Re: Hot Spot Exemption

[loesch@viper.eh.doe.gov (Robert M. Loesch)]

Hot Spots are defined in the RCM as a "localized source of radiation or
radioactive material normally within facility piping or equipment.  The
radiation levels of hot spots exceed the general area radiation level by
more than a factor of 5 and are greater than 100 mrem (1 mSv) per hour on
contact."
While I believe that weapons and weapon components may trigger the x5 criteria,
I would have to guess, based upon monte carlo calculations of a few old
weapon designs and a single survey of a newer device, that one would not
meet the 
100 mrem/hr (1 mSv/hr) on contact criteria - hence not a "hot spot".

On the other hand, they are classified (no pun intended) as Radioactive
Material.  However, RCM 412.2(h) specifically exempts "nuclear weapon
components" from the radioactive material labeling requirements.

Robert M. Loesch
DOELAP Administrator
U.S. Department of Energy
Germantown, MD 20874
(301) 903-4443
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