Posting and Labeling for Radiological Control - Entire Document (Very Large)
G-10 CFR 835/G1 - Rev. 1
NOVEMBER 1994
IMPLEMENTATION GUIDE
For Use With Title 10, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 835
OCCUPATIONAL RADIATION PROTECTION
POSTING and LABELING
for
RADIOLOGICAL CONTROL
ASSISTANT SECRETARY for ENVIRONMENT,SAFETY and HEALTH
FINAL GUIDE - FOR UNLIMITED USE and DISTRIBUTION
U.S. Department of Energy
IMPLEMENTATION GUIDE
G-10 CFR 835/G1 - Rev. 1
POSTING and LABELING for RADIOLOGICAL CONTROL
CONTENTS Page
I. PURPOSE AND APPLICABILITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
II. DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
III. DISCUSSION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
A. General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
B. Controlled Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
C. Radiological Buffer Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
D. Posting for Control of Exposure to External Radiation. 6
E. Posting for Control of Contamination . . . . . . . . . 6
F. Radioactive Material Areas and Radioactive Material. . 7
IV. IMPLEMENTATION GUIDANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
A. Exceptions to Posting and Labeling Requirements. . . . 8
B. General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
C. Design Criteria. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
D. Controlled Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
E. Radiological Buffer Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
F. Posting for Control of Exposure to External Radiation. 12
1. Radiation Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
2. High Radiation Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3. Very High Radiation Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
4. Hot Spots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
5. Radiation-Generating Devices. . . . . . . . . . . . 14
6. Open Radiographic Installations . . . . . . . . . . 14
G. Posting for Control of Contamination . . . . . . . . . 15
1. Contamination Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
2. High Contamination Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
3. Hot Particles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4. Airborne Radioactivity Area . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
5. Fixed Contamination Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
6. Soil Contamination Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
H. Radioactive Material Posting and Labeling. . . . . . . 17
1. Radioactive Material Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
2. Underground Radioactive Material Area . . . . . . . 17
3. Radioactive Material Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . 18
4. Internally Contaminated Items . . . . . . . . . . . 19
5. Internally Contaminated Systems . . . . . . . . . . 19
6. Protective Clothing and Equipment . . . . . . . . . 20
7. Posting of Exclusive Radiological Use Vehicles
and Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
I. Special Use Posting and Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . 21
1. Tempory Shielding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
2. Other Radiological Posting. . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
V. REFERENCES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
VI. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
VII. APPENDICES
Appendix A 10 CFR 835, Implementation Guide, and DOE
Radiological Control Manual Cross-Reference. 24
Appendix B Radiation Symbol and Fissile Material
Symbol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Appendix C Radiological Signs and Labels. . . . . . . . 28
Appendix D Example Posting for Radiological and
Radiological Buffer Areas. . . . . . . . . . 39
Appendix E Example Posting for Radiation-Generating
Device and Radiographic Installations. . . . 44
Appendix F Example Radioactive Material and
Radioactive Source Labels. . . . . . . . . . 45
Appendix G Example Posting for Laboratory Areas . . . . 48
Appendix H Example Posting for On-Site Transportation
of Radioactive Materials . . . . . . . . . . 49
Appendix I Example Posting for Exclusive Radiological
Use Vehicle and Equipment. . . . . . . . . . 50
Section I - Purpose and Applicability
I. PURPOSE AND APPLICABILITY
This Implementation Guide (IG) provides an acceptable methodology for
establishing and operating a radiological posting and labeling program
that will comply with U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) requirements
specified in Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part
835, "Occupational Radiation Protection" (DOE, 1993a); hereinafter
referred to as 10 CFR 835. For completeness, this IG also identifies
applicable requirements and recommendations contained in DOE Order
5480.11, as amended, "Radiation Protection for Occupational Workers" (DOE,
1992), DOE's "Radiological Control Manual" (DOE, 1994); hereinafter
referred to as the RCM (with the associated numbers denoting the article
numbers), and secondary documents (American National Standards Institute
(ANSI) Standards, etc.) invoked by the above documents. Appendix A of
this IG provides a cross-reference of the applicable material in 10 CFR
835, this IG, and the RCM.
This IG amplifies the regulatory requirements of 10 CFR 835, and
provides explanations and examples of the basic requirements for
radiological posting and labeling. The requirements of 10 CFR 835 are
enforceable under the provisions of Sections 223(c) and 234A of the
Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended (AEC, 1954). The requirements and
recommendations of the other DOE documents are enforceable through
contractual or administrative means.
Except for requirements mandated by a regulation, a contract, or by
administrative means, the provisions in this IG are DOE's views on
acceptable methods of program implementation and are not mandatory.
Conformance with this guide will, however, create an inference of
compliance with the related regulatory requirements. Alternate methods
that are demonstrated to provide an equivalent or better level of
protection are acceptable. Contractors are encouraged to go beyond the
minimum requirements and to pursue excellence in their programs.
The word "shall" is used in this IG to designate requirements from 10
CFR 835, DOE Orders, the RCM, and secondary documents invoked by them.
The requirements of 10 CFR 835 are mandatory except to the extent an
exemption has been granted pursuant to 10 CFR 820, "Procedural Rules for
DOE Nuclear Activities" (DOE, 1993b) and are identified by a bolded and
underlined "shall." Requirements taken from DOE Orders and the RCM are
mandatory to the extent they are incorporated by a contract or through
administrative means.
Those facilities not subject to the requirements of 10 CFR 835 should
substitute the corresponding DOE 5480.11 requirements.
This IG is applicable to all DOE activities involving occupational
exposure to ionizing radiation of DOE employees and/or
DOE-contractor/subcontractor employees.
Section II - Definitions
II. DEFINITIONS
airborne radioactive material (airborne radioactivity): Radioactive
material in any chemical or physical form that is dissolved, mixed,
suspended, or otherwise entrained in air.
airborne radioactivity area: Any area where the measured concentration
of airborne radioactivity, above natural background, exceeds or is
likely to exceed 10 percent of the derived air concentration (DAC)
values listed in Appendix A or C of 10 CFR 835.
area: Any portion of a site or any facility inside or outside a
structure, building, or other enclosure.
as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA): The approach to radiation
protection to manage and control exposures (both individual and
collective) to the work force and to the general public to levels as low
as is reasonable, taking into account social, technical, economic,
practical, and public policy considerations. ALARA is not a dose limit
but a process which has the objective of attaining doses as far below
the applicable limits of 10 CFR 835 as is reasonably achievable.
background radiation: The radiation from:
(i) Naturally occurring
radioactive materials which have not been technologically enhanced;
(ii ) Cosmic sources;
(iii) Global fallout as it exists in the environment (such as from the
testing of nuclear explosive devices);
(iv) Radon and its progeny in concentrations or levels existing in
buildings or the environment which have not been elevated as a
result of current or prior activities; and
(v) Consumer products containing nominal amounts of radioactive
material or producing nominal amounts of radiation.
boundary: The line that defines the transition from one specified area
to another.
boundary identifier: A hazard identifier that is adequate to
distinguish between areas for purposes of radiation protection or which
is used to define the boundary of an area; it may be posting, physical
barricade, containment enclosure, or a combination of these.
contaminated material: Materials, equipment, or system components with
actual or potential radioactive material contamination.
contamination area: Any area where contamination levels are greater
than the values specified in Appendix D of 10 CFR 835, but less than or
equal to 100 times those levels.
controlled area: Any area to which access is managed in order to
protect individuals from exposure to radiation and/or radioactive
materials. Individuals who enter only the controlled area without
entering radiological areas are not expected to receive a total
effective dose equivalent of more than 100 mrem (0.001 Sv) in a year.
derived air concentration (DAC): For the radionuclides listed in
Appendix A of 10 CFR 835, the airborne concentration that equals the
annual limit for intake(ALI) divided by the volume of air breathed by an
average worker for a working year of 2000 hours (assuming a breathing
volume of 2400 m3). For the radionuclides listed in Appendix C of 10 CFR
835, the air immersion DACs were calculated for a continuous,
non-shielded exposure via immersion in a semi-infinite atmospheric
cloud. The value is based upon the derived airborne concentration found
in Table 1 of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
EPA-520/1-88-020, "Limiting Values of Radionuclide Intake and Air
Concentration and Dose Conversion Factors for Inhalation, Submersion,
and Ingestion" Federal Guidance Report No. 11 (EPA, 1988).
dose equivalent (H): The product of the absorbed dose (D) in rads (or
gray) in tissue, a quality factor (Q), and other modifying factors (N).
