicator at entrances to the personnel access barrier around the pool.
19.11.2.2 The audible alarm may have a manual shut-off. The alarm must be capable of alerting an individual who is prepared to respond promptly.
19.12 Control of Source Movement.
19.12.1 The mechanism that moves the sources of a panoramic irradiator must require a key to actuate.
19.12.1.1 Actuation of the mechanism must cause an audible signal to indicate that the sources are leaving the shielded position.
19.12.1.2 Only one key may be used at any time, and only one operator or facility management may possess it.
19.12.1.3 The key must be attached to a portable radiation survey meter by a chain or cable.
19.12.1.4 The lock for source control must be designed so that the key may not be removed if the sources are in an unshielded position.
19.12.1.5 The door to the radiation room must require the same key.
19.12.2 The console of a panoramic irradiator must have a source position indicator that indicates when the sources are in the fully shielded position, when they are in transit, and when the sources are exposed.
19.12.3 The control console of a panoramic irradiator must have a control that promptly returns the sources to the shielded position.
19.12.4 Each control for a panoramic irradiator must be clearly marked as to its function.
19.13 Irradiator Pools.
19.13.1 Irradiator pools must either:
19.13.1.1 Have a water-tight stainless steel liner or a liner metallurgically compatible with other components in the pool; or 19.13.1.2 Be constructed so that there is a low likelihood of substantial leakage and have a surface designed to facilitate decontamination.
19.13.1.3 In either case, the licensee shall have a method to safely store the sources during repairs of the pool.
19.13.2 Irradiator pools must have no outlets more than 0.5 meter below the normal low water level that could allow water to drain out of the pool.
19.13.2.1 Pipes that have intakes more than 0.5 meter below the normal low water level and that could act as siphons must have siphon breakers to prevent the siphoning of pool water.
19.13.3 A means must be provided to replenish water losses from the pool.
19.13.4 A visible indicator must be provided in a clearly visible location to indicate if the pool water level is below the normal low water level or above the normal high water level.
19.13.5 Irradiator pools must be equipped with a purification system designed to be capable of maintaining the water during normal operation at a conductivity of 20 microsiemens per centimeter or less and with a clarity so that the sources can be seen clearly.
19.13.6 A physical barrier, such as a railing or cover, must be used around or over irradiator pools during normal operation to prevent personnel from accidentally falling into the pool.
19.13.6.1 The barrier may be removed during maintenance, inspection, and service operations.
19.13.7 If long-handled tools or poles are used in irradiator pools, the radiation dose rate on the handling areas of the tools may not exceed 0.02 millisievert (2 millirem) per hour.
19.14 Source Rack Protection.
19.14.1 If the product to be irradiated moves on a product conveyor system, the source rack and the mechanism that moves the rack must be protected by a barrier or guides to prevent products and product carriers from hitting or touching the rack or mechanism.
19.15 Power Failures.
19.15.1 If electrical power at a panoramic irradiator is lost for longer than 10 seconds, the sources must automatically return to the shielded position.
19.15.2 The lock on the door of the radiation room of a panoramic irradiator may not be deactivated by a power failure.
19.15.3 During a power failure, the area of any irradiator where sources are located may be entered only when using an operable and calibrated radiation survey meter.
19.16 Design Requirements.
19.16.1 Irradiators must meet the design requirements of this section.
19.16.1.1 Shielding.
19.16.1.2 Foundations.
19.16.1.3 Pool Integrity.
19.16.1.4 Water Handling System.
19.16.1.5 Radiation Monitors.
19.16.1.6 Source Rack.
19.16.1.7 Access Control.
19.16.1.8 Fire Protection.
19.16.1.9 Source Return.
19.16.1.10 Seismic.
19.16.1.11 Wiring.
19.17 Construction Monitoring and Acceptance Testing.
19.17.1 The requirements of this section must be met for all irradiators subject to this part prior to loading sources.
19.17.1.1 Shielding.
19.17.1.2 Foundations.
19.17.1.3 Pool Integrity.
19.17.1.4 Water Handling System.
19.17.1.5 Radiation Monitors.
19.17.1.6 Source Rack.
the rack.
