SURVEY GUIDE FOR UNSEALED RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL

Transcription

1 SURVEY GUIDE FOR UNSEALED RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL Purpose The goal of any radiation safety program is to keep dose to individuals and contamination levels As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA). The radiation protection survey provides a means for workers to assess the care with which radioactive material is used and to document compliance with radiation safety guidelines. The mandate for surveys can be found in the Cornell University Radiation Safety Manual Sections (7), 2.5.7, 5.6 and 5.7 and in the New York State 10NYCRR Part 16 Section This guide provides detailed instruction for conducting surveys as well as recording and interpreting results. This guide is part of the Radiation Safety Manual. Table of Contents I. Related Definitions Page 1 II. Responsibility Page 1 III. Survey Types/Frequency/Location Page 2 A. Contamination Surveys Page 2 B. During and Post Use Surveys Page 2 C. Monthly Surveys Page 3 D. Terminal Surveys Page 3 IV. Survey Methods Page 4 A. Meter Survey Page 4 B. Wipe Survey Page 4 V. Corrective Action Page 7 A. Wipe Survey Page 7 B. Meter Survey Page 8 VI. Permit Holder Review Page 9 VII. Records Page 9 A. Requirements Page 9 B. Survey Report Form Instructions Page10 VIII. Broken Meter Instructions Page 12 IX. Out of Service Labels Page 13 X. Forms and Examples Page 15 I. Related Definitions As used in this guide, the following terms refer to: GM: A portable meter which has a Geiger-Müller type of probe LEG: A portable meter which has a low energy gamma (thin-window NaI) type of probe LSC: Liquid scintillation counter GC: Gamma counter External Dose Rate: Dose rate (mrem/h) to which an individual could be exposed Contamination: Radioactive material which is not contained within a designated container or in an area where it is not expected/wanted, such as that found on a floor, bench or skin Removable Contamination which can be removed by wiping or cleaning a surface Contamination: Fixed Contamination: Contamination which cannot be removed by wiping or cleaning a surface Uncontrolled Area: An area where access is neither controlled nor restricted Controlled Area: An area where access is restricted to authorized radiation users and accompanied visitors Authorized Radiation Use Room: A room authorized for use and/or possession of radioactive material or radiation producing equipment Area Labeled for Radiation Use: An area within an authorized radiation use room which is designated a controlled area, including sites where radioactive material is handled (such as bench tops), stock and waste storage areas, hoods, equipment; etc. or where radiation producing equipment is used Non-Radiation Use Area: A non-labeled area within an authorized use room where radioactive materials are not used, such as desks and other work benches Non-RAM Trash: Any waste that has never been considered radioactive, such as ordinary trash. II. Responsibility The Cornell Radiation Safety Program designates the permit holder as the person responsible for performing and recording radiation surveys. Permit holders may delegate the surveys to authorized users FILE IN THE INSPECTION AND SURVEYS SECTION OF THE RADIATION SAFETY MANUAL. Page 1

2 within the research group. However, the permit holder retains oversight responsibility. The permit holder shall ensure that all surveys as specified below in Section III are performed. III. Survey Types/Frequency/Locations A. Contamination Surveys Items, such as gloves and bench paper, that may have come into contact with radioactive material must be contamination free prior to disposal into non-ram trash. In order to dispose of these items as nonradioactive, New York State requires that contamination levels are indistinguishable from background meter readings. To ensure that contamination is not entering the regular waste stream, surfaces of these items must be surveyed prior to disposal. Except for 3 H, meter surveys must be performed in a lowbackground area (dose rate less than 0.05 mrem/h) with the probe no more than 1 centimeter from the surface of the item. For an item to be determined as indistinguishable from background, the count rate must be less than 2 times the background count rate. For example, if the meter background count rate is 50 cpm, any item whose surface indicates less than 100 cpm may be disposed of as non-radioactive. Recording these surveys is not required, but it is imperative that no contaminated items are placed