Periodic Spot-checks for Remote Afterloader Units

(A) A licensee authorized to use remote afterloader units for medical use shall perform spot-checks on each remote afterloader facility and on each unit: (1) At the beginning of each day of use of a high dose-rate, medium dose-rate or pulsed dose-rate remote afterloader unit; (2) Prior to each patient treatment with a low dose-rate remote afterloader unit; and (3) After each source installation. (B) A licensee shall have the authorized medical physicist establish written procedures for performing the spot-checks required in 105 CMR 120.580(A). The authorized medical physicist need not actually perform the spot-check measurements. (C) A licensee shall have the authorized medical physicist review the results of each output spot-check within 15 days. The authorized medical physicist shall promptly notify the licensee in writing of the results of each output spot-check. (D) To satisfy the requirement of 105 CMR 120.580(A), spot-checks must, 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(s) activity in the unit's computer. (E) If the results of the checks required in 105 CMR 120.580(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 105 CMR 120.580(D), in accordance with 105 CMR 120.592(H).