Re: Co-57 flood sources

["Kent N. Lambert" <lambert@auhs.edu>]

Group, 

Co-57 is accelerator produced; therefore, it is regulated entirely by 
state regulations.  10 CFR 35 does not apply.  This means that you 
must check with your state radiation control agency.  In 
Pennsylvania, it IS permitted to store Co-57 for decay.

> << Can Co-57 sources be discarded as general waste once they have
> decayed to
>  background levels?  If so, how could they be surveyed to satisfy
>  regulatory agencies? >>
> 
> Generally speaking, no.  Most decay in storage procedures are
> limited to nuclides with half-lives of less than 65 days (sometimes
> extended to 90 days to capture S-35).  This is codified in 10 CFR
> 35.92.  In agreement states, it may be in their regulation, or, as
> in California, it may be included as a license condition.
> 
> Barbara L. Hamrick
> Los Angeles County - Radiation Management
> BLHamrick@aol.com
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)