Radiation Protection Office BasicRadiationProtection

Radiation Protection Office

BasicBasicRadiationRadiationProtectionProtection



RadioactivityRadioactivityNuclideNuclide – a particular atomic nucleus with a specific – a particular atomic nucleus with a specific number of protons (p) and neutrons (n).number of protons (p) and neutrons (n).

For exampleFor example 3131PP 3232P P 3333PP

Approximately Approximately 17001700 known nuclides. known nuclides.

About 1400 are unstable – About 1400 are unstable – RADIONUCLIDESRADIONUCLIDES..Radionuclides - imbalanced numbers of p and n.Radionuclides - imbalanced numbers of p and n. - emit particles/energy to improve stability- emit particles/energy to improve stability


RadioactivityRadioactivity

ChargedChargedparticleparticle

RadionuclideRadionuclide

ExcitedExciteddaughterdaughter

StableStabledaughterdaughter

Gamma photonGamma photon

ExcessExcessenergyenergy

Disintegration

Disintegration


SourcesSourcesSEALEDSEALED – a radioactive source containing radioactive – a radioactive source containing radioactivematerialwhere the structure is designed to prevent,materialwhere the structure is designed to prevent,under normal use, any dispersion of radioactiveunder normal use, any dispersion of radioactivesubstances e.g. Am/Be sealed in stainless steel capsulesubstances e.g. Am/Be sealed in stainless steel capsule

UNSEALEDUNSEALED - dispersible - dispersibleSolids – powders Solids – powders Liquids – aqueous or organicLiquids – aqueous or organicGases – e.g. Xe-133Gases – e.g. Xe-133

MACHINESMACHINES – e.g. x-ray and neutron generators – e.g. x-ray and neutron generators


Main EmissionsMain Emissions

Alpha (Alpha ())HeliumHeliumnucleinuclei

(2p + 2n)(2p + 2n)

+ 2 positive charge+ 2 positive charge 4 mass units4 mass units

Beta (Beta ())

Gamma (Gamma ())

High speedHigh speedelectronselectrons

-1 negative charge1 negative charge 0.0005 mass unit0.0005 mass unit

ElectromagneticElectromagneticphotonsphotons

No chargeNo chargeNo massNo mass


EnergyEnergy

Energy of emissions Energy of emissions ELECTRONVOLTS (eV)ELECTRONVOLTS (eV)

1 eV =1 eV = energy gained by an electron passingenergy gained by an electron passingthrough an electrical potential of 1 voltthrough an electrical potential of 1 volt

1 eV is a very small energy = 1.6 x 101 eV is a very small energy = 1.6 x 10-19-19 joules. joules.

Normally emission energies are in keV or MeV range.Normally emission energies are in keV or MeV range.


RangesRanges

V.LargeV.LargeV. LargeV. Large0.1 – 0.60.1 – 0.6GammaGamma

600cm600cm8mm8mm1.701.70P32P32

2cm2cm0.3mm0.3mm0.1560.156C14C14

4mm4mm0.05mm0.05mm0.0180.018H3H3

BetaBeta

few cmfew cm< 1mm< 1mm3 - 73 - 7AlphaAlpha

AirAirTissueTissue

RangeRangeEnergyEnergy

(MeV)(MeV)

ParticleParticle


Activity (A)Activity (A)

Rate of disintegrations in a large group of nuclei.Rate of disintegrations in a large group of nuclei.

A(t) A(t) N(t) which means N(t) which means EXPONENTIAL DECAYEXPONENTIAL DECAY..

SI unit is SI unit is BEQUERELBEQUEREL (Bq)(Bq)1 Bq = one disintegration per second.1 Bq = one disintegration per second.

Another commonly used but old unit is Another commonly used but old unit is CURIE (Ci)CURIE (Ci)1 Ci = 3.7 x 101 Ci = 3.7 x 101010 Bq or 1 mCi = 37 MBq Bq or 1 mCi = 37 MBq


Half-LifeHalf-Life

0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1

0 1 2 3 4 5TIME

AC

TIVI

TYAo

½Ao

T½ = 0.693 /

A(t) = Ao exp (- t)

where is the radioactive decay constant


Typical Half-LivesTypical Half-Lives

8.04 days8.04 daysI131I131

13.5 years13.5 yearsEu152Eu152

30.2 years30.2 yearsCs137Cs137

87.2 days87.2 daysS35S35

14.3 days14.3 daysP32P32

5760 years5760 yearsC14C14

12.3 years12.3 yearsH3H3

Half-LifeHalf-LifeRadionuclideRadionuclide


BremstrahlungBremstrahlung““Breaking Radiation”Breaking Radiation”

