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Chapter 7 covers the control of radioactive materials which is of paramount importance to ensure the safety of individuals, the environment, and to prevent the unauthorized or unintended use of radioactive substances for harmful purposes. The control of radioactive materials typically involves strict regulations, licensing, monitoring, and safety measures. Here are some key aspects of controlling radioactive materials:
Regulation and Legislation: Most countries have regulatory bodies responsible for overseeing the use, transportation, and disposal of radioactive materials. These agencies often establish rules, regulations, and laws that govern the handling of radioactive materials. In the United States, for example, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regulates civilian use of radioactive materials.
Licensing: Individuals, organizations, and facilities that work with radioactive materials are typically required to obtain licenses or permits. These licenses outline the specific conditions and safety measures that must be adhered to when working with radioactive materials.
Radiation Protection: Controlling exposure to radiation is a fundamental aspect of managing radioactive materials. This includes the use of shielding, containment, and personal protective equipment to minimize radiation exposure to workers and the public.
Security: Due to the potential risks associated with radioactive materials, security measures are essential to prevent theft, diversion, or unauthorized access. This is particularly important to prevent the materials from falling into the hands of terrorists or other malicious actors.
Transportation Regulations: Radioactive materials must be transported safely, often in specially designed containers, and in accordance with international and national regulations. Transport regulations ensure that radioactive materials do not pose a risk to public health or the environment during transit.
Waste Management: The disposal of radioactive waste is a critical consideration. Radioactive waste must be managed and stored in a way that prevents environmental contamination and long-term hazards. Different types of radioactive waste may require different disposal methods, such as deep geological repositories for high-level radioactive waste.
Monitoring and Inspections: Regulatory agencies conduct regular inspections of facilities that handle radioactive materials to ensure compliance with safety and security regulations. This includes assessing radiation levels, security measures, and record-keeping.
Training and Education: Workers who handle radioactive materials must be properly trained in radiation safety procedures. This includes understanding the risks, knowing how to use protective equipment, and responding to emergencies.
Emergency Response: Plans and procedures must be in place to respond to accidents, leaks, or other emergencies involving radioactive materials. This may involve evacuation, containment, and cleanup measures.
International Cooperation: Because radioactive materials can cross borders, international cooperation is essential to prevent illicit trafficking and ensure safe management. Organizations like the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) play a crucial role in promoting nuclear safety and security worldwide. Overall, the control of radioactive materials is a multifaceted process that involves regulatory oversight, safety measures, security measures, and ongoing monitoring to mitigate the risks associated with these materials and ensure their responsible use.
The purpose of this procedure is to provide guidance
for the survey, release or control of materials from Radiological Controlled
Areas.
This procedure does not provide guidance for the
control or release of materials packaged for transportation under DOT
regulations.
This procedure does not provide guidance for control
of radioactive sources which may be used at the station for calibration or
instrument response verification or Special Nuclear Material.
This procedure describes the normal process for
monitoring material exiting from the radiological controlled area assuming
contamination monitors are operational.
In the event equipment is not available site specific procedures will
provide guidance to supplemental personnel.
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 is an information use procedure that will be used
to train and instruct supplemental radiological protection technicians. Member utilities may implement these process
requirements in site procedures provided the site procedures are equivalent and
updated whenever this Nuclear Industry Standard Process (NISP) is revised. Member utilities may also elect to delete
equivalent site-specific procedures and use this procedure for training and
instruction. Current revisions are
maintained on the INPO website.
Terms, acronyms, and definitions are provided in
NISP-RP-13, Glossary
Clarifying notes for requirements and process steps
are provided in Section 4.0 using superscript numbers in the preceding
sections.
2.1
Lanyards, hard hats, badges and primary and
secondary dosimetry may remain on the individual and worn through the whole
body contamination monitors.
2.2
When possible, personal items should not be
taken inside the RCA. Personal items
inside pockets or worn on the belt such as cell phones, pagers, radios and keys
may remain on the individual and worn through the whole body contamination
monitors.
2.2.1
Items removed from pockets while in the RCA
should be monitored using the Tool and Equipment Monitor (TEM) prior to leaving
the RCA.
2.3
Items used during the entry in a contamination
area should always be released in a TEM.
These items include
2.3.1
Data logging devices including lap top computers
2.3.2
Radio’s
2.3.3
Flashlights
2.3.4
Hand carried items such as notebooks and pens.
2.4
Gloves should always be monitored in a TEM for
release.
2.5
Security personnel may wear tactical gear such
as weapons, ammunition, emergency respiratory equipment, gloves, or other security
equipment through the personnel whole body monitors for release.
