Radiation Sources and Equipment Safety Flashcards
6 cards from real RSO practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Radiation Sources and Equipment Safety flashcards as text
A sealed source is defined as radioactive material that is:
Answer: Permanently bonded or encapsulated in a container that prevents dispersal under normal conditions
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.
How frequently must sealed sources used in industrial radiography be tested for leakage under NRC regulations?
Answer: Every 6 months
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.
A leak test of a sealed source showing contamination of 185 Bq (0.005 µCi) or more requires the RSO to:
Answer: Immediately remove the source from service and notify the NRC
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.
A radiation-producing machine (e.g., an X-ray tube) differs from a radioactive source in that it:
Answer: Produces radiation only when energized and poses no hazard when powered off
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.
The purpose of a radiation area posting requirement (NRC Caution: Radiation Area sign) is triggered when dose rates could exceed:
Answer: 0.05 mSv/h (5 mrem/h) at 30 cm
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.
What is the primary hazard associated with high-activity Ir-192 sources used in industrial gamma radiography?
Answer: High external dose rates leading to acute radiation exposure if the source is not properly controlled
Ir-192 is a high-activity gamma emitter; if the source becomes stuck outside its shielded container or is handled without proper controls, workers can receive severe acute doses at typical working distances.