Professional Documents
Culture Documents
source holders.
Gamma Radiography Sources The source positions are identified by numbers stamped
on the inserts. The inserts can contain up to 10 individual
source positions.
SAFETY INFORMATION
Source serial Source holder Signature
AND GUIDANCE Position
number number
1
2
Ir-192, Co-60, Yb-169, Cs-137, Se-75
3
FOR SAFETY AND TO ENSURE CORRECT USAGE, 4
READ THIS BOOKLET CAREFULLY BEFORE
5
UNPACKING, HANDLING, USING, STORING,
TRANSPORTING, TRANSFER AND 6
RETURN OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL
7
These instructions must always
accompany radiation sources 8
and be readily available
9
to all persons using them.
10
Insert for
cable-type LOADED INTO:
source holders
Additional Date:
top plug for
Sign:
sources without
holders
Insert for
back-shielded
source holders
HI018 Issue 11
Contents Page 8.3 Transfer of decayed source
into the source changer 11
1. Regulations 3 8.4 Disconnecting the source 11
2. On receipt of package 4 8.5 Inspection and maintaining
the projector 11
3. Unpacking 4
8.6 Transferring the new source
4. General precautions 5
into the projector 12
5. General instructions 6
9. Specific container types 13
5.1 Use 6
9.1 650L source changer 13
5.2 Storage 6
9.2 Cable type source holders 14
5.3 Damage or loss 6
9.3 Back shielded holders 15
5.4 Transfer and disposal 6
9.4 880SC Source Changer 16
6. Radiological protection 7
9.5 360-2, 360-4, 360-10 Source Changer 21
7. Assessments and contingency plans 8
10. Returning the container 29
7.1 Source jams during transfer 8
10.1 General considerations 29
7.2 Fire hazard 8
10.2 Notification of return 29
7.3 Detached source 8
10.3 Return of empty container 29
7.4 Power failure 9
10.4 Shipping instructions for
7.5 Source loading/unloading 9 Type B packages outside the USA 31
7.6 Accidental exposure of the source 9 11. Inspection and testing 35
7.7 Surface dose rate 9 12. Recommended working life 36
7.8 Contamination risk 9 13. Feedback 36
8. Source exchange procedure 10
8.1 Layout of equipment 10
8.2 Assembling the equipment 10
IATA, the International Air Transport Association notify the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or the Department of
the Environment in Northern Ireland of the intention to carry out
or the work at least 28 days before commencing the work
IMO, the International Maritime Organisation and
or appoint a suitably qualified and experienced Radiation Protection
Adviser (RPA) in writing.
ADR, the European Road Regulations.
Having appointed an RPA his advice must be sought on how the
For road transport in Great Britain refer to the regulations as listed regulations are to be observed and, generally, as regards safety, in
on the approval certificate. the work to be done.
2.1 The package should be inspected on arrival and if any damage 3.1 Sources must be unpacked in a specially designated area by
is observed which could have resulted in damage to the product trained, competent and authorised personnel. Sections 4, 5 and
then the package must not be opened. Actions to follow in the 6 of these instructions should be read carefully and preparations
event of the package being damaged should be included in your made for using the source or transferring it to a storage facility
contingency plans. before unpacking it.
Actions to take should include the measurement of the surface 3.2 Radiation levels should be checked using a calibrated dose rate
dose rate on the package which should not exceed 2 mSv/hr (200 meter at each stage of unpacking. The exposure rate at the outer
mrem/hr). A higher reading may indicate that the source is not surface of the package may be as high as 2 mSv/hr (200 mrem/hr)
in a safe position or that the shielding is damaged. If a reading and dose levels at each stage of unpacking will get progressively
in excess of 2 mSv/hr (200 mrem/hr) is obtained, all personnel higher.
must be kept at a safe distance from the package and the matter 3.3 Various packing combinations are used depending on the type
reported immediately to your RPA and to QSA GLOBAL OR THEIR of source. Steel drums type 3746 or 976 are the most common form
AUTHORISED REPRESENTATIVE. of packaging.
2.2 If the package is undamaged, check that the description on the 3.3.1 Remove the steel closing band and lid.
documentation and labelling agree with the acknowledgement
of order. If there are differences do not open the package, place 3.3.2 Check the enclosed documents.
it in a secure area and notify QSA GLOBAL OR THEIR AUTHORISED
3.3.3 Remove cork lid and spacer, if fitted.
REPRESENTATIVE.
3.3.4 Lift the lead pot out of the drum, leaving the cork liner in
2.3 Notify the person responsible for radiation protection that the
place. Some lead pots have protruding source tubes to facilitate
package has arrived. Update the official accountancy record for
source transfer; care must be taken to avoid any form of impact
radioactive substances noting the identification, activity and date.
