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Non-Degree College Courses: A Practical Guide to Lifelong Learning

The traditional path to a college degree isn't for everyone. Many individuals find themselves seeking education and personal development opportunities outside the confines of a formal degree program. Non-degree college courses have become increasingly popular for those who want to acquire new skills, explore their interests, and enhance their professional prospects without committing to a full degree. In this article, we will explore the world of non-degree college courses, shedding light on their benefits, types, and how to make the most of them. What Are Non-Degree College Courses? Non-degree college courses, often referred to as continuing education or adult education, encompass a wide array of learning opportunities offered by colleges and universities. These courses do not lead to a degree but instead provide a more flexible, accessible, and targeted approach to learning. Non-degree courses are designed for individuals of all backgrounds and ages who wish to gain specific know

NISP-RP-04 Radiological Posting and Labeling

 Chapter 4 covers radiological posting and labeling which is an essential safety practice used to communicate the presence of radioactive materials and potential radiation hazards in various environments. These practices help protect individuals, workers, and the public by providing clear information and guidance on how to safely interact with areas or items that may contain radioactive materials. Here's an overview:

1. Radiological Posting:

Radiological posting involves prominently displaying signs or labels in areas where radioactive materials are used, stored, or present. These postings serve several purposes:

Warning: They alert individuals to the potential presence of radioactive materials and associated radiation hazards.

Information: They provide essential information about the nature and level of radiation present.

Access Control: They restrict access to authorized personnel only, limiting exposure to radiation.

Emergency Response: They assist emergency responders in identifying radiological hazards during incidents.

2. Labeling of Containers and Items:

Radioactive materials, such as sources, containers, and equipment, are often labeled with specific radioactive symbols and information to ensure safe handling and transport:

Radioactive Symbol: The internationally recognized trefoil symbol (☢) is prominently displayed on containers or items containing radioactive materials.

Radioactive Material Label: Labels include information such as the radionuclide(s) present, activity, date, and other relevant details.

Color-Coding: Labels and markings often use specific colors to indicate the radiation hazard level, with red often indicating high radiation levels.

3. Types of Radiological Posting and Labeling:

Caution Signs: These signs warn individuals of potential radiation hazards and may indicate restricted areas. They typically feature the radioactive symbol and a warning message.

High Radiation Areas: Areas with high radiation levels, such as near nuclear reactors or radiation therapy machines, are posted with specific signs indicating the radiation hazard level.

Contaminated Areas: Signs indicating "Contaminated Area" are used to alert individuals to the potential presence of radioactive contamination. Contamination can occur when radioactive materials are released and adhere to surfaces.

Radioactive Material Labels: Containers and items containing radioactive materials are labeled with information about the contents, including the radionuclide(s), activity, and date.

4. Regulatory Compliance:

Radiological posting and labeling practices are typically mandated by regulatory agencies, and facilities that use or handle radioactive materials must adhere to these regulations. Compliance ensures that individuals are protected from radiation hazards and that emergency responders can effectively manage radiological incidents.

5. Training and Awareness:

Personnel who work with or around radioactive materials receive training in radiological posting and labeling procedures. They need to understand the significance of posted signs, labels, and symbols and know how to respond in radiological emergency situations.

Radiological posting and labeling are critical components of radiation safety programs in nuclear facilities, industrial settings, healthcare facilities, and research institutions. These practices help ensure that individuals are aware of potential radiation hazards and can take appropriate precautions to minimize their exposure.

Lesson:

This procedure describes the processes and instructions to establish boundaries, barriers, postings, and labels necessary to inform workers on the radiological hazards in the work area.  Instructions are also included for actions required to maintain the integrity of boundaries for High Radiation Areas, Locked High Radiation Areas, and Very High Radiation Areas. 

1.1           Scope and Applicability

This procedure is applicable to US member utilities with the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO).  Member utilities are expected to use this standard to enable supplemental workers to transition between nuclear power plants with minimal site-specific training.  Compliance with these instructions is expected without additional site requirements or process deviations being imposed that may require additional training or challenge the performance of supplemental workers.

This procedure will be used to train and instruct supplemental radiological protection technicians.  Member utilities will implement these process requirements in site procedures and update site procedures whenever requirements or process steps in this Nuclear Industry Standard Process (NISP) are revised.  Current revisions are maintained on the INPO website.

Terms, acronyms, and definitions are provided in NISP-RP-13, Radiological Protection Glossary.