Dose equivalent is expressed in units of rem (or sievert) (1 rem = 0.01
sievert).
fissile material symbol: The symbol designated in American National
Standards Institute (ANSI) Publication N12.1, "Fissile Material Symbol"
(ANSI, 1989a), used when marking fissile radioactive material. (See
Appendix B, for example)
fixed contamination: Radioactive material that cannot be readily
removed from surfaces by nondestructive means such as casual contact,
wiping, brushing, or washing.
fixed contamination area: Any area with detectable removable
contamination less than the removable contamination values of Appendix D
of 10 CFR 835 and fixed contamination at levels that exceed the total
contamination values of Appendix D of 10 CFR 835.
high contamination area: Any area where contamination levels are
greater than 100 times the values specified in Appendix D of 10 CFR 835.
high radiation area: Any area, accessible to individuals, in which
radiation levels could result in an individual receiving a deep dose
equivalent in excess of 0.1 rem (0.001 sievert) in 1 hour at 30
centimeters from the radiation source or from any surface that the
radiation penetrates.
hot particle: Small, discrete, highly radioactive particles that can
cause extremely high dose rates to a localized area.
hot spot: Any localized source of radiation or radioactive material,
normally within facility piping or equipment, which results in radiation
levels that exceed the general area radiation level by more than a
factor of five and are greater than 100 mrem (1 mSv) per hour on
contact. DOE Order 5400.5, Chapter IV, provides detailed guidance on
determining hot spots in soils.
locked barrier: A barrier that is secured with an industrial lock or other
closure that cannot be opened without a key or other hand tool.
monitoring: Actions intended to detect and quantify radiological
conditions.
personnel entrance: Any doorway, hatch, access hole, or other means of
access by which a person could be expected to achieve entry to an area
during operation of the site or facility.
physical barrier: A bounding physical obstruction that prevents
unimpeded access to an area.
radiation area: Any area accessible to individuals in which radiation
levels could result in an individual receiving a deep dose equivalent in
excess of 0.005 rem (0.05 millisievert) in 1 hour at 30 centimeters from
the source or from any surface that the radiation penetrates.
radiation-generating device (RGD): The collective term for devices
which produce ionizing radiation, sealed sources which emit ionizing
radiation, small particle accelerators used for single purpose
applications which produce ionizing radiation (e.g., radiography), and
electron generating devices that produce X-rays incidentally.
radiation symbol: The three-bladed symbol designated in ANSI N2.1,
"Radiation Symbol" (1989b), as the international symbol for designating
ionizing radiation. (See Figure 1, Appendix B, for example)
radioactive material area: An area where radioactive material is used,
handled or stored.
radioactive material contamination: Radioactive material that is
unwanted in a particular location.
radiological area: Any area within a controlled area which must be
posted as a "radiation area," "high radiation area," "very high
radiation area," "contamination area," "high contamination area," or
"airborne radioactivity area" in accordance with 10 CFR 835.603.
radiological buffer area (RBA): Any inter-mediate area established to
prevent the spread of radioactive contamination and to protect personnel
from radiation exposure.
radiological posting and labeling: Signs, labels, and other identifying
markings that warn of the presence or potential presence of ionizing
radiation or radioactive material.
removable contamination: Any radioactive material that can be removed
from surfaces by normal nondestructive means, such as casual contact,
wiping, brushing, or washing.
sealed radioactive source: Any radioactive material that is contained
in a sealed capsule, sealed between layers of nonradioactive material,
or firmly fixed to a nonradioactive surface by electroplating or other
means. The confining barrier prevents dispersion of the radioactive
material under normal and most accidental conditions related to use of
the source.
shall: Within the context of this Guide, the word "shall" is used to
designate requirements from 10 CFR 835, DOE Orders, the RCM, and
secondary documents invoked by them.
should and may: Within the context of this Guide, the words "should" and
"may" are used to represent optional program recommendations and allowable
alternatives, respectively. Deviations generally require no specific
approval or justification; however, exceptions or deviations to "should"
provisions referenced directly from the RCM require specific justification
and approval in accordance with Article 113.3 of that manual (i.e., RCM
113.3).
site: Any area, managed by DOE, where access can be limited for any
reason. The site boundary encompasses Controlled Areas.
soil contamination area: Any area where radioactive material
contamination exists in a matrix (e.g., soil) at levels exceeding
natural background and has not been released for unrestricted use in
accordance with DOE Order 5400.5, "Radiation Protection of the Public and
the Environment" (DOE, 1990).
underground radioactive material area: Any area having underground
items which contain radioactive material and has not been released for
unrestricted use according to DOE Order 5400.5.
unsealed radioactive source: Radioactive material that is not contained
in a sealed capsule, sealed between two layers of nonradioactive
material, or fixed in any way to a nonradioactive surface.
very high radiation area: Any area accessible to individuals in which
radiation levels could result in an individual receiving an absorbed
dose in excess of 500 rads (5 grays) in one hour at 1 meter from a
radiation source or from any surface that the radiation penetrates.
workplace monitoring: The measurement of radioactive material and/or
direct radiation levels in areas that could be routinely occupied by
workers.
Section III - Discussion
III. DISCUSSION
A. General
As with any hazard communication program, it is important to identify
and effectively communicate radiological hazards to individuals. A
uniform system of radiation protection posting and labeling for
radiological control is essential. The posting and labeling program is
implemented to ensure that radiological hazards are adequately
controlled in the workplace, thereby protecting the health and safety of
workers, the public, and the environment.
Both 10 CFR 835 and the RCM require that certain areas and items be
posted or labeled for control of personnel exposure to radioactive
material and ionizing radiation. Other DOE Orders, such as DOE Order
5480.4, "Environmental Protection, Safety, and Health Protection
Standards" (DOE, 1984), invoke mandatory industry standards or other
federal agency regulations that contain requirements for radiological
control posting and labeling. Policies and requirements for the posting
of radiological hazards should be described in formal procedures.
The following sections describe the basic posting and labeling
requirements applicable to DOE and its contractors' operations.
B. Controlled Area
Any area where access is managed to protect
personnel from exposure to radioactive material or radiation fields
"shall" be posted as a Controlled Area (10 CFR 835.602(a)). The
requirements for posting Controlled Areas are based upon protecting
individuals from inadvertent exposure to radioactive material or
ionizing radiation fields in quantities that could exceed the dose
equivalent limits for a member of the public (10 CFR 835.208).
C. Radiological Buffer Area
A Radiological Buffer Area shall be established within a Controlled Area
to provide a secondary boundary to control the spread of radioactive
material contamination (RCM 233). Posting of the Radiological Buffer
Area also provides a mechanism to control the exposure of personnel to
external radiation. The requirements for posting Radiological Buffer
Areas are based upon protecting individuals who do not have radiological
worker training from inadvertent exposure to radioactive material or
ionizing radiation fields in quantities that require such training.
D. Posting for Control of Exposure to External Radiation
Radiation Areas "shall" be posted (10 CFR 835.603(a) and RCM 234.1). The
posting of Radiation Areas is part of the system to maintain personnel
exposures to levels that are as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA).
High Radiation Areas "shall" be posted (10 CFR 835.603(b) and RCM 234.1).