X-rays produced when X-rays produced when particles are particles are slowed down very rapidly as they comeslowed down very rapidly as they comevery close to an atomic nucleus.very close to an atomic nucleus.

shielding materials (e.g. perspex) have shielding materials (e.g. perspex) have relatively low atomic numbers in order to relatively low atomic numbers in order to slow them down more gradually.slow them down more gradually.


Absorbed Dose (D)Absorbed Dose (D)

Energy imparted to matter in small volumeEnergy imparted to matter in small volume Mass of the small volumeMass of the small volume

1 Gray (Gy) = 1 Joule of energy absorbed 1 Gray (Gy) = 1 Joule of energy absorbed in 1 kg of matter i.e. 1 J / kgin 1 kg of matter i.e. 1 J / kg

• Gy is a Gy is a HUGEHUGE dose of radiation. dose of radiation.

(Old units : 1 gray = 100 rads)(Old units : 1 gray = 100 rads)


Equivalent Dose - HEquivalent Dose - H

Absorbed Dose Absorbed Dose xx Radiation Weighting Radiation Weighting (Grays) Factor(Grays) Factor (W (WRR))

Sieverts (Sv)Sieverts (Sv) which are still J / kg which are still J / kg

WWR R = 1 for photons and betas of any energy.= 1 for photons and betas of any energy.

(Old units : 1 Sv = 100 rem)

HH = =


Effective Dose (E)Effective Dose (E)

Accounts for uneven irradiation of the body.Accounts for uneven irradiation of the body.Represents overall risk from a whole body exposure.Represents overall risk from a whole body exposure.

E = wT x HT where

HHTT = Equivalent dose to tissue / organ “T” = Equivalent dose to tissue / organ “T”

wwTT = Tissue weighting factor = Tissue weighting factor

Tissue weighting factors represent risks of detrimentalTissue weighting factors represent risks of detrimentalradiation effects to different organs or tissueradiation effects to different organs or tissue

T

Tissue Weighting FactorsTissue Weighting Factors

GonadsGonads 0.080.08 Breast Breast 0.12 0.12Red bone marrowRed bone marrow 0.120.12 Liver Liver 0.04 0.04ColonColon 0.120.12 Oesophogus Oesophogus 0.04 0.04LungLung 0.120.12 Thyroid Thyroid 0.04 0.04StomachStomach 0.120.12 Skin Skin 0.01 0.01BladderBladder 0.040.04 Bone surfaces Bone surfaces 0.01 0.01BrainBrain 0.01 Salivary glands 0.01 0.01 Salivary glands 0.01

RemainderRemainder 0.120.12includes:includes: AdrenalsAdrenals Upper large intestine Upper large intestine

Small intestineSmall intestine Muscle MuscleKidneyKidney Spleen SpleenPancreasPancreas Uterus UterusThymus Thymus

WWTT = 1 = 1


Internal RadiationInternal Radiation

TimeTime TimeTime(post ingestion)(post ingestion)

Amount ofAmount ofradionuclide inradionuclide in

bodybody

Dose rateDose ratein organin organ

exp(-exp(-RRt)t)

exp(-exp(-BBt)t)

exp(-exp(-EFFEFFt)t)

EFFEFF = = RR + + BB

exp(-exp(-EFFEFFt)t)


Committed Equivalent DoseCommitted Equivalent Dose

HHTT(50) =(50) = Equivalent dose summedEquivalent dose summed

over a 50 year period.over a 50 year period.

AlsoAlso Committed Effective DoseCommitted Effective Dose


Annual Limit of Intake (ALI)Annual Limit of Intake (ALI)

The amount of radionuclide (in Bq) which The amount of radionuclide (in Bq) which when taken into the body will result in :when taken into the body will result in :

Committed Effective Dose = Dose Limit (20mSv)Committed Effective Dose = Dose Limit (20mSv)

RadionuclideRadionuclide ALI (MBq)ALI (MBq)InhalationInhalation IngestionIngestion

Sodium-22Sodium-22 10 10 7 7Iodine-131Iodine-131 1 1 0.8 0.8

Also depends on chemical compound.Also depends on chemical compound.