(i.e. dropping, knocking) as damage may cause difficulties in source
2.4 If the package is not opened immediately, it must be placed in transfer.
a suitable secure store (see section 5.2 of these instructions). The
Caution: lead pots are heavy and should not be lifted manually.
shielding provided by transport containers is adequate to comply
with the maximum dose rate levels specified in the IAEA Transport 3.3.5 Place the lead pot on firm level ground.
Regulations.
However, these levels may not be appropriate for storage of the Caution: the dose rate on the lead pot may be as high as 15 mSv/hr
package in places of work without additional shielding. Transport (1.5 Rem/hr) so contact time should be minimised.
containers may be placed in a controlled area provided that the
area is physically demarcated and access is restricted.
The total dose received in working with a source is directly To estimate the radius of a controlled area to give a dose rate of
proportional to the time taken to carry out the work. If the work 7.5µSv/hr for a source of different activity, multiply the appropriate
takes twice as long then the dose is twice as great. Good planning radius from Table 1 by the square root of the ratio of the source
helps to reduce exposure time to a minimum. activity to 37GBq.
Distance: maximise the distance between sources and personnel. For example, an Ir-192 source with an activity of 3.7TBq would
require a controlled area of radius:
Exposure is greatly affected by distance in accordance with the
inverse square law. For example if the distance is doubled the 25 x l00 = ~250 metres to give a dose rate of 7.5 µSv/hr.
dose rate is reduced to one quarter of its original value but if the
distance is halved the dose rate will increase fourfold.
It is important that the complete procedure is thoroughly 8.2.1 Connect the guide tube to an empty hole in the source
understood before any source unload is attempted. changer using an adapter as appropriate. With a 650L source
changer close and latch the source guides.
8.1 Layout of equipment
Caution: the source changer must remain upright at all times.
Do not place it on its side.
8.2.2 Connect the drive cable to the projector following the
manufacturer’s instructions.
Caution: do not unlock the projector at this stage.
8.2.3 Connect the other end of the guide tube to the projector as
described in the manufacturer’s instructions.
Caution: minimise time spent near to the projector or source
changer.
Source exchanges must only be carried out in a controlled area. Use
any available local radiation shielding e.g. a wall to reduce the dose 8.2.4 Position a dose rate meter close to the control point to
to the operator at the control point. monitor continuously the dose rate to which the operator is
exposed.
8.1.1 Arrange the source changer (or lead pot) and the projector
so that one length of guide tube will fit between them without any 8.2.5 Check that any personnel necessarily remaining in the vicinity
sharp bends or kinks in the tube. are wearing monitoring equipment as specified in the local rules
(film badge, TLDS, dosimeter, QFE, etc.).
Caution: any bends in the guide tube must have a radius of not less
than 500mm (approximately 20 inches).
8.3.4 Crank the decayed source rapidly from the projector to the 8.4.2 Disconnect the drive cable from the source holder
source changer. assembly, taking care not to move the source. Sentinel sources are
disconnected by moving the lock pin of the connector towards the
NOTE: the radiation intensity will increase greatly as the source is source and sliding the drive cable out through the keyway. Do
first exposed, decrease slightly as the source is cranked out, then not bend or twist. For other equipment follow the manufacturer’s
drop to background level when the source is correctly loaded in the instructions. Replace the closure nut on the source changers (if
source changer. fitted) using firm finger pressure, or close the clamp. For 650L series
units, disconnect the guide tube.
8.3.5 Check the dose rate meter reading.
8.4.3 Wire the identity plaque for the old source to the source
Caution: do not move towards the projector or changer if the
changer so that the position of the source can be traced.
reading remains high.
8.5 Inspecting and maintaining the projector
8.3.6 When satisfied that the source is located in the source
changer, approach the equipment checking the dose rate with an When the old source has been removed the opportunity should be
appropriate dose rate meter. taken to inspect the empty projector. Routine maintenance work
in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations may
The dose rate at l metre should be approximately 0.75 mSv/hr (75
conveniently be scheduled to coincide with the source replacement.
mrem/hr) maximum for the supplied lead pot or 100 µSv/hr (10
To ensure safety always use manufacturer’s parts when servicing,
mrem/hr) maximum for a type 650L unit.
if in any doubt contact QSA GLOBAL OR THEIR AUTHORISED
Caution: if significantly higher dose rates are measured as you REPRESENTATIVE.
approach the equipment, STOP, check the operations and return to
To enable the drive cable to be disconnected from an 880 projector,
a low dose area. If in doubt, check with your RPA.
it is necessary to fit a test connector to the drive cable before
8.3.7 Check the dose rates on all sides of the projector, on the withdrawing it into the projector. Test connectors, ‘jumpers’ are
guide tube and on all sides of the source changer. normally fitted in the drive connector dust cap of the projector.
