sealed source safety training for ni-63 ecd sources
DESCRIPTION
Sealed Source Safety Training for Ni-63 ECD Sources. Radiological & Environmental Management Purdue University. Training Goals. Basic Radiation Safety Principles Familiarization with Regulations Purdue’s Policies and Procedures. Why do I need training?. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Radiological & Environmental Management
Purdue University
Sealed Source Safety Training for Ni-63 ECD Sources
Basic Radiation Safety Principles Familiarization with Regulations Purdue’s Policies and Procedures
Training Goals
The gas chromatograph you possess contains an ECD (electron capture detector)
The detector has a foil which can contain up to 15 mCi of Ni-63 (which is a radioactive isotope)
The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission require training for individuals that use or possess radioactive material
When used properly, there is no measurable radiation exposure
Why do I need training?
Radioactivity is an energy This energy is produced when an unstable nucleus
spontaneously emits particles and/or electromagnetic radiation
Radioactive material sources Sources are characterized as either sealed or
unsealed (or “open”) To qualify as a “sealed” source, the source must
pass a battery of tests and be certified under NRC regulations
The Ni-63 ECD is a plated foil source that retains its integrity to prevent release of radioactive material
What is radioactivity?
Pictures of common sealed sources
Ni-63 decays by low energyBeta emission
Alpha Molecularly large particle (2 protons and 2 neutrons), give
up their energy in a short distance (approximately 1 ½ inches in air)
Beta Smaller particle (electron), distance traveled ranges from
several inches to a few feet (depending on its energy) Gamma
Non-particulate energy wave, can travel several feet and easily penetrates material with low atomic mass
Neutron Neutral particle, can travel greater distances than gamma
radiation and easily penetrate material with low hydrogen ion concentrations
Ionizing Radiation Types
An average person in the United States receives annual radiation dose of ~620 mrem, which includes exposure received from cosmic and natural radiation, medical treatment, and consumer products.
Large doses of radiation have been known to increase risk of cancer, birth defects, and possibly genetic effects.
Low doses seem to show no statistical differences in biological risk; however, some people believe there is risk at all levels above background exposure.
At radiation levels around 1 rem, it has been estimated that the increased incidence of cancer is 0.03% - the normal incidence of cancer for the average person is 25%.
Risk of developing genetic effects is half the risk of cancer.
Risks of Radiation Exposure
Due to the low energy of the beta particle, contaminationcontrol is the only factor needed.
It is the goal of our facility to reduce radiation exposures to be As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA). We achieve this goal using: Contamination Control
gloves, lab coats, fume hoods, absorbent paper Time
do dry run, practice procedure to minimize time Distance
a little distance between you and a source can significantly decrease your exposure from it (follows the “Inverse-Square Law”)
Shielding Use proper shielding between you and a source to decrease
personal exposure betas - wood, Plexiglas gammas - lead, leaded glass
4 Factors to Reduce Exposure
Different shields are needed to minimize external exposure
Ionizing Radiation Shielding
Must be licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission or state agency
Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) develops and maintains a Radiation Safety Manual, which must be followed by individuals working under the NRC license, and it is enforceable by law
Rules Governing Use of Radionuclides
10CFR19 Rights and responsibilities
10CFR20 Standards for protection against radiation
Declared pregnant worker Security of radioactive materials
Applicable Regulations
Rights to be informed of storage, transfer, and use of
radioactive materials to further instruction on health protection
problems associated with radiation exposure and procedures to minimize exposure
to receive radiation exposure history to request an NRC inspection to be instructed in and required to observe
applicable provisions of NRC regulations and licenses
to be instructed in the appropriate response to warnings
10CFR Part 19Required instruction to workers
Retaliation against employees or students engaged in protected activities, whether they have raised safety concerns within the University or to the NRC, will not be tolerated
Problems should be addressed within the existing University hierarchy – contact the radiation safety office if you have any concerns regarding issues involving radioactive materials.