Hand-held XRF analyserHand-held XRF analyserNitonNiton XL2 GOLDD XL2 GOLDD

(from (from www.nitonuk.co.uk with permission) with permission)

X-ray GeneratorsX-ray Generators

NOMAD ProNOMAD ProHand-held Dental UnitHand-held Dental Unit Desk-top XRF UnitDesk-top XRF Unit

(totally shielded enclosure)(totally shielded enclosure)Mobile DiagnosticMobile DiagnosticX-ray MachinesX-ray Machines

Typically Controlled Area is:Typically Controlled Area is:

Anywhere in the primary beam directionAnywhere in the primary beam direction

150cm around scattering object150cm around scattering object

Inside a shielded interlocked enclosureInside a shielded interlocked enclosure

http://www.nitonuk.co.uk/

Lead ApronsLead Aprons

Only protect from scatter (95%)Only protect from scatter (95%)

Minimum of 0.25mm lead equivalenceMinimum of 0.25mm lead equivalence

Visually inspected for damageVisually inspected for damage

Worn correctly - closed with no gapsWorn correctly - closed with no gaps

Radiation Damage to TissueRadiation Damage to Tissue

X-ray interacts and loses energy along its path.X-ray interacts and loses energy along its path.Ionisation : dominant interaction Ionisation : dominant interaction damage. damage.

Energy loss random processEnergy loss random process- only some molecules effected.- only some molecules effected.

Cellular damage either :Cellular damage either :- direct- direct

oror - indirect- indirect

Direct DamageDirect DamageIonisation in important macromolecules e.g.Ionisation in important macromolecules e.g.

- Breaks in DNA strands- Breaks in DNA strands- Chromosomal aberrations- Chromosomal aberrations

Repair processes may not workRepair processes may not work- death of cell- death of cell- failure to reproduce- failure to reproduce

Indirect DamageIndirect Damage

Ionisation of cellular water Ionisation of cellular water free radicals free radicals

Very reactiveVery reactive

Move through cell Move through cell chemical reactions chemical reactions similar DNA damagesimilar DNA damage

Dominant mechanism for X-raysDominant mechanism for X-rays

SensitivitySensitivityActively dividing cells most radiosensitiveActively dividing cells most radiosensitive

- Bone marrow- Bone marrow- Germinal cells in testis/ovaries- Germinal cells in testis/ovaries- Intestinal epithelium- Intestinal epithelium- Foetus- Foetus- Children- Children

Effects appear within hours or daysEffects appear within hours or days

Slow dividing cells - months to yearsSlow dividing cells - months to years

Hazardous EffectsHazardous Effects

Need certain radiation exposuresNeed certain radiation exposures BUTBUT need to protect :need to protect :

- Individuals exposed- Individuals exposed- Their offspring- Their offspring- Mankind generally- Mankind generally

Detrimental to :Detrimental to :- Individual exposed :- Individual exposed : SOMATICSOMATIC- Descendants :- Descendants : HERITABLEHERITABLE

Deterministic EffectsDeterministic Effects

DoseDose

SeveritySeverity

DoseDoseThresholdThreshold

Thresholds Thresholds well abovewell above both bothtypical dose limits for workerstypical dose limits for workers

Stochastic EffectsStochastic Effects

DoseDose

ProbabilityProbability

Natural OccurenceNatural Occurence

Stochastic EffectsStochastic EffectsProbabilityProbability of effect of effect as dose as dose Linearly i.e. 2 x dose Linearly i.e. 2 x dose 2 x more likely to occur. 2 x more likely to occur.

NONO Threshold. Threshold.

NO direct cell killingNO direct cell killing BUTBUT mutations :mutations :- cancer - cancer (years later!!)(years later!!)

- birth abnomalities - birth abnomalities (physical+mental)(physical+mental)

Effect of concern with low dosesEffect of concern with low doses

Heritable EffectsHeritable Effects

These effects not yet proved in humansThese effects not yet proved in humansbut likelybut likely

Stochastic damage toStochastic damage to GERM CELLSGERM CELLS

Disorders inDisorders in DESCENDANTSDESCENDANTSof person exposedof person exposed

RiskRiskLikelihood (or probability)Likelihood (or probability)of exposure to radiationof exposure to radiation

harmful stochastic effectharmful stochastic effecte.g. fatal cancer.e.g. fatal cancer.

