TOPIC 11: Radiation Work Permit
Let’s understand the Radiation Work permit.
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In our Radiation Protection Manual, let’s look at the Radiation Work Permit (RWP).
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The Radiation Work Permit (RWP) is a document issued by the RSO. An RWP is issued if the RSO cannot be present during operations involving radioactive materials that are not covered by other procedures. Procedures are usually written and approved by the RSO for repetitive tasks such as shutter opening and closing, leak tests, surveys or routine decontamination efforts. Some activities are not performed often and would require the presence of the RSO. This may not be possible; so, there is a mechanism in place that can substitute for the RSO. This is the RWP. It is a list of steps to be performed, a list of personnel that will perform the tasks, and a list of safety measures to be implemented to perform the task. For some tasks, the RWP provides a paper trail to track the movement and handling of the radioactive material.
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The Radiation Work Permit (RWP) is a tool for the RSO to use to get work done without being in the physical presence and directing all of the details of the job.
It is:
- Time limited
- Used when the RSO cannot be present
- Describes the tasks that need to be performed, and
- Issued & terminated by the RSO
The RWP is a generic form that can be developed to fit the needs of the facility. Its use and the parameters when it will be used are subject to approval by the regulatory agency.
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The RWP first establish a RCA. What is a RCA? Radiation Controlled Area. This is an area that either roped off or guarded so that only authorized personnel can enter. This is temporary only when the radioactive material is being handled.
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Since the RWP is large we will look at it sections.
Print a hard copy of the RWP from the Math Primer to follow along through this training.
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Top block of information:
Date, Time: The date/time the RWP is being completed and obtained (i.e., current date and time).
Permit Expires: The permit should expire at the end of the shift, end of the day, or at which time the RSO specifies, whichever is latest. If work continues, a new permit must be obtained.
Work Description: Describe work assignment that involves the need for precautions with radioactive materials. This can come from Operations, E/I supervisor, Engineering, or another party in the company requesting the work be done.
Work location: Provide the location, building, shop or designation where the work will be done. If a portable tent or makeshift containment needs to be prepared, describe it in detail and provide a drawing.
Decontamination Method: Describes the methodology that the RSO wants to do the job. This could include: volume reduction (which is the removing or cutting contaminated items from releasable equipment); decontamination (which would include the equipment, tools and chemicals needed; grit or water blasting or other technology that will be employed).
PPE: Describe in detail the types and layers of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that will be used. If moderate to high contamination, two layers (or more) of PPE may be required. If so, personnel may be required to assist personnel doffing PPE while exiting the contamination area. If needed, describe in detail the procedure. Describe the radwaste containers needed and where they are located to contain contaminated equipment and PPE. Indicate what level of personnel monitoring will be required. If protective masks are used, the company must have an approved program with medical screening (lung function) and be certified in the mask fitting.
Trained Supervisor(s) Provide the name of the person responsible for the task. This should be the highest trained person of the group. This person assigns the work duties of each sub-task and makes sure that each person has sufficient training and orientation to do the job.
Trained workers: Provide the names of individuals that have completed the appropriate training and orientation by the supervisor who will be involved in this project. No other person will be allowed in the RCA or Radiation Control Area.
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PRECAUTIONS Section:
Item 1. Check when the orientation of all the procedures for each sub-task is completed for each person that will be working in the RCA.
Item 2. The area where the task is to be done should have a background survey done. If this is a decontamination project, the equipment, machinery or area that is the topic of the radiation work for the RWP should have had a Scoping Survey performed so that the RWP can be drafted accurately. State the survey meter, manufacturer, model and serial number, and calibration date.
Item 3. Use the survey meter results to calculate exposure limits for those who will are listed in the first block.
-Enter the highest exposure reading (in mR/hr) on the surface of the source
-Divide 2 mR/hr by the reading – for example, if the reading is 12 mR/hr on contact, then 12 divided by 2 would be 6. Then 60 min/hr divided by 6 would allow 10 minutes work for every hour.
Mark “Yes” for box 3 when complete.
These calculated times need to be explained and adhered too. A reminder here is the ALARA principle.
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PRECAUTIONS Section:
Item 4. Advise personnel working around the contaminated equipment that they must follow procedures and not leave the area until advised to do. Personnel wearing multiple layers of PPE must be accompanied by a trained person to assist in doffing their PPE when leaving the restricted area.
Item 5. Safe job procedures and exposure limits have been discussed with all personnel involved with the work. Keep in mind that this line is to double check that all the above have been done. It also provides another opportunity to review the job and safe procedures, such as:
1.Lifting heavy items – Use slings attached to above stationary supports or crane as a secondary support.
2.Elevated work – If using a man basket or high reach, are the operators trained and do they have fall protection?
3.Other Hazards – Are there any potential stored energy devices, physical access and footing or balance hazards?
4.PPE – Are participants wearing proper PPE for hand protection, body covers, shoe covers, respiratory protection, etc.
5.Badges – Are participants wearing their radiation badges correctly?
Mark the “Yes” when this is complete.
Item 6. Any remediated items must be held in a secure location pending survey. Any survey to allow for release should be performed in a low background area. State the staging location or provide a drawing of the location.
Item 7. Items placed in a storage location pending survey should be posted with appropriate radiation signs to prevent removal until surveyed.
Item 8. Items in temporary storage or holding areas should have proper postings
Mark “Yes” when complete; or “N/A” if equipment has been surveyed and releasable.
Lastly, the 40-hour or Advanced Authorized User responsible for this RWP will sign the document.
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FINAL ACTION:
- All items in the RWP task, such as the equipment used to perform the task, personnel PPE, target items of the decontamination process with a goal of releasing, temporary barriers, tents or controlled areas or any other items of interest that was involved, is to be surveyed and releasable. If not releasable, items are to be placed in a radiation controlled area for reuse or disposal.
- The area where the task was done should have a survey performed of the area. This includes area surveys, swipes with FIXED and REMOVABLE contamination levels.
- Caution – Radiation Area postings at the 2 mR/hour level for the remaining contaminated items.
- Personnel have satisfactorily removed PPE, stashed the contaminated items in the radwaste container, and personnel have been surveyed for release.
- This completed for is submitted to the RSO to record the employee doses in the site dosimetry log.
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This is a table showing an example of how the calculation of the employee dose can be done.
Go to your Math Primer to see more explanations and examples to do this calculation
Review this application to see if it applies to your operation and make changes/corrections to make it more appropriate for you.
Remember, if you use a RWP, it must be approved by your regulatory agency
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Depending on the scope of work, degree of hazard or number and types of employees used, the close out signing of the RWP is to be approved by the licensee.
For example, the minimum should be signed by the RSO.
The Scope of operations may require approvals from the Department Superintendent or Plant Manager.
The Company is to review, decide and submit to the regulatory agency for approval.