The drive cable connector should be checked for wear using a ‘GO/
Caution: the maximum dose rate at the surface of a source changer NOGO’ gauge.
should be less than 15 mSv/hr (1.5 Rem/hr) for the supplied lead
pot, or 2 mSv/hr (200 mrem/hr) for a type 650L unit.
9.4.6 Other Operations 9.4.7.1.1.1 Visually inspect each transport package component to
be shipped to assure the following:
9.4.6.1 Package Transportation By Consignor a. The transport package was assembled properly to the
Persons transporting the Model 880 Series transport package in applicable drawing referenced on the Type B transport
their own conveyances should comply with the following: certificate.
9.4.6.1.1 For a conveyance and equipment used regularly for b. Evaluate each shield container for shielding integrity
radioactive material transport, check to determine the level when used in the applicable Model 880 Series assembly to
of contamination that may be present on these items. This ensure the transport dose rate requirements are met when
contamination check is suggested if the package shows signs of the container is loaded to capacity.
damage upon receipt or during transport, or if a leak test on c. All fasteners as required by the applicable drawings
the special form source transported in the package exceeds the referenced on the Type B transport certificate are properly
allowable limit of 185 Bq (0.005 μCi). installed and secured.
d. The relevant labels are attached, contain the required
9.4.6.1.2 If contamination above 4 Bq/cm2 (0.0001 µCi/cm2) based on information, and are marked in accordance with 10 CFR
wiping an area of 300 cm2 is detected on any part of a conveyance 20.1904, 10 CFR 40.13(c)(6)(i), 10 CFR 34, and 10 CFR 71 or
or equipment used regularly for radioactive material transport, or equivalent Agreement State regulations.
if a radiation level exceeding 5 µSv/h (0.5 mR/hr) is detected on any
9.5.4.1.2 If contamination above 4 Bq/cm2 (when averaged over 9.5.5.1.1.4 The relevant labels are attached, contain the required
300 cm2) is detected on any part of a conveyance or equipment information, and are marked in accordance with 10 CFR 20.1904,
used regularly for radioactive material transport, or if a radiation 10 CFR 40.13(c)(6)(i), 10 CFR 34, and 10 CFR 71 or equivalent
level exceeding 5 µSv/h is detected on any conveyance or Agreement State regulations.
equipment surface, then remove the affected item from use until Visual inspections and measurements will be performed in
decontaminated or decayed to meets these limits. accordance with a USNRC approved Quality Assurance Program per
9.5.4.2 Emergency Response the requirements of 10 CFR 71.101.
In the event of a transport emergency or accident involving this 9.5.5.1.2 Weld Examinations
package, follow the guidance contained in “2012 Emergency Weld examinations will be performed in accordance with the
Response Guidebook: A Guidebook for First Responders During the applicable drawings requirements and in accordance with QSA
Initial Phase of a Dangerous Goods/Hazardous Materials Incident”, Global, Inc.’s USNRC approved Quality Assurance Program No. 0040.
or equivalent guidance documentation.
9.5.5.1.3 Structural and Pressure Tests
Prior to first use as part of a Model 360 Series Transport Package,
container structural conformance will be evaluated in accordance
with the applicable drawings requirements and in accordance with
QSA Global, Inc.’s USNRC approved Quality Assurance Program No.
HI018 Issue 11 Page 25 of 36
0040. The containment system is not designed to require increased transport package, cannot exceed 200 mR/hr (2 mSv/hr) at the
or decreased operating pressures to maintain containment during surface, nor 10 mR/hr (0.1 mSv/hr) at 1 meter from the surface of
transport, therefore pressure tests of package components prior to the transport package.
first use is not required. Failure of the radiation profile tests for any Model 360 Series
container will cause the rejection of the affected Model 360 Series
9.5.5.1.4 Leakage Tests package as a Type B container. Rejected packages, which do not
The source capsules (primary containment) are wipe tested for comply with the construction requirements on the applicable
leakage of radioactive contamination upon initial manufacture drawings referenced on the Type B certificate, or that do not
and every six months thereafter prior to transfer and/or shipment. comply with the radiation profile requirements will not distributed
The removable contamination must be less than 0.005 microcuries. as approved Type B(U) packages.
The source capsules will also be subjected to leak tests under
9.5.5.1.7 Thermal Tests
ISO9978:1992(E) (or more recent editions). The source capsules are
Not applicable. The source content of the Model 360 Series
not transported in the Model 360 Series packages if they fail any of
packages will not adversely affect the package surface temperature,
these tests.
and therefore no additional testing is necessary to evaluate thermal
9.5.5.1.5 Component and Material Tests Component and material properties of the packaging.
compliance is achieved in accordance with the requirements in QSA
9.5.5.1.8 Miscellaneous Tests
Global, Inc.’s USNRC approved Quality Assurance Program No. 0040.
