GUIDE ST 5.6 / 17 Feb.

1999

RADIATION SAFETY IN INDUSTRIAL RADIOGRAPHY

1 2
2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6

Introduction General Requirements

Safety Licence, Radiation Safety Officer and Operating Organisation Operator in Charge Training Instructions Monitoring of Radiation Exposure and Medical Surveillance Radiation Meters

3 3
3 3 3 3 4 4

3
3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6

Requirements for X-Ray Radiography Devices

General Requirements Shielding Filtration Shutter and Diaphragms Cable and Control Panel Markings on the X-Ray Tube Unit

4
4 4 4 4 5 5

4
4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5

Requirements for Gamma Radiography Devices

General Requirements Radiation Source Exposure Container and Remote Control Projection Sheath and Control Cable for the Radiation Source Collimators

5
5 5 5 6 6

This Guide is valid as of 1 May 1999 until further notice. It replaces SS Guide 5.6 Radiation Safety in Industrial Radiography, issued on 6 January 1989. Second, revised edition Helsinki 2001 Mustavuoren Kirjapaino Oy ISBN ISBN ISBN ISSN 951-712-462-7 (print) 951-712-483-X (pdf) 951-712-484-8 (html) 0789-4619

GUIDE ST 5.6 / 17 Feb. 1999

5
5.1 5.2 5.3

Safe Working
General Instructions Open Installation Enclosed Installation

6
6 7 7

6
6.1 6.2 6.2.1 6.2.2 6.2.3 6.2.4 6.2.5 6.2.6

Regular Inspections of Radiography Devices

Devices for X-ray Radiography Devices for Gamma Radiography Projection Sheath Control Cable and Fixing Joint Remote Control Exposure Container Radiation Source and its Holder Leak Test of the Radiation Source

8
8 8 8 9 9 9 9 9

Storage and Transport of Devices for Gamma Radiography Accident Situations Bibliography

9 10 10

8 9

Appendix A Definitions Appendix B Structure of a Device for Gamma Radiography

Authorisation
Under section 70, paragraph 2, of the Radiation Act (592/1991), STUK Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (Finland) issues general instructions, known as Radiation Safety Guides (ST Guides), concerning the use of radiation and operations involving radiation. The Radiation Act stipulates that the party running a radiation practice is responsible for the safety of the operations. The responsible party is obliged to ensure that the level of safety specified in the ST Guides is attained and maintained. Translation. Original text in Finnish.

Guide ST 5.6

S T U K

1 Introduction
Safety in industrial radiography presupposes that the safety properties and operating condition of the devices are faultless, the personnel participating in radiography are properly trained, and that safety aspects are considered to a sufficient extent. The general principles of safety in radiation practice, and the requirements of legislation and regulatory control, are dealt within Guide ST 1.1. This guide presents those requirements which the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK) considers important for safety, and to which it pays attention when controlling the radiation safety of radiography.

2.2 Operator in Charge

Radiography devices can only be used by the safety officer or by a trained person with the safety officers written permission. If, owing to the nature of the work, the safety officer cannot actively supervise compliance with the safety regulations, he/she shall appoint an operator in charge for each place where radiation is used, the operator in charge being responsible for radiation safety in the place of use and its surroundings.

2.3 Training
The safety officer shall ensure that the operating personnel are trained in safe working practices. All members of the operating personnel must be given sufficient training in the handling of radiography devices and in matters related to radiation protection. Every worker who is involved in radiography must read the radiation protection regulations and instructions pertaining to their own field of work. They must demonstrate to the safety officer that they are familiar with the contents. This must be confirmed in a document that is signed by both the safety officer and the worker.