This intermediate level area designation indicates when rigid physical
and administrative access controls are necessary to maintain personnel
exposures ALARA.
Very High Radiation Areas "shall" be posted (10 CFR 835.603(c) and RCM
234.1). This is the most stringent area designation for controlling
personnel exposure to ionizing radiation. Posting and stringent
physical and administrative access controls for these areas are required
because of the real potential for individuals to exceed the dose limit
in a very short time.
In recognition of the fact that dose rates and the size of a source may
vary significantly within posted Radiation and High Radiation Areas, Hot
Spots shall be posted (RCM 234.1) to specifically identify to the worker
the significant localized sources of radiation. This provides the
worker the knowledge and opportunity to take appropriate actions to
minimize exposure.
Installed temporary shielding should be clearly marked or labeled to
prevent its inadvertent removal or modification (RCM 314.5). Because
the most minor adjustment or modification of temporary shielding can
greatly increase radiation levels, all movements of temporary shielding
should be strictly controlled.
E. Posting for Control of Contamination
Contamination and High Contamination Areas "shall" be posted (10 CFR
835.603(e & f) and RCM 235.1). Posting these areas is an important part
of controlling the spread of unconfined radioactive material and
managing personnel exposures to levels that are ALARA.
Because of the potential for individuals to receive extremely high
localized doses, areas where hot particles are or are likely to be
present need to be identified to allow for individual exposures to be
managed to levels that are ALARA. The presence of hot particles should
be identified as part of the posting of a Contamination or High
Contamination Area (RCM 348.4). Hot particles can deliver high
localized doses and may not be detected during normal personal
monitoring at exit areas.
Controlling personnel exposure to radioactive material to levels that
are ALARA requires the posting of areas with airborne radioactive
material in concentrations approaching established limiting values.
Airborne Radioactivity Areas "shall" be posted (10 CFR 835.603(d) and RCM
235.1).
Areas of fixed radioactive material contamination that are located
outside areas controlled for removable contamination need to be
identified. The posting of these areas is required to prevent the
inadvertent removal or spread of radioactive material and to limit any
subsequent exposures to personnel.
Outdoor areas where radioactive material contamination exists in a
matrix, such as soil, need to be identified as part of the program to
manage the exposure of workers and the public to levels that are ALARA
(RCM 235.1). Areas identified as having underground items containing
radioactive material, and which have not been released for unrestricted
use, shall be posted as Under- ground Radioactive Material Areas (RCM
237.1). The identification of underground radioactive material is
necessary to prevent the inadvertent excavation of buried radioactive
material.
F. Radioactive Material Areas and Radioactive Material
Radioactive material located outside of Contamination, High
Contamination, or Airborne Radioactivity Areas should be stored in
locations posted as Radioactive Material Areas (RCM 236 and 414). The
use of designated storage locations minimizes the potential for the loss
of radiological control of radioactive material.
When located outside of Contamination, High Contamination, or Airborne
Radioactivity Areas, radioactive material shall be labeled (RCM 412.1).
The requirements for labeling radioactive material are designed to
control radioactive material and to limit personnel exposure to ionizing
radiation to levels that are ALARA.
Protective clothing designated for radiological use shall be identified
by color, symbol, or appropriate labeling (RCM 461.1). The control of
protective clothing is necessary to ensure that positive radioactive
material and contamination controls are maintained.
Section IV - Introduction
IV. IMPLEMENTATION GUIDANCE
This section contains the basic requirements for radiological posting
and labeling and several optional methods for improving a radiological
posting and labeling program. Posting for other health and safety
concerns, such as those for nuclear criticality, should be in addition
to the postings specified for radiological control.
Radiological posting and labeling shall be used to alert personnel to
the presence of ionizing radiation or radioactive material in order to
assist individuals in maintaining exposures ALARA (RCM 231.1).
Section IV, Subsection A - Exceptions to Posting and Labeling Requirements
A. Exceptions to Posting and Labeling Requirements
Radioactive material shipments that are packaged and labeled for offsite
shipment according to U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations,
49 CFR, Chapter 1, "Research and Special Programs Administration" (DOT, 1992)
are exempt from posting and labeling requirements contained in this IG (RCM
412.2).
Nuclear weapon components are not required to be individually labeled as
radioactive material (RCM 412.2).
Radiation-generating devices and sealed radioactive sources used for
medical purposes are exempt from the requirements of this guide to the
extent that they are subject to local, State, or Federal licensing
provisions.
The radiation protection manager is authorized to change "shall"
statements to "should" statements to facilitate implementation of
posting requirements on privately owned property during construction and
restoration projects (RCM 371).
Section IV, Subsection B - General
B. General
If more than one radiological condition requires posting in an area,
posting for each condition should be identified (RCM 231.6).
Radiological posting and labeling should be used or displayed to signify
the actual or potential radiological conditions or for illustrative
purposes in appropriate educational or informational matter. When used
for illustrative purposes, signs and labels should be used in a way that
will avoid any confusion or implication that a radiological condition
exists (e.g., they should be marked for training use only) (RCM 231.3).
Radiological posting and labeling should be securely affixed and located
such that signs and labels can be expected to remain in place when
subjected to typical adverse conditions and environments. Radiological
posting should be completed before the commencement of work, should be
updated periodically when changes in radiological conditions occur, and
should be removed as soon as practical when no longer required.
Radiological posting should be kept current, given the actual or
expected radiological conditions (RCM 231.5). The number and size of
Radiological Areas and Radiological Buffer Areas should be minimized
(RCM 231.4). The number of access points to Radiological Areas and
Radiological Buffer Areas should be minimized to promote effective
control. Radiological postings should be updated promptly based upon the
results of the most recent radiological surveys (RCM 231.5).
Radiological postings should be inspected at least annually. However,
it is not necessary to enter an area that has not been entered since the
last inspection to inspect interior postings. Such postings should be
inspected and updated before allowing general personnel access to such
areas. The Radiation Protection Organization should include a review of
posting and labeling as a part of their facility walk-throughs. Also,
Radiation Protection/Control personnel should verify that posting and
labeling are intact and appropriate as part of their routine workplace
monitoring activities.
Radiological Buffer Areas and Radiological Areas should have boundary
identifiers on each side. The boundary of these areas should be
appropriately identified (e.g., yellow and magenta floor tape). It is
not necessary to erect physical barriers to identify the boundaries of
Radiological Areas that are not accessible to personnel (e.g.,
Underground Radioactive Material Areas, buried radiological piping,
etc.). However, appropriate signs should be placed along area
boundaries.
The radiation symbol should be displayed as prominently as is practical.
Personnel entrances and exits to radiological areas "shall" be clearly and
conspicuously posted with the appropriate signs (10 CFR 835.603 and RCM
231.1). The actual or anticipated dose rate or the range of dose rates
should be included on or with each sign, as applicable, and posted at
the entrance points to Radiation, High Radiation, and Very High
Radiation Areas. The actual or anticipated contamination level or the
range of contamination levels and the date of radiological survey should
be included on or with each sign, as applicable, and posted at the
entrance points to Contamination, High Contamination, and Airborne
Radioactivity Areas (RCM 231.1). Other radiological signs should be
posted clearly and conspicuously to adequately communi- cate the hazard
(RCM 231.3).
Appropriate signs indicating the actual or potential radiological hazard
on the interior of an enclosure and/or signs preventing personnel access
to an enclosure should be placed on the exterior of large contamination
containments that allow whole body entrance. Enclosures, such as glove
boxes, that cannot be entered by personnel should have Internal or Fixed
Contamination labels at access ports that could allow hand and arm
entry. Glove ports do not require labeling. Glove boxes should be
clearly and obviously marked with whole body and extremity dose rates,
if appropriate.
Appropriate signs should be placed intermittently along the boundary of
an area (e.g., fences, barricades, ropes, tapes, glove and transfer
sleeves, etc.) if the area could be expected to be entered by personnel.
