RSO Radiation Sources and Equipment Safety

Question 1

A sealed source is defined as radioactive material that is:

Accepted Answer

Permanently bonded or encapsulated in a container that prevents dispersal under normal conditions

Answer

A sealed source contains radioactive material permanently encapsulated or fixed in a solid form or sealed container designed to prevent dispersal under normal and reasonably foreseeable accident conditions.

Question 2

How frequently must sealed sources used in industrial radiography be tested for leakage under NRC regulations?

Accepted Answer

Every 6 months

Answer

NRC regulations (10 CFR 34.27) require that sealed sources used in industrial radiography be tested for leakage at intervals not to exceed 6 months.

Question 3

A leak test of a sealed source showing contamination of 185 Bq (0.005 µCi) or more requires the RSO to:

Accepted Answer

Immediately remove the source from service and notify the NRC

Answer

Under NRC regulations, a leak test result of 185 Bq (0.005 µCi) or greater indicates a leaking source that must be immediately removed from service, stored safely, and the event reported to the NRC.

Question 4

A radiation-producing machine (e.g., an X-ray tube) differs from a radioactive source in that it:

Accepted Answer

Produces radiation only when energized and poses no hazard when powered off

Answer

Radiation-producing machines generate ionizing radiation only when electrically energized; unlike radioactive sources, they pose no radiation hazard when switched off because there is no radioactive material present.

Question 5

The purpose of a radiation area posting requirement (NRC Caution: Radiation Area sign) is triggered when dose rates could exceed:

Accepted Answer

0.05 mSv/h (5 mrem/h) at 30 cm

Answer

Under 10 CFR 20.1901, a Radiation Area is defined where dose rates could exceed 0.05 mSv/h (5 mrem/h) at 30 cm from the source or accessible surface, requiring a 'Caution: Radiation Area' posting.

RSO - Radiation Safety Officer Practice Test

RSO - Radiation Safety Officer Practice Test

RSO Radiation Sources and Equipment Safety