ARPS Newsletter Spring 2019

Welcome to the
Spring Edition of
the ARPS RPS
Newsletter
News at ARPS

ARPS has enjoyed a busy start to 2019. RPA Rory Jamieson

travelled to Muscat, Oman, several times in February and March,
to deliver RPS training to personnel from private oil companies as
well as government officials from Oman and Kuwait. Callum
Shanks flew to Gabon just before Christmas to carry out NORM
survey work and Brian Heaton conducted several trips to Denmark
in the Spring to inspect radioactive sources and deliver RPS
training.

Closer to home, we have been performing nucleonic gauge

removals and NORM surveys for clients busy with
decommissioning projects.

ARPS also attended several conferences and events relating to

radiation protection and best practices and a brief overview of
these will follow in the next newsletter.

Callum Shanks awarded RPA certification

ARPS employee Callum Shanks has been awarded his Radiation
Protection Adviser (RPA) certification.

Callum, who joined the company in 2014 as a Radiation

Protection Officer before progressing to a Trainee RPA role in
2016, has worked hard to compile a portfolio of work
demonstrating his knowledge and understanding of the
regulations concerning radiation protection.

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The certification process, governed by HSE-approved body

RPA2000, also requires the candidate to show a high level of
practical competence and workplace experience. Callum has
gained this working on a diverse range of projects both
onshore and offshore in the UK and abroad. His award now
means that ARPS operate with seven fully-qualified RPAs.

MD, Matt Brodie, said: “Callum has worked extremely hard to

achieve his RPA certification just four-and-a-half years after
joining the company. It is a fantastic achievement and a
reflection of the high level of commitment Callum has shown
towards progressing his career here at ARPS.”

Nucleonic Gauges
The periodic testing of safety / shutter mechanisms is a legal requirement for those that keep / use
nucleonic gauges at their site.

Currently the HSE and environment agencies expect the safety / locking mechanism on gauges to be
function tested annually. If this is not possible, there must be a documented reason for not performing
this test, which must be available to auditors / regulators on request. Ideally the tests are carried out
during a shutdown or turnaround, but only after consultation and agreement from the Control Room.
Inhibits may need to be applied.

Regular (annual) tests of the safety features will help identify any ‘slow burning’ issues e.g. corrosion
/ integrity that may affect your ability to perform an isolation when required. During installation and
commissioning of a nucleonic gauge the installer must provide the site RPS with the following
paperwork, as a minimum - source takeover documents (including a leak test report), critical
examination report, original sealed source certificate and operating instructions.

It is important that the paperwork left by the installer includes step-by-step instructions for
performing source isolations / gauge safety function tests. Note - there may be more than one type
installed at your site.

Some types of gauges may require keys to operate the locking mechanism and some contain sources
that are inserted into the Vessel via a pressure-sealed dip pipe. These types of gauges will require the
source to be retracted fully into the shielded housing before the locking mechanism can be operated.

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The sources in Profilers will always remain inside the Vessel with shielding being applied by operation
of a small lever positioned on the protective dome located on the outside of the Vessel. Note - some
sites will have had a Profiler fitted retrospectively and source isolations can only take place by entering
the Vessel and applying the shielding by hand – no annual test is possible. However, the location of
these shields must be recorded and checked regularly by the RPS. Entry to the Vessel to apply shielding
must only be performed after consultation with the RPA.

Some sites may operate with MPFMs on the topside process system, which have no shutter
mechanisms fitted. However, these are quite rare and are typically installed on the seabed.

Some of the most common types of nucleonic gauges are shown below.

‘Internal’ Sources

The source will be attached to an extension rod or wire and inserted into a Vessel via a pressure sealed
dip pipe. Access to the rods is behind a protective cap or ‘top hat’. Multiple sources may be used on a
wire, with retraction being achieved by pulling the wire, which on vertical ‘chimneys’, will be
protruding from a ‘swan’s neck’. Only by retracting the sources fully into the shielded housing can the
shutter mechanism be fully closed.

