RADIOGRAPHY RISK ASSESMENT 2022

PROJECT: AL-Khobar KRO2 HFO Pipeline Re-route Ref: AMS/NDT/001/22

LOCATION: HFO Feeding line Date: 22/Jan/2022
Objective:

Hazards have the potential risk to cause human injury or ill health. The overall purpose is to
understand the hazards that exist or might arise in the course of the AMSYCO's activities and ensure
that the risks to people arising from these hazards are assessed, prioritized and controlled to eliminate
hazards or reduce risks to acceptable levels. The purpose of this Risk Assessment is to provide
appropriate standards and minimum requirements for radiation protection and safety in the use of
gamma (y)-rays used in the practice of industrial radiography. The objective of the program is to
reduce exposures from ionizing radiation to ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) and within the
annual occupational limits; and to minimize the potential for accidental exposures.

Potential Hazard: Exposure to ionizing radiation is harmful to both radiation workers and the general
public.

RT Work location: HFO Feeding line OPD 17 DN 400 Welding joints - Butt joints .
RADIOGRAPHY RISK ASSESMENT 2022

Responsibilities:
1. Radiographer’s:
The individual radiographer is the 'first line of defense' in the protection of the general
public and environment against undue risks of radiation exposure. Since the
radiographers, themselves, are the direct handlers of the radioactive material, the
absolute responsibility lies with them for safety and compliance with the established laws
and regulations. For this reason, it is critical that they be aware ofthe risks, safe practices
and requirements for use of radioactive materials.

o Shall strictly comply with the applicable rules and regulations of the radiation
protection and safetyprogram;
o Shall wear assigned radiation dosimeters, as directed by the RPO, during
working time, to measure total exposure to radiation. Appropriate surveys
and area monitoring shall be performed using radiation survey meters, to
assess radiation hazards and to ensure dose received is ALARA, prior
commencement of work;
o Shall not take risks that might jeopardize the integrity, safety or security
of radiation equipment,particularly radioactive sources, or other
radiation sensitive equipment;

o Maintain radiographic and ancillary equipment in the condition

necessary to operate safely. Equipment is not to be modified, abused or
used for purposes for which it is not intended. Equipment which is not in
proper working condition is not to be used and reported to the RPO
and/or immediate superior for repair;
o Exercise appropriate care at all times and work in accordance with the
instructions and defined operating and safety procedures. Unusual events,
accidents and incidents are to be reported to the RPO;

 Radiation classification area:

Controlled area:

o Radiography shall only be conducted during night time, unless approved by

contractor/client for other proposed timings.

o Area in which sealed radiation sources are used, stored, radiation producing
machines are operated is classified as controlled area. The pre-calculated
radiation level reading prior to first exposure around the perimeter shall not
RADIOGRAPHY RISK ASSESMENT 2022
exceed 0.75mR/h (7.5µSv/h).
o Whenever a radiographic operation is carried-out, the area must be
barricaded off using rope with radiation warning pennants or barricade tape
with radiation warning signs to restrict the access to the 'Radiation Area'
(controlled area).
o At least four (4) One (1) meter height free standing radiation warning sign
boards clearly married as 'Danger Radiation Keep Away' in both English and
Arabic shall be posted around the barricade and shall be reflective in subdued
lightening conditions. Depending on the complexity of a particular project,
additional radiation signboards shall be posted around the barricade as
necessary to cover all access points to the site. In addition, blinking warning
red lights and radiation activated gamma alarm shall be used during night
operations.
o Radiographers shall keep a constant vigil, monitoring the area with radiation
survey meter and preventing any members of general public from entering
the 'Controlled Area' while radiographic work is in progress.
o The barricade shall be adjusted to the radiation level whenever the
radiographic projector is moved from one location to another.
o The source shall be retracted immediately when any unauthorized person
enters the radiation area. Work to resume only after the area is cleared.
o 2 man RT crew is the minimum requirement but it is the sole responsibility of
the NOT service providers RSO to visit location and evaluate each situation
and calculate the acceptable radiation dosage and required cordoned off area
number of technicians required for the surveillance of the area. He shall
decide if he needs a 2 man crew or more for a safe operation of radioactive
sources on sites.

 Supervised Area:

o Supervised (observed) area is based on an estimated distance where the dose

level averaged over one hour will not exceed 0.25mR/h (2.5µSv/h). Though it
is not required to establish a barrier at this limit, it is the responsibility of the
radiographers to maintain observation of this area to ensure that
unauthorized persons do not enter the controlled area.
 Safe Work Practices:

o The three basic factors that are important in any radiation protection
measure are: Time, Distance and Shielding.
o Time: The exposure received by the individual working in the radiation area is
directly proportional to the time spent in that area. Thus, the less time spent
in the radiation area then the smaller the exposure received.
RADIOGRAPHY RISK ASSESMENT 2022
LESS TIME = LESS EXPOSURE

o Distance: The radiation intensity from a radioactive source is inversely

proportional to the square of the distance from the source. This is known as
the 'inverse square law' and can be generally expressed as:

A chart showing the safe distance from unshielded sources for a

maximum permissible dose rate of 0.75mR/h is attached below. When
working in radiation areas always maximize the distance from the
source.

