N. C. Regulations for Protection Against Radiation

15A NCAC 11 .1308          LEAK TESTING OF SEALED SOURCES

(a)  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 microcuries and maintained for inspection by the agency for six months after the next required leak test is performed or until transfer or disposal of the sealed source.

(b)  Tests for leakage shall be performed using a leak test kit or method approved by the agency in accordance with these Rules and 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 test sample shall be taken from the surface of the source, source holder, or from the surface of the device in which the source is stored or mounted and on which one might expect contamination to accumulate.  The test sample shall be analyzed for radioactive contamination, and the analysis shall be capable of detecting the presence of 0.005 microcurie of radioactive material on the test sample.

(c)  Each sealed source of radioactive material, with the exception of energy compensation sources (ECSs), shall be tested at intervals not to exceed six months.  Each ECS source that is not exempted from leak testing pursuant to Paragraph (e) of this Rule 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 put into use until tested.  If, for any reason, 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)  If the test reveals the presence of 0.005 microcurie 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 these Rules.  A report describing the equipment involved, the test results, and the corrective action taken shall be filed with the agency.

(e)  The following sources are exempt from the periodic leak test and notification requirements of this Rule:

(1)           hydrogen‑3 (tritium) 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‑ or gamma‑emitting radioactive material with an activity of 100 microcuries or less; and

(5)           sources of alpha- or neutron-emitting radioactive material with an activity of ten microcuries or less.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 104E‑7; 104E‑12(a);

Eff. June 1, 1989;

Amended Eff. January 1, 2005; May 1, 1993.

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