Profilers are used to gain information on the distribution of sand, water, oil, foam, gas in a Vessel.
They contain large quantities of sources (typically Am-241) in a steel rod, which is placed in a pressure
sealed dip pipe. These sources do not move from the vessel during shutter operation tests.

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‘External’ Sources

Bulk level and density measurements are made using sources that never move from their housing,
which is attached to the outside of a Vessel or pipework. Shutter / locking mechanism may be
protected and require keys to operate. Testing and isolation is usually very simple once the procedure
is known and understood.

The above pictures show a small sample of the different types of gauges that are currently used in the
oil and gas industry.

It is important that you are fully conversant with the location of all the fixed sources at your site and
the operation of their safety features. Isolations may need to be performed at any time e.g. liquid
levels falling in a Vessel or an unplanned shutdown.

You must also be aware of the function of each padlock attached to your gauges. Some padlocks – see
example below – allow access to the source for replacement / disposal and must never be removed
during routine checks or an isolation.

Do Not Remove

The monthly source check records should provide useful information on the expected dose rate
around a gauge, and also the date of the last shutter check.

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Check now that you have a copy of the supplier’s instructions for performing these safety critical
checks and isolations. You will need instructions for each type of gauge at your site. Alternatively,
create a PowerPoint presentation with the correct instructions. Sharing ‘local’ knowledge with your
back-to-back is also important e.g. where they can find operating keys, extension rods, etc.

If there are any issues observed during tests e.g. a rod or paddle that is sticking, return the source to
the safe position and discuss with your RPA – force should not be required.

If a full isolation is to be performed, the shutter mechanism must always be locked in the closed
position e.g. padlock + isolation tag.

Constant dose rate monitoring is required during all tests and / or isolations. When retracting sources
into their housings, it is important to position your monitor correctly (usually between the vessel wall
and the gauge flange) in order to confirm that the source has moved fully into the shielded position,
and before attempting to close the shutter mechanism.

Dose rate monitoring must always be performed around the detectors and housing to confirm the
status of the isolation. Any dose rates measured above 7.5microSieverts (µSv) per hour must be
investigated. Dose rate monitoring must also be performed during the de-isolation process.

Monitoring must also be performed during Vessel entry operations. The site RPS must check dose
rates when first removing the manway cover and also on entering the Vessel. As the radiation beam
from gauges can be highly collimated the RPS must check all accessible areas inside the Vessel and be
satisfied that the source isolation(s) have been correctly applied, before allowing work to begin. Note
– dose rates may be present in a Vessel due to the presence of NORM. However, if in doubt, do not
take any chances and call the RPA for advice.

ARPS introduces an improved Radiation Dose Badge Service

Radiation dose badges / rings (thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs)) are small, passive dosimetry
devices used for monitoring the dose received from radioactive sources and X-ray generators. Badges
are usually worn on the torso of an individual or used as “area” badges where they are placed in the
vicinity of the source of radiation; rings are worn on the fingers and are usually issued for to users of
X-ray fluorescence (XRF) guns.

Going forward, from July all our TLD-wearing clients will be put on a quarterly wear-period, whereby
each badge / ring is worn for a period of three months. New TLDs are issued at the beginning of a new

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wear-period, and the previous TLDs are sent back to the supplier either directly, or via ARPS. TLDs are
then analysed and reports regarding doses received are produced; ARPS will then check the reports
and investigate any doses that exceed the investigation limit set in your local rules. Unless you are a
classified worker or performing tasks in a controlled area, whole-body TLD badges will be issued to
site RPSs in order to demonstrate that doses are ALARP. As a precaution ARPS have set a quarterly
trigger level of 300 µSv, which if received for a wear period, would alert ARPS to contact the company
as it is not expected that an individual would receive doses greater than this in a three-month period.