GREATER DISTANCE= LESS EXPOSURE

o Shielding: Shielding can greatly reduce radiation exposure and any available
shielding should be used to advantage. It may for instance be possible to
work behind a concrete or steel structure, which provides shielding from the
radiation. Tungsten collimator should always be used to limit the radiation
beams to an area of interest.
RADIOGRAPHY RISK ASSESMENT 2022
2. Area Radiation Safety Officer:

The Site/Area RPO is in-charge for the implementation of the requirements stated
in this manual to hisarea of responsibility and reports all radiation-related activities
to the Corporate RPO and NDT/TSD Manager.
o Supervise the rules and regulations and standards of protection and safety
during the use of radioactive sources and radiation-generating equipment;
o Submit reports of periodic evaluation of radiation protection and safety to
the Corporate RPO;
o Coordination of training program with the Corporate RPO, and holding
lectures and meetings with radiographers stationed in his area;
o Inform and submit reports of any safety violations to the Corporate RPO.
o Hazard assessment, identification of controlled and supervised areas,
restriction of exposure and maintenance of engineering controls and other
equipment provided for such restriction;
o Control of access to controlled areas, adequate monitoring of workplaces and
supervision of radiographic works.
o Perform periodic maintenance of radiographic equipment and calibration of
measuring instruments;
o Radioactive source transfer, loading, unloading and safe storage;
o Maintaining required safety documents and records for reference;

3. Personal Monitoring

AMSYCO employs two types of external dosimeters for all of its radiation
workers and are mandatory to be worn throughout periods of potential
exposure to monitor individual's cumulative dose, as follows:
• Thermo-luminescent Dosimeter (TLD)
• Electronic Pocket Dosimeter

4. Workplace Monitoring

The emitted radiation from radioactive sources can't be recognized by the

sensory functions of the human body. Thus, radiation surveys and monitoring
must be carried out in areas of actual radiation hazard (e.g. performing
radiographic works, bunker facilities inspection). A survey is the process of
monitoring for ionizingradiation, analyzing the results in regard to
established protection standards, and defining, or evaluating any radiation
hazard which may exist. Appropriate measuring instruments suited for the
RADIOGRAPHY RISK ASSESMENT 2022
radiation field to be monitored must be used to characterize the workplace
conditions and identify areas that required radiological classification (i.e.
supervised of controlled areas).
• Radiation Survey Meter

5. Storage and Protection of Radioactive Isotopes

Storage or bunker facilities are designed to restrict exposure, keep radiographic

sources, exposure containers andcontrol sources secured against theft or
damage, and prevent any unauthorized persons from carrying out any actions
which would be dangerous to themselves or the public.

o In case of source storage at project sites, a temporary storage pit shall be

constructed and pit facility shall be inspected and approved by company
RSO.(Amsyco Storage Pit in Khobar or Jubail will be utilized for this project)
6. Isotopes shall only be stored inside approved project storage pit.

7. Transportation of Radioactive Sources

Radiation sources are likely to be transported or moved from one location to

another as the need requires by the project or area of operation. Applicable
regulations are to be complied with, taking into account the protection and
security of radioactive sources and exposure devices.
o The projectors with isotopes shall be transported only in pick-up type vehicles
specially fitted with transport boxes. Such a vehicle shall have a material box
fitted behind the driver's cabin and a projector transport box fitted near the
tail end of the vehicle. The transport box shall be shielded so that it complies
with the leakage level of 'Transport Category II-Yellow'
o The radiation exposure level at the driver's position or on the exterior surface
of the vehicle shall not exceed 0.75mR/h (7.5µSv/h).
o Only a certified radiographer accompanied by equally qualified crew-member
(or alone) shall drive the vehicle transporting the isotope projector. In case of
driving the vehicle inside the client's project site or facility, appropriate
approval/permit shall be obtained prior to transportation. All personnel must
have in use the required personal dosimetry and survey meter at all times
when radioactive materials are stored or transported in the vehicle
o If it is necessary to have a break en-route (e.g. meal break), the vehicle
carrying radiographic exposure device shall never be left unattended and at
least one radiographer shall be present alongside the vehicle.
o The speed of the vehicle transporting radioactive isotopes shall not exceed
RADIOGRAPHY RISK ASSESMENT 2022
90km/h for 4x2 vehicled equipped with off road sand tires, the maximum
speed limit shall be 80km/h. However, is the vehicle is stickered for a
particular client; the requirements of client's safety standards shall be
followed.

8. Records
All activities related to radiation protection and safety shall be recorded
and maintained appropriately forreference of the organization as well
as for Client's Radiation Safety Representative and National Regulatory
Authority.

9. Emergency Planning and Preparedness

Accidents in radiography may result in deterministic health effects due to
loss of shielding or inadequate access control; they may also result in
localized contamination from lost or stolen sources. Emergency planning
starts with assessment of hazards, which involves analysis of abnormal
conditions, how they may change during emergency, possible types of
accidents and their possible magnitudes and consequences on­ site and off-
site. The next step is to determine and assign roles and responsibilities of
each individual or group involved in emergency preparedness and response.
The plan describes the role and responsibilities of all involved in the response
and also contain a brief description of the possible accidents and the concept
of operation. The comprehensive procedure for 'Emergency Preparedness
and Response Plan' is made available through Procedure No.: AMSYCO 100-
006.
9. Contractor QA/QC Department:
The Contractor shall ensure below requirements for Radiography work;
o Hand over proper Daily Radiography testing request.
o Permit to work to be obtained by Industrial Reservoir (if required).
o Proper arrangement of RT area.
o Proper spacing between spools and with enough support for above ground
spacing.
o Proper lightings at night time for proper visibility.