At least one sign should be on each side of an area's boundary, and a
sign should be visible from any normal avenue of approach. A distance
between signs along the area's boundary of 40 feet (12.2 m) is
considered acceptable.
Permanent (greater than 60 days) area signs should be mounted on chains,
posts, walls, doors, fences, or other permanent structures. Signs for
temporary areas should be mounted on or near the physical barrier or on
posts, walls, or doors. Signs should not be mounted such that they will
be blocked from view during normal operations (e.g., on doors that
remain open or where the signs would be obscured by open doors) (RCM
231). Signs or labels used for permanent postings should be durable
(i.e., temporary labels should not be used for permanent postings).
Signs and labels should not be altered or defaced in any way to change
their meaning. Inserts (on signs containing insert slots) may be
changed, as appropriate.
Boundary identifiers and physical barriers should be clearly visible to
prevent unintentional access to areas (i.e., the barriers cannot be
readily walked over or under, except at identified access points) (RCM
231.10). For example, rope barriers should be approximately 24 to 40
inches (60 to 100 cm) in height. The results of radiological monitoring
should be used to determine the adequacy of boundary placement.
In many operations, the likelihood that a radiological condition will
exist, rather than the actual condition, will define the boundaries and
posting of a Radiological Area. For example, opening a contaminated
ventilation system in a noncontaminated area would require a
Contamination Area to be established, or opening a radiological vacuum
cleaner in a contamination area may require that an Airborne
Radioactivity Area be established. Therefore, it is important that past
monitoring data, work-specific experience, and professional judgment be
included in the decision on the correct posting of the workplace. These
temporary postings should be removed as soon as the conditions requiring
them no longer exists.
Existing physical barriers, such as fences or walls, may be used as
boundary identifiers if the posting is adequate to prevent inadvertent
access to the Radiological Area. For example, a wall that can be crossed
by ladder could suffice as a boundary identifier but would not prevent
an individual from entering an area, thus posting would be required.
Section IV, Subsection C - Design Criteria
C. Design Criteria
The background color of signs and labels "shall" be yellow; the foreground
color "shall" be either black or magenta (10 CFR 835.601(c) and RCM
231.1). Magenta is the preferred color. The color scheme used for
radiological control posting should be reserved for radiological hazards
communication only. For example, entry or exit requirements for
Radiological Areas should use the radiological hazards communication
color scheme (e.g., signs stating that "DOSIMETER REQUIRED FOR ENTRY,"
"PERSONAL PROTECTIVE CLOTHING REQUIRED FOR ENTRY," "REMOVE PERSONAL
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING PRIOR TO EXIT," etc., should have a foreground of
black or magenta and a background of yellow).
Signs and labels providing information that does not communicate a
radiological hazard (e.g., job aids, instructions for removing
protective clothing, etc.) should not use the radiological color scheme.
Signs and labels that provide instruction to not discharge or use
radioactive materials (e.g., "DO NOT DISPOSE OF RADIOACTIVE LIQUIDS IN
THIS SINK" or "UNFILTERED VENTILATION - DO NOT USE RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS
IN HOOD") should not use the radiological color scheme.
Rope, tape, chains, or similar materials used as boundary identifiers
for Radiological Areas should be yellow and magenta in color (RCM 231).
Existing physical barriers used to identify area boundaries do not
require color-coding.
Signs and labels should be constructed of materials that can endure
environmental conditions without significant deterioration of color,
legibility, strength, or other physical characteristics. The lettering
and radiation symbol, if applicable, used for posting should be
proportional to the size of the sign or label. Lettering shall not be
superimposed on the radiation symbol (ANSI N2.1). The size of lettering
used on the sign should not detract from the clarity of the radiation
symbol. Unless circumstances do not permit, the radiation symbol should
be oriented with one blade downward and centered on the vertical axis.
The size of the primary hazard communication on the sign (e.g., "CAUTION
- RADIATION AREA") should be larger than any other secondary hazard
information included on the same sign. When a blank space is provided
on a radiological sign or label for indicating a radiological condition,
the space should be large enough to adequately display the hazard
information. The shape, proportion, and use of the radiation symbol
shall conform to Appendix B.
When a sign is used to warn of the potential presence of radiation, an
associated statement should be included specifying what conditions will
cause the radiation to be present, such as, "POTENTIAL INTERNAL
CONTAMINATION," or "CAUTION: EMITS X-RAYS WHEN ENERGIZED" (RCM 231.12).
All radiological posting shall be placed in a manner that does not
interfere with the operation of emergency exits (DOE Order 5480.7, Fire
Protection (DOE, 1987) and RCM 231.10).
Audible warning signals, including those used to warn of high airborne
radioactive material levels, or radiological hazards other than nuclear
criticality, should be unique (i.e., the same audible signal should not
be used to warn of both radiological and nonradiological hazards).
Signs and labels used for radiation protection at a site should be of
the same design and should be approved by the head of the cognizant
radiation protection organization before use.
Section IV, Subsection D - Controlled Area
D. Controlled Area
Any area where access by personnel is controlled due to the presence of
radiation or radioactive materials at levels above natural background
"shall" be posted as a Controlled Area (10 CFR 835.602(a)). The sign
shall contain wording equivalent to "CONTROLLED AREA"; the actual
wording used should not conflict with local security requirements (10
CFR 835.602(b)) and shall be approved by the senior site executive (RCM
232.2).
A Controlled Area may incorporate one or more radiological areas
including any Radiological Buffer Areas. Controlled Area borders should
not be established contiguous with the site boundary; and there may be
more than one Controlled Area within a site.
Section IV, Subsection E - Radiological Buffer Area
E. Radiological Buffer Area
A Radiological Buffer Area should be established as a buffer bordering
Radiological Areas unless otherwise specified. At a minimum,
Radiological Buffer Areas should be established as buffer areas for
entrance or exit between Contami- nation, High Contamination, and
Airborne Radioactivity Areas (RCM 233.1). It is not necessary to
establish Radiological Buffer Areas around High Contamination or
Airborne Radioactivity Areas that are completely contained within
Contamination Areas. A Radiological Buffer Area should surround
Radiation, High Radiation, and Very High Radiation Areas (RCM 233.3).
The boundary of a Radiological Buffer Area that is the same as that of a
Radiation, High Radiation, or Very High Radiation Area is not required
to be posted as a Radiological Buffer Area (RCM 233.3).
The sign should contain the radiation symbol and shall contain a
"CAUTION" heading and the wording "RADIOLOGICAL BUFFER AREA" (RCM
233.4). The boundary of a Radiological Buffer Area should be
identified on all sides.
Section IV, Subsection F - Posting for Control of Exposure to External Radiation
F. Posting for Control of Exposure to External Radiation
The following sections describe the requirements and recommendations for
posting and labeling to control external sources of radiation exposure.
1. Radiation Area
Any area within a Radiological Area where an individual can receive a
deep dose equivalent greater than 5 mrems (50 ęSv), but less than or
equal to 100 mrems (1 mSv), in 1 hour at a distance of 30 cm from the
radiation source itself, or from any surface through which the radiation
pene- trates, "shall" be posted as a Radiation Area (10 CFR 835.603(a) and
RCM 234). The boundary of the area should be identified by use of a
boundary identifier or a physical barrier and sufficient signs.
Radioactive materials emitting radiation at levels that meet the
criteria for posting as a Radiation Area shall be labeled as such (or
the exterior of their package or container shall be so labeled) when
transported outside of posted Radiation Areas, e.g., where normal
posting of the area would not otherwise provide adequate warning of the
hazardous nature of the material. In these cases, it may not be
practical for a physical boundary to be established. The individual
transporting the radioactive material is responsible for communicating
the radiological hazard.
