64E-5.1104. Leak Testing of Sealed Sources

(1) Requirements. Each licensee using sealed sources containing radioactive material shall have the sources tested for leakage. Records of leak test results shall be kept in units of microcuries and maintained for inspection by the Department for 3 years after the leak test is performed or until transfer or disposal of the sealed source.

(2) Method of testing. Tests for leakage shall be performed only by persons specifically authorized to perform such tests by the Department, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, an Agreement State, or a licensing state using a leak test kit or method approved by the department, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, an Agreement State, or a Licensing State. The test sample shall be taken from the nearest accessible point to the sealed source where contamination might accumulate. The test sample shall be analyzed for radioactive contamination, and the analysis shall be capable of detecting the presence of 0.005 microcurie (185 Bq) of radioactive material on the test sample.

(3) Test frequency.

(a) Each sealed source except an energy compensation source or ECS containing radioactive material shall be tested at intervals not to exceed 6 months. In the absence of a certificate from a transferor indicating that a test has been made within the 6 months before the transfer, the sealed source shall not be used until tested. If, for any reason, it is suspected that a sealed source may be leaking, it shall be removed from service immediately and tested for leakage as soon as practical.

(b) Each ECS that is not exempt from testing as specified in subsection 64E-5.1104(5), F.A.C., below, shall be tested at intervals not to exceed 3 years. In the absence of a certificate from a transferor that a test has been made within the 3 years before transfer, the ECS shall not be used until tested.

(4) Removal of Leaking or Contaminated Sources from service. If the test specified in subsection (3), above, reveals the presence of 0.005 microcurie (185 Bq) or more of removable radioactive material, the licensee shall remove the sealed source from service immediately and shall cause it to be decontaminated, repaired, or disposed of by a person licensed by the Department, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, an Agreement State, or a Licensing State to perform these functions. The licensee shall check the equipment associated with the leaking source for radioactive contamination, and if contaminated, have it decontaminated or disposed of by a person licensed by the Department, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, an Agreement State or a Licensing State to perform these functions. A report describing the equipment involved, the test results, any contamination which resulted from the leaking source, and corrective action taken shall be filed with the Department within 5 days of receiving the test results.

(5) Exemptions. The following sources are exempted from the periodic leak test requirements of subsections 64E-5.1104(1) through (4), F.A.C.:

(a) Hydrogen 3 sources;

(b) Sources containing radioactive material with a half-life of 30 days or less;

(c) Sealed sources containing radioactive material in gaseous form;

(d) Sources of beta-emitting or gamma-emitting radioactive material with an activity of 100 microcuries (3.7 MBq) or less; and

(e) Sources of alpha-emitting radioactive material with an activity of 10 microcuries (0.370 MBq) or less.

Rulemaking Authority 404.022, 404.051(1), (4), 404.061, 404.081(1) FS. Law Implemented 404.022, 404.051(1), (5), 404.061(2), 404.081 FS. History–New 4-4-89, Formerly 10D-91.12051, Amended 9-28-06.