IRRSP - Industrial Radiography Radiation Safety Personnel Radiographic Equipment Operation Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A radiographer is cranking out a source and feels significant, unusual resistance in the drive cable. Forcing the crank is unsuccessful. What is the most appropriate immediate action?
- Attempt to retract the source, and if it retracts, investigate the guide tube for blockages. (Correct answer)
- Disconnect the drive cable from the exposure device to relieve pressure.
- Continue to apply steady, forceful pressure to crank the source out.
- Immediately run to the exposure head to see what is blocking the source.
Correct answer: Attempt to retract the source, and if it retracts, investigate the guide tube for blockages.
Unusual resistance often indicates a kinked or crushed guide tube. Forcing the crank can cause a source disconnect. The correct procedure is to stop, attempt to safely retract the source, and then investigate the cause of the problem, such as an issue with the guide tube, before proceeding.
Question 2: What is the primary safety function of the locking mechanism on a radiographic exposure device?
- To prevent the drive gear from wearing out.
- To indicate if the device has been tampered with.
- To provide a secondary method of retracting the source.
- To prevent unauthorized use and secure the source in its shielded position. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: To prevent unauthorized use and secure the source in its shielded position.
The lock's main purpose is to secure the sealed source within its shielded container, preventing accidental exposure or unauthorized operation of the device. This is a critical administrative and engineering control for radiation safety.
Question 3: According to 10 CFR Part 34, which of the following is a required daily operability check that must be performed on a radiographic exposure device before its first use of the day?
- A leak test of the sealed source.
- Verification of the source's activity using a calibration certificate.
- A visual check of the drive cable for kinks and fraying. (Correct answer)
- Disassembly and lubrication of the crank mechanism.
Correct answer: A visual check of the drive cable for kinks and fraying.
10 CFR 34.31 requires licensees to perform visual and operability checks on radiographic exposure devices and associated equipment before use each day. This includes inspecting the crank, drive cable, and guide tube connections for any damage or defects that could compromise safety.
Question 4: After retracting a source, a radiographer's survey meter shows readings significantly above background along the guide tube and at the exposure device. This indicates the source is not properly shielded. After securing the restricted area, what is the radiographer's NEXT step?
- Attempt to crank the source out and back in again quickly.
- Immediately notify the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) and follow the established emergency procedure. (Correct answer)
- Use long-handled tongs to disconnect the guide tube from the device.
- Replace the battery in the survey meter and re-survey the equipment.
Correct answer: Immediately notify the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) and follow the established emergency procedure.
If the source fails to return to the fully shielded position, it is an abnormal event that requires initiating the company's emergency procedures. The first steps are always to secure the area to prevent further exposure and then immediately contact the RSO for guidance. Attempting to manipulate the equipment without a specific plan can worsen the situation.
Question 5: In a gamma radiography setup, what is the primary purpose of using a collimator?
- To increase the activity of the radioactive source.
- To filter out alpha and beta radiation from the beam.
- To narrow the primary radiation beam to the area of interest, reducing scatter and dose. (Correct answer)
- To connect the source guide tube to the exposure device.
Correct answer: To narrow the primary radiation beam to the area of interest, reducing scatter and dose.
A collimator is a shielding device that shapes and directs the primary radiation beam. Its use reduces the size of the high-radiation area, minimizes scatter radiation, and helps reduce the radiation dose to both the public and radiographic personnel, in line with ALARA principles.
Question 6: Which of the following actions is a mandatory and critical safety step that must be performed *immediately* after the source has been retracted into the exposure device and before approaching it?
- Locking the crank assembly.
- Disconnecting the guide tube.
- Performing a thorough survey of the exposure device and guide tube. (Correct answer)
- Recording the exposure time in the logbook.
Correct answer: Performing a thorough survey of the exposure device and guide tube.
It should never be assumed that the source has returned to its shielded position simply because the crank indicates it has. A thorough radiation survey of the entire exposure device and the full length of the guide tube with a calibrated survey meter is the only way to confirm the source is secure. This is a fundamental step to prevent accidental overexposure.
IRRSP - Industrial Radiography Radiation Safety Personnel Radiographic Equipment Operation Questions and Answers
A radiographer is cranking out a source and feels significant, unusual resistance in the drive cable.
Forcing the crank is unsuccessful.
What is the most appropriate immediate action?