Risk Factors Risk Factors (whole pop(whole popnn))

Occurrence ofOccurrence of % per Sv% per SvFatal CancerFatal Cancer 5.0 5.0Non-fatal CancerNon-fatal Cancer 1.0 1.0Hereditary effectsHereditary effects 1.3 1.3TOTALTOTAL 7.3 7.3

100 people. Each given 1Sv.100 people. Each given 1Sv.On average On average 5 will get fatal cancer5 will get fatal cancereventually due to that exposure.eventually due to that exposure.

1 million people1 million people

Over30

YearsRIP

Natural FatalNatural FatalCancersCancers~ 90,000~ 90,000

Give each

10mSv(a lot but still within

workers annual limit)

Additional

~ 500~ 500cancer deathscancer deaths

+ ~ 100+ ~ 100geneticgenetic

abnormalitiesabnormalities

Risks to FoetusRisks to Foetus

Each receive

10mSv

1 million 1 million foetusesfoetusesin uteroin utero

NATURALLY40,00040,000

abnormalitiesabnormalities

ADDITIONALLY

~ 2500~ 2500extraextra

abnomalitiesabnomalities

Extra care with STAFF and PATIENTS whoPREGNANT or REPRODUCTIVE CAPACITY

Comparable RisksComparable Risks

ActivityActivity Risk of DeathRisk of Deathper year (1 in N)per year (1 in N)

300 miles car travel300 miles car travel 100000100000Accidents in home Accidents in home 10000 10000Smoking 10 a daySmoking 10 a day 6500 6500Coal miningCoal mining 6500 6500Deep sea fishing Deep sea fishing 500 500


Principles of Radiation ProtectionPrinciples of Radiation Protection

JustificationJustification – Benefits > Risks – Benefits > Risks

OptimisationOptimisation - ALARP - ALARP

Dose LimitationDose Limitation


Practical Protection MeasuresPractical Protection Measures

External RadiationExternal RadiationDistanceDistance : inverse square law.: inverse square law.

: always use remote handling (if poss).: always use remote handling (if poss).

ShieldingShielding : placed between worker & source.: placed between worker & source.: attenuates the radiation.: attenuates the radiation.: lead for : lead for : Perspex for energetic : Perspex for energetic

B-polythene for neutronsB-polythene for neutrons

TimeTime : : be as quick as be as quick as safelysafely possible. possible.


To use tongs or not to use tongs?To use tongs or not to use tongs?

30cm30cm

1cm1cm10mins @ 110mins @ 1Sv/min Sv/min 10 10 Sv Sv

1min @ 9001min @ 900Sv/min Sv/min 900 900 Sv Sv

Practical Protection MeasuresPractical Protection MeasuresInternal RadiationInternal Radiation

Use all appropriate protective equipmentUse all appropriate protective equipmente.g. gloves.e.g. gloves.

Only handle radioisotopes in designated areas.Only handle radioisotopes in designated areas.

Monitor for contamination.Monitor for contamination.

Know the whereabouts and how to use theKnow the whereabouts and how to use thedecontamination kitdecontamination kit

Monitoring for contamination must be done Monitoring for contamination must be done regularlyregularly


“What the? …… This is lemonade!Where’s my preparation of tritiated thymidine?”

Do Do NOTNOTeat eat drinkdrink

or smokeor smokein an areain an area

where unsealedwhere unsealedradioactiveradioactivesubstancessubstancesare handled.are handled.


DO NOTWEAR LAB COATS

IN THIS ROOM


Personal MonitoringPersonal Monitoring Normally TLD badges.Normally TLD badges.

Worn as instructed in local rules.Worn as instructed in local rules.

Do not try to remove TLDs from holder.Do not try to remove TLDs from holder.

Damaged holders replaced immediately.Damaged holders replaced immediately.

NOT left in radiation areas, left on radiators, NOT left in radiation areas, left on radiators, washed etc.washed etc.

Returned for reading promptly.Returned for reading promptly.

Special monitors for wrists, eyes etc. Special monitors for wrists, eyes etc. NOTNOT whole whole body one.body one.


