Mixed Deck — All IRRSP Topics Flashcards

During a survey of the restricted area boundary, a radiographer's survey meter needle begins to move erratically, jumping inconsistently. The radiographer is holding the meter steady. Which of the following is a likely cause for this issue?

Answer: There is a loose connection or a short in the cable between the probe and the meter.

An erratically jumping needle on a survey meter, when held steady, often indicates an electrical problem. A common cause is a faulty or loose cable connecting the detector probe to the meter, which can cause intermittent electrical shorts or open circuits, leading to unstable readings. While a low battery can cause issues, it typically results in a sluggish response or a reading below the 'BAT TEST' line, not erratic jumping.

During radiographic operations, how can the risk of accidental radiation exposure be minimized?

Answer: By using remote-controlled equipment and proper shielding

Minimizing accidental radiation exposure during radiographic operations relies heavily on engineering controls and protective measures. Remote-controlled equipment allows operators to maintain a safe distance from the source, while proper shielding reduces radiation levels in occupied areas. These combined strategies significantly decrease the risk of unintended exposure to personnel.

Which combination best describes the integrated approach to radiation protection?

Answer: Using time, distance, and shielding together

The integrated approach to radiation protection, often referred to as the "Time, Distance, Shielding" triad, is the most effective strategy. Each of these principles independently reduces radiation exposure, but when applied concurrently, they provide comprehensive protection. This combined method ensures that exposure is minimized through multiple layers of safety.

Which isotope is most commonly used in portable industrial radiography exposure devices due to its appropriate half-life and gamma energy?

Answer: Iridium-192 (Ir-192)

Ir-192 is the most widely used isotope in portable industrial radiography because its ~74-day half-life and average gamma energy (~0.38 MeV) are well-suited for field radiography of steel.

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?

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.

How often should personal dosimeters be checked for accurate exposure readings?

Answer: Before and after each work shift

For accurate and timely monitoring of radiation exposure, personal dosimeters should be checked before and after each work shift. This practice ensures that any exposure received during the shift is recorded and allows for immediate identification of potential overexposures. Regular checks are vital for maintaining an up-to-date record of an individual's cumulative dose.

What is a 'pig' in the context of industrial radiography source management?

Answer: A portable shielded container used to store or transport sealed sources

A 'pig' is a portable, heavily shielded container (typically lead or depleted uranium) used to safely store and transport a single sealed source.

According to 10 CFR Part 34, which of the following is a required daily check for a survey meter before it is used for radiographic operations?

Answer: An operability check using a check source or other appropriate means.

10 CFR 34.31(a) requires that visual and operability checks be performed on survey meters before use on each day the equipment is to be used. This operability check must be performed using a check source or another appropriate method to ensure the instrument is functioning correctly. Full calibration is required at specific intervals (e.g., every 6 months), not daily.

Which of the following events at a temporary job site would require the licensee to make an *immediate* report to the NRC or Agreement State Operations Center?

Answer: An event that causes an individual to receive an actual or threatened whole-body dose of 25 rem (0.25 Sv) or more.

According to 10 CFR 20.2202, a licensee must immediately report any event that may have caused or threatens to cause an individual to receive a total effective dose equivalent of 25 rems (0.25 Sv) or more. The other scenarios, while potentially requiring action or internal reporting, do not meet the criteria for immediate notification to the regulatory agency.

A radiographic exposure device is discovered missing from a locked vehicle at a job site. After securing personal safety, what is the radiographer's most critical immediate notification?

Answer: Immediately notify the licensee's Radiation Safety Officer (RSO).

According to regulatory protocol and company procedures, the RSO must be the first point of contact within the company. The RSO is responsible for initiating the company's emergency response plan, which includes making the required notifications to regulatory agencies (like the NRC or Agreement State) and coordinating with law enforcement. The radiographer's primary duty is to report up their chain of command.

A radiographer has just completed the final exposure of the day at a temporary job site. According to regulations, what specific survey must be performed and documented before securing the exposure device for transport?

Answer: A survey of the exposure device and guide tube to confirm the source is in the fully shielded position.

10 CFR 34.49(b) explicitly requires that after each exposure, a survey of the radiographic exposure device and the guide tube must be conducted to determine that the sealed source has returned to its shielded position before dismantling equipment. This confirmatory survey is a critical safety step before handling the device or preparing it for transport.

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?

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.

Which isotope used in industrial radiography has the longest half-life among those listed below?

Answer: Cobalt-60 (Co-60) — 5.27 years

Co-60 has a half-life of approximately 5.27 years, making it the longest-lived of the common industrial radiography isotopes and requiring less frequent source replacement.

Which of the following pieces of information is NOT required on the shipping paper for a Class 7 (Radioactive) material shipment?

Answer: The date of the last source exchange.

According to 49 CFR 172.203(d), shipping papers for radioactive materials must include the proper shipping name, UN number, radionuclide, activity, category of label, and Transport Index. The date of the last source exchange is a licensee record but is not a required entry on the transportation shipping document.

What information must be recorded and reported to the NRC when a licensee transfers a sealed source to another party?

Answer: The source identity, estimated activity, transfer date, and recipient's license number

10 CFR 34.31 requires documentation of source transfers including the source identity, estimated activity, transfer date, and the recipient's NRC or Agreement State license number.

Which device is commonly used to monitor individual radiation exposure in industrial radiography?

Answer: Personal dosimeter

A personal dosimeter is the specific device designed to monitor individual radiation exposure. These small, wearable devices measure the cumulative radiation dose received by the wearer over a period. They are crucial for tracking occupational exposure and ensuring compliance with radiation safety limits.

An industrial radiography crew successfully performs an emergency retrieval of a disconnected source. Which of the following is a mandatory action the licensee must take after the event?

Answer: Submit a written report detailing the event to the NRC or Agreement State within 30 days.

According to 10 CFR 34.101, an unintentional disconnection of the source assembly from the control cable is an incident that requires the licensee to send a written report to the regulatory agency within 30 days of the occurrence. This report must detail the cause, corrective actions, and other specifics of the event.

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?

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.

Which safety measure should always be taken when setting up a radiographic operation?

Answer: Using personal dosimeters

Using personal dosimeters is a mandatory and fundamental safety measure for anyone involved in radiographic operations. These devices continuously monitor and record an individual's radiation exposure, providing crucial data to ensure doses remain within safe limits. They are essential for tracking cumulative exposure and verifying the effectiveness of other safety protocols.

According to 10 CFR 34, if a radiographer's direct-reading pocket dosimeter is found to be off-scale and radiation exposure cannot be ruled out, which of the following actions is required within 24 hours?

Answer: The individual's personnel dosimeter (e.g., TLD or OSL) must be sent for processing and evaluation.

10 CFR 34.47(d) specifies that if a direct-reading dosimeter is off-scale (or an electronic personal dosimeter reads over 200 mrem) and exposure is possible, the individual's legal personnel dosimeter that requires processing must be sent for evaluation within 24 hours to determine the actual dose received. The individual is also restricted from work with licensed material until a dose determination is made by the RSO.