IRRSP - Industrial Radiography Radiation Safety Personnel Regulations and Compliance Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to 10 CFR Part 20, what is the annual occupational dose limit for the whole body of an adult radiographer?
- 100 mrem (1 mSv)
- 500 mrem (5 mSv)
- 5,000 mrem (50 mSv) (Correct answer)
- 50,000 mrem (500 mSv)
Correct answer: 5,000 mrem (50 mSv)
10 CFR Part 20, 'Standards for Protection Against Radiation,' sets the annual total effective dose equivalent for the whole body of an adult radiation worker at 5,000 mrem (50 mSv).
Question 2: A radiographer is preparing to transport a radiographic exposure device to a field location. Which set of regulations primarily governs the placarding of the vehicle and the shipping papers?
- NRC 10 CFR Part 34
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1096
- DOT 49 CFR Parts 171-173 (Correct answer)
- ANSI N432-1980
Correct answer: DOT 49 CFR Parts 171-173
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, specifically 49 CFR, govern the transportation of hazardous materials, including radioactive sources. These regulations cover requirements for packaging, labeling, placarding of vehicles, and shipping papers.
Question 3: During a radiographic operation, a radiographer's alarming ratemeter goes off unexpectedly, and the survey meter confirms that the source is not secured in its shielded position. What is the radiographer's most critical immediate responsibility?
- Immediately attempt to retract the source using the crank.
- Secure the restricted area boundary and prevent unauthorized entry. (Correct answer)
- Notify the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) immediately.
- Disassemble the guide tube to identify the problem.
Correct answer: Secure the restricted area boundary and prevent unauthorized entry.
In an emergency where a source is unshielded, the first and most critical responsibility is to protect people from exposure. This involves securing the restricted area to prevent anyone from entering and being exposed to the unshielded source. Notifying the RSO is also crucial, but securing the area comes first.
Question 4: Which of the following records must a licensee maintain regarding industrial radiographic operations?
- Quarterly inventory of sealed sources (Correct answer)
- Daily vehicle mileage logs to job sites
- A list of all radiographs taken
- The personal contact information of every client
Correct answer: Quarterly inventory of sealed sources
According to 10 CFR Part 34, licensees are required to conduct a physical inventory of all sealed sources every three months (quarterly) to ensure they are accounted for.
Question 5: Under 10 CFR Part 34, when performing radiography at a temporary job site, a qualified radiographer must be accompanied by at least one other individual. What is the minimum qualification for this second individual?
- A certified Radiation Safety Officer (RSO).
- Another certified radiographer.
- An individual with security guard training.
- An individual who has met the requirements of a radiographer's assistant. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: An individual who has met the requirements of a radiographer's assistant.
10 CFR 34.41(a) requires that when radiography is performed at a location other than a permanent installation, the radiographer must be accompanied by at least one other qualified radiographer or a radiographer's assistant. This ensures a second person is present who can observe, provide immediate assistance, and prevent unauthorized entry.
Question 6: A licensee must perform inspection and maintenance on radiographic exposure devices, storage containers, and survey instruments. How often must operability checks be performed on a survey meter?
- Before use on each day the equipment is to be used (Correct answer)
- Once per week
- Only when the batteries are changed
- During the quarterly inventory check
Correct answer: Before use on each day the equipment is to be used
According to 10 CFR 34.31, the licensee must perform visual and operability checks on survey meters before use on each day the equipment is to be used. This ensures the instrument is functioning correctly before any radiographic operations begin.
IRRSP - Industrial Radiography Radiation Safety Personnel Regulations and Compliance Questions and Answers
According to 10 CFR Part 20, what is the annual occupational dose limit for the whole body of an adult radiographer?