LegislationLegislation

The Environmental PermittingThe Environmental PermittingRegulations 2010 (EPR2010)Regulations 2010 (EPR2010)

+ 2011 Amendment+ 2011 Amendment

The Ionising RadiationsThe Ionising RadiationsRegulations 1999 (IRR99)Regulations 1999 (IRR99)


EPR2010 EPR2010 (was RSA93)(was RSA93)Protection of General Public and Environment.Protection of General Public and Environment.

SEALEDSEALED : : to keep & use sealed radioactive to keep & use sealed radioactive sources. sources. Subject to national securitySubject to national security

OPENOPEN : :to keep and use unsealedto keep and use unsealedradioactive substances andradioactive substances andaccumulate/dispose of wasteaccumulate/dispose of waste

Policed by Policed by The Environment Agency (EA)The Environment Agency (EA)

PERMITS:PERMITS:


Record KeepingRecord Keeping Date received, radionuclide, activityDate received, radionuclide, activity Location storedLocation stored Details of removal for use, date, activityDetails of removal for use, date, activity Activity present in stock at end of monthActivity present in stock at end of month

Dates of disposalDates of disposal Total activity disposed of and by which route each monthTotal activity disposed of and by which route each month Total activity of waste accumulated at end of each monthTotal activity of waste accumulated at end of each month


Where does all the waste go ?Where does all the waste go ?

SOLID :SOLID :Very Low Level Waste (VLLW) Very Low Level Waste (VLLW) skip by user. skip by user.Low Level Waste (LLW) from bins in labsLow Level Waste (LLW) from bins in labscollected and taken for incineration collected and taken for incineration (or landfill burial)(or landfill burial)

Sealed sources – specialist contractorSealed sources – specialist contractor

LIQUID :LIQUID :Aqueous – down the drainAqueous – down the drainOrganic – collected and sent for incinerationOrganic – collected and sent for incineration


Waste DisposalWaste Disposal

IS VERY EXPENSIVE:IS VERY EXPENSIVE:

When buying new sources – think about When buying new sources – think about disposal costs and work this into the grant disposal costs and work this into the grant applicationapplication


OrphansOrphansRadioactive sources or materials or Radioactive sources or materials or waste that does not have an ‘owner’waste that does not have an ‘owner’

Creates a lot of work for RPOCreates a lot of work for RPORPO has to pay for its legal disposalRPO has to pay for its legal disposal

PLEASE PLEASE NONO ORPHANS ORPHANS

X


When an Inspector Calls !!When an Inspector Calls !!

• Poor accounting of sources and wastePoor accounting of sources and waste• Lost sourcesLost sources• Unauthorised disposal of wasteUnauthorised disposal of waste• Over-accumulation of wasteOver-accumulation of waste• Failure to keep suitable and sufficient recordsFailure to keep suitable and sufficient records• Failure to use best practicable means (BPM)Failure to use best practicable means (BPM)


OffencesOffencesVariety of offences & penaltiesVariety of offences & penalties

Penalties can be applied to anyone within the Penalties can be applied to anyone within the University - University - not just the COO or Department Headnot just the COO or Department Head

Non-compliance with Permit conditions/schedulesNon-compliance with Permit conditions/schedules- up to £20,000 fine and/or up to 6 months in prison- up to £20,000 fine and/or up to 6 months in prison

Failure to keep recordsFailure to keep records- a fine and/or up to 3 months imprisonment- a fine and/or up to 3 months imprisonment


IRR99IRR99Protection of the Worker.Protection of the Worker.

Policed by Policed by The Health & Safety Executive (HSE).The Health & Safety Executive (HSE).

• Risk Assessments (7)Risk Assessments (7)• Annual Dose Limits (11)Annual Dose Limits (11)• Area Classification and Monitoring (16)Area Classification and Monitoring (16)• Local Rules (17)Local Rules (17)• Accounting for, Keeping and Moving Accounting for, Keeping and Moving

Radioactive Substances (28+29)Radioactive Substances (28+29)


Risk AssessmentRisk AssessmentMust be made prior to commencing anyMust be made prior to commencing anynew work involving ionising radiation.new work involving ionising radiation.

Identify hazardsIdentify hazards

Who could be harmedWho could be harmed

Evaluate risksEvaluate risks

Record findingsRecord findings

Review / reviseReview / revise

Significant Significant hazardhazard

but is it a risk?but is it a risk?