Clarifying notes for requirements and process steps are provided in Section 4.0 using superscript numbers.

2.0          General Requirements

2.1         Ensure radiological areas and boundaries are conspicuous to prevent inadvertent access and/or serve to notify plant personnel that an area is controlled for radiological purposes.  The types of radiological hazards that are present and the entry requirements should be readily identifiable.

2.2         Use the shapes and colors for radiological postings as described below.  The color of the trefoil may be magenta, purple, or black.

2.3         Use pocket inserts below signs as needed to post hazards and entry requirements with the following hierarchy from top to bottom:

2.3.1         External hazards.

2.3.2         Airborne hazards.

2.3.3         Contamination hazards.

2.3.4         Other information.

2.4         Use the following signs to standardize radiological postings at US nuclear power plants.

2.4.1         Very High Radiation Area (VHRA) – Yellow letters with a magenta background. 


GRAVE

DANGER

VERY

HIGH RADIATION AREA

RADIATION PROTECTION ESCORT

AND BRIEFING

REQUIRED FOR ENTRY

2.4.2         Locked High Radiation Area (LHRA) – Magenta letters with a yellow background.  Sign may state “Danger” instead of “Caution.” 


 

CAUTION

LOCKED HIGH

RADIATION

AREA

2.4.3         High Radiation Area (HRA) – Magenta letters with a yellow background.  Sign may state “Danger” instead of “Caution.” 


HIGH RADIATION AREA

CAUTION

2.4.4         Standard Radiation Sign – Magenta letters on a yellow background. 

a.       Use this sign for posting areas and conditions that do not require unique signs as shown above. 


CAUTION

2.4.5         

CAUTION

RADIOGRAPHY

IN PROGRESS

AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY

Radiography Sign – Purple border with black and red letters.

a.       Use this sign in addition to the Radiation Area posting.


 

 

 

 

 

 

2.5         Use the signs as described below to provide workers information needed to maintain radiation exposures ALARA while in a work area.

2.5.1         Hot Spot – Magenta letters and symbol on yellow background. 



a.       Post at a localized source of radiation where contact dose rates are > 100 mrem/hour AND > 5 X the dose rate at 30 cm except when:

·      Foreign material exclusion and configuration controls prohibit the placement of signs.

·      Infrequent access to the area limits the value of the posting as determined by RP supervision.

b.       Record tracking numbers (T/N) on the sign per site procedures.

CAUTION


HOT

SPOT

T/N _____________

CAUTION

HOT

SPOT

2.5.2         Elevated Dose Rates – White or black letters on a hot pink background.



a.       Post in Radiation Areas where general area dose rates exceed 25 mrem/hour to aid compliance with worker self-briefing criteria.

b.       Signs may also be used in High Radiation Areas for worker awareness to minimize dose. 

 

 

 

ELEVATED

 

 DOSE

 

RATES

2.5.3         Low Dose Waiting Area – White or black letters on a green background.



LOW DOSE WAITING AREA

2.6         Use radiation rope1 for area boundaries adhering to the following restrictions:

2.6.1         Ensure rope is in good condition and continuous between attachment points, i.e. rope should not be spliced or tied together between attachment points.

a.        Firmly secure rope where it connects to stanchions, magnets, etc. 

b.       Cut off excess radiation rope to prevent the need to have excess rope wrapped around a stanchion or coiled on the floor. 

c.       Secure loose ends of knots using tie wraps, duct tape, or radiation tape.  Braiding or twisting of radiation rope is not acceptable unless used in combination with tie wraps or tape.

2.6.2         Secure the rope to or close enough to walls to block personnel access (gaps <6”) by either of the following methods:

a.       Attach the rope to a stanchion next to the wall with the stanchion as close to the wall as possible unless the area between the wall and stanchion will be used for access.

b.       Attach the rope to a permanent structure such as an I-beam, handrail, support member, etc.

2.6.3         Do not attach rope to conduit, electrical panel, operating equipment, or safety equipment.

2.6.4         Secure signs to the rope using only tie wraps, key rings, or hangars designed by the manufacturer.

2.6.5         Attach signs to rope that are only for radiological protection purposes.

2.7         Exercise the following precautions for setting up boundaries:

2.7.1         Ensure placement of materials such as rope, tape, and step-off-pads (SOP) comply with station requirements for fire protection and configuration control.

2.7.2         Place SOPs in areas with the lowest practicable dose rates with adequate space for clothing and trash receptacles as required for doffing protective clothing.

