Section 410IAC5-10.1-9. Leak testing of sealed sources

 

                                (a) Requirements. Each licensee using sealed sources of radioactive material shall have the sources tested for leakage. Records of leak test results shall be kept in units of microcuries and maintained for inspection by the board for 6 months after the next required leak test is performed or until transfer or disposal of the sealed source.

                                (b) Method of Testing. Tests for leakage shall be performed only by persons specifically authorized to perform such tests by the board, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, an agreement state or a licensing state. The test sample shall be taken from the surface of the source, source holder or from the surface of the device in which the source is stored or mounted and on which one might expect contamination to accumulate. The test sample shall be analyzed for radioactive contamination, and the analysis shall be capable of detecting the presence of 0.005 microcurie of radioactive material on the test sample.

                                (c) Interval of Testing. Each sealed source of radioactive material shall be tested at intervals not to exceed 6 months. In the absence of a certificate from a transferor indicating that a test has been made prior to the transfer, the sealed source shall not be put into use until tested. If for any reason, it is suspected that a sealed source may be leaking, it shall be removed from service immediately and tested for leakage as soon as practical.

                                (d) Leaking or Contaminated Sources. If the test reveals the presence of 0.005 microcurie or more of leakage or contamination, the licensee shall immediately withdraw the source from use and shall cause it to be decontaminated, repaired or disposed of in accordance with 410 IAC 5. A report describing the equipment involved, the test results, and the corrective action taken shall be filed with the board.

                                (e) Exemptions. The following sources are exempted from the periodic leak test requirements of 410 IAC 5-10.1-9(a) through (d):

(1) Hydrogen-3 sources;

(2) Sources of radioactive material with a half-life of 30 days or less;

(3) Sealed sources of radioactive material in gaseous form;

(4) Sources of beta- and/or gamma-emitting radioactive material with an activity of 100 microcuries or less; and

(5) Sources of alpha-emitting radioactive material with an activity of 10 microcuries or less.

(Indiana State Department of Health; 410 IAC 5-10.1-9; filed Feb 29, 1984, 10:10 am: 7 IR 981; readopted filed Nov 15, 2001, 1:30 p.m.: 25 IR 1270; readopted filed May 22, 2007, 1:44 p.m.: 20070613-IR-410070141RFA; readopted filed Sep 11, 2013, 3:19 p.m.: 20131009-IR-410130346RFA)