Not applicable.
9.5.5.1.6 Shielding Tests
9.5.5.2 Maintenance Program
The radiation levels at the surface of the Model 360 Series transport
packages and at 1 meter from the surface of these packages are 9.5.5.2.1 Structural and Pressure Tests
evaluated prior to first transport. This survey, performed in a low Not applicable. Material certification is obtained for Safety Class A
background area involves a slow scan survey of the entire package components used in the transport package prior to their initial use.
external surface area as well as one meter from the surface of Based on the construction of the design, no additional structural
the container. This survey is used to identify any significant void testing during the life of the package is necessary if the container
volumes or shield porosity which could prevent the finished shows no signs of defect when prepared for shipment in accordance
package from complying with the dose limits in 10 CFR 71.47. with the requirements of Section 7 of the SAR. The Model 360
This radiation profile is performed at the time of manufacture of Series packaging systems are not designed to require increased or
the Model 360 Series containers. For 360 style package designs that decreased operating pressures to maintain containment during
have multiple loading positions (e.g., 360-2, 360-4 and 360-4W) transport, therefore pressure tests of package components prior to
radiation profiles will be performed for sources loaded in both individual shipment is not required.
the bottom and the top loading positions to fully characterize the
package shielding effectiveness. 9.5.5.2.2 Leakage Tests
As described in Section 8.1.4, “Leakage Tests,” the radioactive
Radiation profile surveys are made with the radiation detector source assembly is leak-tested at manufacture. In addition, the
housing in contact with the surface of the container and then also sources are leak tested in accordance with that Section at least once
at one meter from the surface of the container. The maximum every six months thereafter if being transported to ensure that
radiation levels, when extrapolated to the rated capacity of the removable contamination is less than 0.005 microcuries.
HI018 Issue 11 Page 26 of 36
9.5.5.2.3 Component and Material Tests
The transport package components, including re-usable source
chain assemblies intended for re-loading by QSA Global, Inc., are
inspected for tightness of fasteners, proper seal wires, and general
condition prior to each use as described in Section 7 of this SAR.
No additional component or material testing is required prior to
shipment.
9.5.5.2.4 Thermal Tests
Not applicable. The source content of the Model 360 Series
packages has no adverse affect on the package surface temperature
and therefore no additional testing is necessary to evaluate thermal
properties of the packaging prior to shipment.
9.5.5.2.5 Miscellaneous Tests
Inspections and tests designed for secondary users of this transport
package under the general license provisions of 10 CFR 71.17(b) are
provided in Section 7.
9.5.5.3 Appendix
Not applicable.
Y
Instructions – ONE SHEET PER CONTAINER (phone number) (fax number)
L
(full address) inc Company name
email: info@hightechsource.co.uk
or
N
fax: +44 (0) 1235 514219
O
Unit 6 Moorbrook
E
(enter details below) Web: www.hightechsource.co.uk
e-mail: info@hightechsource.co.uk
L
Radio Source Serial No. Activity Manufacturer Date of Special Form No. Signed
-isotope Manufacture
HTSL Movement
Dated
M Dated
S A
Please return the relevant source certificate (decay chart), test reports and
source tags (where applicable) with ALL sources being returned to HTSL.
HASS Source Yes No Tick Appropriate
10.3.1 Ensure that the container is empty. Do not return spent container as section 10.4, except
sources in containers labelled as empty. the proper shipping name should be
‘Radioactive Material, Low Specific
Activity (LSA-1), and the UN number
should be UN2912. Figure 1
10.4.2 Load the source into the container as defined in the handling 10.4.5 Ensure that the source is secured in the proper shielded
and packaging instructions supplied with the container. position in the shipping package.
Note: Gamma radiography sources that are supplied without 10.4.6 Attach a security seal with an identification mark to the
source holders are shipped in an insert. The source will be located package closure.
in a blind hole in the lower half of the insert, or in a screw-top can
which is self-locating in the lower half of the insert. The top half
of the insert (top plug) ensures that the source is retained in the
shielding during transport.
Please use this web form for your future requests to ship to HTSL.
The form can be found at the following direct link, www.
You will still receive an email once the shipment has been approved,
hightechsource.co.uk/returns/returns.php or via the front page
and again when we have received and verified the contents. These
of our website www.hightechsource.co.uk, labelled ‘Returns
documents will need to be kept for your records.
Approval’.
All goods and services are sold subject to the terms and conditions
of sale of QSA GLOBAL OR THEIR AUTHORISED REPRESENTATIVE. A
copy of the terms and conditions is available on request.
March 2015