Frequently Asked Questions
ARMS/Accelerator Operators Related
General
Medical Concerns
TLD
Training
ARMS/ Accelerator Operators Related
Q: When does a safety checklist have to be initiated?
A: A Safety checklist should be performed for CEBAF or the FEL if the
accelerator in question has been shutdown in excess of 24 hours. The
purpose of the conduct of this checklist is to ensure that no barriers
to personnel safety have been compromised, or left in an unsafe
condition as a result of system maintenance.
Q: The Beam Loss Ion Chambers have a problem. What do I do?
A: Call the person responsible for troubleshooting the "new" system,
either Dave Seidman at 7054 or Rick Gonzales at 7198.
Q: Where do I get more survey sheets for performing surveys in the
Halls, CEBAF or FEL?
A: Copies of current survey maps are kept on the RadCon webpage at: Hall
A Survey Map
for Hall A and Hall
C Survey Map
for Hall C. Additional survey maps are located at: M: RADCON/SURVEYS...
Q: I'm an FEL ARM, what can I do concerning posting or de-posting of
the FEL?
A: See the FEL
Quick Access (QAS) conditions
Q: Can an ARM de-post a radiation area?
A: Yes. Assuming you can conduct a survey thorough enough to verify the
absence of the condition. But it may be more efficient in many cases to
leave it posted if you have reason to believe the condition will
reappear shortly.
Q: Can an ARM de-post high radiation areas?
A: No. This is mainly a matter of consistency. Since ARMs are not
allowed to routinely post HRAs, they should not de-post them either.
Q: Can an ARM conduct the beamline surveys necessary in Hall B and
FEL in the event hands-on beamline work is to be conducted during a
controlled access (during a "Rapid Access" entry)?
A: Yes. There is no reason an ARM can't assess these work areas. The
same limitations as normal apply - if a radiation area or hot spot is
found, the same triggers apply.
Q: Can an ARM conduct the area survey needed if the Rapid Access
system beacon is on in hall B or FEL?
A: Yes.
General
Q: Do I need a TLD to enter a controlled area?
A: You do NOT need a TLD to enter a Controlled Area. You only need GERT
training or a GERT trained escort to enter. A Controlled Area basically
means an area within which you are likely to find a Radiologically
Controlled Area (RCA) such as a Radiation Area or High Radiation Area,
which would require a TLD. Thusly you need to know what those postings
mean.
Q: Why do I have to keep my TLD at work? We could take TLDs home at
the other lab I worked at.
A: Although it is appealing to follow the mistakes of less safety
conscious labs, the DOE RadCon Manual forbade DOE Labs established
after 1992 from establishing a dosimetry program that allowed use of
TLDs off DOE premises. The reason for this is twofold. One, if a
dosimeter is kept at home, the background level at your home may be
slightly different than that at Jlab. Because there is no control badge
at your home to subtract that background (as opposed to Jlab where
control TLDs are located in each badge rack), your TLD reading with
Jlab subtracted background may be false. Two, it is apparent from years
of experience that labs that allow TLDs to go offsite have a higher TLD
loss rate, which leads to more dose investigations, which are costly,
time consuming, and very rough estimates of actual dose received.
Q: I need Radiation Safety Analysis Document (RSAD), what
information do I need to provide?
A: This information is found in the RSAD
information page
In addition to that information, information on NON-STANDARD POST
TARGET BEAM PIPE MUST BE SUBMITTED as this significantly alters the
quantity of beam loss, and subsequent neutron skyshine which dominates
the site boundary radiation dose.
Q: I'm planning to do some work, but I'm not sure if it needs a
Radiation Work Permit. Are there any guidelines? How do I initiate the
process?
A: The full guidelines are contained in sections 321 through 325 of the
EH&S
Manual Radcon Supplement (RadCon Manual).
An RWP is required for performing work in a 25 mrem/hr area, for work
that will result in 25 mrem cumulative dose or more, working with
material greater than 250 mrem/hr on contact, contaminated items,
unless process knowledge from a RadCon member indicates an RWP
is not necessary (e.g., adjusting a valve for 30 seconds in a 30
mrem/hr
area after consultation with a RadCon member.) In the
Accelerator Division, all work to be performed should have an ATLis
entry completed. If any of the aforementioned radiological conditions
may exist (or have the potential for existing, you should ensure RadCon
is notified by including RadCon on the distribution. If you have any
questions, call Vashek Vylet at 269-7551 or the RadCon cellphone at
218-2733. Please fill out the appropriate information and forward it to
V. Vashek at vylet@jlab.org at
least one week in advance of the planned work. DO NOT EXPECT
ANY RADCON SUPPORT IF SCOPE OF THE WORK IS NOT PROVIDED TO RADCON AT
LEAST 8 HOURS IN ADVANCE.
Q: I am running an experiment in one of the experimental halls that
utilizes He-3. Are there any special concerns, or anything I have to do?
A: He-3, by nature of its production, is susceptible to inherent H-3
(tritium) contamination. Tritium is readily dispersible throughout air
and water, and is also a closely tracked radioisotope of concern on
several of JLAB's environmental permits. Because a He-3 gas release in
an experimental hall may result in release of tritium, this tritium may
be released directly to the environment through the air, or indirectly
through condensation in the dehumidification equipment, and subsequent
discharge through sanitary sewage disposal to HRSD. In order to ensure
that no environmental permit limits are exceeded for tritium, the EH&S
Manual Radcon Supplement
states in Table 2-2 that no more than 10 mCi of Tritium contamination
may be in He-3 in any
Hall without the consent of the RadCon Manager.