2.7.3         Minimize safety hazards at SOP locations such as the potential for falling objects, tripping hazards, overhead hazards, etc.

2.7.4         Size the area as needed to accommodate the lay down of materials, the number of workers expected in the area, the type of equipment that will be used, etc.

2.8         Place door postings in the approximate center of the door.  Ensure the posting is sufficiently secure to prevent the posting from falling when the door is opened or closed.

2.8.1         When the door is propped open obscuring the posting, move the posting to a conspicuous location or add a second posting.

2.8.2         Radiation Area postings may be placed in a conspicuous location on a wall beside the door.

2.9         Ensure entrances to High Radiation Areas are barricaded to obstruct entry except when personnel are entering and exiting.

2.9.1         In lieu of a barricade, the entrance may be attended by an individual assigned to allow entry only by authorized personnel.

2.9.2         Swing gates and turnstiles are examples of barricades that may be used to provide additional assurance that the barricade will return in place after individuals pass through.

2.9.3         A step-off-pad does not obstruct entry.

2.9.4         A rope and sign that can be ducked under does not obstruct entry.

2.10     Use a posting insert stating “RP Escort Required for Entry” for areas where dose rates may significantly increase from plant operation or areas that are not routinely surveyed due to high dose rates and infrequent access as determined by RP supervision.

2.11     Post ladder storage areas, staged ladders, portable power lifts, and teletowers with a sign stating “Contact RP Prior to Working or Climbing Above 7 Feet.” 

2.11.1      Place a posting on each side of power lifts and teletowers when in service to ensure the caution is conspicuous.

2.12     Use yellow material for catch containments to identify the contained leakage as contaminated.

2.12.1      Ensure the catch containment and drain tubing is conspicuously labeled for containing contamination if the containment is located in a non-contaminated area.

2.13     Use labels stating “Possible Internal Contamination – Contact RP Prior to Opening” on equipment access locations (e.g. ventilation components) that are opened only during maintenance and internal surfaces may contain small or unknown amounts of contamination.

3.0          Process Instructions

The following charts define the requirements for posting and labeling radiological hazards.  Requirements for area boundaries and the use of containers for radioactive material are also specified.  Equivalent wording on inserts may be used except when the specific wording is required by 10 CFR 20.   

3.1           Post External Radiation Hazards

The criteria for posting in the following table are established at 80% of the regulatory limits to maintain an administrative margin to compensate for potential variations in meter response, survey techniques, and/or minor system perturbations.  The administrative criteria should be implemented with the following clarification:

3.1.1      The criteria for procedure compliance shall remain the regulatory limits in 10 CFR 20 and plant Technical Specifications. 

3.1.2      The RPM or designee may approve deviations from the administrative criteria when dose rates are static, e.g. a resin liner in storage, and postings comply with regulatory requirements.

3.1.3      Posting is not required for areas or rooms containing radioactive materials for periods of less than 8 hours if each of the following conditions is met:

a.      The materials are constantly attended during these periods by an individual who takes the precautions necessary to prevent the exposure of individuals to radiation or radioactive materials in excess of 10 CFR 20 limits.

b.      The area or room is subject to the licensee's control.

 

Hazard

Boundary Requirements

Posting

RCA

Hazards Require Monitoring per 10 CFR 202

 

·   Boundary clearly marked.

·   Equipment and postings provided at entry and exit locations to ensure dose tracking and confinement of radioactive materials.

Standard Radiation Sign with the following:

·  RADIOLOGICALLY CONTROLLED AREA

·  RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS3

·  RWP REQUIRED FOR ENTRY

·  DOSIMETRY REQUIRED FOR ENTRY

·  NO EATING, DRINKING, OR SMOKING

RADIATION AREA

≥ 4 & < 80 mrem/hour

@ 30 cm

·   Posting must be conspicuous at entry point and external to the Radiation Area.

·   Boundary demarcation or barricades are not required.

·   Avoid a single posting for a very large area or room if most of the area or room is < 4 mrem/hour.  In such conditions, post the discrete areas or rooms ≥ 4 mrem/hour.

Standard Radiation Sign with the following:

·     RADIATION AREA

HIGH RADIATION AREA

≥ 80 &

< 800

mrem/hour

@ 30 cm

·   A barrier is required for the boundary except while the area is accessed.  A SOP is not considered as a barrier.