19.17.1.7 Access Control.
19.17.1.8 Fire Protection.
19.17.1.9 Source Return.
19.17.1.10 Computer Systems.
19.17.1.11 Wiring.
19.18 Training.
19.18.1 Before an individual is permitted to operate an irradiator without a supervisor present, the individual must be instructed in:
19.18.1.1 The fundamentals of radiation protection applied to irradiators (including the differences between external radiation and radioactive contamination, units of radiation dose, Department dose limits, why large radiation doses must be avoided, how shielding and access controls prevent large doses, how an irradiator is designed to prevent contamination, the proper use of survey meters and personnel dosimeters, other radiation safety features of an irradiator, and the basic function of the irradiator);
19.18.1.2 The requirements of Parts 4, 10 and 19 that are relevant to the irradiator;
19.18.1.3 The operation of the irradiator;
19.18.1.4 Those operating and emergency procedures listed in 19.19 that the individual is responsible for performing; and
19.18.1.5 Case histories of accidents or problems involving irradiators.
19.18.2 Before an individual is permitted to operate an irradiator without a supervisor present, the individual shall pass a written test on the instruction received consisting primarily of questions based on the licensee’s operating and emergency procedures that the individual is responsible for performing and other operations necessary to safely operate the irradiator without supervision.
19.18.3 Before an individual is permitted to operate an irradiator without a supervisor present, the individual must have received on-the-job training or simulator training in the use of the irradiator as described in the license application.
19.18.3.1 The individual shall also demonstrate the ability to perform those portions of the operating procedures that he or she is to perform.
19.18.4 The licensee shall conduct safety reviews for irradiator operators at least annually.
19.18.4.1 The licensee shall give each operator a brief written test on the information.
19.18.4.2 Each safety review must include, to the extent appropriate, each of the following:
19.18.5 The licensee shall evaluate the safety performance of each irradiator operator at least annually to ensure that regulations, license conditions, and operating and emergency procedures are followed and shall:
19.18.5.1 Discuss the results of the evaluation with the operator; and
19.18.5.2 Instruct the operator on how to correct any mistakes or deficiencies observed.
19.18.6 Individuals who will be permitted unescorted access to the radiation room of the irradiator or the area around the pool of an underwater irradiator, but who have not received the training required for operators and the radiation safety officer, shall be instructed and tested in any precautions they should take to avoid radiation exposure, any procedures or parts of procedures listed in 19.19 that they are expected to perform or comply with, and their proper response to alarms required in this part. Tests may be oral.
19.18.7 Individuals who must be prepared to respond to alarms required by 19.8.2, 19.8.9, 19.10.1, 19.11.1, 19.11.2, and 19.22.2 shall be trained and tested on how to respond.
19.18.7.1 Each individual shall be retested at least once a year.
19.18.7.2 Tests may be oral.
19.19 Operating and Emergency Procedures.
19.19.1 The licensee shall have and follow written operating procedures for:
19.19.1.1 Operation of the irradiator, including entering and leaving the radiation room;
19.19.1.2 Use of personnel dosimeters;
19.19.1.3 Surveying the shielding of panoramic irradiators;
19.19.1.4 Monitoring pool water for contamination while the water is in the pool and before release of pool water to unrestricted areas;
19.19.1.5 Leak testing of sources;
19.19.1.6 Inspection and maintenance checks required by 19.23;
19.19.1.7 Loading, unloading, and repositioning sources, if the operations will be performed by the licensee; and
19.19.1.8 Inspection of movable shielding required by 19.8.8, if applicable.
19.19.2 The licensee shall have and follow emergency or abnormal event procedures, appropriate for the irradiator type, for:
19.19.2.1 Sources stuck in the unshielded position;
19.19.2.2 Personnel overexposures;
19.19.2.3 A radiation alarm from the product exit portal monitor or pool monitor;
19.19.2.4 Detection of leaking sources, pool contamination, or alarm caused by
19.19.2.5 A low or high water level indicator, an abnormal water loss, or leakage from the source storage pool;
19.19.2.6 A prolonged loss of electrical power;
19.19.2.7 A fire alarm or explosion in the radiation room;
19.19.2.8 An alarm indicating unauthorized entry into the radiation room, area around the pool, or another alarmed area;
19.19.2.9 Natural phenomena, including an earthquake, a tornado, flooding, or other phenomena as appropriate for the geographical location of the facility; and
19.19.2.10 The jamming of automatic conveyor systems.
19.19.3 The licensee may revise operating and emergency procedures without Department approval only if all of the following conditions are met:
19.19.3.1 The revisions do not reduce the safety of the facility;
19.19.3.2 The revisions are consistent with the outline or summary of procedures submitted with the license application;
19.19.3.3 The revisions have been reviewed and approved by the radiation safety officer; and 19.19.3.4 The users or operators are instructed and tested on the revised procedures before they are put into use.