into the regular trash. Choose the appropriate probe for contamination monitoring: * For beta emitting radionuclides, except 3 H, or for high energy gamma (>100 kev) emitters, use a thin window GM probe. The lower detection limit is about 1000 dpm for 14 C and 35 S and about 200 dpm for 32 P. * For low energy gamma ( kev) emitters, use a thin crystal NaI (LEG) probe. The lower detection limit is about 200 dpm for 125 I. GM probes are inadequate as contamination monitors as their lower detection limit for 125 I is about 100,000 dpm. For 3 H, items that are likely to have come into contact with radioactive material must be wipe tested prior to disposal or release for unrestricted use. For an item to be determined as indistinguishable from background, the count rate must be less than 2 times the background count rate. For example, if the liquid scintillation counter background count rate is 50 cpm, any item whose surface indicates less than 100 cpm may be disposed of as non-radioactive. Dispose of items that cannot be adequately wipetested, such as bench paper and gloves, as radioactive waste. B. During and Post-Use Surveys Monitoring with a calibrated portable instrument with its associated GM probe shall be performed during and after each use of radioactive material, except for 3 H. During use, frequently monitor gloves, hands and work area. Give careful attention to maintaining dose rates around the perimeter of the work area at or below the limits shown in Section V.B. Table 3. After use, monitor the work areas, hands, lab coat, clothes, shoes, floor, and non-ram trash containers (if used during the experiment). Pay special attention to skin, hair and personal clothing. Any items or materials being disposed of as non-radioactive, such as gloves, must be surveyed using the criteria listed above for contamination monitoring. For 125 I, LEG probes should also be used for contamination monitoring. For 3 H users, wipe surveys must be performed when working with stock activity of 100 uci or greater. The choice of keeping a written record of results of these surveys is left to the discretion of the permit holder. Check the conditions listed in the permit to see if any other wipe survey or recording requirements are necessary. If during use, the dose rate limits cannot be maintained, restrict access to areas exceeding the limits to authorized radiation users or designate a larger work area. Be sure to label the perimeter of the area and ensure that non-radiation users are aware that they do not have access to that area. Orient the probe to face downward or to the side facing away from radioactive materials. To minimize the potential for contaminating the meter, using plastic wrap or parafilm in a single layer for 32 P and FILE IN THE INSPECTION AND SURVEYS SECTION OF THE RADIATION SAFETY MANUAL. Page 2

3 gamma emitting isotopes is acceptable. Any covering must be removed for the final contamination monitoring and dose rate measurements including monthly surveys. C. Monthly Surveys A thorough survey with a calibrated portable instrument with its associated GM probe and a wipe test survey shall be conducted within each calendar month in each room authorized by the permit holder s radioactive materials permit, i.e. labs, equipment rooms, environmental chambers, counting rooms, cold rooms, etc. The Radiation Safety Officer may require conducting surveys more frequently if survey results indicate that contamination or external dose rate guidelines have not been met. Record all results, positive and negative, on the LABORATORY SURVEY REPORT form (see attached). Meter surveys are not required if only 3 H is used. For 125 I, use a LEG probe to monitor for contamination. If contamination is found, an assessment must be made using a GM probe for dose rate. Record the dose rate results from the GM probe on the monthly LABORATORY SURVEY REPORT form. Be sure to include the area in the wipe test to check for removable activity. Monitor with the calibrated portable instrument areas where radiation fields are expected to be most intense (storage and dispensing areas, waste containers, etc.). Meter survey lab coats and non-ram trash containers located in authorized rooms. Areas most likely to be subject to contamination, such as benches, sinks, floors, waste areas, centrifuges, incubators, refrigerators, freezers, fume hoods, cabinets, etc., shall be monitored with both a meter and a wipe survey. On a rotating random basis, include as part of the wipe survey a few frequently used areas where contamination is not expected, such as