The radiation symbol and the words "CAUTION, RADIATION AREA" "shall" be
included on the sign (10 CFR 835.603(a) and RCM 234.1). The words
"Personnel Dosimeter Required for Entry" shall be included secondary to
the "RADIATION AREA" wording on the sign or in conjunction with the sign
(RCM 234.5).
2. High Radiation Area
Any area where an individual can at any time during normal operations
receive a deep dose equivalent of greater that 100 mrems (1 mSv) at 30
cm from the source or any surface through which the radiation penetrates
but less than or equal to an absorbed dose of 500 rads (5 Gy) in 1 hour
at 100 cm from the radiation source, or from any surface through which
the radiation penetrates, "shall" be posted as a High Radiation Area (10
CFR 835.603(b) and RCM 234.1).
The posting should be in addition to a physical barrier. High Radiation
Areas should be located within Radiation Areas, if practical. The
boundaries of permanent High Radiation Areas should be the physical
barriers (e.g., walls or fences) that prevent access to the area except
at designated access points.
The radiation symbol and the words "DANGER, HIGH RADIATION AREA" "shall"
be included on the sign (10 CFR 835.603(b) and RCM 234.1). The words
"Personnel Dosimeter, Supplemental Dosimeter and RWP Required for entry"
shall be included secondary to the words "HIGH RADIATION AREA" on the
sign or posted in conjunction with the sign (RCM 234.5).
3. Very High Radiation Area
Any area within a High Radiation Area where an individual can at any
time during normal operations receive an absorbed dose greater than 500
rads (5 Gy) in 1 hour at 100 cm from the radiation source, or from any
surface through which the radiation pene- trates, "shall" be posted as a
Very High Radiation Area (10 CFR 835.603(c) and RCM 234.1).
The posting should be in addition to a physical barrier. The radiation
symbol and the words "GRAVE DANGER, VERY HIGH RADIATION AREA" "shall" be
included on the posting (10 CFR 835.603(c) and RCM 234.1). The words
"SPECIAL CONTROLS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY" shall be included secondary to the
words "VERY HIGH RADIATION AREA" on the sign or in conjunction with the
sign (RCM 234.1). The physical barrier should prevent personnel access
to the area while the radiological conditions creating the Very High
Radiation Area exist. The posting of Very High Radiation Areas shall be
in addition to signs and barricades, control devices on entrances,
obvious visual and/or audible alarms, locked entrance ways, and any
other physical control measures used for access control according to the
requirements of the RCM.
4. Hot Spots
Hot spots shall be posted within Radiation or High Radiation Areas where
dose equivalent rates at contact (2.5 cm) from a radiation source or
from any surface through which the radiation penetrates are 5 times
greater than the surrounding general area radiation levels and exceed
100 mrems/h (1 mSv/h) (RCM 234.1).
Hot spots in Radiation Areas shall be posted except as noted below (RCM
234). Hot spots should be posted in accessible areas of High Radiation
Areas that are frequented by personnel. Hot spots should not be posted
in Very High Radiation Areas or High Radiation Areas with general area
dose rates greater than 1 rem/h (10 mSv/h) (RCM 234.4). The sign or
label used to post the hot spot shall have the words "CAUTION, HOT SPOT"
and should be placed on or immediately next to the hot spot and should
be clearly visible to personnel (RCM 231 & 234.4).
During short-term maintenance activities that may result in the movement
of hot spots (e.g., flushing radiological piping systems) it is not
necessary to post hot spots as long as positive access control to the
area is maintained, personnel who enter the area are adequately briefed
on the radiological hazards, and constant monitoring occurs during the
entry. However, before general area access by personnel, hot spots
should be posted (RCM 234).
In areas that are not normally accessible to personnel and are not
routinely surveyed (e.g., piping located in high overhead areas), it is
not necessary to post hot spots until personnel access is required. The
access to such areas should be posted clearly and conspicuously with
signs that have wording equivalent to "OVERHEAD AREAS NOT ROUTINELY
SURVEYED, CONTACT RADIATION PROTECTION PRIOR TO ENTRY."
It is not always practical to post hot spots for short-term (one- or
two-time) entry into areas not normally accessible to personnel. In
such instances, the radiation exposure received while posting hot spots
in these areas may exceed the benefits gained from the posting itself.
In cases where a formal ALARA evaluation documents that the exposure to
personnel from posting hot spots exceeds the benefits gained by the
posting, the following controls should be instituted in lieu of posting:
(1) Prior to entering the area all personnel receive a special briefing
by radiation protection personnel on the location and radiation levels
of the unposted hot spots; (2) a current radiation survey map showing
the location and intensity of the hot spots should be posted at the
access to the area; and (3) personnel are instructed to not enter hot
spot areas.
5. Radiation-Generating Devices
DOE Order 5480.4 requires, in part, that the labeling of
radiation-generating devices shall conform to the requirements contained
in applicable federal regulations and mandatory industry standards. As
a minimum, radiation-generating devices should be labeled clearly and
conspicuously to show the nature of the radiological hazard present.
The sign shall contain the radiation symbol and an associated statement
specifying what will cause the radiation to be present (e.g., "EQUIPMENT
PRODUCES RADIATION WHEN ENERGIZED"). These requirements are found in
ANSI N43.3, "General Safety Standard for Installations Using Nonmedical
X-ray and Sealed Gamma-Ray Sources, Energies up to 10 MeV" (ANSI, 1993);
ANSI N43.1, "Radiological Safety in the Design and Operation of Particle
Accelerators" (ANSI, 1979); and ANSI N43.2, "Radiation Safety for X-ray
Diffraction and Fluorescence Analysis Equipment" (ANSI, 1989c).
Installations where a radiation-generating device or a sealed source is
used shall be posted according to the applicable mandatory industry
standard procedure or federal regulation (RCM 365), such as 10 CFR Part
34, "Licenses for Radiography and Radiation Safety Requirements for
Radiographic Operations" (NRC, 1992).
6. Open Radiographic Installations
The requirements of ANSI N43.3 shall be used to determine the posting
for open radiographic installations. The posting of open installations
using sealed sources should be according to 10 CFR 34 (RCM 365).
In cases where a difference in the requirements between ANSI N43.3 or
other federal regulations and 10 CFR 835 or the RCM occur, the more
stringent requirement should be implemented; however, the wording
requirements for postings required by 10 CFR 835 should take precedence
over those contained in the industry standard or other applicable
federal regulations.
Additional posting should be used with radiography operations to ensure
adequate hazard identification and to prevent inadvertent entry to
radiography areas. Signs that provide specific entry restrictions (e.g.,
"RADIOGRAPHER PERMISSION REQUIRED FOR ENTRY," "RADIOGRAPHY PERSONNEL
ONLY") should be considered.
When a radiological posting is used to signify the potential presence of
radiation, there should be an associated statement specifying what will
cause the radiation to be present (e.g., "CAUTION - EMITS RADIATION WHEN
ENERGIZED") (RCM 231.12).
The location of physical boundaries for radiography operations should be
determined by a qualified radiographer (as defined in 10 CFR 34) or
equivalent. Precautions should be taken to ensure that all potential
paths for radiation streaming and scattering are identified and
adequately posted.
Section IV, Subsection G - Posting for Control of Contamination
G. Posting for Control of Contamination
The following sections describe the posting and labeling requirements
and recommendations for the control of radioactive contamination.
Instructions for removing personal protective clothing should be posted
in step-off pad areas (RCM 325.6). Containers for used protective
clothing should be adjacent to the step-off pad and should be clearly
labeled indicating the type of personal protective clothing to be
deposited. Instructions for personal surveys should be posted adjacent
to personnel monitoring instruments (RCM 338.8).
1. Contamination Area
Any area where contamination levels are greater than the values
specified in Appendix D of 10 CFR 835, but less than or equal to 100
times those levels "shall" be posted as a Contamination Area (10 CFR
835.603(e) and RCM 235.1). The sign "shall" include the radiation symbol,
a "CAUTION" heading, and the wording "CONTAMINATION AREA" (10 CFR
835.603(e) and RCM 235.1).
