This section contains the following information:

Topic

Requirements

Reporting of Loss or Theft of Radioactive Materials

Designation of Restricted Areas

Requirements

- It is the responsibility of the Permit Holder to secure the radioactive materials in their possession that are in storage from unauthorized access or removal.

- It is also the responsibility of the Permit Holder to control and to maintain constant surveillance over radioactive material in their inventory that is not in storage.

Due to recent incidents at other licensed facilities, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission is taking a very strict approach to security.

Radioactive materials that are not in storage must be under the constant surveillance of an individual who is either the Permit Holder or an Associate User. If constant surveillance cannot be maintained, the materials must be secured.

Radioactive materials must be secured in such a manner that an individual with authorized access to the area, but who is not authorized to use or possess the materials, cannot gain control of the materials.

For example, source vials of radioactive materials must be locked in a cabinet, refrigerator, or freezer and only the Permit Holder or Associate Users have keys. The radioisotopes could be placed in a locked box in a refrigerator or cold room, only if the box cannot be removed from the refrigerator or room.

Radioactive waste containers must also be secured.

There currently is no lower limit on the amount of radioactive material that must be secured. Laboratory areas must be controlled or secured if ANY radioactive materials are present. It is recommended that all doors to the laboratory be locked when radioactive materials are either in use or in storage in the laboratory.

Counting rooms must also be secured if radioactive materials are present.

Reporting of Loss or Theft of Radioactive Materials

The Permit Holder shall immediately contact the LRPO and the RSS in case of actual or suspected loss or theft of radioactive material. An investigation must begin immediately to attempt to locate the materials.

The RSS will notify the NRC as required in Federal regulations.

Designation of Restricted Areas

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission defines space using three terms:

- Unrestricted Area;

- Controlled Area; and

- Restricted Area.

The definitions of these terms are in Section 1.2

Radioactive materials are not to be placed in an Unrestricted Area.

Radioactive materials are not to be placed in a Controlled Area. In many USDA facilities, the entire building is controlled as a security precaution.

Only those areas designated as Restricted Areas can contain radioactive materials. The facility LRPO, in consultation with the Permit Holder will designate laboratory and storage areas within the facility as "Restricted" space for purposes of radiation safety. These areas will be included on the Permit Holder's radiation source permit.