19.20 Personnel Monitoring.
19.20.1 Irradiator operators shall wear a personnel dosimeter that is processed and evaluated by an accredited National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) processor while operating a panoramic irradiator or while in the area around the pool of an underwater irradiator.
19.20.1.1 The personnel dosimeter processor must be accredited for high-energy photons in the normal and accident dose ranges (see 4.17.3).
19.20.1.2 Each personnel dosimeter must be assigned to and worn by only one individual.
19.20.1.3 Film badges must be replaced at least monthly and each other personnel dosimeter must be replaced at least quarterly.
19.20.1.4 After replacement, each personnel dosimeter must be promptly processed.
19.20.2 Other individuals who enter the radiation room of a panoramic irradiator shall wear a dosimeter, which may be a pocket dosimeter.
19.20.2.1 For groups of visitors, only two people who enter the radiation room are required to wear dosimeters.
19.20.2.2 If pocket dosimeters are used to meet the requirements of this paragraph, a check of their response to radiation must be done at least annually.
19.20.2.3 Acceptable dosimeters must read within + or – 20 percent of the true radiation dose.
19.21 Radiation Surveys.
19.21.1 A radiation survey of the area outside the shielding of the radiation room of a panoramic irradiator must be conducted with the sources in the exposed position before the facility starts to operate.
19.21.1.1 A radiation survey of the area above the pool of pool irradiators must be conducted after the sources are loaded but before the facility starts to operate.
19.21.1.2 Additional radiation surveys of the shielding must be performed at intervals not to exceed 3 years and before resuming operation after addition of new sources or any modification to the radiation room shielding or structure that might increase dose rates.
19.21.2 If the radiation levels specified in 19.9 are exceeded, the facility must be modified to comply with the requirements in 19.9.
19.21.3 Portable radiation survey meters must be calibrated at least annually to an accuracy of 20 percent for the gamma energy of the sources in use.
19.21.3.1 The calibration must be done at two points on each scale or, for digital instruments at one point per decade over the range that will be used.
19.21.3.2 Portable radiation survey meters must be of a type that does not saturate and read zero at high radiation dose rates.
19.21.4 Water from the irradiator pool, other potentially contaminated liquids, and sediments from pool vacuuming must be monitored for radioactive contamination before release to unrestricted areas. Radioactive concentrations must not exceed those specified in Part 4, Appendix 4B, Table 4B1, “Annual Limits on Intakes (ALIs) and Derived Air Concentrations (DACs)”, or Table 4B3, “Release to Sewers.”
19.21.5 Before releasing resins for unrestricted use, they must be monitored before release in an area with a background level less than 0.5 microsievert (0.05 millirem) per hour.
19.21.5.1 The resins may be released only if the survey does not detect radiation levels above background levels.
19.21.5.2 The survey meter used must be capable of detecting radiation levels of 0.5 microsievert (0.05 millirem) per hour.
19.22 Detection of Leaking Sources.
19.22.1 Each dry-source-storage sealed source must be tested for leakage at intervals not to exceed 6 months using a leak test kit or method approved by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission or an Agreement State.
19.22.1.1 In the absence of a certificate from a transferor that a test has been made within the 6 months before the transfer, the sealed source may not be used until tested.
19.22.1.2 The test must be capable of detecting the presence of 200 becquerel (0.005 microcurie) of radioactive material and must be performed by a person approved by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission or an Agreement State to perform the test.
19.22.2 For pool irradiators, sources may not be put into the pool unless the licensee tests the sources for leaks or has a certificate from a transferor that a leak test has been done within the 6 months before the transfer.
19.22.2.1 Water from the pool must be checked for contamination each day the irradiator operates. This check may be done either by using a radiation monitor on a pool water circulating system or by analysis of a sample of pool water.
19.22.2.2 If a check for contamination is done by analysis of a sample of pool water, the results must be available within 24 hours.
19.22.2.3 If the licensee uses a radiation monitor on a pool water circulating system, the detection of above normal radiation levels must activate an alarm.
19.22.3 If a leaking source is detected, the licensee shall arrange to remove the leaking source from service and have it decontaminated, repaired, or disposed of by a U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission or Agreement State licensee that is authorized to perform these functions.
19.22.3.1 The licensee shall promptly check its personnel, equipment, facilities, and irradiated product for radioactive contamination.
