Be prepared before it happens!! Have procedures and policies in place before you have to respond to a retrieval. Training- Have personnel that are trained to respond to a retrieval. Have the proper equipment to safely perform the retrieval.

Notification Identify the problem for proper response and reaction Site Assessment Locate the source Plan of action Shielding the source ??? Execute retrieval plan Secure the device/source.

Description of the problem. Any overexposures to radiographers or general public? Restricted Areas secured? Additional help needed? Details of the area.

Determine possible plan of action. Decide who will respond. What type of equipment will be needed? Travel to the site.

Check restricted area boundaries. Interview Radiographers-verify information from initial notification. Visual assessment of the area and equipment. Environmental conditions. Any other safety concerns?

Visually locate the source if possible. Use Tetetector to locate the source if available. Use other means to locate the source such as lead tunnel brick, collimator, or lead shot bags.

Plan the retrieval steps and each persons role. Review and determine possible exposure. Practice dry runs if necessary. Do not let “Other” conditions influence your planning or decision making.

Shield the source when applicable to perform retrieval. Only use appropriate amount of shielding. Use care when placing the shielding on the source so that no additional damage is done to the equipment.

Perform the retrieval plan. Record dose rates as the retrieval plan is executed.

Secure the source in the original device or source changer. (Transportable if possible) Perform surveys of device or container. Leak test of the device and source. Record final surveys and dose rates. Determine actions to be taken in regard to the equipment and source. ( Remove from service, etc.)

Suggested Tool Box Contents

Teletector Handling Tongs Lead shot bags Fishing Cable ( Modified Drive cable-550)

Source disconnects Equipment failure Lack of maintenance and inspection Improper setup Damage to equipment during use Improper use of equipment Environmental conditions Use of non-approved aftermarket parts

Source Hung Up in Source Guide Tube Source Disconnect Camera damage and malfunctions Control damage and malfunctions

Shield the source Hammer dented area out of the guide tube Cut damaged area out of the guide tube Repositioning of the guide tube

Shield –Cut – Push Method Direct hot stick into device outlet port of another device Direct hot stick into device if possible Direct hot stick into source changer “Fishing Method” on certain devices and sources

Shield source to a point that you can safely work on the controls and camera.

Not being prepared ahead of time Not having the proper equipment available Not having trained personnel Training Training is the most difficult issue to overcome. Available training classes?? Training classes plus experience ( Classes alone?/experience?) Personnel must have strong radiation safety background, understand the principles of time, distance, and shielding along with a working knowledge of the equipment involved.

Be prepared before a retrieval occurs. Have trained personnel. Have the proper equipment to perform the retrieval. Do not let “other” conditions influence your decision making and planning.

46

47

48

49

50

51

52

53

54