2.5.1
In the event an alarm occurs on the whole body
contamination monitors indicating potential contamination of security
equipment, RP is to provide oversight of the survey and decontamination of the
security equipment but should not touch any of the equipment.
2.6
Except for personal items release of material
from radiological control can only be performed by a ANSI qualified Radiation
Protection technician.
2.7
Items suspected of having the potential for
being contaminated with pure beta emitters, such as components from PWR waste
gas or BWR off gas systems shall be surveyed with an instrument capable of
detecting beta activity. 2
2.8
In addition to typical release survey
requirements, items which could have been contaminated with alpha contamination
must be surveyed with an instrument capable of detecting alpha contamination.
2.9
Smoke detectors, or other plant equipment
containing radioactive sources, cannot be free released without RP Supervision
approval. 3
2.10 Alarm
set points for TEM will be established by the site based on background,
instrument efficiency, and hard to detect radionuclides and should alarm when
5000 dpm of radioactivity has been detected.
2.11 Non-personal
items less than 100 cm 2 in size cannot be released through TEM
only. Additional surveys must be
completed by a frisker or similar instrument in a background of <200
cpm.
2.12 Release
of non-personal items can be completed by using a TEM. If the size of the object prevents the use of
a tool monitor then RP Supervision will determine the survey methods.
2.13 Attachment
4, Unconditional Release of Certain Equipment, provides the survey methodology
for items such as computers, breakers, cameras, gauges and power tools.
2.14 If
monitoring multiple items concurrently in the TEM, consider the effects of
self-shielding. Avoid stacking items
when possible. The shielding effects of
approximately ¼ inch of steel or 2 inches of paper may reduce monitor
sensitivity to unacceptable levels.
2.15 Alarms
on a TEM indicate the presence of radioactive material and proper contamination
controls will be implemented by the RP Technician in response to alarms. As a minimum wear protective gloves for
removing the item and performing additional surveys.
2.16 Items
suspected of containing natural radioactive material, such as welding rods or
camera lens, can be released after gamma spectroscopy indicates only natural
products are present and any unidentified gamma photo peaks have been resolved.
2.17 Items
may be consider free released as long as all of the following criteria are met:
2.17.1 No
detectable fixed activity above background, other than naturally occurring
isotopes. 7
2.17.2 No
detectable loose surface contamination.
2.17.3 No
detectable/ suspected internal contamination
2.17.4 No
detectable alpha contamination
2.17.5 No
radioactive labels or markings
2.18 Items
which indicate the presence of radioactive material, other than naturally
occurring, must be labeled in accordance with NISP-RP-04, Radiological Posting and Labeling.
2.19 For
the release of a large volume of equipment, or for the release of very large
items, a survey plan should be developed using Attachment 3, Unconditional
Release Survey Plan.
1.1.1 Individuals
may release personal items through the use of a TEM by the following method:
1
a. Place
items in the center of the TEM and minimize stacking of materials.
b. Initiate
the count
c. No
alarm, individual may retrieve the item from the unit.
d. If
an alarm occurs, initiate count cycle again on the TEM as per posted
instructions. If alarm occurs do not
open the unit but contact RP for additional surveying. No alarm, individual may remove the item.
e. RP
will determine the cause of the alarm and decontaminate the item as
appropriate.
f.
RP will place item in TEM after decontamination.
No alarm the item may be released
g. Any
item which cannot clear a TEM will be controlled as radioactive material and
labeled in accordance with NISP-RP-04, Radiological Posting and Labeling.
7
1.2
Release of non-personal items
1.2.1 Non-personal
items such as tools, plant components, parts, or other solid items can be
released using the following method:
a. If
internal contamination is suspected then the unit must be dissembled so internal
surfaces can be surveyed. If the
internal conditions cannot be verified the item is to be controlled as
radioactive material. 5
b. If
alpha contamination is suspected (i.e. from an Alpha Level 3 area) then
complete a direct/ loose surface alpha survey.
c. If
no detectable activity is noted during internal or alpha contamination surveys
then place the item in the center of a TEM and activate the count cycle.
d. If
pure beta contamination is suspected, then complete a direct/loose surface beta
survey.
e. If
the item is too large to place inside a TEM then contact RP Supervision for
proper survey methods to release the item.
f.
If the item had been disassembled it must be
placed back into the same configuration for monitoring as it will be used once
free released. It cannot be released
piece by piece.
1.2.2 Survey
methodology has been defined for computers, video monitors, breakers, cameras,
gauges and power tools in Attachment 4, Unconditional Release of Certain
Equipment.
