N. C. Regulations for Protection Against Radiation

15A NCAC 11 .0521          PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR RADIOGRAPHY EQUIPMENT

Equipment used in industrial radiographic operations shall meet the following minimum criteria:

(1)           Each radiographic exposure device, source assembly or sealed source, and all associated equipment shall meet the requirements specified in American National Standard N432-1980 "Radiological Safety for the Design and Construction of Apparatus for Gamma Radiography".  This publication is incorporated by reference in Rule .0117 of this Chapter.

(2)           Engineering analysis may be submitted to the agency to demonstrate the applicability of previously performed testing on similar individual radiography equipment components.  Upon review by the agency, this may be an acceptable alternative to actual testing of the component pursuant to the above referenced standard.

(3)           In addition to the requirements specified in Item (1) of this Rule, the following requirements apply to radiographic exposure devices, source changers, source assemblies, and sealed sources:

(a)           Each radiographic exposure device shall have attached to  it by the user a durable, legible, clearly visible label bearing the following:

(i)            Chemical symbol and mass number of the radionuclide in the device;

(ii)           Activity and the date on which this activity was last measured;

(iii)          Model number (or product code) and serial number of the sealed source;

(iv)          Manufacturer's identity of the sealed source; and

(v)           Licensee's name, address, and telephone number.

(b)           Radiographic exposure devices intended for use as Type B  transport containers shall meet the applicable requirements of 10 CFR Part 71.

(c)           Modification of radiographic exposure devices, source chargers and source assemblies and associated equipment is prohibited, unless the design of any replacement component, including sealed source holder, source assembly, controls or guide tubes would not compromise the design safety features of the system.

(4)           In addition to the requirements specified in Items (1) and (3) of this Rule, the following requirements apply to radiographic exposure devices, source assemblies, and associated equipment that allow the sealed source to be moved out of the device for radiographic operations or to source changers.

(a)           The coupling between the source assembly and the control cable shall be designed in such a manner that the source assembly will not become disconnected if cranked outside the guide tube. The coupling shall be such that it cannot be unintentionally disconnected under normal and reasonably foreseeable abnormal conditions.

(b)           The device shall automatically secure the source assembly when it is cranked back into the fully shielded position within the device. This securing system shall be designed to only allow release of the sealed source by means of a deliberate operation on the exposure device.

(c)           The outlet fittings, lock box, and drive cable fittings on each radiographic exposure device shall be equipped with safety plugs or covers which shall be installed during storage and transportation to protect the source assembly from water, mud, sand or other foreign matter.

(d)           Each sealed source or source assembly shall have attached to it or engraved in it, a durable, legible, visible label with the words: "DANGER--RADIOACTIVE." The label shall not interfere with the safe operation of the exposure device or associated equipment.

(e)           The guide tube must be able to withstand a crushing test that closely approximates the crushing forces that are likely to be encountered during use, and be able to withstand a kinking resistance test that closely approximates the kinking forces that are likely to be encountered during use.

(f)            Guide tubes shall be used when moving the sealed source out of the device.

(g)           An exposure head or similar device designed to prevent the source assembly from passing out of the end of the guide tube shall be attached to the outermost end of the guide tube during radiographic operations.

(h)           The guide tube exposure head connection shall be able to withstand the tensile test for control units specified in ANSI N432.

(i)            Source changers shall provide a system for assuring that the sealed source will not be accidentally withdrawn from the changer when connecting or disconnecting the drive cable to or from a source assembly.

(5)           All associated equipment acquired after January 10, 1996 shall be labeled to identify that the components have met the requirements of this Rule.

History Note:        Filed as a Temporary Adoption Eff. August 20, 1994, for a period of 180 days or until the permanent rule becomes effective, whichever is sooner;

Authority G.S. 104E-7;

Eff. May 1, 1995;

Amended Eff. April 1, 1999

NC Radiation Protection, 1645 Mail Service Center,
Raleigh, NC  27699-1645  919-571-4141  Fax  919-571-4148