OAR 333-120-0240
Control of Exposure from External Sources in Restricted Areas: Control of Access to Very High Radiation Areas — Irradiators


This rule applies to licensees or registrants with sources of radiation in non-self-shielded irradiators. It does not apply to sources of radiation that are used in teletherapy, in industrial radiography, or in completely self-shielded irradiators in which the source of radiation is both stored and operated within the same shielding radiation barrier and, in the designed configuration of the irradiator, is always physically inaccessible to any individual and cannot create high levels of radiation in an area that is accessible to any individual.

(1)

Each area in which there may exist radiation levels in excess of five gray (500 rad) in one hour at one meter from a sealed radioactive source that is used to irradiate materials must meet the following requirements.

(a)

Each entrance or access point must be equipped with entry control devices which:

(A)

Function automatically to prevent any individual from inadvertently entering the area when very high radiation levels exist; and

(B)

Permit deliberate entry into the area only after a control device is actuated that causes the radiation level within the area, from the sealed source, to be reduced below that at which it would be possible for an individual to receive a deep-dose equivalent in excess of one mSv (0.1 rem) in one hour; and

(C)

Prevent operation of the source if the source would produce radiation levels in the area that could result in a deep-dose equivalent to an individual in excess of one mSv (0.1 rem) in one hour.
NOTE: This rule applies to radiation from accelerators, and byproduct, source, NARM, or special nuclear radioactive materials that are used in sealed sources in non-self-shielded irradiators. This rule does not apply to radioactive or X-ray sources that are used in teletherapy or medical accelerators, in radiography, or in completely self-shielded irradiators in which the source is both stored and operated within the same shielding radiation barrier and, in the designed configuration of the irradiator, is always physically inaccessible to any individual and cannot create high levels of radiation in an area that is accessible to any individual. This rule also does not apply to sources from which the radiation is incidental to some other use.

(b)

Additional control devices must be provided so that, upon failure of the entry control devices to function as required by subsection (1)(a) of this rule:

(A)

The radiation level within the area, from the sealed source, or radiation source is reduced below that at which it would be possible for an individual to receive a deep-dose equivalent in excess of one mSv (0.1 rem) in one hour; and

(B)

Conspicuous visible and audible alarm signals are generated to make an individual attempting to enter the area aware of the hazard and at least one other authorized individual, who is physically present, familiar with the activity, and prepared to render or summon assistance, aware of the failure of the entry control devices.

(c)

The licensee or registrant must provide control devices so that, upon failure or removal of physical radiation barriers other than the radiation source’s shield or shielded storage container:

(A)

The radiation level from the radiation source is reduced below that at which it would be possible for an individual to receive a deep-dose equivalent in excess of one mSv (0.1 rem) in one hour; and

(B)

Conspicuous visible and audible alarm signals are generated to make potentially affected individuals aware of the hazard and the licensee/registrant or at least one other individual, who is familiar with the activity and prepared to render or summon assistance, aware of the failure or removal of the physical barrier.

(d)

When the shield for the stored source is a liquid, the licensee or registrant must provide means to monitor the integrity of the shield and to signal, automatically, loss of adequate shielding.

(e)

Physical radiation barriers that comprise permanent structural components, such as walls, that have no credible probability of failure or removal in ordinary circumstances need not meet the requirements of subsections (1)(c) and (d) of this rule.

(f)

Each area must be equipped with devices that will automatically generate conspicuous visible and audible alarm signals to alert personnel in the area before the source can be put into operation and in sufficient time for any individual in the area to operate a clearly identified control device, which must be installed in the area and which can prevent the source from being put into operation.

(g)

Each area must be controlled by use of such administrative procedures and such devices as are necessary to ensure that the area is cleared of personnel prior to each use of the radiation source.

(h)

Each area must be checked by a radiation measurement to ensure that, prior to the first individual’s entry into the area after any use of the source, the radiation level from the source in the area is below that at which it would be possible for an individual to receive a deep-dose equivalent in excess of one mSv (0.1 rem) in one hour.

(i)

The entry control devices required in subsection (1)(a) of this rule must have been tested for proper functioning. Records of required testing must be maintained in accordance with OAR 333-120-0680 (Records of Testing Entry Control Devices for Very High Radiation Areas).

(A)

Testing must be conducted prior to initial operation with the source of radiation on any day (unless operations were continued uninterrupted from the previous day); and

(B)

Testing must be conducted prior to resumption of operation of the source of radiation after any unintended interruption; and

(C)

The licensee or registrant must submit and adhere to a schedule for periodic tests of the entry control and warning systems.

(j)

The licensee or registrant may not conduct operations, other than those necessary to place the source in safe condition or to affect repairs on controls, unless control devices are functioning properly.

(k)

Entry and exit portals that are used in transporting materials to and from the irradiation area, and that are not intended for use by individuals, must be controlled by such devices and administrative procedures as are necessary to physically protect and warn against inadvertent entry by any individual through these portals. Exit portals for processed materials must be equipped to detect and signal the presence of any loose radiation sources that are carried toward such an exit and to automatically prevent loose radiation sources from being carried out of the area.

(2)

Persons holding licenses or registrations or applicants for licenses or registrations for radiation sources that are within the purview of section (1) of this rule and that will be used in a variety of positions or in locations, such as open fields or forests, that make it impracticable to comply with certain requirements of section (1) of this rule, such as those for the automatic control of radiation levels, may apply to the Authority for approval of the use of alternative safety measures. Any alternative safety measures must provide a degree of personnel protection at least equivalent to those specified in section (1) of this rule. At least one of the alternative measures must include an entry-preventing interlock control based on a measurement of the radiation that ensures the absence of high radiation levels before an individual can gain access to the area where such radiation sources are used.

