Re: Self Shielded Irradiators

["Tony LaMastra" <alamastra@enter.net>]

Kent:

Suggest you try Lloyd Bolling at the NRC.  (301) 415-2327  He maintains the
source and device registry.   If you give him the mfg and model, he should
be able to answer your questions or send you a copy of the registration for
that device.    Another contact is Steve Baggett (also NRC).    Steve's
group does the manufacturer's review of devices.    He is also on the N43
Committee and is a member of the sub-committees that are reviewing all
irradiators.   Steve's number in DC is x7273 (same AC & prefix as Lloyd).  
Vinnie Foerst is the chairman of the sub-committee that has responsibility
of the standard for dry, self-contained irradiators.   He should also be
able to help you.   He is at Ethicon and his number is (201) 218-2716


Good luck,


Tiony LaMastra
alamastra@enter.net

----------
> From: Kent N. Lambert <lambert@auhs.edu>
> To: Multiple recipients of list <radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu>
> Subject: Self Shielded Irradiators
> Date: Tuesday, March 31, 1998 3:31 PM
> 
> Group,
> 
> Those that are familiar with self shielded irradiators are aware of 
> the inherent safety of the devices under normal use.  I was asked 
> about radiological considerations in a disaster.  
> 
> My initial impression is that because the shielding is made of lead, 
> and lead has a low melting point, that one obvious concern is a loss 
> of shielding in a fire.  Presumably the lead is encased in steel such 
> that this is unlikely to occur.  But at what temperature would the 
> structure fail?  Is this temperature likely to be achieved in a 
> serious building fire?  Is the device more suseptible to structural 
> damage at these elevated temperatures?
> 
> Also are there other disasters which might create a major problem - 
> explosions (don't laugh, I'm sure that we are not the only one that 
> has seen the bomb squad at their facility), earthquakes (structural 
> damage to building causing the device to fall tens of feet onto a 
> hard, solid object), tornadoes, thermal shock (e.g., fire followed by 
> water from fire suppression system),  others?  
> 
> So, what sort of disaster could affect the integrity of the shielding 
> or the sources?  Are there written standards that these devices must 
> meet?  Are actual tests performed on prototypes?  I would appreciate 
> references if possible.
> 
> Kent N. Lambert, M.S., CHP
> lambert@auhs.edu
> Allegheny University of the Health Sciences
> Hahnemann Division
> Radiation Physics and Safety, MS 106
> Broad and Vine Streets
> Philadelphia, PA  19102-1192
> 
> 215-762-8768 (voice)
> 215-762-7683 (fax)