Re: posting requirements

[roseb@smtp-gw.gdls.com (Boyd H Rose)]

     Andy,
     
     I am not able to cite anything which prohibits or discourages the use 
     of the radiation symbol for posting areas which do not contain 
     radioactive materials in order to deter vandalism or theft.  However, 
     10CFR20.1904(b) states:
     
          Each licensee shall, prior to removal or disposal of empty 
          uncontaminated containers to unrestricted areas, remove or 
          deface the radioactive material label or otherwise clearly
          indicate that the container no longer contains radioactive 
          materials.
     
     Misposting an area as a restricted area or non-radioactive items 
     as radioactive for the unrelated purpose of deterring theft or 
     vandalism is blatantly misleading and invites mistrust and 
     suspicion of one's safety program by both workers and members of 
     the public regardless of the regulator's position.
     
     Additionally, if any of us as safety professionals actually knows 
     of such a practice and does not challenge the practice, we would 
     be derelict in our professional responsibilities as well as in 
     violation of our professional ethics.
     
     I know I am preaching to the choir.  Lets hope such anecdotes 
     remain few or go away altogether.
     
     Boyd H. Rose, CM, IHIT
     Radiation Protection Officer
     General Dynamics Land Systems Division
     roseb@gdls.com
     
     The opinions expressed above are solely my own and do not under any 
     circumstance reflect those of my employer.
     
     
     
     
     
     

______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: posting requirements
Author:  radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu at Internet/Unix
Date:    4/30/98 7:47 AM


I have heard anecdotally of the NRC citing licensees for misuse of the radiation
symbol; for example, posting an item or an area that does not contain 
radioactive materials in order to deter vandalism or theft. However, I cannot 
find anything in 10 CFR 20 that prohibits or discourages the use of the 
radiation symbol for such purposes.
     
Does anyone know if the anecdotes I have heard are correct?  If so, can you 
point me to a citation, letter, reg guide, or anything else to back this up?
     
Thanks!
     
Andy
     
The opinions expressed above are well-reasoned and insightful.  Needless to 
say, they are not those of my employer. (with apologies to Michael Feldman)     
     
     
Andrew Karam, MS, CHP                                   (614) 292-1284 (phone) 
The Ohio State University                                       (614) 292-7002 
(fax)
Office of Radiation Safety                                      "The mind is not
a vessel to
1314 Kinnear Road                                               be filled but a 
fire to be
Columbus, OH  43212                                             lighted." 
(Plutarch)       
(karam.1@osu.edu)