Uranyl Acetate and Other Source Material

[10525kfb@ibm.cl.msu.edu (Kristin Erickson)]

Hello, Radsafers!

In answer to Jack Roque's questions about the above types of material, some
information is as follows:

-It is regulated in 10 CFR 40 as source material, which is defined as
having less than 0.05%, by weight, of uranium or thorium, or in any
combination, and does not include special nuclear material, which is also
regulated in Part 40 along with depleted uranium.

-Under these criterion, source material is actually exempted from most
requirements.  It is, however, a RCRA chemical, and should be managed
accordingly.  We manage this as a mixed hazard, since there is some amount
of radioactivity in this material, and as part of ALARA management, we feel
this is prudent.  We do not require approvals or formal biannual
inventories, but we did conduct a campus wide inventory a year or so ago,
to affirm that we do not exceed the % by weight limit.

-In the past couple of years, two large broad license universities got into
difficulty with the NRC because of handling problems.  In one case, the
waste was managed improperly.  In the other case, a worker alleged to the
NRC that he/she had received a radiation exposure from source material.

This is one of those issues that have very gray foggy edges.  I called the
NRC and asked their advice on this after the above incidents came to my
attention, and was told that our management is adequate.  They recommended
we conduct a survey to see who had it and how much.  We developed a very
simple form for investigators to use, mailed it to them, and kept the
returned forms.  We do not log it into our inventory database as we do with
our licensed/permitted material.

That's our 2 cents worth.  Hope it is helpful.  Any questions may be
directed to me, or to RADSAFE if senders feel it is of general interest.

Regards,

Kristin

All comments herein contained are my own opinions and/or experiences and
are not necessarily those of my employer or institution.

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Kristin Erickson, Radiation Safety Officer
Office of Radiation, Chemical and Biological Safety
C124 Research Complex-Eng.
Michigan State University
East Lansing, Michigan 48824
Telephone: (517) 355-5008   Fax: (517)353-4871   Email: 10525kfb@msu.edu
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