2 General Requirements
2.1 Safety Licence, Radiation Safety Officer and Operating Organisation
The operation and possession of a device for gamma radiography and the operation of an Xray device requires a safety licence. The license is granted by STUK on written application. The applicant shall propose a person to be appointed as radiation safety officer responsible for the safe use of radiation, and shall give the necessary data on the radiography operations that will be performed. The safety officer shall have sufficient training and experience for the supervision of radiography. The safety licence contains provisions for the inspections to be performed on the device and operations. More detailed information about the application of the licence can be obtained from STUK. Application for a safety licence shall include a description of the organisation. In addition to appointing a safety officer, the competence of the operating personnel, tasks, allocation of responsibilities, and safety arrangements in the place of use shall be defined. More detailed information about the description of the organisation is given in Guide ST 1.4.

2.4 Instructions
The safety officer shall put on display in the place where radiation is used the radiation protection instructions that have been drawn up for the operations. The instructions shall pay particular attention to specifying the measures that must be taken in the case of equipment failure or a radiation accident (see chapter 8). Operators must also be provided with sufficient instructions for working outside their regular place of work. Radiography devices must be accompanied by operating instructions in Finnish (when necessary in Swedish).

ST U K

Guide ST 5.6 Tube voltage Max 150 kV Leakage radiation 1 mSv/h 2.5 mSv/h 5 mSv/h

2.5 Monitoring of Radiation Exposure and Medical Surveillance

Owing to the nature of the work and the risk of accidents, industrial radiography is the kind of work for which the workers have to be classified as occupationally exposed workers (category A). Individual monitoring of exposure and medical surveillance shall be arranged to these workers. The instructions for the monitoring of radiation exposure are presented in Guide ST 7.1. and for the medical surveillance in Guide ST 7.5.

150200 kV over 200 kV

3.3 Filtration
The total filtration of primary radiation must be equal to the following values at least: Tube voltage Total filtration no requirements 2 mm Al 3 mm Al 4 mm Al 0.5 mm Cu

2.6 Radiation Meters

Max 50 kV A sufficient number of radiation meters must be available for the radiography device. A radiation meter is necessary for monitoring the radiation field when the radiography device is in use. Workers who perform the imaging and their assistants must have both a personal dosemeter and a personal radiation alarm. The dosemeters and radiation alarms must be suitable for industrial radiography. STUK approves the dosemeters and alarms for the use in question when granting the safety licence or inspecting the practices. 50100 kV 100200 kV 200300 kV over 300 kV

3 Requirements for X-Ray Radiography Devices

3.1 General Requirements
The device shall conform to the information given in the documents. It shall function as intended, and be mechanically strong enough and so safe that the normal operation of the device does not pose any danger.

If the total filtration of the device is lower than the above figures, an easily installable extra filter must be available. The extra filter must be used, unless the imaging technique requires a lower filtration than normal.

3.4 Shutter and Diaphragms

For heating the X-ray tube, the radiation window shall be provided with a shutter which attenuates the primary beam so that the values for leakage radiation, given in item 3.2, are not exceeded. The shutter must be easy to install. Panoramic X-ray device must be provided with a corresponding belt shutter. Diaphragms for achieving different primarybeam field sizes (collimators) must be available. Panoramic X-ray device shall be supplied with diaphragms enabling directional beam exposure. This is not required for X-ray crawlers.

3.2 Shielding
The protective housing of the X-ray tube shall be of such a structure that leakage radiation at a distance of one metre from the tube does not exceed the following values:

Guide ST 5.6

S T U K

3.5 Cable and Control Panel

The length of the cable between the X-ray tube unit and the control panel shall be at least 20 metres. If the radiation dose rate is low or if the X-ray device is installed as a stationary unit in the radiography room, a shorter cable can be accepted. The control panel shall include: A key switch, without which the device is inoperable. Two functionally independent exposure indicators. One of these must be a red signal lamp. A connector for the door switch of the exposure room. The system must be designed such that exposure is interrupted when the door is opened, and the device can only be restarted from the control panel after the door has been closed. Facilities for connecting a separate signal lamp. A text warning of a radiation hazard, stating that the device can only be used by operators appointed by the radiation safety officer.