doorknobs, light switches, telephones, etc. Perform a wipe survey on areas where positive meter results are found prior to any decontamination. Record all positive and negative meter and wipe survey results. Minimize the size and number of use and storage areas to reduce survey time and effort. Rooms, which have not been used since the previous monthly survey, do not require new surveys. However, Room (indicate location) not used must be noted on the survey record to document why the room was not surveyed. Storage areas must be surveyed even if stocks or waste have not been handled since the previous survey. Contamination can occur during storage. Survey results for rooms used in common with other permits must be included in the survey reports of each of the respective permits. The results may be a copy of a survey performed for any one of the permits. Special requirements for radiation surveys may be imposed. Check the conditions of the permit to see if other surveys are required. D. Terminal Surveys Before any area or piece of equipment that might have come in contact with radioactive material may be released for unrestricted use, such as maintenance, repair, disposal or new ownership, a terminal survey must be performed and documented. Terminal surveys are similar to monthly surveys, but are much more extensive in order to ensure that no radioactive material remains. All radioactive material must be removed from areas prior to beginning the terminal survey. The techniques for performing a terminal survey are the same as listed in this guide. For further details, refer to Special Procedure #8, Terminating Radioactive Material Use, Facilities or Equipment. IV. FILE IN THE INSPECTION AND SURVEYS SECTION OF THE RADIATION SAFETY MANUAL. Page 3

4 Survey Methods A. Meter Survey The meter survey offers a direct measurement of external radiation dose rates enabling assessments for shielding needs and effectiveness. It is also the quickest and easiest (though not the most sensitive) method to assess surface contamination on objects such as lab coats, hands, floors, benches, etc. Compared to a wipe survey, a meter survey provides increased assurance that contamination hot spots will be detected and, unlike a wipe survey, it can detect fixed contamination. A meter survey alone will not determine conclusively if contamination is removable. Performing the meter survey 1. Check the meter for proper operation a) Check the batteries using the self-check function of the meter. Replace them as necessary. b) Determine that the background dose rate is normal (typically mrem/h. for GM and cpm for LEG). Zero background indicates that the meter is nonfunctional. A high background indicates contamination of the probe or a meter malfunction. An intermittent response usually indicates a damaged probe cable. c) Check reproducibility. The meter/probe response to it s check source is indicated on the check source calibration label on the probe. When checking the reproducibility, the meter reading must be within the range noted on the label. If a meter is found to be nonfunctional, immediately label with an Out of Service label (see attached sheet) or other label stating DO NOT USE! INOPERABLE! and contact Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) for further instruction. 2. Be sure not to move the probe too quickly over surfaces. Give the meter time to respond. Move at a rate of about 1 to 2 seconds per inch. 3. Background rates can vary by perhaps a factor of 2. Consider a reading as a positive result when the dose rate exceeds twice the background dose rate. (See Section V.B. Tables 2 and 3 for dose rate limits in different areas.) 4. Mark areas of suspected contamination (use a grease pencil, a non-permanent marker, tape, etc.). Include the marked areas when performing the wipe survey before decontaminating. B. Wipe Survey The wipe survey is the most sensitive method for determining the amount of removable contamination. It is the only method for determining whether contamination is removable or fixed. This section provides instruction for determining activity in dpm for any wipe results related to radioactive material. This can include, but is not limited to, surveys for monthly wipe tests, waste removal, equipment release, etc. To perform the wipe survey, follow the instructions below. 