(3)

The entry control devices required by sections (1) and (2) of this rule must be established in such a way that no individual will be prevented from leaving the area.

Source: Rule 333-120-0240 — Control of Exposure from External Sources in Restricted Areas: Control of Access to Very High Radiation Areas — Irradiators, https://secure.­sos.­state.­or.­us/oard/view.­action?ruleNumber=333-120-0240.

333‑120‑0000
General Provisions: Purpose
333‑120‑0010
General Provisions: Scope
333‑120‑0015
General Provisions: Definitions
333‑120‑0017
General Provisions: Implementation
333‑120‑0020
General Provisions: Radiation Protection Programs
333‑120‑0100
Radiation Dose Limits: Occupational Dose Limits For Adults
333‑120‑0110
Radiation Dose Limits: Compliance with Requirements for Summation of External and Internal Doses
333‑120‑0120
Radiation Dose Limits: Determination of External Dose from Airborne Radioactive Material
333‑120‑0130
Radiation Dose Limits: Determination of Internal Exposure
333‑120‑0150
Radiation Dose Limits: Planned Special Exposures
333‑120‑0160
Radiation Dose Limits: Occupational Dose Limits for Minors
333‑120‑0170
Radiation Dose Limits: Dose to an Embryo/Fetus
333‑120‑0180
Radiation Dose Limits: Dose Limits for Individual Members of the Public
333‑120‑0190
Radiation Dose Limits: Compliance with Dose Limits for Individual Members of the Public
333‑120‑0200
Surveys and Monitoring: General
333‑120‑0210
Surveys and Monitoring: Conditions Requiring Individual Monitoring of External and Internal Occupational Dose
333‑120‑0215
Surveys and Monitoring: Location of Individual Monitoring Devices
333‑120‑0220
Control of Exposure from External Sources in Restricted Areas: Control of Access to High Radiation Areas
333‑120‑0230
Control of Exposure from External Sources in Restricted Areas: Control of Access to Very High Radiation Areas
333‑120‑0240
Control of Exposure from External Sources in Restricted Areas: Control of Access to Very High Radiation Areas — Irradiators
333‑120‑0250
Storage and Control of Licensed Material: Security of Stored Material
333‑120‑0260
Storage and Control of Licensed Material: Control of Material Not in Storage
333‑120‑0300
Respiratory Protection and Controls to Restrict Internal Exposure in Restricted Areas: Use of Process or Other Engineering Controls
333‑120‑0310
Respiratory Protection and Controls to Restrict Internal Exposure in Restricted Areas: Use of Other Controls
333‑120‑0320
Respiratory Protection and Controls to Restrict Internal Exposure in Restricted Areas: Use of Individual Respiratory Protection Equipment
333‑120‑0330
Respiratory Protection and Controls to Restrict Internal Exposure in Restricted Areas: Further Restrictions on the Use of Respiratory Protection Equipment
333‑120‑0340
Respiratory Protection and Controls to Restrict Internal Exposure in Restricted Areas: Application for Use of Higher Assigned Protection Factors
333‑120‑0400
Precautionary Procedures: Caution Signs
333‑120‑0410
Precautionary Procedures: Posting Requirements
333‑120‑0420
Precautionary Procedures: Exceptions to Posting Requirements
333‑120‑0430
Precautionary Procedures: Labeling Containers
333‑120‑0440
Precautionary Procedures: Exemptions to Labeling Requirements
333‑120‑0450
Precautionary Procedures: Procedures for Receiving and Opening Packages
333‑120‑0460
Precautionary Procedures: Testing for Leakage or Contamination of Sealed Sources
333‑120‑0500
Waste Disposal: General Requirements
333‑120‑0510
Waste Disposal: Method for Obtaining Approval of Proposed Disposal Procedures
333‑120‑0520
Waste Disposal: Disposal by Release into Sanitary Sewerage
333‑120‑0530
Waste Disposal: Treatment of Disposal by Incineration
333‑120‑0540
Waste Disposal: Disposal of Specific Wastes
333‑120‑0545
Disposal of Certain Byproduct Material
333‑120‑0550
Waste Disposal: Transfer for Disposal and Manifests
333‑120‑0560
Waste Disposal: Compliance with Environmental and Health Protection Regulations
333‑120‑0600
Records: General Provisions
333‑120‑0610
Records of Radiation Protection Programs
333‑120‑0620
Records of Surveys and Leak Tests
333‑120‑0630
Records: Determination of Prior Occupational Dose
333‑120‑0640
Records of Planned Special Exposures
333‑120‑0650
Records of Individual Monitoring Results
333‑120‑0660
Records of Dose to Individual Members of the Public
333‑120‑0670
Records of Waste Disposal
333‑120‑0680
Records of Testing Entry Control Devices for Very High Radiation Areas
333‑120‑0690
Form of Records
333‑120‑0700
Reports of Theft or Loss of Licensed Material
333‑120‑0710
Reports: Notification of Incidents
333‑120‑0720
Reports of Exposures, Radiation Levels, Leak Tests, and Concentrations of Radioactive Material Exceeding the Limits
333‑120‑0730
Reports of Planned Special Exposures and Individual Monitoring
333‑120‑0740
Reports to Individuals Exceeding Dose Limits
Last Updated

Jun. 8, 2021

Rule 333-120-0240’s source at or​.us