Location Management Responsibilities

Location Radiation Protection Officer (LRPO) Responsibilities
 

Location Management Responsibilities

Location management has a significant responsibility in maintaining compliance with the USDA Radiation Safety Program. These responsibilities include:

- Reviewing initial and renewal requests for radiation source permit applications;

- Appointing a Location Radiation Protection Officer (LRPO) to coordinate the location's radiation safety program;

- Assuring that all individuals who are Permit Holders have appropriate safety elements in their Performance Plans and job descriptions;

- Supporting the location radiation safety program; and

- Ensuring the prompt abatement of hazardous conditions.
 

Location Radiation Protection Officer (LRPO) Responsibilities

In addition to the centralized Radiation Safety Staff, the USDA has implemented a program to provide for radiation safety oversight at its field locations.

Location Radiation Protection Officers are appointed at each location where radioactive materials or x-ray producing equipment is used.

The general responsibilities of the LRPOs are:

- Assisting local users in implementing the USDA Radiation Safety Program;

- Maintaining the location's Radiation Source Use Permit and radioactive materials inventory;

- Reviewing radioisotope use applications;

- Maintaining the results of NRC, RSC, and RSS inspections and performing the annual program audit for the location;

- Conducting audits to assure that all Permit Holders and their associate users (technicians, post doctoral scientists, engineers, and support scientists) are authorized by the RSC to use radioactive material;

- Coordinating location radioactive waste shipments and maintaining shipment manifests;

- Coordinating security and/or disposal of radioactive materials of Permit Holders who leave the location; and coordinating with the RSS the technical and administrative requirements for transfer or disposal of these materials;

- Conducting periodic surveys of radioactive waste storage areas to determine compliance with area survey requirements, and assuring accurate radioactive waste labeling and security of materials;

- Determining location effluent concentrations or limits for radioactive waste disposed of through the sanitary sewerage system or for unrestricted release to air and water, and maintaining effluent disposal reports;

- Coordinating radioactive material incineration operations and reviewing ash evaluations and associated records to assure that procedures established for the site are followed;

- Conducting audits of radioactive waste disposal methods used by each Permit Holder to assure compliance with USDA Radiation Safety Program requirements;

- Coordinating radiation safety training for ancillary staff and for users of radioactive material, and maintaining employee training documents;

- Maintaining survey meter and laboratory instrument calibration certificates;

- Reporting items of noncompliance with program requirements and unsafe practices to Location Management and the RSS;

- Assisting location management in responding to radiological emergencies and unusual events, and coordinating technical assistance through the RSS.

The LRPO's duties are usually assigned on a part-time basis. Depending on the type of materials used and the Agency's management structure, the LRPO designated for each location may work at the location or at a State or regional office.