410 IAC 5-5-8 Leak testing, replacement, and modification of NARM sealed sources

Sec. 8. (a) The replacement of any "NARM" sealed source fastened to or contained in a radiographic exposure device and leak testing, repair, tagging, opening or any other modification of any sealed source shall be performed only by persons qualified by education and training. (b) Each sealed source shall be tested for leakage at intervals not to exceed 6 months. In the absence of a certificate from a transferor that a test has been made within the 6 month period prior to the transfer, the sealed source shall not be put into use until tested. (1) The board may grant exceptions to the leak test requirement for "NARM," when; (i) The construction and history of a type of sealed source warrants a less frequent testing. (ii) Access to the source places an undue burden on the registrant. (2) Any "NARM" sealed source less than 100 times the quantity listed in Schedule B of 410 IAC 5-4 is excepted from leak tests. (3) Any sealed source with a half-life less than 30 days and/or in gaseous form is excepted from leak tests. (4) Any "NARM" sealed source 10μCi or less used as a check source is excepted. (c) The leak test shall be capable of detecting the presence of 0.005 microcurie of removable contamination on the sealed source. An acceptable leak test for sealed sources in the possession of a radiography licensee would be to test at the nearest accessible point to the sealed source storage position, or other appropriate measuring point. Records of leak test results shall be kept in units of microcuries and maintained for inspection by the board for 6 months after the next required leak test is performed or until the sealed source is transferred or disposed of. (d) Any test conducted pursuant to 410 IAC 5-5-8(b) and (c) which reveals the presence of 0.005 microcurie or more of removable radioactive material shall be considered evidence that the sealed source is leaking. The licensee shall immediately withdraw the equipment involved from use and shall cause it to be decontaminated and repaired or to be disposed of, in accordance with rules of the board. Within 5 days after obtaining results of the test, the licensee shall file a report with the board describing the equipment involved, the test results, and the corrective action taken. (e) A sealed source which is not fastened to or contained in a radiographic exposure device shall have permanently attached to it a durable tag bearing the prescribed radiation caution symbol in conventional colors, magenta or purple on a yellow background, and at least the instructions: "Danger–Radioactive Material."