Included in the supply of TLDs for each site is a “Control” badge. The Control is designed to measure
any radiation dose received in transit e.g. x-ray scanners in mail rooms, and acts as a baseline, so that
the dose recorded on each TLD is representative of the dose received by the individual wearing it. For
this reason, it is important to take care of the Control badge by storing it in a place away from heat,
moisture, and of course, radiation!

Each wearer must take care of their own TLD by ensuring that their TLDs do not get exposed to
excessive heat or moisture e.g. by removing the TLD from coveralls before they get laundered. TLDs
should not be passed through any X-ray scanning device e.g. at an airport. TLDs must be worn
whenever working with ionising radiations; for badges, this is usually on a chest pocket of coveralls
and under any additional PPE; rings are worn directly on the flesh of the finger and beneath any gloves.

ARPS will have a limited supply of spare badges to cover any unexpected personnel transfers or work
to be performed by non-classified personnel in a controlled area i.e. under written arrangements
approved for use by an RPA. For updating the list of badge wearers at a site or requesting a badge /
ring, contact ARPS via the email address badges@aberdeenradiation.co.uk; alternatively, complete
the form which is included in the mail packet containing the TLDs, with the updated information, which
will be sent directly to our supplier.

It is our intention that by dealing directly with the supplier and approved dosimetry service, we will
be able to offer an enhanced level of service to our clients. The ability to rapidly respond to enquiries
and requests relating to users will hopefully be a tangible benefit to all our clients who make use of
our TLD service.

If you or your company works with ionising radiations such as sources / XRF Units, and you would like
to discuss the issue and wearing of TLDs, contact badges@aberdeenradiation.co.uk or your RPA at
ARPS for advice.

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Management of end-of-life smoke detectors

Following on from the article about smoke detectors in the Autumn 2018 ARPS Newsletter,
the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) last month issued new guidance to provide clarity
on the management of end-of-life smoke detectors in Scotland under the Environmental
Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018 (EASR) and the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment
Regulations 2013 (WEEE).

This advice only applies to ionisation chamber smoke detectors, which contain a small radioactive
sealed source.

WEEE regulations apply to all electrical and electronic equipment placed on the market in the UK
covered by the scope of the regulations. These regulations were introduced to increase responsible
re-use and recycling, and to reduce the amount of WEEE going to landfill. End-of-life smoke detectors
fall into this scope and are classed as WEEE.

Although disposal of the radioactive source from the smoke detector in normal refuse is authorised
under General Binding Rules in EASR, disposal of the smoke detector in normal refuse is prohibited by
the WEEE regulations. The radioactive source must be removed from the smoke detector before
treatment under WEEE can begin. To remove the radioactive source from the smoke detector you
must be authorised to manage radioactive substances.

You have two disposal options:

• send to a facility authorised to remove the radioactive source before treatment under WEEE
can begin. You must check the facility is authorised by SEPA to do so
• return to producer (eg. manufacturer, brand owner) or via a supplier.

If the smoke detectors are being collected, you must make sure the person collecting them is
authorised to carry waste and they are prepared for shipping as dangerous goods.

Visit SEPA’s website (www.sepa.org.uk) for full details.

ARPS can arrange for disposal of undamaged smoke heads at a cost of £12 each (minimum charge
£36). Please contact us for more information or if you would like help with the dangerous goods
paperwork.

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Bird Laser Scarers Offshore

It has come to our attention that lasers are being used as bird deterrents offshore. There are fixed
systems which automatically scan the helipad or handheld units which are directed by the user.
Some of these systems can pose a significant eye hazard. The Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at
Work Regulations 2010 require employers to undertake a suitable and sufficient assessment of the
risks posed by lasers. There may also be training requirements for those who work with lasers.

Please contact us if you have one of these systems or are planning to buy one and we can undertake
a risk assessment for you and develop an action plan if required.

We would also be interested in hearing about any other novel uses of Class 3B or 4 lasers that
people have come across.

ARPS activities

Healthy Working Lives – Silver Award

ARPS has stretched, flexed and walked its way to its Healthy Working Lives Silver Award.

