Sealed Sources -Reply

[MATTHEW WILLIAMSON <williamson.m@nypa.gov>]

Our Tech. Specs. do not specifically define "seal source" however, it
does set the std. requirements for leak checking as; other than H-3 with
a T1/2 greater than 30 days and in any form other than gas (sounds like
it would include liquid sources) shall be leak tested at intervals not to
exceed six months.  Excluded are sources in storage and not in use, or
sources less than 100 uCi B/g or less than 5 uCi for Alpha.

10CFR30 does define "sealed source."  Now if we could define a
"capsule."  If the LSC stds. meet our Tech. Specs., they should be leak
tested.  I recall these sources are on the order of a few uCi, and would
not meet the criteria in our Tech Specs.

A recent reg. inspection questioned the control and leak testing of
smaller button type sources.  Summations were that sources were
controlled/labeled appropriately by the RP staff as per plant procedures
and 10CFR20/App.C.  Documentation on receipt/disposal of sources was
also appropriate.  However, plant procedures did not specifically
address these sources/quantities.

A quick search of REGLIB led me to RG 10.7, dealing with application for
byproduct license.  Once again, no def. of sealed source, but similar
requirements as specified in our Tech. Specs. for inventory and leak
checks.


M. Williamson
IP3
williamson.m@nypa.gov