1. Collect wipe samples a) Use a 2.5 cm paper filter disk. It may be moistened with distilled water, ethanol or decontamination solution. A dry filter is acceptable, but less sensitive. b) Wipe areas designated by the lab s survey maps or legends and any area marked during the meter survey. c) Wipe some additional non-use areas, including areas of frequent contact, such as doorknobs, sink handles, light switches, telephones, etc. d) Wipe an area of approximately 100 cm 2. e) Specify in the record any area(s) wiped which is not indicated on the survey map or legend. A moist filter improves the survey sensitivity enabling more activity to be transferred to the filter. Using a larger filter or a mini vial causes the filter to either fold in on itself or attach itself to the side of the vial. This reduces the counting efficiency, especially for the lower energy beta emitters. FILE IN THE INSPECTION AND SURVEYS SECTION OF THE RADIATION SAFETY MANUAL. Page 4

5 Dissolvable filters are acceptable. An approximate 100 cm 2 area can be achieved by wiping an S-shape about 40 cm long. Wiping an area exactly 100 cm 2 is not overly critical, however avoid wiping significantly larger areas with the same wipe. 2. Prepare samples Beta emitters a) Using tweezers, place filter disk wiped-side up on the bottom of a 20 ml counting vial. b) Add 0.5 ml of distilled water. c) Add five (5) ml of LSC cocktail. d) Label vial cap with wipe identification. e) Seal vial with cap. f) Shake vial. Verify that the filter is still at the bottom of the vial after shaking. g) Repeat steps (a) - (f) for each sample taken. h) Prepare a background sample using a clean filter and repeat steps (a) - (f). Cherenkov counting of wipes may not be used for monthly surveys without written approval from the RSO. Gamma emitters a) Using tweezers, place filter disk into a gamma counting vial. b) Label vial with wipe identification. c) Seal vial with cap d) Repeat steps (a) - (c) for each sample taken. e) Prepare a background sample using a clean filter and repeat steps (a) - (c). 3. Count samples Wipes for monthly surveys shall be counted with the most sensitive instrument available. This is usually a liquid scintillation counter (LSC). A gamma counter (GC) may be used for gamma emitting isotopes. When the survey is for both beta and gamma emitters, count the filter first in the gamma counter and second in the LSC. a) Liquid Scintillation Counter (1) Set the proper channel perimeters (window settings) for the isotope(s) in use. This will help identify the isotope for any positive wipe results. An example of the channel settings for a lab working with H-3, P-32, and S-35 would be: Channel 1 (H-3): 0-400, Channel 2 (S-35): 0-700, Channel 3 (P-32, wide open): 0-1,000. (2) Count the samples, a background sample and a 3 H standard. Samples, except 51 Cr, must be counted for at least two (2) minutes each. 51 Cr samples must be counted for at least 12 minutes each. (3) Results from the wide-open channel (window) of less than two (2) times background are considered negative. Counts that are greater than or equal to two (2) times background are considered positive. (4) Recount the sample(s) with positive results and the background sample for five (5) minutes each. (Some positive results could be the result of extraneous luminescence.) (5) If the second sample counts from the wide-open channel (window) are less than two (2) times background, results are considered negative. Counts that are greater than or equal to two (2) times background are considered positive. Refer to Section V.A. for the decontamination procedure for areas with positive wipe test results. FILE IN THE INSPECTION AND SURVEYS SECTION OF THE RADIATION SAFETY MANUAL. Page 5

6 Factors, such as chemiluminescence and static, can cause false positive results from liquid scintillation counting. If a decontamination solution is used, allow any chemiluminescence to dissipate by storing samples in the dark for at least 2 hours before counting. b) Gamma Counter (1) Count the samples, a background sample and appropriate standard for the gamma emitter being counted. Samples should be counted for at least two (2) minutes each. (2) Results of less than two (2) times background are considered negative. Counts that are greater than or equal to two (2) times background are considered positive. (3) Recount the sample(s) with positive results and the background sample for 5 minutes each. (4) If the second sample counts are less than two (2) times background, results are considered negative. Counts that are greater than or equal to two (2) times background are still considered positive. Refer to Section V.A. for decontamination procedures for areas with positive wipe test results. 