Permanent barriers should be used wherever practical. Hoses, cords, and
other equipment that cross from the Controlled or Radiological Buffer
Area into the Contamination Area should be marked as radioactive
material and secured (RCM 337.2).
Exits from Contamination Areas that are not normally used (e.g.,
emergency exits or exits secured for contamination control) should be
clearly identified. For example, an exit secured for contamination
control should be posted with a sign containing the words "EXIT ONLY AT
DESIGNATED POINTS."
2. High Contamination Area
Any area where contamination levels greater than 100 times those
specified in Appendix D of 10 CFR 835 are present "shall" be posted as a
High Contamination Area (10 CFR 835.603(e) and RCM 235.1). The sign
"shall" include the radiation symbol, a "DANGER" heading, and the words
"HIGH CONTAMINATION AREA" (10 CFR 835.603(f) and RCM 235.1). The
wording "RWP REQUIRED FOR ENTRY" should be included on the sign (RCM
235.2).
High Contamination Areas should be enclosed within Contamination Areas
if practical. Permanent barriers should be used wherever practical.
Hoses, cords, and other equipment that cross into the High Contamination
Area should be marked as radioactive material and secured (RCM 337.2).
Exits from High Contamination Areas that are not normally used (e.g.,
emergency exits or exits secured for contamination control) should be
clearly identified. For example, an exit secured for contamination
control should be posted with a sign containing the words "EXIT ONLY AT
DESIGNATED POINTS."
3. Hot Particles
The posting for areas contaminated by Hot Particles should be
specifically annotated with the words "HOT PARTICLES" (RCM 348.4).
4. Airborne Radioactivity Area
Any area where the measured concentration of airborne radioactive
material, above natural background, exceeds or is likely to exceed
one-tenth of the DAC, "shall" be posted as an Airborne Radioactivity Area
(10 CFR 835.603(d) and RCM 235.1). DAC values are listed in Appendix A
of 10 CFR 835.
Airborne Radioactivity Area posting should be in addition to any
physical barriers employed. The sign "shall" include the radiation
symbol, the wording "AIRBORNE RADIOACTIVITY AREA," and a "CAUTION"
heading (10 CFR 835.603(d) and RCM 235.1). The wording "RWP REQUIRED FOR
ENTRY" should be included on the sign (RCM 235.2). Airborne
Radioactivity Area signs should contain the words "RESPIRATOR REQUIRED
FOR ENTRY" or equivalent wording when respiratory protection is required
(RCM 231.8).
Permanent barriers should be used wherever practical. Hoses, cords, and
other equipment that cross into the Airborne Radioactivity Area should
be marked as radioactive material and secured (RCM 337.2). Exits from
Airborne Radioactivity Areas that are not normally used (e.g., emergency
exits or exits secured for contamination control) should be clearly
identified. For example, an exit secured for contamination control
should be posted with a sign containing the words "EXIT ONLY AT
DESIGNATED POINTS."
5. Fixed Contamination Area
Areas not posted as Contamination, High Contamination, or Airborne
Radioactivity Areas; having detectable removable contamination at levels
less than the values for removable contamination in Appendix D of 10 CFR
835; and having fixed radioactive material contamination at levels
greater than those specified for total contamination in Appendix D of 10
CFR 835 shall be posted for fixed contamination (RCM 235.1).
Fixed Contamination Areas shall be posted with a sign containing the
words "CAUTION FIXED CONTAMINATION" (RCM 235.1). Areas of fixed
contamination should be coated with two layers of a fixative coating,
each with a different color. Fixed Contamination Areas may be located
outside Controlled Areas if unrestricted access is not likely to result
in a dose equivalent to any individual of 100 mrems/y or more. The
posting of Fixed Contamination Areas should be over the area of fixed
contamination. If several discrete areas of fixed contamination are
present on a single surface, one posting for the entire surface may be
used.
If several areas of fixed contamination exist throughout a room, the
entrance(s) to the room may be posted rather than each surface. In
these cases the sign should show the radiological condition within the
room. For example, a "CAUTION" heading and the words "FIXED
CONTAMINATION AREA" with the supplemental words "INSIDE ROOM" could be
used. The posting shall contain the standard radiation symbol, a
"CAUTION" heading, and the wording "FIXED CONTAMINATION" (RCM 235.1).
Supplemental instructions to the worker such as "RADIOLOGICAL CONTROLS
REQUIRED FOR WORKING ON SURFACE," or equivalent wording, should be
included on the sign.
6. Soil Contamination Area
Soil Contamination Areas shall be posted (RCM 235.1). The sign shall
include the radiation symbol, a "CAUTION" heading, the wording "SOIL
CONTAMINATION AREA" (RCM 235.1), and should include appropriate wording
to identify instructions or warnings to the worker, i.e., "SUBSURFACE
CONTAMINATION EXISTS" or "CONTACT RADIATION PROTECTION PRIOR TO
DIGGING."
It is not necessary to erect a Radiological Buffer Area or a physical
barrier around the boundary of a soil contamination area unless survey
results suggest that contamination can be spread outside the area (e.g.,
by travel through the area by personnel, vehicles, etc.). A
Radiological Buffer Area should be established around Soil Contamination
Areas that meet the requirements of, and are posted as, Contamination
Areas.
A Soil Contamination Area "shall" be posted instead as a Contamination
Area or a High Contamination Area when monitoring shows that radioactive
material contamination can be transferred from the area at levels
greater than those specified for removable contamination as defined by
Appendix D of 10 CFR 835 (10 CFR 835.603(e) & (f) and RCM 235.1).
Section IV, Subsection H - Radioactive Material Posting and Labeling
H. Radioactive Material Posting and Labeling
The following sections contain requirements and recommendations for the
posting and labeling of radioactive material.
1. Radioactive Material Area
Radioactive material located outside Contamination, High Contamination,
or Airborne Radioactivity Areas should be stored in Radioactive Material
Areas (RCM 236.1). Areas required to be posted as a Contamination, High
Contamination, or Airborne Radioactivity Area need not be posted as a
Radioactive Material Area.
Radioactive Material Areas shall be posted (RCM 236.1). Each
Radioactive Material Area should be approved by the radiation protection
manager (RCM 414.4). The sign used shall contain the radiation symbol,
a "CAUTION" heading, and the words "RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL" (RCM 236.1).
Cabinets, drawers, or containers with greater than 10 times the
quantities listed in Table 1 of the Department of Energy Notice DOE N
5400.9, "Sealed Radioactive Source Accountability" , as amended (DOE,
1991) should be posted as Radioactive Material Areas.
2. Underground Radioactive Material Area
Areas identified as having underground items containing radioactive
material that have not been released for unrestricted use according to
the requirements of DOE Order 5400.5 shall be posted as Underground
Radioactive Material Areas (RCM 237.1).
Each outdoor area with underground radioactive material, including
inactive radioactive waste burial grounds, radiological piping, covered
ponds, or covered ditches shall be posted to show the type of hazard
present (RCM 237.1). Underground Radioactive Material Areas may be
located within or outside of Controlled Areas.
The signs used shall include the radiation symbol and the words
"UNDERGROUND RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL" (RCM 237.2). It is not necessary to
place a physical barrier around the boundary of Underground Radioactive
Material Areas if appropriate signs are placed along the boundaries of
the area.
