Re: security of rad material

[Ruth Weiner <rfweine@sandia.gov>]

     Our experience at Western Washington University was that most 
     cotractor personnel should not have unescorted access to any 
     laboratories.  In fact, undergrad students probably shouldn't have it 
     either.  At least some authorized person should be in the building, 
     preferably on the same floor.  I have certainly always restricted 
     access to my own laboratory.  This is for more than just rad security 
     -- we had some very bad experiences (thefts, several electronic 
     balances were broken, etc.)
     
     Ruth Weiner
     Sandia National Labs


______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: security of rad material
Author:  george@pliny.ehs.ufl.edu at hubsmtp
Date:    12/15/97 11:34 AM


At various times in this university research setting, private 
contractors may be hired to perform functions which require their 
entry into authorized use areas which store radioactive material, 
sealed and unsealed sources.  These contracts are usually set up by 
Physical Plant and are sometimes performed at night and on weekends 
when the labs are locked and unattended.
     
I am speaking here of the entry by private contractor personnel into 
these labs when the labs are unattended(night and weekend).  Since 
many , if not most of these labs rely only upon the locked outer 
door(s) for security of rad material, the question is:
     
In light of the NRC security regulations, should these contractor 
personnel be allowed unescorted entry into these storage/use areas?
     
There are two views here:
     
1. Train them to stay away from posted areas and don't touch anything 
in those areas and let them go unescorted.
     
2. You can train for radiation protection but you can't train for 
security concerns.  These contractor personnel must be accompanied 
into the areas of concern by a university employee due to security 
regs.
     
I hope for  a good response to this since I suspect that
there are varying views out there for diferent security scenarios.  I 
will be glad to summarize the answers later if anyone calls upon me 
to do so.
George Rawls
University of Florida
Health Physicist
george@pliny.ehs.ufl.edu