This section contains the following topics:
Topic
General Radioactive Materials
Moisture/Density Gauges
Electron Capture Detectors
Self-Shielded Irradiators
X-ray Producing Equipment
Ancillary Personnel
General Radioactive Materials Permits
- Permit Holders
Permit Holders should have a college degree at the bachelor's level, or equivalent training and experience in the physical, biological, or engineering sciences. Permit Holders for unsealed radioactive material must have at least 40 hours of training and/or experience in the use of radioactive materials and/or x-ray producing equipment, and in the principles of radiation protection. At least 8 hours of formal classroom training must be indicated on the Radiation Worker Registration form.
The Radiation Safety Committee or the Radiation Safety Staff may alter these requirements for specific proposed uses. However, the level of training required for Permit Holders will be commensurate with the proposed use.
Training must cover the following general topics:
Radioisotopes and Radioactive Decay;
Potential Risks from Radiation Exposure;
General Radiation Safety Measures;
NRC Rules and Regulations, 10 CFR Parts 19 and 20;
USDA License and License Conditions;
USDA Permitting Process and Permit Holder Responsibilities;
Rules for the Safe Use of Radioactive Materials;
Personnel Dosimetry;
Performing Radiation Surveys and Use of Counting Equipment;
Rules for the Procurement, Use, and Disposal of Radioactive Materials;
Procedures to Follow in Case of Spills or Accidents;
Site Specific Radioactive Materials Use; and
Radioactive Waste Management.
- Associate Users
Associate Users must have at least 4 hours of formal classroom training and 36 hours of experience in laboratory procedures involving radioactive materials and/or x-ray producing equipment.
Moisture/Density Gauges
All Permit Holders and Associate Users must attend a manufacturer's 8-hour course, or have equivalent instruction prior to working with any equipment utilizing radioactive materials. Training must cover the following topics:
10 CFR Parts 19 and 20;
USDA License and License Conditions
USDA Permitting Process and Permit Holder Responsibilities;
Radiation Safety Principles and Practices;
Department of Transportation Shipping Requirements;
Security and Surveillance at Temporary Job Sites;
Performing Leak Tests, and
Gauge Transfer and Disposal Requirements.
Portable nuclear gauge users must attend refresher training at least every two years to comply with DOT training requirements, if the gauge is transported on public highways.
Portable gauge users must also successfully complete a manufacturer's 8-hour course, or have equivalent instruction every six years. The 8-hour course meets the DOT requirements for refresher training.
Electron Capture Detectors
Permit holders and associate users of ECDs should have a college degree at the bachelor's level or equivalent training and experience in the physical, biological, or engineering sciences. Users of radioactive material must have at least 40 hours of training and/or experience in the use of radioactive materials and in the principles of radiation protection. At least 4 hours of formal classroom training must be indicated on the Radiation Worker Registration form.
The Radiation Safety Committee or the Radiation Safety Staff may alter these requirements for specific proposed uses. However, the level of training required for Permit Holders will be commensurate with the proposed use.
Users must receive training in the following topics prior to working with the instrumentation:
10 CFR Parts 19 and 20;
USDA License and License Conditions;
USDA Permitting Process and Permit Holder Responsibilities;
Performing Leak Tests;
Source Storage, Transfer, and Disposal; and
Site Specific Radioactive Materials Use Requirements.
No specific refresher training is required, unless required by the respective Agency.
Self-Shielded Irradiators
Permit holders and associate users of self-shielded irradiators should have a college degree at the bachelor's level or equivalent training and experience in the physical, biological, or engineering sciences. Permit Holders and associate users must have from 2 to 5 days formal training, depending on the complexity of the irradiator. All users must take and pass a test demonstrating their knowledge of irradiator safety.
The Radiation Safety Committee or the Radiation Safety Staff may alter these requirements for specific proposed uses. However, the level of training required for Permit Holders will be commensurate with the proposed use.
Users must receive training in the following areas prior to working with the irradiator:
An explanation and demonstration of the operating process and safety devices for the irradiator by the supplier's technical representative or a person experienced in using the irradiator as approved by the RSC;
How to charge dosimeters and use them properly when required;
How to operate survey instruments;
Performing maintenance and emergency procedures as furnished by the supplier;
Performing leak tests, evaluating and reporting the results; and
Thorough understanding of the Operating Manual for irradiator, including safeguards.
In addition, the following general radiation safety concepts must be covered:
10 CFR Parts 19 and 20;
USDA License and License Conditions;
USDA Permitting Process and Permit Holder Responsibilities; and
Source Storage, Transfer, and Disposal.
The operation of the irradiator will be performed under the direct supervision of a qualified trainer or Permit Holder until competency is attained.
No specific refresher training is required, unless required by the respective Agency.
X-ray Producing Equipment
Permit holders and associate users who operate x-ray producing equipment should have a college degree at the bachelor's level or equivalent training and experience in the physical, biological, or engineering sciences. Users of x-ray producing equipment must have at least 16 hours of training and/or experience in the use of radiarion emitting equipment and in the principles of radiation protection. No specific formal classroom training must be indicated on the Radiation Worker Registration form.
The Radiation Safety Committee or the Radiation Safety Staff may alter these requirements for specific proposed uses. However, the level of training required for Permit Holders will be commensurate with the proposed use.
Users must receive training in the following topics prior to working with the equipment:
Radiation Safety Principles and Practices;
USDA Permitting Process and Permit Holder Responsibilities;
Performing Radiation Surveys;
Storage, Transfer, and Disposal Requirements; and
Site Specific Use Requirements.
No specific refresher training is required, unless required by the respective Agency.
Ancillary Personnel
Ancillary personnel (housekeeping, security, maintenance, etc.) working in locations where radioactive materials are used should have a minimum of one hour of training that covers the following topics:
Potential Risks from Radiation Exposure;
General Radiation Safety Measures;
NRC Rules and Regulations, 10 CFR Parts 19 and 20;
USDA License and License Conditions;
Location Specific Radioactive Materials Use;
Recognition of Radioactive Materials Use Areas,
Signs, and Labels; and
Procedures to Follow in Case of Spills or Accidents.
No specific refresher training is required; ancillary staff generally receive annual right-to-know refresher training.