1.2.3 For
the release of a large volume of equipment, or for the release of very large
items, a survey plan should be developed using Attachment 3, Unconditional
Release Survey Plan.
1.2.4 If
the TEM does not alarm, and direct frisk surveys are equivalent to background,
then the item may be released.
1.2.5 If
the item is released by survey methods other than a TEM then document the
release on Attachment 1, Unconditional Release Survey.
1.2.6 If
an alarms occurs on the TEM, then initiate a second count as per posted
instructions. If no alarm occurs item
can be released. If second alarms occurs
take the following actions:
a. Using
proper contamination controls remove the item from the monitor and determine
the cause of the alarm. 4
b. Take
appropriate actions such as decontaminate the component or removed the item
causing the alarm.
c. Re-monitor
the item after corrective actions have been taken. If the item had been disassembled it must be
placed back into the same configuration for monitoring as it will be used once
free released. It cannot be released
piece by piece.
d. If
alarms or indications of radioactive material are still present then control
the item in accordance with procedure NISP-RP-04, Radiological Posting and Labeling.
7
e. If
no indications of activity above background the item may be free released.
1.2.7 Personnel
clothing, which had been contaminated and deconned, can be released after
direct frisk of the affected area has been completed, or the item successfully
passes the TEM with no indications of radioactivity.
1.3
Release of Liquids
3.3.1
Site specific procedures will provide guidance
for sample methods for liquids including the sample container and volume
requirements. 9
3.3.2
Liquids can only be released after a review of
all analysis has been completed.
3.3.3
Liquids should be analyzed for tritium if there
is the potential for tritium activity to be present.
3.3.4
Ensure a representative sample of the liquid is
obtained. This may require the liquid to be mixed or
recirculated to ensure some contaminates have not separated in the liquid.
6
3.3.5
Control the liquid as radioactive material until
the sample indicates it can be free released.
3.3.6
Liquids can be free released once the analysis
indicates the activity is below the environmental LLD values (i.e. no
detectable activity) for both gamma emitters and tritium (as applicable) or
contains only naturally occurring isotopes.
3.3.7
Once the sample analysis has been reviewed and
indicates the liquid is releasable, survey the exterior container to ensure it
is free of radioactive material by completing a smear and direct frisk.
3.3.8
Consider other controls which may be required
for the liquids such as flammable, safety, or environmental toxic hazards.
1.4
Release of Bulk or Aggregate Materials
1.4.1 Site
specific procedures will provide guidance for sample methods for bulk or
aggregate materials including the sample container and volume requirements.
1.4.2 Bulk
or aggregate material can only be released after a review of all analysis has
been completed.
1.4.3 Ensure
enough samples are taken of the bulk or aggregate material to determine the
radiological characteristic of the overall volume. The sample plan should be approved by RP
Supervision.
1.4.4 Examples
of bulk or aggregate materials are sand, soil, concrete rubble, gravel, resins
or other types of material where the concentration of radioactive material is
expected to be uniform if present.
1.4.5 If
the bulk or aggregate material is concrete, or from a location where a
radioactive liquid spill could have occurred, consider the need for sampling
for tritium contamination.
1.4.6 Bulk
or aggregate materials should be controlled as radioactive material until
sample results indicate it can be free released.
1.4.7 Bulk
or aggregate material can be released once sample analysis indicates only the presence
of naturally occurring radioisotopes or all isotopes is below environmental LLD
values. 8
1.5
Control of Radioactive Material Temporarily
Released
1.5.1 With
RP Supervisor approval, items which have been surveyed and found to be radioactive
can be temporarily released based on the following criteria:
a. Item
is labeled as radioactive material in accordance with NISP-RP-04, Radiological Posting and Labeling.
b. No
loose surface contamination
c. No
potential for spills or leaks
d. Item
is being transported to an area that satisfies NISP-RP-04, Radiological Posting and Labeling, and proper radiological controls have been established.
e. Individual
transporting the material is logged in on the appropriate RWP and understands
the requirements of transporting the material directly to the radioactive materials
area.
f.
The dose rate on the item is <2.0 mrem/hr at
30cm.
1.5.2 Conditionally
released items are to be documented on Attachment 2, Radioactive Material Log
or similar document.
1.6
Storage of Radioactive Material
1.6.1 If
the amount of licensed material stored in an area or room exceeds 10 times the
quantity specified in 10CFR20, Appendix C, then the area is required to be posted
in accordance with NISP-RP-04, Radiological Posting and Labeling.
