Additional Technical Requirements for Mobile Remote Afterloader Units

(A) A licensee providing mobile remote afterloader service shall: (1) Check survey instruments for consistent response before medical use at each address of use or on each day of use, whichever is more frequent; and (2) Account for all sources before departure from a client’s address of use. (B) In addition to the periodic spot-checks required by 105 CMR 120.580, a licensee authorized to use mobile afterloaders for medical use shall perform checks on each remote afterloader unit before use at each address of use. At a minimum, checks must be made to verify the operation of: (1) Electrical interlocks on treatment area access points; (2) Source exposure indicator lights on the remote afterloader unit, on the control console, and in the facility; (3) Viewing and intercom systems; (4) Applicators, source transfer tubes, and transfer tube-applicator interfaces; (5) Radiation monitors used to indicate room exposures; (6) Source positioning (accuracy); and (7) Radiation monitors used to indicate whether the source has returned to a safe shielded position. (C) In addition to the requirements for checks in 105 CMR 120.582(B), a licensee shall ensure overall proper operation of the remote afterloader unit by conducting a simulated cycle of treatment before use at each address of use. (D) If the results of the checks required in 105 CMR 120.582(B) 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. (E) A licensee shall retain a record of each check required by 105 CMR 120.582(B) in accordance with 105 CMR 120.592(J).