Sealed Source Safety Manual

Sealed Source Safety Manual 7 A. Introduction A sealed source is radioactive material (RAM) that is permanently bonded or fixed in a capsule or matrix designed to prevent release of the RAM under normal working conditions. Iowa State University (ISU) has organized sealed sources into four categories: generally licensed materials, check sources, license specific sources, and nuclear gauges. Generally licensedmaterials are items that containing a RAMsource to illuminate, detect, measure, gauge, or control the composition of various items. Common devices containing generally licensed materials include: gas chromatographs, liquid scintillation detectors, lead analyzers, x-ray fluorescent analyzers, exit signs, and static eliminators. Generally licensed materials are registered with the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) annually. Check sources are small encapsulated or plated sources of RAM used for instrument verification, laboratory experiments, or class room demonstrations. Check sources are subject to the requirements listed in this manual. License-specific sources are specifically listed on ISU’s Broadscope Radioactive Materials License. These sources require a higher level of control. Medical therapy and large calibration sources are common types of license specific sources. Nuclear gauges are instruments containing RAM used to measure the density, moisture content, or composition of materials. Gauges can be either fixed or portable and are license specific sources. Portable gauges require additional training, transport, and security controls. The possession and use of sealed sources in Iowa is regulated. These rules are found in Chapter 136C of the Iowa Administrative Code (IAC) and are administered by the Bureau of Radiological Health of the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH). ISU holds a Broadscope Radioactive Materials License and a General Materials License through IDPH for the possession and use of sealed sources. ISU has adopted policies that reduce the hazards of radiation and minimize radiation exposures. ISU has established a Radiation Safety Committee (RSC) to oversee the safe use of RAM on campus. The Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) is a permanent member of the RSC and is designated as the radiation safety expert who oversees the daily operation of ISU’s Radiation Safety Program. At ISU, the Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) has implemented the procedures contained in ISU’s Radioactive Materials Safety Manual, Sealed Source Safety Manual, and