Sealed Source Safety Manual

13 Sealed Source Safety Manual Note: Contact EH&S immediately if the source is damaged or you think it might be damaged! Safety Audits Performance audits for Sealed Source Use Authorizations are performed by EH&S at least annually. During each audit, the PI‘s radionuclide inventory, authorization, security, training records, usage log, and shipping paperwork are reviewed and worker performance is evaluated. General safety conditions may also be assessed. Any problems encountered by EH&S during the audit are communicated to laboratory personnel and the PI. The PI is responsible for correcting any problems identified through EH&S audits. Written corrective action plans may be required based upon the audit findings. EH&S is available to assist the laboratory in correcting problems. The sealed source inspection criteria is available for laboratory use. Leak Tests Sealed sources have some type of encapsulation that prevents their radioactive contents from leaking or dispersing. Care must be used when handling sealed sources to avoid damage, contamination, and personal exposure. Avoid handling sealed sources with sharp forceps that may damage the source. Avoid holding the source in your hand to minimize exposure. To ensure that a sealed source is not leaking, IDPH requires leak testing of some sealed sources at regular intervals. Leaking sources must be removed from service. Devices with embedded sources may require repair by the manufacturer or their service representative. A source that is in storage is exempt from leak testing requirements. However, it must be inventoried and leak tested prior to use. Stored sources must be leak tested before being returned to service. Type of Sealed Source Frequency* Static eliminators 3 months Alpha emitters > 10 uCi 3 months Gas chromatographs (E.C.D.) 6 months Nuclear gauges 6 months Beta, gamma emitters > 100 uCi 6 months After any incident that could result in damage Immediately After removal from storage Immediately *or as specified by the Sealed Source and Device Registry certificate If you are working with: • Generally Licensed Materials – click here • Check Sources – click here • License-Specific Sources – click here • Nuclear Gauges – click here