64E-5.1420. Detection of Leaking or Contaminated Sources

(1) Each dry-source-storage sealed source must be tested for leakage at least every 6 months using a leak test kit or a method approved by the department, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, agreement state or licensing state. The analysis must be capable of detecting the presence of 0.005 microcurie (185 becquerels) of radioactive material and must be performed by a person approved by the department, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, agreement state or licensing state to perform the analysis.

(2) For pool irradiators, the pool water must be checked for contamination each day the irradiator operates. The check must be done by using an on-line radiation monitor on a pool water circulating system as described in subsection 64E-5.1410(2), F.A.C., or by analysis of pool water. If a check for contamination is done by analysis of pool water, the results of the analysis must be available within 24 hours. If the licensee uses a radiation monitor on a pool water circulating system, the detection above normal radiation levels must activate an alarm. The alarm set-point must be set as low as practical but high enough to avoid false alarms. The licensee can reset the alarm set-point to a higher level if necessary to operate the pool water purification system to clean up contamination in the pool if specifically provided for in written emergency procedures.

(3) The licensee shall have written procedures and equipment available for the detection, isolation and removal of leaking sources.

(4) If a leaking source is detected, the licensee shall remove the leaking source from service and have it decontaminated, repaired, or disposed of by a licensee of the Department, NRC, Agreement State or Licensing State authorized to perform these functions. The licensee shall check its personnel, equipment, facilities, and irradiated product promptly for radioactive contamination. No product shall be shipped until the product has been checked and found free of contamination. If a product has been shipped that could have been contaminated inadvertently, the licensee shall arrange to locate and survey that product for contamination. If any personnel are contaminated, decontamination must be performed promptly. If contaminated equipment, facilities, or products are found, the licensee shall have them decontaminated or disposed of by a licensee of the Department, NRC, Agreement State or Licensing State authorized to perform these functions. If the pool water is contaminated, the licensee shall clean the pool water until the contamination levels do not exceed the appropriate concentration in State of Florida Bureau of Radiation Control ALIs, DACs, and Effluent Concentrations, June 2012, (see 64E-5.101, F.A.C.) Table II, Column 2.

Rulemaking Authority 404.051(4) FS. Law Implemented 404.051(1), (5), (6), 404.061, 404.081, 404.141 FS. History–New 8-14-96, Formerly 10D-91.1520, Amended 12-26-13.