19.22.3.2 No product may be shipped until the product has been checked and found free of contamination.
19.22.3.3 If a product has been shipped that may have been inadvertently contaminated, the licensee shall arrange to locate and survey that product for contamination.
19.22.3.4 If any personnel are found to be contaminated, decontamination must be performed promptly.
19.22.3.5 If contaminated equipment, facilities, or products are found, the licensee shall arrange to have them decontaminated or disposed of by a U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission or Agreement State licensee that is authorized to perform these functions.
19.22.3.6 If a pool is contaminated, the licensee shall arrange to clean the pool until the water contamination levels do not exceed the appropriate concentration in Part 4, Appendix 4B, Table 4B2, Column 2 (See 4.52 and 4.53 for notification and reporting requirements).
19.23 Inspection and Maintenance.
19.23.1 The licensee shall perform inspection and maintenance checks that include, as a minimum, each of the following at the frequency specified in the license or license application:
19.23.1.1 Operability of each aspect of the access control system required by 19.8;
19.23.1.2 Functioning of the source position indicator required by 19.12.2;
19.23.1.3 Operability of the radiation monitor for radioactive contamination in pool water required by 19.22.2, using a radiation check source, if applicable;
19.23.1.4 Operability of the over-pool radiation monitor at underwater irradiators as required by 19.11.2;
19.23.1.5 Operability of the product exit monitor required by 19.11.1;
19.23.1.6 Operability of the emergency source return control required by 19.12.3;
19.23.1.7 Leak-tightness of systems through which pool water circulates (visual
19.23.1.8 Operability of the heat and smoke detectors and extinguisher system required by
19.23.1.9 Operability of the means of pool water replenishment required by 19.13.3;
19.23.1.10 Operability of the indicators of high and low pool water levels required by 19.13.4;
19.23.1.11 Operability of the intrusion alarm required by 19.8.9, if applicable;
19.23.1.12 Functioning and wear of the system, mechanisms and cables used to raise and lower sources;
19.23.1.13 Condition of the barrier to prevent products from hitting the sources or source mechanism as required by 19.14;
19.23.1.14 Amount of water added to the pool to determine if the pool is leaking;
19.23.1.15 Electrical wiring on required safety systems for radiation damage; and 19.23.1.16 Pool water conductivity measurements and analysis as required by 19.24.2.
19.23.2 Malfunctions and defects found during inspection and maintenance checks must be repaired without undue delay.
19.24 Pool Water Purity.
19.24.1 Pool water purification system must be run sufficiently to maintain the conductivity of the pool water below 20 microsiemens per centimeter under normal circumstances.
19.24.1.1 If pool water conductivity rises above 20 microsiemens per centimeter, the licensee shall take prompt actions to lower the pool water conductivity and shall take corrective actions to prevent future recurrences.
19.24.2 The licensee shall measure the pool water conductivity frequently enough, but no less than weekly, to assure that the conductivity remains below 20 microsiemens per centimeter. Conductivity instruments must be calibrated at least annually.
19.25 Attendance During Operations.
19.25.1 Both an irradiator operator and at least one individual, who is trained on how to respond and prepared to promptly render or summon assistance if the access control alarm sounds, shall be present onsite:
19.25.1.1 Whenever the irradiator is operated using an automatic product conveyor system; and 19.25.1.2 Whenever the product is moved into or out of the radiation room when the irradiator is operated in a batch mode.
19.25.2 At a panoramic irradiator at which static irradiations (no movement of the product) are occurring, an individual who has received the training required in 19.18.7 on how to respond to alarms must be onsite.
19.25.3 At an underwater irradiator, an irradiator operator must be present at the facility whenever the product is moved into or out of the pool.
19.25.3.1 An individual who moves the product into or out of the pool of an underwater irradiator need not be qualified as an irradiator operator; however, each such individual shall have received the training required in 19.18.6 and 19.18.7.
19.26 Entering and Leaving the Irradiation Room.
19.26.1 Upon first entering the radiation room of a panoramic irradiator after an irradiation, the irradiator operator shall use a survey meter to determine that the source has returned to its fully shielded position.
19.26.1.1 The operator shall check the functioning of the survey meter with a radiation check source prior to entry.
19.26.2 Before exiting from and locking the door to the radiation room of a panoramic irradiator prior to a planned irradiation, the irradiator operator shall:
19.26.2.1 Visually inspect the entire radiation room to verify that no one else is in it; and 19.26.2.2 Activate a control in the radiation room that permits the sources to be moved from the shielded position only if the door to the radiation room is locked within a preset time after setting the control.