4. Interpreting Results a) Counter Reproducibility Verify that the counter(s) is functioning properly by comparing the standard count rate with those from the previous 2 months. The count rates should not change significantly. If the count rate changes by more than 5%, the counter is not functioning properly. The results from the counter should not be used and the wipes should be recounted on a working counter. Contact EH&S if another counter is not available to obtain valid results. b) Efficiency Determination Determine what isotope the contamination is from. For example, assume your lab uses the isotopes shown on the attached example report. When a wipe result is positive and the meter reading is background, use the efficiency for 3 H. If shielding with a few pieces of paper does not significantly reduce a high GM meter reading, assume it is 32 P. If unsure of the isotope, always use the most conservative (lowest) efficiency. Liquid Scintillation Counters * EH&S recommended LSC efficiencies are: 3 H = 30%, 14 C & 35 S = 90%, 33 P & 32 P = 90%, 125 I = 30%, 51 Cr = 10%. These counting efficiencies must be used unless other documentation has been submitted and approval given by the RSO (see next bullet). Sample preparation described herein must be followed for the recommended efficiencies to be valid. These efficiencies are only valid for wipe tests. Efficiencies for counting liquids and samples need to be determined by calibrating the LSC for your sample media and isotope. (See Special Procedure #12 for calibration guidance.) * In lieu of using the EH&S recommended counting efficiencies, LSC counting efficiency may be determined by counting filters spotted with a known activity of the radioisotope. EH&S can provide additional information on technique and calibration. Formal procedures for determining efficiencies other than the EH&S recommended counting efficiencies, must be reviewed and approved by the RSO prior to implementation. FILE IN THE INSPECTION AND SURVEYS SECTION OF THE RADIATION SAFETY MANUAL. Page 6

7 Gamma Counters Confer with EH&S for counting and efficiency determination instructions for the particular gamma emitter(s). c) Calculate the activities (1) Results from the wide-open channel (window) that are less than two (2) times background (negative results) are considered to be less than 100 dpm. Record the results as <100 on the survey form. (See Section VII.B.3.c for survey form instructions). (2) Calculate the activity for all positive samples using the equation at the top back side of the attached survey form. (a) Subtract the background counts per minute from the sample counts per minute (Gross cpm) from the wide-open channel (window) to obtain the corrected counts per minute. (b) Divide the corrected counts per minute from step (a) by the counting efficiency in decimal form (such as, 30%=0.30). (c) Record the activity in dpm for each positive wipe result. Monthly surveys, waste surveys and equipment surveys all require individual positive results to be listed. (See Section VII.B.3.c for survey form instructions). (d) Record the results of the corrective action taken (i.e. final negative results after decontamination) on the survey form. (See Section VII.B.3.c for survey form instructions). Tip: Remember to always use the wide-open window when determining total counts for any sample. The counts obtained from the wide-open window will be used to calculate dpm. d) Compare the activities with the limits as described in Section V.A, Table 1. V. Corrective Action This section provides the limits for wipe and meter survey results and directions for the corrective actions necessary when those limits are exceeded. Compare the results with these limits and follow directions. A. Wipe Survey All wipe results must be below the NYS DOH removable contamination limits in Table 1. If any wipe result is above the CU ALARA Guideline, follow the Decontamination Procedure for Surfaces. Table 1:Removable Contamination Limits Area NYS DOH CU ALARA Guideline Removable Contamination Limit (dpm/100 cm 2 (dpm/100 cm 2 ) ) Controlled Area Area Labeled for Radiation Use 500 for α emitters 5000 for β and or γ emitters 100 for α emitters 1000 for β and or γ emitters Uncontrolled Area Non-Radiation Use Area 100 for α emitters 1000 for β and or γ emitters 100 If any sign of contamination over background readings are found on any individual s skin, hair or personal clothing, contact EH&S by calling the Cornell University Police at 911. Decontamination Procedure for Surfaces 1. Return to the areas that had positive wipe test results. 2. Divide areas into smaller sections and wipe each section. 3. Process new wipes using directions under Section IV.B. FILE IN THE INSPECTION AND SURVEYS SECTION OF THE RADIATION SAFETY MANUAL. Page 7

