Radiation Labeling

PURPOSE: This rule establishes requirements for labeling radiation machines, radiation areas and containers in which radioactive materials are transferred, stored or used and to list exemptions from posting or labeling requirements. (1) The user shall indicate the presence of radiation by posting conspicuous signs or labels which bear appropriate wording, as described in sections (5)–(10) of this rule to explain the nature of the hazard. (2) All such radiation warning signs and labels shall bear the standard symbol for designating any radiation hazard as described in Appendix II of this chapter. (3) The use of the standard symbol, signs or labels for any other purpose is expressly prohibited. The symbol, signs and labels and the lettering used with it shall be as large as practical, consistent with size of the equipment or material. The lettering shall not be superimposed on the symbol. (4) All signs and labels required by this section shall use the conventional radiation colors (magenta or purple and yellow background) and bear a conventional radiation symbol. (5) All radiation machines shall be clearly labeled as follows: “Caution: Radiation This Equipment Produces Radiation When Energized.” (Labels should be placed on the control panel near the switch which energizes the tube.) (6) Each area shall be designated as a radiation area and shall be conspicuously posted with a sign(s) bearing a radiation caution symbol and the words “Caution: Radiation Area” if radiation levels exist which could subject an individual, continuously present, to five (5) millirems within any one (1) hour or could result in a dose of one hundred (100) millirems in any seven (7) consecutive days. (7) Each radiation area where there exists a radiation level in excess of one hundred (100) milliroentgens per hour shall be conspicuously posted with a sign(s) bearing a conventional radiation caution symbol and the words “Caution: High Radiation Area.” (A) Each high radiation area, except those containing only therapeutic units operating at sixty (60) kilovolts peak (kvp) or below or diagnostic units or both, shall be equipped with an internal control circuit which shall either cause the radiation exposure rate to be reduced to below one hundred (100) milliroentgens per hour upon entry of an individual into the area or shall energize a conspicuous visible or audible alarm signal in a manner that the individual entering and the supervisor of the activity are made aware of the entry. In the case of a temporary high radiation area (thirty (30) days or less), a control circuit is not required if a barricade, such as a fence or rope is erected and the required caution signs are posted. (8) Any room, enclosure or operating area in which airborne radioactive materials exist in excess of the amount as stated in Table 2, Column 3, Appendix I of this chapter shall be conspicuously posted with a sign(s) bearing a conventional radiation symbol and the words “Caution: Airborne Radioactivity Area.” In the event that respiratory protection is required, the equipment prescribed shall also be conspicuously designated. (9) Each entrance to an area or to rooms shall be conspicuously posted with a sign(s) bearing a conventional radiation symbol and the words “Caution: Radioactive Material” if the radioactive material used or stored is an amount exceeding ten (10) times the maximum exempted amount as specified in Table 1, Appendix I of this chapter. (10) Each container in which radioactive material is transferred, stored or used shall bear a conventional symbol and the words “Caution: Radioactive Material.” Labeling shall not be required if the concentration of radioactive material does not exceed that specified in Table 2, Column 2 or 3, Appendix I if the quantity of radioactive material does not exceed that in Table 1, Appendix I of this chapter or for laboratory containers being used transiently. Where practical, signs required by this section should describe the quantities and kinds of radioactive materials involved. (11) All areas that are readily accessible, but not normally occupied, and where a radiation hazard may exist on a frequent or infrequent basis, shall be suitably restricted and posted with the accepted radiation-hazard label. (12) All radiation-hazard labels posted shall be removed when the source of radiation is no longer present. (13) Notwithstanding the provisions of other sections of this rule— (A) A room or area is not required to be posted with a caution sign because of the presence of a sealed source provided the radiation level twelve inches (12") from the surface of the device does not exceed five (5) milliroentgens per hour and the sealed source is properly labeled in accordance with the requirements of this rule. (B) Rooms or other areas in hospitals are not required to be posted with caution signs because of the presence of patients containing radioactive material provided that attendant personnel are adequately instructed as to the precautions necessary to prevent the exposure of any individual to radiation or airborne radioactive materials in excess of the limits established in 19 CSR 20-10. (C) Caution signs are not required to be posted at areas or rooms containing radioactive materials for periods of less than twentyfour (24) hours provided that these materials are constantly attended by an individual during these periods, or that there is no chance that any individual would come into the area or room not knowing a hazard exists. (D) Radiation areas and high radiation areas which result from the operation of therapeutic X-ray machines operated at potentials of sixty (60) kvp and below or from the operation of diagnostic X-ray machines shall be exempt from the posting requirements of this rule provided that the operator of the equipment has taken precautions to insure that no individual other than the patient shall be in the radiation area. AUTHORITY: section 192.420, RSMo 1986.* This rule was previously filed as 13 CSR 5090.100. Original rule filed Nov. 9, 1964, effective Dec. 9, 1964. *Original authority: 192.420, RSMo 1963.