Safety and Security of Radiation Sources Give brief summary of what will be covered in this module.

Objectives A review of the requirements and processes to ensure safety, security and accountability of sealed sources (including surveys). The methods required for movement and shipment of devices and shipping packages.

Contents Recap on source categorization and security. Security requirements to be applied by the user. Storage of radiation sources. Accountability of radiation sources. Movement and transportation of radiation sources.

Summary of Categorization System Activity ratio A/D Teletherapy sources Irradiators Industrial gamma radiography sources High / medium dose rate brachytherapy sources Industrial gauges with high activity sources Well logging gauges Low dose rate brachytherapy sources Industrial gauges with moderate / low activity sources X-ray fluorescence (XRF) devices Electron capture devices 1000 10 1 0.01 exempt 1 2 3 4 5

Security Grouping based on Source Categorization Four Security Groupings have been identified for the five (revised1) source categorizations – A, B, C and D. Gauge and well-logging sources fall into categories B and C. 1Revised Categorization of Radiation Sources. IAEA TECDOC 1344. 2003

Security Grouping based on Source Categorization (cont) Source Category Examples B 2 Industrial radiography High/medium dose rate brachytherapy 3 Fixed gauges Well logging

Security Grouping based on Source Categorization (cont) Source Category Examples C 4 Low dose rate brachytherapy (except those in Security Group D) Fill / Thickness gauges Portable gauges (e.g. moisture / density) Bone densitometers Static eliminators

Applicable Security Measures Source Accounting (Audits) Group B Weekly Group C Semi-annual

Applicable Security Measures Source Access Control Group B Access control to the source location allowing timely detection of unauthorized access (provided by a local alarm) Group C Access control to the source location

Applicable Security Measures Deterrence provided by: Group B Two measures (one technical) separating the source from unauthorized personnel Group C One technical measure separating the source from unauthorized personnel

Applicable Security Measures Technical Measures Appropriate technical measures include: fences; walls; cages; transport packaging; locks and interlocks for doors (or access points) locked, shielded containers;

Applicable Security Measures Emergency Response Group B Specific emergency response plan Group C Generic emergency response plan

Applicable Security Measures Other Security Measures Group B Personnel background checks Security plan Information security Upgraded security for increased threat

Storage Facilities Secured (locks and controlled access) to prevent loss or theft. Strong precautions taken to prevent theft; should have redundant protection. Fire resistant. Isolation from other hazardous materials such as explosives and corrosives. Adequate dimensions and, if necessary, shielding to comply with uncontrolled dose limit requirements.

Storage Facilities (cont) Temporary storage at a field site requires similar controls. Warning signs must be in the local language. The storage area required will depend on the number of sources but should be adequate so that radiography source containers (Type B) do not need additional shielding.

Storage Containers May be used for spent sources in storage pending disposal. Containers must be labeled with radioactive contents Sources must be secured in the containers and protected against inadvertent movement or tampering.

Security while in Use and at Work Sites Radiation sources must: be secured against tampering or theft; be kept in a locked area / compartment when not in use; be locked in vehicles during transport and when on short term field sites; not be left unattended.

Surveys and Audits The licensee must: perform an inventory check of all radiation sources at regular intervals, including x-ray equipment, spent, calibration and crawler control radioactive sources. ensure that all radioactive sources are surveyed when removed from, and returned to, storage.

Surveys and Audits (cont) The licensee must: apply the same survey and audit procedures to locations where extended field site work is taking place and where a temporary store is established; if a radiation source cannot be located, take action as if an accident has occurred and shall immediately notify the Regulatory Body.

Source Movement Source containers must be locked before movement. For short distances (walking), use a trolley to keep the source container away from the body. Transport of radiography sources between the licensee’s facilities and field sites is usually done in the radiography vehicle. Transport on public roads must comply with the national transport regulations (IAEA TS-R-1).

Transport Radioactive source containers are typically Type A or Type B; sources meet special form requirements All shippers and transporters of radioactive sources should establish an adequate Quality Assurance program to assure the integrity of packages. The program should: include pre shipment inspection of packages; include routine maintenance of packages; not allow for modifications to packages.

Transport (cont) To comply with the International Transport Regulations: packages must be certified by a Competent Authority; for Type A, Type B and special form sources, documentation should be provided to demonstrate that the package meets the specified requirements; packages can not be used outside the conditions of the approved certification.

Transport (cont) The licensee must ensure that: the package is appropriate for the contents; the source is in the “locked” position; the package is in good condition prior to transport and meets all requirements in the package certification; proper surveys have been performed to determine the correct labeling.

Transport (cont) The licensee must ensure that: the contents of the package are properly declared; the proper paperwork is documented; the radiation source is properly secured within the vehicle; the vehicle is correctly placarded when transporting radioactive material; the vehicle is surveyed, including the driver’s compartment.

Typical Package for Transport Package properly prepared for shipment. Labels have been applied. All legal requirements met.

Typical Package for Transport (cont) Typical Cobalt package to be transported.

Disposal Depleted sources are still radioactive and all requirements for storage, handling and disposal must comply with the regulations unless subject to clearance by the Regulatory Body. Radiation sources (radioactive sources and x-ray equipment) shall only be disposed of to an appropriately licensed person. Disposal by export requires the approval of the Regulatory Body (and the Customs regulator). Empty source containers that use depleted uranium for shielding must be disposed of as a radioactive substance.

Disposal (cont) Applicants for authorization by license should have provided evidence to the Regulatory Body of planned disposal method(s), preferably with sources and empty (depleted uranium) source containers being returned to the manufacturer or other authorized recipient.