NRC Policy Statement
Occupational dose limits Surveys and monitoring Precautionary procedures Waste disposal Records of surveys Enforcement Storage and control of licensed material
10CFR20 Contents
All dose limits include exposure from both internal and external sources.
Target Dose Limit
Whole Body 5 rem/yr
Organ or Tissue 50 rem/yr
Skin or Extremities 50 rem/yr
Lens of Eye 15 rem/yr
Minor (i.e. non-adult) 10% of adult limits
Declared Pregnant Worker 0.5 rem per 9-month gestation period
10CFR20Occupational Dose Limits
Exposure= ability of photons to ionize air Roentgen (milliroentgen, mR) Geiger-Mueller readings
Absorbed Dose= energy deposited in matter Rad (millirad, mrad)
Dose Equivalent= biological weighted absorbed dose (tissue) rem (millirem, mrem) Film badge
Radiation Units
These effects are not possible under any circumstances with ECD sealed sources
Non-stochastic (cause and effect) Threshold Lethal Dose (LD50) is about 600 rad Examples
erythema (skin reddening) blood changes (white blood cells) Gastrointestinal Syndrome
Acute Effects of Radiation Exposure
If the integrity of the ECD source is maintained there is no measurable radiation exposure.
Stochastic (by chance, statistical basis) No threshold
Cancer Leukemia Cataracts Life Shortening
Data extrapolated from high dose data
Delayed Effects of Radiation Exposure
High doses - there is a correlation between dose and effect
Low doses (<10 rem) - it is unclear what the risk is at this level
Hormesis - low doses of radiation may be beneficial
Risk Analysis
If there is damage to the ECD or gas chromatograph please notify REM and a survey will be performed.
No surveys by the user are required for routine ECD use
REM will be conducting “leak tests” on sealed sources to evaluate whether the source containment is intact this will be done at 6 month intervals.
Surveys
The goal is to prevent unauthorized accessor use of radioactive materials.
Secure laboratories when unoccupied Challenge visitors or unauthorized individuals REM accounts for RAM through inventory
records
SecurityNRC Area of Emphasis
Operate the GC only within the parameters established by the manufacturer
Never open or attempt to service the ECD on your own- cleaning must be done by an authorized provider
Notify REM before moving or disposal of the GC Ensure that the GC is labeled as containing
radioactive material Notify REM immediately is the unit or source is lost
or missing Notify REM for shipment of the source for service,
Department of Transportation rules must be followed for shipment
Checklist for compliance and safety
Call 911 Assist personnel Monitor personnel Control area - inform other workers Notify radiation safety office
Emergency Procedures
Medical needs come first! Postpone monitoring, call 911, notify of radioactive material use
Wait for medical personnel - calmly advise radioactive materials may be involved if that is the case
Notify REM to assess if there may be contamination from the source
Severe Personal Injury
Always use ALARANo eating, drinking, or smoking in
labsAlways secure materials, lock doorsNever allow unauthorized users
access to radioactive materialsCall REM for any related questions
(49-46371)All Emergencies – call 911
Review
James F. Schweitzer, Ph.D. 49-42350Radiation Safety Officer [email protected]
Mary J. R. Handy, CLSO 49-42721Laser Safety Officer, Assistant RSO [email protected]
Chris Echterling 49-41478Health Physicist [email protected]
Sharon K. Rudolph 49-47969Isotope Ordering & Distribution [email protected]
Jerry J. Gibbs 49-40207Waste Handling & Meter Calibration [email protected]
Mike Nicholson 49-40205Waste Handling & Animal Hospital Support [email protected]
REM Main Office 49-46371Civil Engineering Building, Room B173 www.purdue.edu/rem
REM’s Radiation Safety Group
Complete the test indicated below. You must have a minimum score of 75% to
pass Complete a Form A-4 (make sure that both
you AND your Principal Investigator have signed the form). Send your Form A-4 through campus mail to
Sharon Rudolph/REM/CIVL.
Test
Click here to begin the test.