Annual Dose Limits Annual Dose Limits (ICRP60)(ICRP60)

1515

5050

--

150150

500500

500500

Eye LensEye Lens

SkinSkin

ExtremitiesExtremities

112020Effective DoseEffective Dose

PublicPublic

(mSv)(mSv)

OccupationalOccupational

(mSv)(mSv)

StochasticStochastic

DeterministicDeterministic

WORC : equivalent dose to the surface of theWORC : equivalent dose to the surface of theabdomen must be less than 13mSv in any quarter.abdomen must be less than 13mSv in any quarter.

Once pregnancy discovered – must declare it inOnce pregnancy discovered – must declare it inwriting to your employer.writing to your employer.

Procedures to restrict dose to surface of Procedures to restrict dose to surface of abdomen to 2mSv once pregnancy declared.abdomen to 2mSv once pregnancy declared.

Foetal doseFoetal dose : < 1mSv.: < 1mSv.Foetus considered to be a member of the general public.Foetus considered to be a member of the general public.

Pregnant StaffPregnant Staff


Area Classification and MonitoringArea Classification and Monitoring

ControlledControlled : : > 3/10> 3/10thth of any dose limit. of any dose limit.

: : significant risk of spreadingsignificant risk of spreadingcontamination.contamination.

SupervisedSupervised : : reviewed as to controlled status.reviewed as to controlled status.: > 1/10: > 1/10thth of any dose limit. of any dose limit.: effective dose > 1mSv per year.: effective dose > 1mSv per year.

Monitoring for ContaminationMonitoring for Contamination must be done must be done

regularly (at least weeklyregularly (at least weekly nature of work).nature of work).


Local RulesLocal Rules• Names of appointed personsNames of appointed persons• Duties and responsibilitiesDuties and responsibilities• Classification of areasClassification of areas• Systems of workSystems of work

- record keepingrecord keeping- ordering- ordering- experimental procedures- experimental procedures

• Personnel monitoring proceduresPersonnel monitoring procedures• Dose investigation level – 2mSvDose investigation level – 2mSv• Contingency plans Contingency plans – loss, theft, spillage– loss, theft, spillage

Read, Understand and Sign Read, Understand and Sign (RP6 form)(RP6 form)


Accounting for, Keeping and MovingAccounting for, Keeping and MovingRadioactive Substances Radioactive Substances

House-keeping and records for quantity & locationHouse-keeping and records for quantity & location

Stored substances kept in suitable receptacle & storeStored substances kept in suitable receptacle & store

Suitable & labelled package whilst being movedSuitable & labelled package whilst being moved


Regulatory ControlRegulatory Control• Each source must have an ‘owner’Each source must have an ‘owner’

• Sources markedSources marked permanently with unique ID permanently with unique ID number, trefoil and key datanumber, trefoil and key data– Due the physical size often not possibleDue the physical size often not possible

• Label the container – can lead to loss when users put the wrong Label the container – can lead to loss when users put the wrong sources back in the wrong potsources back in the wrong pot

• Record KeepingRecord Keeping– IRR99 Regulation 28 and EPR2010 Permit conditionsIRR99 Regulation 28 and EPR2010 Permit conditions– Inventory list of Inventory list of allall sources – RPS should maintain a central sources – RPS should maintain a central

record of record of allall sources sources– Source usage record for each source – date logged out, to Source usage record for each source – date logged out, to

where and why, by whom, date logged back in to storewhere and why, by whom, date logged back in to store– Monthly checks on locations with a record of the checkMonthly checks on locations with a record of the check– Records of disposalsRecords of disposals


RecordsRecords• Radionuclide (*)Radionuclide (*)• Source ID number (*)Source ID number (*)• Activity (*) and supplier's reference date (*)Activity (*) and supplier's reference date (*)• Date received onto the premisesDate received onto the premises• If in equipment – what type, model, serial numberIf in equipment – what type, model, serial number• Current locationCurrent location• Current leak test certificate (*)Current leak test certificate (*)• Current source ‘owner’Current source ‘owner’• Date and manner of disposal of the sourceDate and manner of disposal of the source• Keep these for Keep these for at least at least two years (IRR99) but will two years (IRR99) but will

also need these ones (*) at disposal timealso need these ones (*) at disposal time


Leak TestingLeak Testing• Records of Leak TestRecords of Leak Test

– source (identification number)source (identification number)– date carried outdate carried out– who did the testwho did the test– method of testmethod of test– instrument used (serial number)instrument used (serial number)– numerical resultnumerical result– pass or failpass or fail– action if failedaction if failed


DisposalDisposal• Removal of sources from pieces of equipmentRemoval of sources from pieces of equipment

– Care with LSC sources – very small and can be Care with LSC sources – very small and can be difficult to extract (without an angle-grinder!!)difficult to extract (without an angle-grinder!!)