·   Barriers at access locations must be secured.4

·   Refer to Attachments 1 and 2 for sample checklists typically used to post and down-post areas. 

·   Attachment 1 may also be used for routine surveillance to verify the integrity of boundaries.

·   Post or label access points that require the removal of bolts and/or the use of lifting equipment.

·   Refer to NISP-RP-05 for access controls.

HRA Sign with the following:

·  RP BRIEF REQUIRED FOR ENTRY

For bolted or plug access, an HRA sign is not required but the access must be labeled with a warning and:

·  CONTACT RP PRIOR TO OPENING

 

LOCKED HIGH RADIATION AREA

≥ 800

mrem/hour

@ 30 cm

·   A locked barricade is required for the boundary except while the area is accessed.

·   Refer to Attachments 1 and 2 for sample checklists typically used to post and down-post areas.

·   A flashing light and barrier may be used in lieu of a locked barricade as permitted by the plant Technical Specifications and as approved by the RPM.

·   Refer to Attachment 3 for a sample checklist typically used to set up flashing lights. 

·   Attachment 1 may also be used for routine surveillance to verify the integrity of boundaries.

·   An Access Control Guard may be used while an area is being routinely accessed or additional time is required to establish controlled boundaries.  Refer to Attachment 4 for a sample checklist typically used to brief Access Control Guards.

·   Ensure posting and locked access of areas that require the removal of bolts and/or the use of lifting equipment. 

·   Refer to NISP-RP-05 for access controls.

LHRA Sign with the following:

·  RP BRIEF REQUIRED FOR ENTRY

For bolted or plug access, an LHRA sign is not required but the access must be labeled with a warning and:

·  CONTACT RP PRIOR TO OPENING

VERY HIGH RADIATION AREA

≥ 500 rads/hour at 1 meter from any source or surface

·   A locked barricade is required for the boundary except while the area is accessed.5

·   An Access Control Guard may be used while an area is being routinely accessed or additional time is required to establish controlled boundaries.  Refer to Attachment 4 for a sample checklist typically used to brief Access Control Guards.

·   Refer to Attachments 1 and 2 for sample checklists typically used to post and down-post areas.

·   Attachment 1 may also be used for routine surveillance to verify the integrity of boundaries.

·   Refer to NISP-RP-05 for access controls.

VHRA Sign

NEUTRON AREA

È  > 4 mrem/hour

General Area or @ 30 cm from a source

·   Post area commensurate with the criteria for Radiation Area, HRA, or LHRA

·   Refer to NISP-RP-05 for access controls.

Standard Radiation Sign with the following:

·   RADIATION AREA

·   RP BRIEF REQUIRED FOR ENTRY

·   NEUTRON MONITORING REQUIRED

RADIOGRAPHY

·   Setup of boundaries and barricades is a collaborative responsibility with the radiographer.

·   Radiographers must establish a restricted area boundary where the dose rate from source exposure is ≤ 2 mrem/hour.

·   Refer to NISP-RP-09Radiography for boundary criteria and access controls.

Radiography Sign in addition to a Standard Radiation Sign with the following inserts:

·   RADIATION AREA

·   RADIOGRAPHY IN PROGRESS

·   KEEP OUT

·   ENTRY PERMITTED FOR RADIOGRAPHY CREW ONLY

 

3.2           Post Areas With Smearable Contamination

Hazard

Boundary Requirements

Posting

Contaminated Area

≥ 1,000 &

< 100,000 Î²Î³

OR

≥ 20 Î±

dpm/100 cm2

·   Use radiation rope to establish boundaries with conspicuous postings. 

·   Radiation tape may be used in lieu of radiation rope to establish a boundary for a small area such as a sample sink, tabletop, drain, pump basin, catch basin, tubing, etc.  Radiation tape must be accompanied with the text “Contaminated Area.”

·   Conspicuously posted physical barriers such as handrails and knee walls do not require the use of radiation rope or tape on the barrier.

·   Place a step-off-pad (SOP) if required for workers to exit and remove protective clothing. (Note: An SOP is not a substitute for an HRA barrier.)

·   Secure hoses, cables, cords, etc. crossing the boundary to prevent pulling the potentially contaminated item out of the Contaminated Area.

·   Setup friskers and/or contamination monitors in close proximity after exiting the area to:

o  Perform whole body monitoring OR

o  Perform hand and foot frisking prior to proceeding to the nearest whole body contamination monitor.

