Att_12__MPW_SOP_Rev0312-NIH_WasteMgt.doc

Standard Operating Procedure

Monitoring MPW Boxes for Radioactive Contamination

Office of Research Services

National Institutes of Health

DRS/SOP-2

March 7, 2012

1.0

PURPOSE

1.1 This procedure provides general information and a standard operating procedure for MPW Monitoring for Radioactive Material.

2.0

SCOPE AND APPLICATION

2.1 This standard operating procedure (SOP) applies to any individual performing MPW Monitoring for Radioactive Material.

2.2 This document describes the procedure to be followed in MPW Monitoring for Radioactive Material.

3.0

TERMS AND DEFINITIONS

3.1 Operational Check Source - A box containing radioactive sources for checking the operation of the MPW monitoring system. The check source in this case is to assure the instrument is operating and responds properly to a radiation field.

3.2 NIH - National Institutes of Health.

3.3 RSO -Radiation Safety Officer.

3.4 DRS – Division of Radiation Safety.

3.5 MPW - Medical Pathological Waste.

4.0

EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

4.1 Cs-137 Operational Check Source Box.

4.2 MPW Daily Instrument Check Log.

5.0

SAFETY

5.1 All MPW box handlers shall wear latex (or equivalent) gloves at all times while working with MPW boxes.

5.2 Ensure the monitor is turned “OFF” prior to disconnecting the probe connection cables. When the meter is turned on, these cables carry a high voltage (very low current), which can cause an electrical shock if a probe is disconnected.

5.3 Operators shall not wear loose clothing such as loose sleeves, scarves and ties, as the conveyor system has moving and rotating parts which could catch loose clothing.

5.3 Operators shall keep hands and feet clear of the conveyor system, as the conveyor system has moving and rotating parts which could pinch or crush extremities.

6.0

PROCEDURE

6.1 Pre-operation procedure

6.1.1 Check the calibration sticker on the fixed Ludlum meter case and on both detectors to ensure that they have been properly completed, and the monitoring system is currently calibrated.

6.1.2 Check the calibration sticker on the hand-held portable meter case and detector to ensure that they have been properly completed, and the monitor is currently calibrated.

6.1.3 Radiation monitors may not be used if the date indicated on the sticker is past due. Call the Division of Radiation Safety Health Physicist (301-496-5774) for assistance.

6.1.4 Check to ensure adequate supply of “CAUTION-Radioactive Material” labels or tape. If not, call the Division of Radiation Safety Health Physicist (301-496-5774) for additional labels or tape. Tape is also available through the NIH Self Service Stores.

6.1.5 Check the meters, detectors and conveyor system for damage.

6.1.6 Clean the instrument with a mild detergent. Check the mounts for the fixed monitoring system detectors for tightness.

6.2 Instrument characteristics 6.2.1 The Medical Waste Radiation Monitor consists of one Ludlum 3530-17 alarming count rate meter connected to two thin crystal NaI crystals. The system has the count time set to 7 seconds and an approximate measured efficiency of 30% for I-125.

6.2.2 The hand-held monitor consists of one Ludlum Model 3-98 count rate meter connected to a 44-3 end window beta-gamma probe.

6.3 Operational Check Method 6.3.1 Turn fixed radiation monitoring instrument “ON”.

6.3.2 Push the “START” button on the conveyor system.

6.3.3 Place the Operational Check Source Box on the conveyor belt before the fixed radiation monitors. The conveyor will pull the box between the detectors and stop for a 7 second count. The radiation monitor should “ALARM” and conveyor will not continue until manually reset. If there is NO “ALARM”, stop operations and IMMEDIATELY call the Division of Radiation Safety Health Physicist (301-496-5774) for assistance.

6.3.4 Turn “ON” the hand-held radiation monitor by selecting the lowest range with the range selector switch. Hold the hand-held radiation monitor probe next to the Iodine-129 Check Source mounted on the side of the hand-held monitor instrument case. The hand-held monitor should respond. If the monitor does not respond, stop operations and IMMEDIATELY call the Division of Radiation Safety Health Physicist (301-496-5774) for assistance.

6.3.5 After daily tests, remove the Operational Check Source Box and return to secure storage location; Push “START” on the conveyor system and allow 10 seconds for radiation monitor to reset before beginning MPW operations.

6.3.6 Document the daily test on the “Daily Radiation Monitor Check Log”, located inside of the lid of the storage box for the MPW check source box.

6.4 Operation: MPW Radiation Monitoring

6.4.1 All MPW must be monitored through radiation detection equipment. MPW boxes that have “CAUTION-Radioactive Materials” labels are NOT to be shipped off-site unless authorized by the Division of Radiation Safety or Radioactive Waste Service.

6.4.2 Place MPW boxes on conveyor belt. If fixed radiation monitor “ALARMS”, REMOVE MPW box from conveyor.

6.4.3 Check the MPW box which “set off” the fixed radiation monitor “ALARM” using the hand-held radiation monitor. Move the MPW box to a secure location at least 25 feet from the fixed radiation monitors and survey the box with the hand-held radiation monitor. Attach a “CAUTION-Radioactive Material” label to the box, place box in secure area (inside the orange cage cart) and lock the cart. The package will be picked up on the regular pickup schedule or a pickup can be arranged by calling the Radioactive Waste Service (301-496-4451) or the Division of Radiation Safety Health Physicist (301-496-5774) for assistance.

6.4.4 DO NOT leave radioactive MPW boxes in an unsecured area or unattended.

6.4.5 For WET MPW, place wet MPW box in a plastic bag lined box and seal the box. Treat box the same as the other MPW boxes.

6.5 Operation: Failure or Removal from Service of Radiation Monitors – Contingency Plans 6.5.1 Fixed Radiation Monitor System

6.5.1.1 Once the Division of Radiation Safety Health Physicist determines that the fixed radiation monitor is not operating properly, the health physicist will install and calibrate the backup fixed radiation monitor. The Health Physicist will notify Ms. Nancy Newman or her backup.

6.5.1.1.1 The DRS Health Physicist or contractor will then perform a calibration and operational check on the system.

6.5.1.1.2 If the system is still not functional Ms. Nancy Newman or her backup will arrange for contract surveyors or health physicist to monitor each box for radioactive materials.

6.5.1.2 Immediately make arrangements to repair the fixed radiation monitor system.

6.5.2 Hand-held Radiation Monitor

6.5.2.1 Once the Division of Radiation Safety Health Physicist determines that a hand-held radiation monitor is not operating properly, the monitor shall be removed from service and replaced with a properly operating unit.

6.5.2.2 Immediately make arrangements to repair the hand-held radiation monitor.

6.5.3 Regulatory Compliance Support Services Contract

Project Officer:

Nancy Newman, DRS

Primary Alternates: Eric Munger

Other Alternates:

Deputy Radiation Safety Officer, NIH

Radiation Safety Officer, NIH

Any available Health Physicist, DRS

7.0

QUALITY ASSURANCE

7.1 An instrument check is required to ensure proper calibration/operation. Check calibration sticker to ensure that it has been properly completed, and the instrument is currently calibrated. Ensure that the calibration is at least performed every twelve months.

8.0

REFERENCES

8.1 Instruction Manual for Ludlum Model 3530-17

8.2 Instruction Manual Ludlum Model 3 Count Rate Meter

9.0

APPENDICES

9.1 Monitor

9.2 Detectors with monitor

9.3 Operational Check Source Box

9.1 Monitor

9.2 Detectors with monitor

9.3 Operational Check Source Box

Attachment 12