4 Requirements for Gamma Radiography Devices

4.1 General Requirements
A device for gamma radiography shall be of such a design that faultless operation is ensured as effectively as possible. Attention must be paid, for example, to the following: durability and resistance to corrosion prevention of the passage of water, sand and other foreign material into the critical parts of the device resistance to abnormal temperatures resistance of the rubber, plastics and other corrsponding components to radiation. In addition to what is presented in this guide, a device for gamma radiography shall comply with the requirements set out in standard ISO 3999.

4.2 Radiation Source

The radiation source shall comply with standard SFS 4849 (ISO 1677), and its classification shall be at least C 43515 according to standard ISO 2919. In conjunction with replacement of the radiation source, the holder of the safety licence must check the certificate issued by the manufacturer in order to ensure that the radiation source meets the set requirements. The certificate must be kept ready for review by STUK.

3.6 Markings on the X-Ray Tube Unit

The X-ray tube unit shall be marked with the following information: maximum tube voltage (kV) maximum tube current (mA) location of focus primary beam angle total filtration. An X-ray tube unit which has only a beryllium window, must also carry a text warning of a high dose rate. The cylindrical window of a panoramic X-ray device must be clearly marked.

4.3 Exposure Container and Remote Control

A portable or movable exposure container shall meet the requirements for a transport container of type B (U), specified in the IAEA publication Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material.

ST U K The exposure container shall be marked with the following information: a radiation warning sign (see Guide ST 1.3) the radionuclide and maximum activity for which the container is intended the radionuclide in use, its activity and the date when the activity was determined type of container date when the device was last inspected. The exposure container shall have a locking device, and it shall be possible to lock the container without a key. Locking must be prevented if the radiation source is not in the secured position. The locking device shall be clearly marked to show whether the container is locked or not. The exposure container shall be of such a design that the radiation source can be moved from the secured position only by remote control. When the radiation source is in the secured position, the dose rate of leakage radiation must not exceed 2 mSv/h on the surface of the container, and 0.02 mSv/h at a distance of one metre from the container surface. The remote control shall clearly show whether the radiation source is in the secured position or in the working position.

Guide ST 5.6 The remote control cable sheath shall be of such a length that the remote control can be placed at a distance of at least 15 metres from the exposure container. A remote control cable and a sheath allowing a distance of 8 metres can be used in exceptional cases. The sheaths and the openings of the exposure container shall be provided with covers that prevent dust from entering the device.

4.5 Collimators
For radiography, there shall be a sufficient number of collimators. The collimators shall provide an attenuation corresponding to at least 2 TVT (tenth value thickness).

5 Safe Working
5.1 General Instructions
Safety precautions necessitated by the use of radiation, such as the importance of safety ropes, warning signs and lights, and the risk of a radiation accident, shall be explained to those staying in the vicinity of the exposure site. Before starting work, the operators must ensure that the radiography device is in a proper condition and that the persons who participate in radiography work are provided with a radiation meter and a personal dosemeter. The dose rate must be checked with a radiation meter. Unauthorised persons must be prevented, during the work, from handling the radiography device. When operators leave for a break, the device must be locked in such a way that it cannot be used. The primary beam must be limited with collimators such that it is as small as possible with respect to the radiography work. If part of the radiation beam bypasses the object that is being radiographed, there shall be a separate shield immediately behind the object. During the period when the X-ray device is being heated, the window must be covered with a shutter.

4.4 Projection Sheath and Control Cable for the Radiation Source
The projection sheath and control cable shall be capable of withstanding the stresses caused during use of the device. The connections between the control cable and the radiation source, and between the projection sheath and the exposure container, shall be of such a design that the radiation source can move only when the connections are properly made. The radiation source must not become loose or jammed in the projection sheath. The remote control shall be of such a design that the control cable cannot be accidentally disengaged from its drive.

