Section 346.590  Detection of Leaking Sources

a)         Each dry-source-storage sealed source shall be tested for leakage in accordance with the requirements of 32 Ill. Adm. Code 340.410.

b)         For pool irradiators, sources may not be put into the pool unless the licensee tests the sources for leaks or has a certificate from a transferor that a leak test has been done within the 6 months before the transfer.  Water from the pool shall be checked for contamination each day the irradiator operates.  The check may be done either by using a radiation monitor on a pool water circulating system or by analysis of a sample of pool water.  If a check for contamination is done by analysis of a sample of pool water, the results of the analysis shall be available within 24 hours.  If the licensee uses a radiation monitor on a pool water circulating system, the detection of above normal radiation levels shall activate an alarm.  The alarm set-point shall be set as low as practical, but high enough to avoid false alarms.  The licensee may reset the alarm set-point to a higher level if necessary to operate the pool water purification system to clean up contamination in the pool if specifically provided for in written emergency procedures.

c)         If a leaking source is detected, the licensee shall arrange to remove the leaking source from service and have it decontaminated, repaired or disposed of by an Agency, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, or Agreement State licensee that is authorized to perform these functions.  The licensee shall promptly check its personnel, equipment, facilities and irradiated product for radioactive contamination.  No product may be shipped until the product has been checked and found free of contamination.  If a product has been shipped that may have been inadvertently contaminated, the licensee shall arrange to locate and survey that product for contamination.  If any personnel are found to be contaminated, decontamination shall be performed promptly.  If contaminated equipment, facilities or products are found, the licensee shall have them decontaminated or disposed of by an Agency, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, or Agreement State licensee that is authorized to perform these functions.  If a pool is contaminated, the licensee shall arrange to clean the pool until the contamination levels do not exceed the appropriate concentration in table 2, column 2, of Appendix B to 10 CFR 20, published at 72 Fed. Reg. 55922, October 1, 2007.  (See 32 Ill. Adm. Code 340.1220 for reporting requirements.)

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 9201, effective June 22, 2023)