– Will need a suitable store for source once outWill need a suitable store for source once out– Remove Remove allall the labels from the equipment before the labels from the equipment before

scrapping !scrapping !

• Disposal optionsDisposal options– Perhaps Exempted or VLLW via decayPerhaps Exempted or VLLW via decay– Solid incineration – if in Permit conditionsSolid incineration – if in Permit conditions– Supplier might take backSupplier might take back– Sale or gifting to bona-fide organisations Sale or gifting to bona-fide organisations – Specialist disposalSpecialist disposal

• ACB, Gamma Services, Babcock etc.ACB, Gamma Services, Babcock etc.


• Sources must be held securelySources must be held securely• Locked in a secure/shielded store when not in useLocked in a secure/shielded store when not in use• ONE physical barrier OK for most materialsONE physical barrier OK for most materials• BUT some higher activity sources need at least BUT some higher activity sources need at least

TWO physical barriers + alarms + PIR + CCTV etc.TWO physical barriers + alarms + PIR + CCTV etc.• High Activity Sealed Sources – HASSHigh Activity Sealed Sources – HASS• Comply with guidelines from NaCTSOComply with guidelines from NaCTSO• Inspections by Counter-Terrorism OfficersInspections by Counter-Terrorism Officers

Source SecuritySource Security


Transport of Radioactive MaterialsTransport of Radioactive Materials(Carriage of Dangerous Goods Regulations)(Carriage of Dangerous Goods Regulations)

Consignor – prepares and/or sendsConsignor – prepares and/or sendsCarrier – physically transportsCarrier – physically transportsConsignee – receivesConsignee – receives

If going to be If going to be Consignor or CarrierConsignor or Carrier – must contact – must contactThe Radiation Protection Office to discussThe Radiation Protection Office to discussarrangements e.g. Type of package, vehicle placardsarrangements e.g. Type of package, vehicle placardsMust Must notnot be in private car – insurance invalidated be in private car – insurance invalidated

Even as Even as ConsigneeConsignee – written procedure for receipt – written procedure for receipt


The Radiation Protection Office (RPO)The Radiation Protection Office (RPO)

Pete ColePete Cole ((Room 406Room 406 794 3467)794 3467)Radiation Protection Adviser / Radioactive Waste AdviserRadiation Protection Adviser / Radioactive Waste Adviser

Louise NicholsonLouise Nicholson (Room 406(Room 406 794 3467)794 3467)Radiation Protection Adviser / Radioactive Waste AdviserRadiation Protection Adviser / Radioactive Waste Adviser

TBATBA (Room 407(Room 407 794 3466)794 3466)Radiation Protection TechnicianRadiation Protection Technician

Mrs Ina GreenwoodMrs Ina Greenwood (Room 407(Room 407 794 3465)794 3465)Radiation Protection SecretaryRadiation Protection Secretary

[email protected]


Work of the RPO (includes!!)

Advice to University staff on complying with regs.Advice to University staff on complying with regs. Departmental audits to ensure safe practice.Departmental audits to ensure safe practice. Liaison with EA, HSE, NRPB, SRP and AURPO.Liaison with EA, HSE, NRPB, SRP and AURPO. Disposal of radioactive waste.Disposal of radioactive waste. Monitoring staff doses.Monitoring staff doses. Dealing with incidents and issues.Dealing with incidents and issues. Communicating with the media.Communicating with the media.


The RPO WebsiteThe RPO Website

www.liv.ac.uk/radiationwww.liv.ac.uk/radiation

Details of RPO and how to contact us.Details of RPO and how to contact us.

Basic information on radiation hazards.Basic information on radiation hazards.

DocumentsDocuments - Generic Local Rules. - Generic Local Rules.

- New Work(er) Registration Forms.- New Work(er) Registration Forms.

- Waste Collection Request Forms.- Waste Collection Request Forms.

- Risk Assessment Forms.- Risk Assessment Forms.


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RadioactiveSubstances

BasicBasicRadiationRadiationProtectionProtection

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