Guide ST 5.6 Radiography must, as a rule, be performed in an enclosed installation. Open installations can be used only for fully justified reasons, for example if the size or location of the object to be exposed so requires. Additional instructions concerning open and enclosed installations are given in items 5.2 and 5.3. The operator must, as a rule, have at least one assistant. The operator can work alone in an enclosed installation. In an open installation, the radiography team can only use one device at a time. If more than one radiography team are working in the same area, there must be special arrangements to ensure safety. After completion of the radiography work, the operator must check the control panel of the Xray device in order to make sure that exposure has been terminated. When a device for gamma radiography is used, the return of the radiation source to the secured position must always be ensured with a radiation meter. Section 32 of the Radiation Act (Amendment 1142/1998) specifies the measures to be taken for the protection of workers. On the basis of this, working places shall be divided into controlled areas and supervised areas, and the employees whose radiation exposure must be monitored individually will be classified as a separate group (radiation work category A).

S T U K a separate flashing signal lamp mounted on the X-ray device. The controlled area, and access to it, must be controlled for the whole duration of the exposure. If the exposure takes place in an open field, and it can be effectively controlled, the area does not need to be isolated. Nobody is allowed to remain inside the controlled area during exposure. Radiographers can, however, briefly visit the controlled area if it is necessary for the performance of the work. In addition to the controlled area, supervision shall be extended to an area where the dose rate is higher than 7.5 Sv/h (supervised area). Only members of the radiography team can stay or work in this area during exposure. However, brief visits, such as during transit, are allowed. The control panel and the remote control must be located in such a way that the radiographers can control the area to a sufficient extent. One radiographer must remain in the vicinity of the control panel or the remote control so that the exposure can be quickly interrupted in an emergency. The dose rate shall be restricted to as low a level as possible in the area where the radiographers are working, and shall not as a rule exceed the value of 20 Sv/h.

5.3 Enclosed Installation 5.2 Open Installation

Open installation means that radiography is performed in an isolated and guarded area without fixed barriers. When planning radiography work, for example during selection of the radiography device and technique, as well as the location and time of the examination, special attention shall be paid to the following factors affecting radiation safety. The area around the object to be radiographed where the dose rate exceeds 60 Sv/h shall be isolated as a controlled area. Warning signs, ropes or other barriers shall be used for isolation purposes. When necessary, there shall also be Enclosed installation means that the radiography device has been placed in a shielded enclosure that only authorised personnel can enter. The radiography device is controlled from outside the room. The shielded enclosure is a controlled area. The operator must take into account the restrictions on working that apply, for example, to the maximum operating voltage of the X-ray device or the direction of the primary beam. If these requirements cannot be met, the radiography must be performed in accordance with item 5.2. Doors to the shielded enclosure must be lockable. At least one door must be of such a design

ST U K that it can always be opened from the inside of the room. The control panel and remote control of the radiography device must be located in a place from where the door of the shielded enclosure can easily be seen. If there are other doors to the shielded enclosure, they must be locked during exposure in such a way that they cannot be opened from the outside. Before exposure, it must be ensured that nobody is in the shielded enclosure. Before entering the shielded enclosure after exposure, the radiographer shall make certain that the exposure has been terminated. If a device for gamma radiography is used, this check shall always be made with a radiation meter. When the shielded enclosure is not in use, the operators shall ensure that unauthorised persons cannot touch the radiography device. The exposure container of a device for gamma radiography shall be locked. Doors to a shielded X-ray enclosure shall be provided with switches that are connected to the control panel (see item 3.5). The switches shall be installed in such a way that, in the event of a switch failure, the device does not work and it cannot be started. If devices for gamma radiography are used in the shielded enclosure, the doors to the enclosure must be provided with a safety device that prevents entry into the room during exposure. The shielded enclosure shall be marked with a radiation warning sign. On the outside, there shall be a clearly visible warning light that is lit during exposure. The light must be accompanied with an explanatory text; e.g. Red light is on during exposure. The shielded enclosure shall contain information about restrictions on the use of radiation, such as the maximum allowable operating parameters for the X-ray device, direction of the primary beam, and the highest allowable activity for the gamma radiography device.