8 4. Start at the outer edge of the contaminated area and clean using ordinary spray or foam cleaners and disposable towels, such as paper towels. Avoid spreading of contamination into clean areas. (If isotope is 3 H, scrub area(s) with towels and cleanser and skip to step (7) below.) 5. Scrub a small portion of the contaminated area with the towel. 6. Survey the towel with a meter to determine if contamination is being removed. 7. Repeat steps (3) through (5) in this section with clean towels until the meter survey shows no further contamination is being removed. 8. Rewipe areas and repeat steps (3) through (7) until negative results are obtained or until the activity on the positive wipes is less than the limits specified in Table 1. Removable contamination levels higher than the New York State limit must be removed. Whenever reasonably achievable, contamination levels must be maintained lower than the CU ALARA Guidelines. 9. Once all wipe test results are negative, perform another meter survey to verify decontamination is complete and to check for fixed contamination. 10. Initial results and final post-decontamination results must be recorded on the survey form. (See Section VII.B.3.c. for survey form instructions.) Tip: Remember, the materials used in decontamination become radioactive waste. Use waste reduction methods. B. Meter Survey 1. Fixed Contamination This section applies to areas and items that have become contaminated during radioisotope use, not for radiation fields from waste bottles, stock containers, etc. All dose rates from fixed contamination must be below the NYS DOH limits in Table 2. If any are above the CU ALARA Guideline, follow the Shielding Procedure for Fixed Contamination. Table 2:External Dose Rate Limits from Fixed (non-removable) Contamination Area NYS DOH Dose Rate Limit (mrem/h at 1 cm) CU ALARA Guideline (mrem/h at 1 cm) Controlled Area Area Labeled for Radiation Use Uncontrolled Area Non-Radiation Use Area If any sign of contamination over background readings are found on any individual s skin, hair or personal clothing, contact EH&S by calling the Cornell University Police at 911. Shielding Procedure for Fixed Contamination a) Apply the appropriate shield to areas where fixed contamination is creating radiation fields greater than the limits shown in Table 2. b) Meter survey to verify effectiveness of the shield. Dose rates from fixed contamination higher than the New York State limit must be shielded. Whenever reasonably achievable, the dose rates must be maintained lower than the CU ALARA Guidelines. c) Results from pre- and post-application of shielding must be recorded on the survey form. (See Section VII.B.3.b. for survey form instructions.) 2. Radiation Fields This section applies to areas where a source(s) of radiation causes a radiation field, including sources such as waste bottles, stock containers, sealed sources, etc., not to areas with surface contamination. All dose rates from these sources must be below the NYS DOH limits in Table 3. If any are above the CU ALARA Guideline, follow the Shielding Procedure for Radiation Fields. FILE IN THE INSPECTION AND SURVEYS SECTION OF THE RADIATION SAFETY MANUAL. Page 8

9 Area Controlled Area Area Labeled for Radiation Use Uncontrolled Area Non-Radiation Use Area Table 3:External Dose Rate Limits from Radiation Fields NYS DOH CU ALARA Guideline External Dose Rate Limit (mrem/h) (mrem/h) limited by dose received by user, not dose rate alone 2.0 at the perimeter of controlled and labeled areas and 0.05 at or beyond 30 cm from the perimeter of controlled and labeled areas At a constant dose of <0.05 mrem/h the 100 mrem/y is achieved. limited by dose received by user, not dose rate alone 0.5 at the perimeter of controlled and labeled areas and 0.05 at or beyond 30 cm from the perimeter of controlled and labeled areas Shielding Procedure for Radiation Fields a) Shield all radiation fields that are greater than or equal to the NYS DOH limits shown in Table 3 for the respective areas. Note that the limit for Non-Radiation Use Areas is dependent upon both the dose rates at the perimeter and at 30 centimeters from labeled areas. Both must be satisfied. Whenever reasonably achievable, the dose rates must be maintained lower than the CU ALARA Guidelines. b) Results from pre- and post-application of shielding must be recorded on the survey form. (See Section VII.B.3.b. for survey form instructions.) VI. Permit