Standard Radiation Sign with the following:

·  CONTAMINATED AREA

For areas > 10,000 dpm/100 cm2, add:

·  RP BRIEF REQUIRED FOR ENTRY

 

HIGH CONTAMINATION AREA

≥ 100,000 Î²Î³

dpm/100 cm2

·   Use radiation rope to establish boundaries with conspicuous postings.

·   If worker access is required, establish a double SOP arrangement with knee or curtain walls as needed to contain the high levels of contamination.

Standard Radiation Sign with the following:

·  HIGH CONTAMINATION AREA

·  RP BRIEF REQUIRED FOR ENTRY

DRP AREA

DRPs > 500,000 dpm

OR

> 50,000 ncpm

·   Use radiation rope to establish boundaries with conspicuous postings.

·   Establish barriers as needed to prevent migration of particles across the boundary, e.g. a knee or curtain wall.

·   Establish a double SOP arrangement to maintain a buffer area to prevent particles from migrating to clean areas.

Standard Radiation Sign with the following:

·  HIGH CONTAMINATION AREA

·  DISCRETE RADIOACTIVE PARTICLES PRESENT

·  RP BRIEF REQUIRED FOR ENTRY

Post the buffer area with Radiation Sign and the following inserts:

·  CONTAMINATED AREA

·  DRP BUFFER AREA

ALPHA 2 AREA

βγ/α ratio =

300 - 30,000 AND α ≥ 20 dpm/100 cm2

·   Boundary controls are the same as for a Contaminated Area.

Standard Radiation Sign with the following:

·  CONTAMINATED AREA

·  LEVEL 2 ALPHA AREA

 

ALPHA 3 AREA

βγ/α ratio

≤300 AND

α ≥ 20 dpm/100 cm2

·   Boundary controls are the same as for a Contaminated Area.

·   If Î²Î³/α ratio ≤ 50, setup a frisker capable of detecting alpha radiation in close proximity to the boundary

Standard Radiation Sign with the following:

·  CONTAMINATED AREA

·  LEVEL 3 ALPHA AREA

·  RP BRIEF REQUIRED FOR ENTRY

If Î²Î³/α ratio < 50, add:

·  ALPHA FRISKING/MONITORING REQUIRED UPON EXIT

 

 

3.3           Post Airborne Radioactivity Areas

The hazards listed in the following table are based on measurements of airborne radioactivity as a fraction of the Derived Air Concentration (DAC).

Hazard

Boundary Requirements

Posting

AIRBORNE RADIOACTIVITY AREA

Particulates & Iodine ≥ 0.3 DAC

 

·   Setup a rope barrier and posting if airborne levels are due to, or expected from, system leakage or work in high levels of contamination.

·   Install ventilation and/or containment devices as needed to encapsulate the airborne radioactivity within the boundary.

Standard Radiation Sign with the following:

·  AIRBORNE RADIOACTIVITY AREA

·  RP BRIEF REQUIRED FOR ENTRY

AIRBORNE RADIOACTIVITY AREA

Noble Gas ≥ 1.0 DAC

·   Setup a rope barrier and posting when identified.

Standard Radiation Sign with the following:

·  AIRBORNE RADIOACTIVITY AREA

·  RP BRIEF REQUIRED FOR ENTRY

 

3.4           Label Tools, Equipment, and Containers of Radioactive Material

3.4.1      Label containers with radioactive material using a radiation symbol trefoil and the words “Caution Radioactive Material” as shown in Attachment 5.  Add precautionary information6 for any of the following conditions:

a.      Dose rates are ≥ 2 mrem/hour on contact with the contents in the container.  Record the highest contact dose rate.

b.      Smearable contamination ≥ 1,000 dpm/100 cm2 is accessible if the container is opened.  Record the highest contamination levels that may be encountered.

c.       Contents originated in a Level 3 Alpha Area.  Record “Level 3 Alpha Area” on the tag or the bag.

d.      Contents contain discrete radioactive particles.  Record “DRP Area” on the tag.