19.26.3 During a power failure, the area around the pool of an underwater irradiator may not be entered without using an operable and calibrated radiation survey meter unless the over-the-pool monitor required by 19.11.2 is operating with backup power.
19.27 Irradiation of Explosive or Flammable Materials.
19.27.1 Irradiation of explosive material is prohibited unless the licensee has received prior written authorization from the Department.
19.27.1.1 Authorization will not be granted unless the licensee can demonstrate that detonation of the explosive would not rupture the sealed sources, injure personnel, damage safety systems, or cause radiation overexposures of personnel.
19.27.2 Irradiation of more than small quantities of flammable material (flash point below 140°C) is prohibited in panoramic irradiators unless the licensee has received prior written authorization from the Department.
19.27.2.1 Authorization will not be granted unless the licensee can demonstrate that a fire in the radiation room could be controlled without damage to the sealed sources or safety systems and without radiation overexposures of personnel. RECORDS AND REPORTS
19.28 Records and Retention Periods.
19.28.1 The licensee shall maintain the following records at the irradiator for the periods specified:
19.28.1.1 A copy of the license, license conditions, documents incorporated into a license by reference, and amendments thereto until superseded by new documents or until the Department terminates the license for documents not superseded;
19.28.1.2 Records of each individual’s training, tests, and safety reviews provided to meet the requirements of 19.18.1, 19.18.2, 19.18.3, 19.18.4, 19.18.6, and 19.18.7 until 3 years after the individual terminates work;
19.28.1.3 Records of the annual evaluations of the safety performance of irradiator operators required by 19.18.5 for 3 years after the evaluation;
19.28.1.4 A copy of the current operating and emergency procedures required by 19.19 until superseded or the Department terminates the license. Records of the radiation safety officer’s review and approval of changes in procedures as required by 19.19.3.3 retained for 3 years from the date of the change;
19.28.1.5 Evaluations of personnel dosimetry (film badge, optically stimulated
19.28.1.6 Records of radiation surveys required by 19.21 for 3 years from the date of the survey;
19.28.1.7 Records of radiation survey meter calibrations required by 19.21.3 and pool water conductivity meter calibrations required by 19.24.2 until 3 years from the date of calibration;
19.28.1.8 Records of the results of leak tests required by 19.22.1 and the results of contamination checks required by 19.22.2 for 3 years from the date of each test;
19.28.1.9 Records of inspection and maintenance checks required by 19.23 for 3 years;
19.28.1.10 Records of major malfunctions, significant defects, operating difficulties or irregularities, and major operating problems that involve required radiation safety equipment for 3 years after repairs are completed;
19.28.1.11 Records of the receipt, transfer, and disposal of all licensed sealed sources as required by 3.22 and 4.48;
19.28.1.12 Records on the design checks required by 19.16 and the construction control checks as required by 19.17 until the license is terminated. The records must be signed and dated. The title or qualification of the person signing must be included; and 19.28.1.13 Records related to decommissioning of the irradiator as required by 3.16.6.8.
19.29 Reports.
19.29.1 In addition to the reporting requirements in other parts of the regulations, the licensee shall report the following events:
19.29.1.1 Source stuck in an unshielded position;
19.29.1.2 Any fire or explosion in a radiation room;
19.29.1.3 Damage to the source racks;
19.29.1.4 Failure of the cable or drive mechanism used to move the source racks;
19.29.1.5 Inoperability of the access control system;
19.29.1.6 Detection of radiation source by the product exit monitor;
19.29.1.7 Detection of radioactive contamination attributable to licensed radioactive material;
19.29.1.8 Structural damage to the pool liner or walls;
19.29.1.9 Abnormal water loss or leakage from the source storage pool; or
19.29.1.10 Pool water conductivity exceeding 100 microsiemen per centimeter.
19.29.2 The report must include a telephone report within 24 hours as described in 4.52.2, and a written report within 30 days as described in 4.53.1.2.
________________________________________________________________________ EDITOR’S NOTES 6 CCR 1007-1 has been divided into separate parts for ease of use. Versions prior to 04/01/2007 are located in the first section, 6 CCR 1007-1. Prior versions can be accessed from the All Versions list on the rule’s current version page. To view versions effective on or after 04/01/2007, select the desired part of the rule, for example 6 CCR 1007-1 Part 01 or 6 CCR 1007-1 Part 10. History