R9-7-738. Periodic Spot-checks for Remote Afterloader Units

A. A licensee authorized to use a remote afterloader unit for medical use shall perform spot-checks of each remote afterloader facility and on each unit: 1. Before the first use of a high dose-rate, medium dose- rate, or pulsed dose-rate remote afterloader unit on a given day; 2. Before each patient treatment with a low dose-rate remote afterloader unit; and 3. After each source installation. B. A licensee shall perform the measurements required by subsection (A) in accordance with written procedures established by an authorized medical physicist. That individual need not actually perform the spot-check measurements. C. A licensee shall have an authorized medical physicist review the results of each spot-check within 15 days. The authorized medical physicist shall notify the licensee as soon as possible in writing of the results of each spot-check. D. To satisfy the requirements of subsection (A), spot-checks shall, at a minimum, assure proper operation of: 1. Electrical interlocks at each remote afterloader unit room entrance; 2. Source exposure indicator lights on the remote afterloader unit, on the control console, and in the facility; 3. Viewing and intercom systems in each high dose-rate, medium dose-rate, and pulsed dose-rate remote afterloader facility; 4. Emergency response equipment; 5. Radiation monitors used to indicate the source position; 6. Timer accuracy; 7. Clock (date and time) in the unit’s computer; and 8. Decayed source activity in the unit’s computer. E. If the results of the checks required in subsection (D) indicate the malfunction of any system, a licensee shall lock the control console in the off position and not use the unit except as may be necessary to repair, replace, or check the malfunctioning system. F. A licensee shall retain a record of each spot-check required by subsections (A) and (D) for three years from the date of the procedure, and a copy of the procedures required by subsection (B) until licensee terminates all medical activities involving the afterloader unit.