3. Radioactive Material Labeling
When located outside a Contamination, High Contamination, or an Airborne
Radioactivity Area, the following items require labeling (RCM 412.1)
(except as otherwise noted):
-- Equipment, components, and other items that are radioactive or have
been exposed to radioactive material contamination or activation
sources and not released for unrestricted use;
-- equipment, components, or other items that are contaminated or are
potentially contaminated with radioactive material on internal
surfaces; and
-- components, equipment, or other items that have fixed radioactive
material contamination.
a. Sealed and Unsealed Sources
Sealed and unsealed sources or their associated storage containers shall
be labeled as radioactive material (RCM 412.1 and 431). Storage
containers and devices containing a sealed source shall be clearly
marked. The label used to identify radioactive sources shall contain
either the radiation symbol or a "CAUTION" heading with the words
"RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL" (RCM 412.4). The design of labels and the
radiation symbol should conform to the general criteria described in
this guide. The following information should be included on the labels
for radioactive sources: a description of the source, contact radiation
levels, removable contamination levels, dates surveyed, and the
surveyor's name (RCM 412.4). In addition to the above, a sealed
radioactive source label shall identify the source's radionuclide(s),
activity, date of assay, source model, source serial number, and the
source custodian (RCM 431).
b. Other Radioactive Material
Other than sealed or unsealed sources, radioactive material or its
container shall be individually labeled when outside Contamination, High
Contamination, or Airborne Radioactivity Areas (RCM 412) except for the
following:
-- Surveyed material with contamination levels less than the Table 2-2
values of the RCM;
-- radioactive material that is packaged and labeled according to DOT
regulations;
-- protective clothing and equipment (except when potentially
contaminated and packaged for shipment to laundry facilities);
-- radiological control samples that are in the custody of trained
radiation protection personnel;
-- equipment or installed system components undergoing maintenance
according to approved radiological work permits (RWPs);
-- color-coded portable tools maintained in a designated "hot" tool
storage or distribution area;
-- installed system components located in an area posted as a
Radiation, High Radiation, or Very High Radiation Area;
-- nuclear weapon components;
-- historical items (e.g., uranium hexaflouride cylinders and large
items used in demonstration projects) that are located in a
Radioactive Material Area; and
-- short-lived (half-life of 1 hour or less) radioactive material
generated during an irradiation (i.e., research samples while an
experiment is being conducted, etc.) that is used immediately.
Radiological-use vacuum cleaners shall be uniquely marked and labeled to
identify both their internal and external contamination characteristics
(RCM 464.3).
Labels shall contain a "CAUTION" heading and the words "RADIOACTIVE
MATERIAL" (RCM 412.4). The labeling should be placed on the exterior of
containers holding the radioactive material(s) when the labeling applied
to the radioactive material itself is not visible through the container
(RCM 412.5). The following information should be included on the labels
for radioactive materials: a description of the source; contact
radiation levels; removable contamination levels; dates surveyed; and
the surveyor's name (RCM 412.4).
Yellow plastic or similar material should be used for wrapping
radioactive material (RCM 413.4). Yellow-colored wrappings should be
reserved for radiological control use.
4. Internally Contaminated Items
Materials or equipment that are internally contaminated or potentially
internally contaminated shall be individually labeled when outside
Contamination, High Contamination, or Airborne Radioactivity Areas (RCM
412.1) except for those items listed in IV. H. 3. b.
Labels used to identify internally contaminated items shall have a
"CAUTION" heading, and the words "INTERNAL CONTAMINATION" or "POTENTIAL
INTERNAL CONTAMINATION," as applicable (RCM 412).
5. Internally Contaminated Systems
Installed radiological system components (e.g., pipes, ducts, or hoses
located outside Contamination, High Contamination, or Airborne
Radioactivity Areas) that are, or are potentially, internally
contaminated shall be labeled (RCM 412), except those items listed in
IV. H. 3. b.
Labels used to identify internally contaminated systems shall have a
"CAUTION" heading, and the words "INTERNAL CONTAMINATION" or "POTENTIAL
INTERNAL CONTAMINATION" as appropriate (RCM 412).
It is acceptable to post the entrances to a single area containing
installed radiological systems with a sign stating the radiological
status of the area instead of posting each pipe or duct. The signs
should contain the radiation symbol, a "CAUTION" heading, and the
wording "INTERNAL CONTAMINATION" or "POTENTIAL INTERNAL CONTAMINATION,"
as appropriate.
It is acceptable to post the entrance of rooms instead of labeling each
system item. In such cases, the sign should contain the radiation
symbol, a "CAUTION" heading, and wording equivalent to "INTERNALLY
CONTAMINATED SYSTEMS LOCATED WITHIN - CONTACT RADIATION PROTECTION PRIOR
TO WORKING ON SYSTEMS" or "POTENTIAL INTERNALLY CONTAMINATED SYSTEMS
LOCATED WITHIN - CONTACT RADIATION PROTECTION PRIOR TO WORKING ON
SYSTEMS."
6. Protective Clothing and Equipment
Personal protective clothing and equipment shall be specifically
identified by a color, symbol, or appropriate labeling that is unique to
clothing to be used for radiation protection purposes (RCM 461.1). Hard
hats and other personal protective equipment dedicated for use in
Contamination, High Contamination, or Airborne Radioactivity Areas
should be specifically identified by a unique color or marking.
The type of identification used for individual types of protective
clothing and equipment should be uniform. Color coding is the preferred
method of identifying personal protective clothing and equipment used
for radiation protection purposes. In any case the type of
identification used should be distinct enough so that radiological
control protective clothing can be easily distinguished from other
company-issued protective clothing and equipment.
7. Posting of Exclusive Radiological Use Vehicles and Equipment
All vehicles and equipment used exclusively for handling or transporting
radioactive material and radioactive wastes should be clearly and
permanently identified with appropriate labeling.
Exclusive use vehicles and equipment should not be used to transport
nonradioactive material unless formally surveyed and released from
radiological controls.
It may occasionally be necessary to use normally nonradiological use
vehicles and equipment to transport radioactive material onsite. These
vehicles and equipment should be temporarily labeled and, upon
completion of temporary use, the vehicle or equipment should be
monitored to ensure that there is no contamination, and the temporary
identification removed.
When exclusive use vehicles or equipment are no longer required for
radiological service, an extensive survey should be performed and any
contaminated areas should be decontaminated to acceptable release
levels. When the vehicle or equipment is cleared for removal from
radiological service, all radiological service identification shall be
removed or defaced (RCM 422.5).
All vehicles and equipment used for handling or transporting radioactive
materials or radioactive wastes shall be clearly identified to meet the
requirements of Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations in 49 CFR
172, Subpart F, when used on portions of the site accessible to the
public. The wording and the symbol on the placard required by 49 CFR
should be used. The placard "shall" have a yellow background (10 CFR
835.601(c) and RCM 231); and the color of the symbol shall be black (49
CFR). Placards should be easily attached and removed from the vehicles
and equipment, as necessary.
A placard should be attached to the front, back, and each side of the
vehicles or equipment. The required placarding of the front of a motor
vehicle may be on the front of a truck-tractor instead of, or in
addition to, the placards on the front of the cargo body that is
attached to the truck-tractor.
I. Special Use Posting and Labeling
The following sections contain requirements and recommendations for the
use of special purpose posting and labeling.
1. Temporary Shielding
Installed temporary shielding should be clearly marked to prevent
unintentional removal or modification (RCM 314.5). All movement of
temporary shielding should be strictly controlled.
Temporary radiological shielding should be labeled (RCM 314.5) and
should not use the radiological color scheme. Labeling for temporary
shielding should contain wording equivalent to "TEMPORARY SHIELDING - DO
NOT REMOVE WITHOUT PERMISSION FROM RADIOLOGICAL CONTROL" (RCM 314).
2. Other Radiological Posting
There are several special-use radiological signs that may be
advantageous to use in a radiological posting program, e.g.,
"RADIOLOGICAL CONTROLS REQUIRED FOR WORKING ON SURFACE," "RADIATION
PROTECTION PERMISSION REQUIRED FOR ENTRY," "NOTIFY RADIATION PROTECTION
PRIOR TO WORK ON THIS SYSTEM." However, the total number of different
signs in use by a radiation protection program should be minimized to
avoid confusion.
