64E-5.427. Leak Testing, Repairing, Tagging, Opening, Modifying, and Replacing Sealed Sources and Devices

(1) The replacement, leak testing, leak test sample analysis, repair, tagging, opening, or any other modification of any sealed source shall be performed only by persons authorized specifically to do so by the department, another agreement state, licensing state, or the NRC.

(2) Each sealed source shall be tested for radioactive contamination leakage 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. Sealed sources that are listed in a department license for storage only do not require leak testing during storage but shall be tested before use or transfer to another person if the interval of storage exceeds 6 months.

(3) Each exposure device using depleted uranium (DU) shielding and an S-tube configuration shall be tested for DU contamination at intervals not to exceed 12 months. DU shielded devices do not have to be tested for DU contamination while in storage and not in use. However, the DU devices shall be tested for DU contamination before use or transfer if the interval of storage exceeds 12 months. Licensees must comply with the DU leak testing requirements of this section within 6 months after the effective date of this rule.

(4) Leak testing as specified in subsections 64E-5.427(2) and (3), F.A.C., shall be capable of detecting the presence of 0.005 microcurie (185 Bq) of removable contamination on the test sample. The wipe sample shall be taken from the nearest accessible point to the sealed source where contamination could accumulate.

(5) If any test conducted pursuant to this section reveals the presence of 0.005 microcurie (185 Bq) or more of removable radioactive material, the licensee immediately shall withdraw the equipment from use and cause it to be decontaminated and repaired or disposed of in accordance with Rule 64E-5.1303, F.A.C., and the applicable sections of rules contained in Parts III and XV of Chapter 64E-5, F.A.C. If DU leak testing reveals the presence of 0.005 microcurie (185 Bq) or more of removable DU contamination, the exposure device shall be removed from use until an evaluation of the wear on the S-tube has been made. If the evaluation reveals that the S-tube is worn through, the device shall not be used. The licensee shall file a report with the department describing the equipment involved, the test results, and the corrective action taken within 5 days after obtaining results of the test.

Rulemaking Authority 404.051 FS. Law Implemented 404.022, 404.051(1), (4), (6) FS. History–New 9-11-01, Amended 9-28-06.