Holder Review The permit holder must review each monthly survey to ensure that the lab is in compliance with requirements and that the survey was properly performed and recorded. After the review, the permit holder must sign and date the survey form to document that the review took place. The report must be signed within 30 days of completion of the report. If the permit holder is away, the survey should be reviewed and signed by the alternate contact. The permit holder must countersign the survey upon his/her return. VII. Records Records provide the verification that surveys are performed and that Cornell s ALARA goals are being met. All entries must be complete and valid. Refer to Survey Report Form Instructions (Section VII.B.1. 7.) and the example form and map. A. Requirements Survey Guide for Unsealed Radioactive Material shall be kept in the Inspection and Surveys Section of the Radiation Safety Manual. Locations for wipe surveys shall be clearly indicated either by developing: a map for each authorized room and indicate the survey areas by numbers or letters, or a legend describing and numbering each survey location in all authorized rooms Laboratory Survey Report form provided by EH&S or a custom version (approved by the RSO) shall be used to record survey results. Monthly survey results shall be recorded in mrem/h for GM probe results. all survey results, positive and negative, as well as before and after corrective action, must be recorded. FILE IN THE INSPECTION AND SURVEYS SECTION OF THE RADIATION SAFETY MANUAL. Page 9

10 Survey records with maps/legends shall be: stored either in or with the Radiation Safety Manual in an easily identified companion binder. (Maps/legends may be stored with the monthly survey records, in the Radiation Safety Manual or conspicuously posted near the primary use area.) organized chronologically with the most recent report first kept in the lab and available to all lab personnel retained for at least 3 years, including the associated maps and/or legends. B. Laboratory Survey Report Form Instructions All sections of the Laboratory Survey Report form must be completed. (See attached example report form.) The number and letter system used in this section follows the system used on the form. Tip: Save time by making a custom copy master. Make 1 copy of the original; fill in Sections 1., 2., and 5., and duplicate that copy. Do not fill in dates or results, including circles and check marks. (Data that can be marked on the master copy are indicated below with a symbol.) Remember to make a new master when the instrument calibration data changes. 1. Header: Permit Holder: Enter the permit holder s name. Permit Number: Enter the permit number. Locations: List all rooms authorized by the permit. A room not used for isotope work since the last survey must also be listed, but may be omitted from the physical survey. In that case, an indication must be made in part 4. (Notes) of the form stating, Room (indicate location) not used. Surveyed By: Enter the name of the individual performing the survey. ( if always the same) 2. Instrument Data: Describe both the portable survey instrument(s) and the instrument used for counting wipes. See the meter or probe calibration label for some information. Record the following information: Date: Enter the date each part of the survey was performed. Make/Model: Enter the make and model number of the instruments. Serial #: Enter the serial numbers for the instruments used. Type*: Enter the types of instruments used. (See type codes at the bottom of the form). Dose Rate C.F.: Enter the respective correction factors listed on the meter s calibration label. Enter n/a in each place for which the meter does not have that corresponding range. Enter N.C. for any range that is not calibrated, as indicated by No Cal on the calibration label. Isotopes used: Enter all isotopes that were used and/or stored in any of the authorized locations since the last monthly survey. Efficiency (%): Enter the efficiency for each isotope listed. (See Section IV.B.4.b) for values.) Check Source Range (mrem/h): Enter the range from the check source sticker on the probe. Calibration Due Date: Enter the due date for the meter s calibration. (See calibration label on meter.) 3. Results Data: a. Area: Background: Use this line to enter the background information for each instrument. Check Source (mrem/h) and Standard(s) (cpm): Use this line to enter the information from the meter check source response test in mrem/h and the 3 H and/or gamma standard in cpm. Lab Coats: Use this line to record the data and results from the meter survey of the lab coats. FILE IN THE INSPECTION AND SURVEYS SECTION OF THE RADIATION SAFETY MANUAL. Page 10