Ashleigh McHattie and Claire Milne collected the accolade at a ceremony in Aberdeen’s Hazlehead
Park restaurant earlier this month.

For the past year, staff have enjoyed monthly

lunchtime yoga sessions with trainer Fiona
Bochel.

ARPS has also used its HWL journey to raise

awareness of cancer among its workforce.

A Bowel Cancer UK volunteer visited ARPS’

Westhill offices earlier this year to deliver a talk
about Scotland’s second biggest cancer killer.

A representative of CLAN also visited our offices to talk about how the charity supports cancer patients
and their loved ones across the north-east from its Westburn Road premises.

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ARPS awarded Cyber Essentials PLUS certification

ARPS is pleased to announce that it is now Cyber Essentials PLUS certified. Cyber Essentials is a UK
Government-backed, industry-supported scheme to help businesses and organisations protect
themselves from cyber-attacks such as hacking and phishing.

With IT and data security high on the agenda for many companies at present, especially following the
introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation (or GDPR) last year, ARPS decided to take
action to help secure its systems.

To achieve certification, a review of all in-house and external systems was carried out and basic
technical controls set to ensure higher levels of security against intrusion.

While the scheme - which is backed by industry watchdogs including the Federation of Small
Businesses and the Confederation of British Industry - does not guarantee against hacking or data
theft, it demonstrates a commitment to data security best practice.

The PLUS aspect of the certification included a technical audit of all our systems.

ARPS takes driver safety seriously with training courses for staff

ARPS held a series of driver training sessions earlier this year to help keep its workforce safe behind
the wheel.

An advanced driver from Driversity Risk Management delivered a presentation highlighting the
dangers drivers face on a day-to-day basis and offering advice on how to avoid being involved in an
accident.

Employees who drive in the course of their jobs also got the opportunity to hit the road with one of
Driversity’s qualified instructor to get practical advice on their skills.

Contacting ARPS

If an immediate response is not required, the general e-mail address to use is:
arps@aberdeenradiation.co.uk

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If you would prefer to talk to one of us, then our mobile phone numbers are

Matt 07921 165178 Brian 07753 673741 Penny 07710 757100 Karen 07736 269184

Rory 07850 313936 Richard 07885 806975 Callum 07753 163232

General Office

Tel: 01224 749784

ARPS On-Call system

ARPS provides a 24-hour, 7-days-a-week service to clients for urgent queries which cannot wait until
normal office hours. Call the out-of-hours mobile on 07720 361053 to reach an on-call RPA.

Dates for your diary - Training

The following 2019 training dates still have places available on them:

1 Day ½ Day
1 Day RPS 1 Day 1 Day NORM
3 Day RPS Radiation NORM
Refresher Transportation RPS
Awareness Awareness

21st – 23rd 14th June, 24th May, 2019 20th June, 3rd 5th
August, 2019 2019 2019 September September,
2019 2019

1st – 3rd 28th August, 2nd July, 2019 23rd

October, 2019 2019 September,
2019

13th – 15th 9th October, 30th August, 4th December

November, 2019 2019 2019
2019

27th 7th October,

November, 2019
2019

25th November,
2019

We do arrange extra courses, so it is worth contacting us if these dates don’t suit. We also run courses
for specific client requirements such as NORM RPS or XRF RPS courses either in Aberdeen or at the
client’s site.

Ashleigh can be contacted on training@aberdeenradiation.co.uk or 01224 749784

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A must watch mini TV series

Chernobyl dramatises the true story of one of the worst man-
made catastrophes in history. The mini-series focuses on the
nuclear plant disaster that occurred in Ukrainian SSR (Soviet
Union) in April 1986, revealing how and why it happened, and
telling the stories of those who helped and died in tackling the
disaster, and the ensuing Soviet cover up.

The mini-series brings to the big screen the memories of Pripyat

locals, as told by Belarusian Nobel laureate Svetlana Alexievich
in her book, Voices from Chernobyl.

Just for fun!!!

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