3.4.2      Containers are not required to be labeled under step 3.4.1 for any of the following conditions:

a.      Containers holding licensed material in quantities less than the quantities listed in 10 CFR 20, Appendix C.

b.      Containers holding licensed material in concentrations less than those specified in 10 CFR 20, Appendix B, Table 3.

c.       Containers attended by an individual who takes the precautions necessary to prevent the exposure of individuals in excess of the limits established by 10 CFR 20.

d.      Containers when they are in transport and packaged and labeled in accordance with the regulations of the Department of Transportation.

e.      Containers that are accessible only to individuals authorized to handle or use them, or to work in the vicinity of the containers, if the contents are identified to these individuals by a readily available written record (examples of containers of this type are containers in locations such as water-filled canals, storage vaults, or hot cells). The record must be retained as long as the containers are in use for the purpose indicated on the record.

f.        Installed manufacturing or process equipment, such as reactor components, piping, and tanks.

g.      Containers holding licensed material (other than sealed sources that are either specifically or generally licensed) that are within an RCA if the containers are:

1)      Conspicuously marked (such as by providing a system of color coding of containers) commensurate with the radiological hazard;

2)      Accessible only to individuals who have sufficient instruction to minimize radiation exposure while handling or working in the vicinity of the containers; and

3)      Subject to plant procedures to ensure they are appropriately labeled before being removed from the posted area.

3.4.3      Print the surveyor’s name and date of survey if precautionary information is provided.

3.4.4      Decontaminate or dispose of hand tools with fixed contamination > 5,000 ncpm7 unless such actions are unreasonable based on the characteristics of the tool.

a.      Identify tools with fixed contamination > 5,000 ncpm with markings or labels.

3.4.5      Clarification of tagging and labeling requirements for specific items are listed below:

a.      A cabinet with multiple drawers may be considered as one container.

b.      Liquid containers require only the contact dose rate on the container if ≥ 2 mrem/hour.

c.       Bins of laundered protective clothing staged for use do not require tagging or labeling.

d.      Precautionary information is not required for trash and clothing receptacles while in use.

e.      Tag or label HEPA units and vacuum cleaners with the words “Possible Internal Contamination.”  Recording expected levels of smearable contamination is not required.

f.        Tag items tied off in a pool with expected contact dose rates on the item in the pool.  Expected contamination levels are not required.

4.0          Clarifying Notes

1      Radiation rope has alternating colors of magenta and yellow and is the most common material used to demarcate radiological boundaries.  Ribbon or chains may also be used provided there are alternating colors of magenta and yellow.

2      Criteria and requirements for posting an RCA for temporary conditions are defined by site procedures.

3      A “Radioactive Materials” insert with the RCA posting at the entrance to an RCA informs workers that they are entering an area with radioactive materials consistent with 10 CFR 20.1902(e).  Individual areas or rooms within an RCA do not require additional posting for radioactive materials.

4      A secured access device requires an intentional act such as removing a lock, carabiner, clip, or pin prior to pushing open the barrier.

5      Access authorizations and key controls for access into a VHRA are more extensive than for a LHRA per NISP-RP-05.

6      Precautionary information is provided to enable someone handling or opening a container to exercise precautions commensurate with the radiological hazards from the content(s).  An example tag for recording precautionary information is shown in Attachment 5.  Precautionary information may include:

·      A brief description of contents.

·      Highest smearable contamination levels in container.

·      Highest contact dose rate on items in container.

·      Additional hazards and precautions to open the container.

7      The value of net counts per minute is the count rate with background subtracted.  Also referred to as corrected counts per minute (ccpm).

5.0          References

5.1         NISP-RP-13, Radiological Protection Glossary

5.2         NISP-RP-05, Access Controls for Radiological Areas

5.3         NISP-RP-09, Radiography

5.4         NISP-RP-08, Use of HEPA Filtration Equipment

Attachment 1:  HRA, LHRA, and VHRA Posting Checklist - Sample

Section 1

Section 2

Date:___________________  Time: _______________

 

Performed By:_________________________________

YOU ARE PREPARING TO POST A (L)HRA OR VHRA.

This is being performed to protect and inform Plant personnel of the radiological hazards.  You must remain focused on the task to ensure error free performance.

Prior to performing a HRA, LHRA, or VHRA posting change, the RP Technician(s) should review this checklist.

Checklist for Posting and Verifying a HRA:

Area(s) Involved In Posting Change and Reason:

 

¨

Stanchions and swing-gate secured in position as needed. (i.e., positive latching device)

¨

Swing-gate verified closed when moved into position

¨

Rad-rope, ribbon, or chain properly secured (do not use tape)

¨

Gaps in barrier. No gaps that would allow access of the whole body

Action To Be Taken

Type Of Area

¨

No scaffold or ladders in area that would allow unauthorized access

¨

Posting

¨

HRA (High Rad Area)

¨

All access points properly posted (stairwells, back doors, etc.)