11 Non-RAM Trash Cans: Use this line to record the data and results from meter surveying the regular trash cans, i.e. not receptacles used for radioactive waste. All Areas: Use this line to enter the negative results obtained. Record the range of wipes with negative results. Use each of the remaining lines under this column, as needed, to enter descriptions of the areas surveyed and wipes taken and to record the respective data and results. b. Meter Survey: Enter the check source reading in mrem/h Enter the mrem/h from the GM probe. See the mrem/h equation at the top back side of the form. Express negative results as <0.05. Enter the post-corrective-action survey results for each entry of a positive result. Combine negative results using a single entry, recording the highest mrem/h reading (<0.05 mrem/h). See example survey report for illustration. Record each positive result as a separate entry and record the result after shielding for each. c. Wipe Test: Enter the background cpm and the standard cpm under the appropriate counter type. Enter the gross cpm and calculated dpm/100 cm 2 for all wipes taken. See the dpm equation at the top back side of the report form. (Express negative results as <100.) Be sure to convert the efficiency to decimal form for calculation (i.e. 30% 0.30 c/d). Enter post-corrective-action survey results for each positive result. Negative results may be combined into a single entry on the All Areas line. Enter the highest cpm of the negative results in the gross cpm column and enter <100 in the dpm/100 cm 2 column. Enter each positive result as a separate entry and record the result from after decontamination for each one. 4. Notes: Enter the map or legend creation date. Enter any authorized room omitted from the survey due to no use or storage of RAM since the last survey as room (indicate location) not used. Enter any other information about the survey, as appropriate. If applicable, note the reason why any results which exceed the ALARA Guideline were not further reduced. 5. Survey meters used by the lab: List all meters and probes used in the lab. During the time that the monthly survey is conducted, check the operation of each instrument. (See Section IV.A.1. for detailed instructions.) Circle Y (yes) or N (no) to record whether or not the instrument(s) is functioning. If a meter does not respond correctly to the battery check (after changing batteries if needed) or respond to the check source within the range listed on the check source sticker on the probe, immediately label the meter with an Out-of-Service label (see attached sheet) or other label stating DO NOT USE! INOPERABLE! and contact EH&S for further instruction. If listing a meter that has more than one probe, mark an arrow down from repeating meter information to avoid writing it more than once. (See example report form.) 6. Visual Inspection: Inspect the lab for the items listed and enter check marks to indicate that the lab is in compliance. If any item is not in compliance, correct it immediately. Check off that the final survey results are below acceptable levels. For assistance or questions, contact EH&S. 7. Permit Holder Review: FILE IN THE INSPECTION AND SURVEYS SECTION OF THE RADIATION SAFETY MANUAL. Page 11

12 The permit holder must review and sign each month s survey report within 30 days of completion. The signature and date verifies the permit holder s review of the survey results, survey meter data and the visual inspection. If the permit holder is away, the survey should be reviewed and signed by the alternate contact. The permit holder must countersign the survey upon his/her return. VIII. Broken Meter Instructions If a meter is broken or appears to be malfunctioning: 1. Attach an label (see page 13) or equivalent label over the meter face. 2. Call EH&S for advice. The meter may have to be dropped off at EH&S. A meter can be loaned from EH&S if needed. 3. If possible, EH&S will repair the meter for the cost of replacement parts. Once repaired, EH&S will return the meter to the lab. 4. If the meter cannot be repaired at EH&S, EH&S will contact the lab staff to discuss options of sending the meter out for repair or purchasing a new meter. FILE IN THE INSPECTION AND SURVEYS SECTION OF THE RADIATION SAFETY MANUAL. Page 12

13 OUT OF SERVICE LABELS Do Not Use Do Not Use Do Not Use Do Not Use Do Not Use Do Not Use Do Not Use Do Not Use Do Not Use Do Not Use