The Fissile Material symbol should be displayed as prominently as
practical when used to identify materials or areas involving the control
of fissile materials. The symbol should be removed or covered when the
fissile material is not present.
Signs or labels describing the actual or potential presence of ionizing
radiation should include the radiation symbol and appropriate wording
showing the actual or potential radiological conditions. Other signs or
labels that provide information, such as entry requirements, should
include appropriate descriptive wording, but should not include the
radiation symbol unless such information is also included on an
appropriate radiological area sign or label.
Section V - References
V. REFERENCES
(AEC, 1954) Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended. Public Law 83-703
(68 Stat. 919), Title 42 U.S.C. sec. 2011.
(ANSI, 1979) American National Standards Institute. 1979. "Radiological
Safety in the Design and Operation of Particle Accelerators." ANSI
N43.1. New York, New York.
(ANSI, 1989a) American National Standards Institute. 1989. "Fissile
Material Symbol." ANSI N12.1-1971(R1989). New York, New York.
(ANSI, 1989b) American National Standards Institute. 1989. "Radiation
Symbol." ANSI N2.1-1971(R1989). New York, New York.
(ANSI, 1989c) American National Standards Institute. 1989. "Radiation
Safety for X-ray Diffraction and Fluorescence Analysis Equipment." ANSI
N43.2-1977 (R1989). New York, New York.
(ANSI, 1993) American National Standards Institute. 1993. "General
Radiation Safety Standard for Installations Using Non-medical X-ray and
Sealed Gamma-Ray Sources, Energies up to 10 MeV." ANSI N43.3-1993. New
York, New York.
(DOE, 1984) U.S. Department of Energy. 1984. "Environmental Protection,
Safety, and Health Protection Standards." DOE Order 5480.4. Washington,
D.C.
(DOE, 1987) U.S. Department of Energy. 1987. "Fire Protection." DOE
Order 5480.7. Washington, D.C.
(DOE, 1990) U.S. Department of Energy. 1990. "Radiation Protection of
the Pubic and the Environment." DOE Order 5400.5. Washington, D.C.
(DOE, 1991) U.S. Department of Energy. 1991. "Sealed Radioactive Source
Accountability." DOE Notice N 5400.9. Washington, D.C.
(DOE, 1992) U.S. Department of Energy. 1992. "Radiation Protection for
Occupational Workers." DOE Order 5480.11. Washington, D.C.
(DOE, 1993a) U.S. Department of Energy. 1993. "Occupational Radiation
Protection." 10 CFR 835, 58 FR 65458. Federal Register Vol. 58, No. 236:
December 14, 1993. Washington, D.C.
(DOE, 1993b) U.S. Department of Energy. 1993. "Procedural Rules for DOE
Nuclear Activities." 10 CFR 820, 58 FR 43680. Federal Register Vol. 58,
No. 157: August 17, 1993. Washington, D.C.
(DOE, 1994) U.S. Department of Energy. 1994. "Radiological Control
Manual." DOE/EH-0256T. Washington, D.C.
(DOT, 1992) U.S. Department of Transportation. 1992. "Research and
Special Programs Administration." 49 CFR. Chapter 1. Washington, D.C.
(EPA, 1988) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1988. "Limiting
Values of Radionuclide Intake and Air Concentration and Dose Conversion
Factors for Inhalation, Submersion, and Ingestion." Federal Guidance
Report No. 11, EPA-520/1-88-020. Washington, D.C.
(NRC, 1992) U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Title 10 of the Code of
Federal Regulations, Part 34, "Licenses for Radiography and Radiation
Safety Requirements for Radiographic Operations." 1992. Washington,
D.C.
Section VI - Supporting Documents
VI. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
American National Standards Institute. 1976. "Radiological Safety
Standard for the Design of Radiographic and Fluoroscopic Industrial
X-ray Equipment." ANSI/NBS 123. New York, New York.
"Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21 (21 CFR)." 1992. Food and Drug
Administration, Department of Health and Human Services. Washington,
D.C.
National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements. 1964. "Safe
Handling of Radioactive Materials." NCRP Report No. 30. Bethesda,
Maryland.
National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements. 1971.
"Protection Against Neutron Radiation." NCRP Report No. 38. Bethesda,
Maryland.
National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements. 1978.
"Operational Radiation Safety Program." NCRP Report No. 59. Bethesda,
Maryland.
National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements. 1987.
"Radiation Alarms and Access Control Systems." NCRP Report No. 88.
Bethesda, Maryland.
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. 1982. "Working Safely in Gamma
Radiography." NUREG/BR-0024. Washington, D.C.
Appendix A - Manual Cross-Reference
Appendix A
10 CFR 835, Implementation Guide, and DOE Radiological Control
Manual Cross-Reference
10 CFR 835 Implementation Guide Radiological Control Manual
------------------------------------------------------------------------
835.208 III.B 232
835.601 IV.B 231
835.601.a - -
835.601.b - -
835.601.c IV.C 231
835.601.d IV.C - IV.I 231 - 237
835.602 III.B, IV.D 232
835.602.a IV.B, IV.D 232
835.602.b IV.B, IV.D 232
835.603 II, IV.B -
835.603.a III.D, IV.F 234
835.603.b III.D, IV.F 234
835.603.c III.D, IV.F 234
835.603.d III.E, IV.G 235
835.603.e III.E, IV.G 235
835.603.f III.E, IV.G 235
- III.A, IV 114
- IV.B, IV.C. 231
IV.F, IV.H
- III.C, IV.E 233
- III.F, IV.H 236
- III.E, IV.H 237
- III.D, IV.I 314
- IV.G 325
- IV.G 337
- IV.G 338
- III.E, IV.G 348
- IV.F 365
- IV.A 371
- III.F, IV.A, 412
IV.H
- IV.H 413, 414 & 431
- III.F, IV.H 461
Appendix B - Radiation Symbol and Fissile Material Symbol
Currently, we are unable to supply Appendix B due to the amount of
graphics files in it. We hope to make it available in the future.
Appendix C - Radiological Signs and Labels
Currently, we are unable to supply Appendix C due to the amount of
graphics files in it. We hope to make it available in the future.
Appendix D - Example Posting for Radiological and Radiological Buffer Areas
Currently, we are unable to supply Appendix D due to the amount of
graphics files in it. We hope to make it available in the future.
Appendix E - Example Posting for Radiation-Generating Device and Radiographic Installations
Currently, we are unable to supply Appendix E due to the amount of
graphics files in it. We hope to make it available in the future.
Appendix F - Example Radioactive Material and Radioactive Source Labels
Currently, we are unable to supply Appendix F due to the amount of
graphics files in it. We hope to make it available in the future.
Appendix G - Example Posting for Laboratory Areas
Currently, we are unable to supply Appendix G due to the amount of
graphics files in it. We hope to make it available in the future.
Appendix H - Example Posting for On-Site Transportation of Radioactive Materials
Currently, we are unable to supply Appendix G due to the amount of
graphics files in it. We hope to make it available in the future.
Appendix I - Example Posting for Exclusive Radiological Use Vehicle and Equipment
Currently, we are unable to supply Appendix G due to the amount of
graphics files in it. We hope to make it available in the future.
Change Request Form
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Office of Health Physics and Industrial Hygiene (EH-41, 270 CC/GTN)
Washington, DC 20585
REQUEST FOR CHANGES TO IMPLEMENTATION GUIDE ON
POSTING AND LABELING FOR RADIOLOGICAL CONTROL
(Use Multiple Pages as Necessary)
Page No. ___________
Column No. ________
Line No. ____________
______________________________________________________
Facility Requesting Change
______________________________________________________
Contact Person
______________________________________________________
Telephone Number - Fax Number
Description of Change Request:
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Suggested Specific Word Changes:
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Contact: Steve G. Zobel, (301) 903-2305