CNSC Working Safely With Industrial Radiography Flashcards
Wilhelm Roentgen
Discovered x-rays
Industrial Radiography
Using radiation to produce images and see inside of a given specimen
Radiograph
Image produced using radiation and film/imaging plates
Responsibilities of CNSC
Regulate nuclear industry in Canada
Protect national security, health and safety of Canadians and the environment
Enforce NSCA
Issue licenses + ensure regulatory compliance
Certify exposure devices and EDOs
Two types of radiation used in industrial radiography
X-rays
Gamma sources such as Ir192, Co60 and Se75
Required operating temperature range for exposure devices
Canadian certification of exposure devices
requires them to operate over the broad
temperature range of –40ºC to 45ºC.
Radiation
Energy emitted by an atom or other
body as it changes from a higher energy state to a lower energy state
Natural background radiation
Found in soil, rocks, food, air, building materials, cosmic rays, and our bodies.
It contributes to about ¾ of our
annual radiation exposure.
Dose which may cause symptoms of radiation sickness
1000mSv
1Sv
Five-year dose limit for nuclear energy workers
100mSv
Annual dose limit for nuclear energy workers
50mSv
Average annual dose for an industrial radiographer
3mSv
Average annual dose from natural background radiation
in Canada
1.8mSv
Annual public dose limit
1mSv
Three principles of radiation protection
Time
Distance
Shielding
Responsibilities of Radiation Safety Officer
Designated by the licensee as persons responsible for being well-informed about radiation protection principles, methods and practices, as related to the licensed activity.
Effectively manage the radiation protection program.
Responsibilities of Industrial Radiographer
Comply with applicable regulations and follow radiation protection program established by their employers.
Ensure their safety, as well as safety of the public and the environment.
Wear appropriate PPE, and consider/mitigate all hazards and risks.
How often are exposure device leak tests required?
Every 12 months on both the sealed source and the shielding
What activity is allowed on an exposure device leak test?
200Bq or less
What happens if an exposure device fails a leak test?
Device must be removed from use, and the CNSC must be immediately notified.
Source changer
CNSC-certified transport package designed for source exchange purposes.
Requirements for using source changer
Must be done by CEDO who has received training and specific
written authorization from the licensee.
Must specifically record dosimeter reading for this activity.
Types of Personal Dosimeters
Passive dose-measuring equipment:
Thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD)
Optically stimulated luminescence dosimeter (OSLD).
Direct Reading Dosimeter (DRD)
Real-time dosimeter that monitors the absorbed dose to the worker. Checked periodically by the radiographer during the shift to verify doses received during radiography work.
Personal Alarming Dosimeter
Emits an audible warning signal when a dose rate alarm set point is exceeded.
Survey Meter
Measures radiation dose rate. A radiation survey meter must
be calibrated every 12 months for the intended use.
What is a Survey Meter used for?
Confirm appropriate positioning of signs and barriers.
Confirm source has returned to shielded position after every exposure.
Confirm integrity of exposure device shielding prior to transport or use.
Training requirements for industrial radiographers
Basic radiation safety + ALARA principles
Review of licensee radiation safety program + regulatory requirements
Review of the license and its conditions
Importance of barriers and signage
Responsibilities of CEDO
Safely and securely handle exposure devices
Prepare exposure devices for transport
Store and operate exposure devices and related accessories
Properly utilize radiation detection and measurement equipment
Understand and comply with all relevant regulatory requirements
Trainee supervisors
CEDOs who directly supervise and continuously observe the trainee during the operation of an exposure device.
Expected to be close enough to ensure the safe operation of the device, the accessory equipment and radiation monitoring equipment.
Lost or stolen exposure device
Immediately report to CNSC by calling CNSC Duty Officer
Immediately contact local law enforcement
Vehicle carrying exposure device involved in an accident
RSO reports to the CNSC, describing the location and circumstances of the accident and any action(s) taken or proposed to be taken as a result of the accident.
Limit the spread of any radioactive material
Restrict the area accordingly and send for assistance as required
Place barriers, signs or personnel at every point of entry
Record the name, address and telephone number of anyone who may have been exposed
Plan radiographic source recovery
Survey meter is damaged
Remove meter from service, assume the source is in unshielded position and stop work until operational and calibrated survey meter is available
Becquerel
International System (IS) unit of activity equal to one radioactive disintegration per second
CNSC (Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission)
Federal agency responsible for regulating the nuclear industry in Canada.
Certified Exposure Device Operator (CEDO)
Person certified by the CNSC, with the knowledge, skills and decision-making abilities necessary to safely operate an exposure device.
Dose
Radiation absorbed by the body
Dosimeter
Instrument that measures radiation doses. (TLD, OSLD, DRD)
Exposure Device
Radiation device designed for carrying out radiography.
Includes any accessory to the device (including any sealed source assembly, shielding, drive mechanism, sealed assembly guide tube and exposure head).
Ionizing radiation
Radiation which ionizes atoms (removing electrons) when it passes through matter, and is potentially dangerous to humans.
Leak test
Test performed to ensure sealed source is intact.
Licensee
A company or person to whom a CNSC licence has been issued for the possession and use of nuclear substances and radiation devices.
Nuclear Energy Worker (NEW)
A person required to perform duties in such circumstances that there is a reasonable probability they may receive a dose of radiation greater than the regulatory limit for the general public
Operating Procedures
Instructions supplied by the licensee covering radiation safety and regulatory requirements related to the use and possession of exposure devices.
Overexposure
Radiation dose to a person in excess of regulatory limits
Sievert
Metric unit for measuring radiation dose
1Sv = 100 rem
