64E-5.6421. Periodic Spot-Checks for Remote Afterloader Units

(1) A licensee authorized to use a remote afterloader unit for medical use shall perform the following spot-checks: (a) Before the first use of a high dose-rate, medium dose-rate, or pulsed dose-rate remote afterloader unit on a given day; (b) Before each patient treatment with a low dose-rate remote afterloader unit; and (c) After each source installation. (2) Spot-checks shall include the determination of: (a) Electrical interlocks at each remote afterloader unit room entrance; (b) Source exposure indicator lights on the remote afterloader unit, on the control console, and in the facility; (c) Viewing and intercom systems in each high dose-rate, medium dose-rate, and pulsed dose-rate remote afterloader facility; (d) Emergency response equipment; (e) Radiation monitors used to indicate the source position; (f) Timer accuracy; (g) Clock (date and time) in the unit’s computer; and (h) Decayed source(s) activity in the unit’s computer. (3) If the results of the checks required in subsection 64E-5.6421(2), F.A.C., of this section 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. (4) A licensee shall perform spot-checks required by subsection 64E-5.6421(2), F.A.C., following procedures established by the authorized medical physicist. (5) A licensee shall have the authorized medical physicist review the results of each spot-check within 15 days and promptly notify the licensee in writing of the results of each spot-check. The licensee shall keep a copy of each written notification for 3 years. (6) A licensee shall retain a copy of the procedures required by subsection 64E-5.6421(4), F.A.C., until the licensee no longer possesses the remote afterloader unit. (7) A licensee shall maintain a record of each spot-check required by subsection 64E-5.6421(2), F.A.C., for 3 years and a copy of the procedures required by subsections 64E-5.6421(4) and (5), F.A.C., until the licensee no longer possesses the remote afterloader unit. The record shall include: (a) The date of the spot-check; (b) The manufacturer’s name, model number, and serial number for both the remote afterloader unit and source; (c) An assessment of timer accuracy; (d) Notations indicating the operability of each entrance door electrical interlock, radiation monitors, source exposure indicator lights, viewing and intercom systems, and clock and decayed source activity in the unit’s computer; and (e) The name of the individual who performed the periodic spot-check and the signature of the authorized medical physicist who reviewed the record of the spot-check.