105 CMR 120.915 - Leak Testing of Sealed Sources

(A) Requirements. Each licensee using sealed sources of radioactive material shall have the sources tested for leakage. Records of leak test results shall be kept in units of becquerel (miCi) and maintained for inspection by the Agency for three years after the leak test is performed.

(B) Method of Testing. Tests for leakage shall be performed only by persons specifically authorized to perform such tests by the Agency, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, an Agreement State, or a Licensing State. The wipe sample shall be taken from the nearest accessible point to the sealed source where contamination might accumulate. The wipe sample shall be analyzed for radioactive contamination, and the analysis shall be capable of detecting the presence of (185 becquerel) (0.005 µCi) of radioactive material on the wipe sample.

(C) Interval of Testing. Each sealed source of radioactive material shall be tested at intervals not to exceed six months. Each ECS that is not exempt from testing in accordance with 105 CMR 120.915(A) shall be tested at intervals not to exceed three years. In the absence of a certificate from a transferor indicating that a test has been made prior to the transfer, the sealed source shall not be put into use until tested. If it is suspected that a sealed source may be leaking, it shall be removed from service immediately and tested for leakage as soon as practical.

(D) Leaking or Contaminated Sources. If the test reveals the presence of 0.005 microcurie (185 Bq) or more of leakage or contamination, the licensee shall immediately withdraw the source from use and shall cause it to be decontaminated, repaired, or disposed of in accordance with 105 CMR 120.200. The licensee shall check the equipment associated with the leaking or contaminated source for radiation contamination and, if contaminated, have it decontaminated or disposed of by an NRC or Agreement State licensee. A report describing the equipment involved, the test results, and the corrective action taken shall be filed with the Agency within five working days.

(E) Exemptions. The following sources are exempted from the periodic leak test requirements of 105 CMR 120.915(A) through (D):

(1) Hydrogen-3 sources;

(2) Sources of radioactive material with a half-life of 30 days or less;

(3) Sealed sources of radioactive material in gaseous form;

(4) Sources of beta- and/or gamma-emitting radioactive material with an activity of 3.7 megabecquerel) (100 µCi)) or less; and

(5) Sources of alpha-emitting radioactive material with an activity of 0.370 MB (10 µCi) or less.

Notes

105 CMR 120.915