 

 

¨

LHRA (Locked High Rad)

¨

Unauthorized personnel out of area.  For authorized personnel verify correct RWP and correct task for work activity

 

 

¨

VHRA (Very High Rad)

¨

Verify correct RWP and correct task for work activity.

Review Topics

¨

HRA postings attached with required inserts in place

What are the IMPORTANT steps associated with this task?

¨

Are all postings consistent…Self-Check

¨

Post area(s) correctly and consistently (think of the posting requirements applicable to the area)

¨

Stop and Look…do the postings make sense?

¨

Recognize conditions of the area (dose rate, contamination levels, etc.)

Checklist for Posting and Verifying a LHRA or VHRA

¨

Notifications (Ops, Security, RSupervision, OCC, others as required) to access impact on time critical actions.

¨

VHRA: Barrier completely enclose VHRA to thwart undetected circumvention of barrier.

¨

Documentation (electronic RP log)

¨

LHRA: If physical barrier is a metal fence or solid wall, then ensure the barrier is greater than or equal to 2 meters high.

Error Likely situations?

¨

Physical barrier has no gaps that would allow access

¨

Ladders, scaffolding, doors leading into or out of area(s)

¨

No adjacent scaffold or ladders that would allow access

¨

Plant transients or power changes

¨

No permanent plant equipment or temporarily stored material that would allow access

¨

Transient dose potential (RAM movement, resin transfers, etc.)

¨

All access points, such as stairwells or back doors, have been identified and controlled to prevent unauthorized access

 

 

Attachment 1:  HRA, LHRA, and VHRA Posting Checklist – Sample

(Continued)

What actions should ensure proper radiological controls?

¨

Unauthorized personnel out of area. For authorized personnel verify correct RWP AND correct task for work activity.

 

¨

LHRA or VHRA postings attached with required inserts

 

¨

Are all postings consistent…Self-Check

 

¨

STOP and LOOK…do the postings make sense

 

o

Challenge access point doors

Field Notes:

All applicable areas have been:

 

¨

Posted

 

¨

RP Supervisor verify radiological survey information for all HRA, LHRA, VHRA posting

 

o

Area secured (HRA)

 

o

Area locked (LHRA, VHRA)

 

Logged into electronic RP log by:

 

Survey Number:

Performed By (Signature):

 

Date and Time

 

 

 

Supv.Verification

(Signature)

 

Date and Time

 

 

 

 


 

Attachment 2:  HRA, LHRA and VHRA Down-Posting Checklist - Sample

Section 1

Section 2

Date:___________________  Time: _______________

 

Performed By:_________________________________

YOU ARE PREPARING TO DOWN POST A HRA, LHRA, or VHRA.

This is being performed to protect and inform Plant personnel of the radiological hazards.  You must remain focused on the task to ensure error free performance.

Prior to performing a HRA, LHRA, or VHRA posting change, the RP Technician(s) should review this checklist.

Checklist for Down‑Posting and Verifying a HRA:

Area(s) Involved In Posting Change and Reason:

 

¨

Stanchions or swing-gate removed or repositioned as needed

¨

Swing-gate verified closed when moved into position (if applicable)

¨

Rad-rope, ribbon, or chain removed or repositioned

Review Topics

¨

Are all postings consistent…Self-Check

What are the IMPORTANT steps associated with this task?

¨

Stop and Look…do the postings make sense

¨

Down post area(s) correctly and consistently (think of the posting requirements applicable to the area)

Checklist for Down Posting and Verifying a LHRA or VHRA

(for down‑posting to LHRA from VHRA or HRA from LHRA, use Attachment 1,‍ ‍HRA, LHRA, and VHRA Posting Checklist )

¨

Recognize conditions of the area (dose rate, contamination levels, etc.)

¨

Survey area to confirm radiation levels do not exceed criteria for down-posted conditions prior to worker access.

¨

Notifications (Ops, Radwaste, RSupervision, OCC, others as required) to assess impact on time critical actions.

¨

Perform independent survey to verify radiation levels do not exceed criteria for down-posted conditions. If waived by RP supervision, record N/A.

¨

Documentation (surveys, electronic RP log, turnover)

¨

If LHRA physical barrier is a metal fence or solid wall, then ensure barrier is greater than or equal to two meters high.

¨

Historical Information to verify plant conditions causing a Very High Radiation Area do not currently exist.

o

Remaining physical barrier has no gaps that would allow access

Error Likely situations?