1.6.2 If
the potential exist for the movement of radioactive material to change the dose
rates at the boundary of the storage area then radiation protection will
perform a survey and document the radiological conditions.
1.6.3 Consider
the following potential impacts before radioactive material is stored inside
the RCA.
a. Impacts
on low dose waiting areas
b. Impacts
on ALARA estimates
c. Impacts
on plant operating systems such as Area Radiation Monitors
d. Potential
for contamination spread
e. Potential
for spill of liquids into clean areas or
clean systems
f.
Impacts on fire loading and fire zones
g. General
housekeeping
1.6.4 Contact
the appropriate site personnel for instructions for storage of mixed hazardous
waste or material. Some common mixed
waste hazards are batteries, chemicals, and combustible liquids.
1.6.5 Items
placed in storage should be clearly labeled in accordance with NISP-RP-04,Radiological Posting and Labeling, showing all radiological hazards and the
contents of the package. Label should be
attached in a manner to be easy to read.
1.6.6 Items
must be stored in containers suitable to prevent the spread of
contamination. The container design
should take into consideration the expected duration the item is projected to
be in storage. Containers should be
subjected to periodic inspections to ensure they do not degrade over time.
1.6.7 Radioactive
material stored in outside areas where the material is subject to exposure to
weather hazards should meet the following requirements:
a. Be
contained in water tight containers with the lids secured in place. If the size of the object is too large to fit
inside a manufactured container contact RP Supervision for direction on the
proper storage method.
b. Boxes
or containers are inspected for leaks prior to being loaded
c. Containers
are staged/stored in areas not subject to flooding
1.7
Movement of Radioactive Material
1.7.1 All
radioactive material shall be properly labeled in accordance with NISP-RP-04,Radiological Posting and Labeling, prior to be transported from one location to
another.
1.7.2 The
individual transporting the material has the responsibility to ensure it
reaches its final destination and is inside a properly posted area.
1.7.3 The
potential impact on plant operating equipment must be considered when transporting
radioactive material. Radiation and
Process monitor set points should be understood before transporting material in
close proximity.
1.7.4 If
the potential exist for the movement of radioactive material to change the dose
rates at the boundary of the storage area then radiation protection will
perform a survey and document the radiological conditions.
1.7.5 The
movement of highly radioactive material can impact the sites 10CFR37 security
requirements. Prior to movement contact
RP Supervision to determine the potential impacts to the stations 10CFR37
implementation plan.
1.7.6 The
individual who is transporting the material has the responsibility to be aware
of all the hazards associated with it including both radiological and
industrial.
1.7.7 Radiation
workers may transport radioactive material inside the RCA with dose rates which
are <100 mrem/hr contact and < 4 mrem/hr at 30cm as long as the following
conditions have been met:
a. The
item has been labeled in accordance with NISP-RP-04, Radiological Posting and Labeling
b. The
item is properly contained to prevent the spread of contamination
1.7.8 Radiation
workers may transport radioactive material inside the RCA with dose rates >
4 mrem/hr at 30cm but <100 mrem/hr at 30cm as long as the following
conditions have been met:
a. The
item has been labeled in accordance with NISP-RP-04, Radiological Posting and Labeling
b. RP
approves the movement of the item to the new storage location and agrees to the
transport route and determines the radiological controls.
c. The
area is properly posted and the addition of the item will not change the
radiological boundaries
d. The
item is properly contained to prevent the spread of contamination
1.7.9 Radiation
protection must escort all radioactive material with a dose rate > 100
mrem/hr at 30cm.
1.7.10 Radiation
workers may transport radioactive material outside the RCA between established
posted radioactive material storage areas as long as the following conditions
have been met:
a. Notify
Radiation Protection for approval prior to transport
b. The
item has been labeled in accordance with NISP-RP-04, Radiological Posting and Labeling
c. The
item is properly contained to prevent the spread of contamination
d. The
dose rate on the item is < 4 mrem/hr at 30cm and <100 mrem/hr contact.
1.7.11 Radiation
protection must escort all radioactive material with a dose rate > 4 mrem/hr
at 30cm or >100 mrem/hr contact outside the RCA.
3.1
EPRI 1019224, Radioactive Material Monitoring
and Control Guideline
3.2
INPO 05-008, Guideline for Radiological
Protection at Nuclear Power Stations
Attachment 1: Unconditional Release Survey - Sample
Attachment 4:
Unconditional Release of Certain Equipment
Instructions
1. A
TEM shall be used for all equipment that fits in the TEM.
2. Hand
tools are available in the RCA and should not be brought into the RCA.
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