Guide ST 5.6 The dose rate at a distance of one metre from the walls outside the shielded enclosure must be lower than 7.5 Sv/h when the X-ray device is operated at its maximum allowable parameters, or when the highest allowable activity is used in the gamma radiography device.

6 Regular Inspections of Radiography Devices

6.1 Devices for X-ray Radiography
X-ray devices shall be inspected at least once a year under the supervision of the radiation safety officer. During the inspection it shall be ensured that the warning lights, shutter, diaphragms, directional rod, warning signs and ropes, and all other safety devices, are operable, and that the electrical cables are undamaged. Faults and deficiencies must be repaired before the apparatus is used the next time. A note about the inspection shall be entered in the service book of the device.

6.2 Devices for Gamma Radiography

Devices for gamma radiography shall be inspected and serviced at least once a year under the supervision of the safety officer. The requirements and instructions issued by the manufacturer shall be taken into account during inspection and service. During the inspection it must be ensured that the device conforms to requirements and is in a good operating condition. Faults and deficiencies shall be repaired before the apparatus is used the next time. Inspections shall be carried out as specified in items 6.2.16.2.6 of this guide. A note about the inspections shall be entered in the service book of the device and on the exposure container of the radiation source (see item 4.3).

6.2.1 Projection Sheath

It must be checked that: The projection sheath is not worn or damaged and has no fractures or become brittle.

Guide ST 5.6 The fixing joint is not damaged and operates faultlessly. The inside of the projection sheath is clean and undamaged.

S T U K tion source is ready for operation, can be seen clearly.

6.2.5 Radiation Source and its Holder

When the radiation source is replaced, proper markings shall be made on the exposure container (see item 4.3). The container shall be checked for leakage radiation. Replacement of the source shall be carried out according to the written instructions. The radiation source holder shall be replaced with a new one when the source is replaced. A 60Co source shall be replaced after 15 years of use, at the latest.

6.2.2 Control Cable and Fixing Joint

It must be checked that: The cable is not corroded and has no damaged strands. Damage often occurs near the fixing joint of the radiation source. The cable is not bent. The cable must be replaced if it cannot be straightened without tools. The fixing joint between the cable and the radiation source holder is not worn or damaged. The tensile strength of the joint must be tested by subjecting it to a force of 400 N.

6.2.6 Leak Test of the Radiation Source

Co source shall undergo a wipe test according to standard SFS 5111, section 7. The wipe test shall not be performed directly on the radiation source capsule. The wipe sample is taken from a surface that has been in contact with the source, e.g. on the inside surface of the projection sheath.
60

6.2.3 Remote Control

The remote control must be dismantled in such a way that any worn parts that may endanger faultless operation can be discerned during the inspection.

6.2.4 Exposure Container

The exposure container shall be inspected at least once a year, and always when the radiation source is replaced. The exposure container can be inspected when it is either loaded or empty. Locking devices or radiation shields must not be dismantled for the inspection. During the inspection it shall be ensured that: The exposure container has been marked properly (see item 4.3). The plate showing the radionuclide shall only be in its place when the container is loaded. The container shows no signs of visible damage that can affect its shielding properties, and the radiation source has not caused any wear to the internal parts of the container. The connections to the cables are clean and undamaged. The shutter and locking mechanism function faultlessly and show no signs of visible damage. The markings on the shutter and on the locking mechanism, that show that the radia-

7 Storage and Transport of Devices for Gamma Radiography

After use, a device for gamma radiography shall be locked and kept in a fire-proof and safe place, e.g. in a locked cupboard or in a room provided with a radiation warning sign. The dose rate outside the room shall not exceed 7.5 Sv/h, provided that the dose rate in the places that are used for regular working purposes shall not exceed 0.5 Sv/h. A device for gamma radiography can be stored, in accordance with the regulations concerning transportation, for shorter periods of time in a locked vehicle where it must be securely fixed and under supervision. The relevant transport regulations shall be complied with when devices for gamma radiography