¨

No adjacent scaffold or ladders that would allow access (if applicable)

¨

Ladders, scaffolding, doors leading into or out of area(s)

¨

All access points, such as stairwells or back doors, have been identified and controlled to prevent unauthorized access

¨

Plant transients or power changes

¨

Transient dose potential (RAM movement, resin transfers, etc.)

¨

Are all postings consistent…Self-Check

¨

Variations in Dose Rates

¨

Stop and look…do the postings make sense

¨

Discrete Radioactive Particles

¨

Challenge access point doors

¨

Streaming

Field Notes:

What actions should ensure proper radiological controls?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Attachment 2:  HRA, LHRA and VHRA Down-Posting Checklist - Sample

(Continued)

 

All applicable areas have been:

 

¨

Down‑Posted

 

¨

RP Supervisor verify radiological survey information for all HRA, LHRA, VHRA posting

 

Logged into electronic RP log by:

 

Survey Number:

Performed By (Signature):

 

Date and Time:

 

 

 

Supv. Verification

(Signature):

 

Date and Time:

 

 

 


 

Attachment 3:  Use of Flashing Lights to Establish LHRA Checklist - Sample

1.

Obtain RPM approval to establish LHRA with flashing light(s).

RPM:_____________________________________________ Date and Time:__________________________

  Justification for allowance of Flashing Lights

 

 

 

 

2.

Establish LHRA with Tech. Spec. flashing light(s) by performing the following:

  Install barricades to prevent inadvertent access

  Post conspicuously

  Position flashing light (s) so clearly visible when approached

  Activate flashing light(s)

  If using AC powered light(s), then ensure drop cords tagged at each connection and at each receptacle to prevent unauthorized de-energizing of the light(s)

  Using DC (battery) powered lights

3.

Flashing Light installed by (signature): ________________________________________________________

Date and Time:_______________________

4.

ANSI qualified or Task Qualified RP Technician Peer check (signature): _____________________________

Performed by (signature): ___________________________________________________________________

Date and Time:_________________________

RP Supervisor verification performed by (signature): ______________________________________________

Date and Time:_________________________

5.

Log establishment and use of flashing light in electronic RP log.

Log entry by:______________________________________________ Date and Time:___________________

6.

RPM Approval (signature): ______________________________________________________

Date and Time: _______________________________

 


 

Attachment 4:  LHRA Access Guard Responsibilities Checklist - Sample

 (Required for all Personnel except ANSI qualified RP Personnel)

Date: ___________________________________          Time: ________________________________________

Area to be guarded: __________________________________________________________________________

Individual signing as the Access Control Guard reads, understands and accepts the following responsibilities:

 Have the signed Attachment 4,‍ ‍LHRA Access Guard Responsibilities Checklist, present with them while performing duties as an Access Control Guard.

 Wears the vest or garment as provided by RP, to identify the individual as a LHRA and VHRA Guard.

 Has received a briefing on the LHRA boundary that he or she is guarding.

 If the door controlling access to the LHRA is to be left open or cannot be secured or locked when entering or exiting, the Access Control Guard should remain stationed with a direct line-of-sight and control at the door until:

 Access or barrier is secured or locked and verified by RP.

 Relieved by ANSI qualified RP personnel.

 Relieved by another briefed Access Control Guard.

Prevent unauthorized entry into the LHRA by performing the following actions for any individual requesting access to the area:

Obtain verbal or written acknowledgement from RP that the prospective entrant has permission from and is covered under the provisions of an RWP authorizing access to the LHRA for each individual entry.

If RP acknowledges permission for entry; permit entry to the area. Otherwise, DENY entry and instruct the individual to contact RP.

Ensure that personnel are able to exit the LHRA at any time and are not prevented from leaving the area by a locked or obstructed access.

If, at any point, you do not believe that access to the LHRA  is being adequately controlled then contact RP personnel immediately.

When all individuals have exited the LHRA area and the Access Control Guard is no longer going to be present:

 Ensure that access door is secured or locked by physically challenging the access or barrier and ensuring proper latching.

 Notify the RP Technician that the initial check is complete and door(s) should be verified.

 Remain at the door until the door is verified secured or locked by RP Personnel.

Access Control Guard Name:

Access Control Guard (Signature):                                                                                Date:

RP Technician Performing Brief (Signature):                                                                 Date:

 

Attachment 5:  Radioactive Material Tag/Label – Sample





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