64E-5.1303. Leak Test Requirements for Possession of Sealed Sources

(1) A licensee in possession of a sealed source shall assure that:

(a) The sealed source is tested for leakage before its first use unless the licensee has a certificate from the supplier indicating that the sealed source was tested semiannually before transfer to the licensee;

(b) The sealed source is tested for leakage at least semiannually or at intervals approved by the department;

(c) Leak tests are capable of detecting 0.005 microcurie (185 Bg) of radioactive material on the test sample, or, in the case of radium, the escape of radon of 0.001 microcurie (37 Bg) each 24 hours;

(d) Test samples are taken from the sealed source or from the surfaces of the device in which the sealed source is mounted or stored on which radioactive contamination might be expected to accumulate; and

(e) Device test samples are taken when the sealed source is in the off or shielded position.

(f) Leak tests are analyzed by individuals who are licensed by the department, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, an agreement state or a licensing state to perform leak test services.

(2) A licensee shall retain leak test records for 3 years. The records shall contain the manufacturer’s name, the model and serial numbers of each sealed source tested, the identity of each sealed source radionuclide and its estimated activity, the measured activity of each test sample expressed in microcuries (becquerels), the date of the test, and the signature of the radiation safety officer or designee.

(3) If the leak test reveals the presence of 0.005 microcurie (185 Bq) or more of removable contamination, the licensee shall:

(a) Immediately withdraw the sealed source from use and cause it to be decontaminated and repaired or to be disposed of in accordance with these regulations; and

(b) File a report with the department within 5 days of receiving the leak test results describing the equipment involved, the test results, and the action taken.

(4) A leak test is not required on the following sealed sources:

(a) Sealed sources containing only radioactive material with a half-life of less than 30 days;

(b) Sealed sources containing only radioactive material as a gas;

(c) Sealed sources containing 100 microcuries (3.7 MBq) or less of beta or photo-emitting material or 10 microcuries (370 kBq) or less of alpha-emitting material; and

(d) Sealed sources that are listed on a department license for storage only. The licensee shall test each such sealed source for leakage before any use or transfer unless it has been tested for leakage within 6 months before the date of use or transfer.

(5) The department is authorized to approve leak test frequencies other than semiannually. Criteria used to determine these frequencies include:

(a) The isotope and activity;

(b) The requested usage;

(c) The environmental hazards to which the sealed sources may potentially be exposed;

(d) The manufacturer’s recommended frequency; and

(e) Specific information on the sealed source or device provided by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, an agreement state or a licensing state, including:

1. Sealed Source and Device Registry sheets;

2. Naturally Occurring or Accelerator Produced Radioactive Materials Sealed Source and Device Registry sheets.

Rulemaking Authority 404.051, 404.061, 404.071, 404.081 FS. Law Implemented 404.022, 404.051(1), (4), (6), (9), (10), 404.061(2), (3), 404.071(1), 404.081(1) FS. History–New 5-12-93, Formerly 10D-91.1404.