ST U K are transported. The dose rate in a vehicle must not exceed 20 Sv/h in any of the spaces intended for the driver or crew in cases where personal dosemeters are not used. As precaution for accident situations, the radiography device shall be accompanied with a sign in a visible place warning of radiation. It shall be supplemented with a suitable text, such as: This vehicle is used for transporting device containing radioactive material. If the container of the radiation source is undamaged, the device can be handled without any risk. In the case of an accident, contact the nearest police, regional alarm centre or Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK) tel. (09) 759 881.

Guide ST 5.6 ly. The radiation source must never be touched by hand and no hasty measures should be taken. Guarding should be continued until sufficient expert help has arrived. On request, STUK will give instructions for the handling of a loose or stuck radiation source.

9 Bibliography
1 Nordic Recommendations on Radiation Protection in Industrial Radiography. The Radiation Protection Institutes in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, 1987. 2 SFS 4575. Measurement of radioactive surface contamination. Smear method (Smear test, Wipe test). 3 SFS 5111. Sealed radioactive sources. Leak test method during use. 4 ISO 1677. Sealed radioactive sources. General. 5 ISO 2919. Radioactive sources. Classification. 6 ISO 3999. Apparatus for gamma radiography Specification. 7 Act on Transport of Dangerous Goods (719/ 1995). 8 Decree on the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road (632/1996). 9 Decision of the Ministry of Transport and Communicatios on the amendment of the decision of the Ministry of Transport and Communications of transport of dangerous goods by road (1181/1994) with its amendments. 10 Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material. IAEA Safety Standards Series No. ST-1. International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, 1996.

8 Accident Situations
The holder of a safety licence shall ensure that the workers have instructions in case of a radiation accident. The instructions shall include the following information: immediate actions for restricting the radiation exposure as effectively as possible warning the personnel and outsiders notifying the radiation safety officer and STUK. When the holder of a safety licence or the safety officer is notified of an incident or a radiation accident, he or she shall contact STUK. An incident can mean, for example, that the radiation source is stuck in the projection sheath or has become loose. In such a case, the following action shall be taken: 1. Unauthorised persons are cleared to a sufficient distance from the area. 2. An area in which the dose rate exceeds 60 Sv/h is isolated around the site of the accident. The area must be guarded. 3. The accident is reported to the safety officer, STUK, and the foreman of the workplace where it has occurred. Transferring the dismantled or stuck radiation source to the shielding shall be planned careful-

10

Guide ST 5.6

S T U K

A PPENDIX A

DEFINITIONS

Radiography device is a device for X-ray radiography or gamma radiography. X-ray device includes the X-ray tube unit, transformers, mains and high-voltage cables, control panel and the necessary accessories, such as diaphragms, filters and tripods. X-ray tube unit includes at least the X-ray tube and the protective housing and, depending on the type of device, the high-voltage transformer, filament current transformer and cooling devices. Control panel includes the operating and control devices of the X-ray device, such as controllers for current and voltage, timer, radiation signal lights and the main switch with its key. Gamma radiography device includes the exposure container, radiation source, remote control, projection sheath, remote control cable and sheath, and the necessary accessories, such as collimators and tripods. Exposure container is a radiation shield for a gamma radiography device; used for storing and transporting the radiation source. Remote control is a device for controlling gamma radiography device at a distance. Leakage radiation means radiation that penetrates the protective housing of an X-ray tube unit or the exposure container wall of a gamma radiography device.

11

ST U K

Guide ST 5.6

A PPENDIX B

STRUCTURE OF A DEVICE FOR GAMMA RADIOGRAPHY

projection exposure container sheath

beam limiter (collimator)

remote control cable sheath source in working position

remote control

source in storage position

source holder remote control cable fixing joint

12