All He-3 purchases must be approved by the RadCon Department through
the requisition process as stated in section 432 of the EH&S
Manual Radcon Supplement
. All He-3 bottles brought by users must either be sampled for tritium,
or have the tritium quantity ascertained via determination of the
pedigree by the RadCon Department.
Q: Where are the RadCon related Tech Notes?
A: Technical Notes related to Radiation Control subjects, as well as
equipment abandoned by Accelerator, Administrative and Physics
Divisions (i.e., Beam Dumps, and Experimental Hall Machine Protection
Systems) are located in the RadCon
Technical note section.
Q: Where are the Beam Dump/Beam Exit Pipe related Tech Notes?
A: These Tech Notes are located within the Radiation Control Department
webpage in the RadCon
Technical note section.
Q: Where do I get information on my lifetime dose?
A: Dose records for all individuals issued TLDs is available at the RCD
Trailer. Call 269-7236 for specific requests for dose
history. Lifetime dose history from previous employers may be on hand,
depending on the level of cooperation of individual previous employers
in transmitting previous dose history.
Q: How do I get to schedule a radiation survey to remove material
from the tunnel enclosure?
A: RCTs will perform RAM surveys for removing items from accelerator
enclosures twice a day (morning and afternoon) provided the items are
in a known staging area. If you need substantial equipment surveyed, or
at a particular time, notify the RCT Coordinator at 876-1743. NOTE THAT
IF ARRANGEMENTS ARE NOT MADE WITH THE RCT COORDINATOR AT LEAST 24 HOURS
IN ADVANCE, THE ITEMS IN QUESTION MAY NOT BE SURVEYED DUE TO SCHEDULING
CONFLICTS.
Q: I need a radioactive source to perform an experiment. How to I
purchase one? Are there available radioactive sources onsite for use?
A: The RCD has a number of radioisotopes in it possession that can be
checked out listed at Available
Radioactive Sources. To get a list of what is available, contact
Becky Mosbrucker at 269-7236. If the type and quantity of radioisotope
is not available, you can order one through the requisition system. You
will be queried as to whether the ordered item is a radioactive
material. When you answer 'yes', the requisition will be automatically
transferred to the RadCon Department cue for approval.
Q: Where do I find information on boundary dose, radioactive air
emissions, groundwater and other tracked parameters for Jefferson Lab?
A: The annual information is contained in the Section 4 of the Jefferson
Lab Site Environmental Report. Additionally, the annual
"Environmental Radiation Resulting from the
Experimental Program at JLAB" is located at:M:Radcon/quarterly reports/
etc.
Q: How does our collective dose compare with other DOE Labs?
A: Our collective dose is fairly low, especially considering the
average annual background dose is on the order of 280-300 mrem..
Comparison of DOE Lab annual collective dose is available on Radiation Exposure Monitoring (REMS)
homepage.
Q: What is the basis for JLAB's radiation safety regulations?
A: The base documentation for all DOE Occupational Radiation Protection
regulations is contained in 10
CFR 835.
Jefferson Lab adheres to a number of other applicable environmental
regulations and permits; however 10 CFR 835 provides the "backbone" or
framework from which the overall Jefferson Lab Radiation Protection
Plan is based.
Q: I have a radiation safety concern that I would like to report.
What should I do?
A: You are encouraged to contact the Radiation Control Manager directly
at 269-7551 or on the cellphone at 218-2733, or page at 584-7551. Your
concern will be held strictly confidential. Additionally, depending on
the severity of the situation, a Radiation
Safety Deviation Report (RSDR)
or Notable Event
Report (NER)
may be filled out, with corresponding corrective actions to rectify the
situation.
Q: Is there any means by which I can formally request an answer to a
radiological condition I believe is unsatisfactory, or pose a
recommendation?
A: The Jefferson Lab Radiation Review Panel (JRRP) exists to provide
input and advice to the Radiation Control Manager. The charter is
contained in Chapter
2240 of the EH&S Manual.
The JRRP is responsible for:
- Reviewing the Jefferson Lab ALARA ( As-Low-As- Reasonably- Achievable) Program activities and reports.
- Conducting critiques on deficiencies and proficiencies in radiological control activities.
- Reviewing plans for first-time or infrequent activities and changes of scope.
- Reviewing recommendations from the Radiation Control Department.
- Making recommendations to senior management and to those responsible for conducting the actual programs regarding the above reviews.
Minutes of meetings are available at minutes of meetings
Medical Concerns
Q: I'm pregnant. What should I do regarding radiation work? Is there
any information I can read regarding possible risks to the
embryo/fetus? Are there any forms to fill out?
A: Contact Becky Mosbrucker at the RCG at 269-7236. She will have you
fill
out a Declaration
of Pregnancy Form,
and direct you to some guidance concerning radiation risks to the
embryo/fetus. You will have the option of having your radiation worker
qualifications temporarily suspended, having your TLD read monthly, or
wearing 2 TLD badges as delineated in the Fetal
Monitoring Selection Form
If you have further concerns, you can talk to the RCG Head at 269-7551.
Q: I previously filled out a "Declaration of Pregnancy Form" and
filed it with the Radiation Control Department, but I changed my mind.
Can I "undeclare" a pregnancy?
A: Yes, you can withdraw your "declaration of pregnancy" by filling out
a Withdrawal
of Pregnancy Declaration Form,
and submitting it to Becky Mosbrucker at 269-7236.
Q: I had a nuclear medicine procedure involving radionuclides (e.g.,
Tc-99, I-129, I-131, Tl-201), what type of dose did I receive?
A: This website nuclear
medicine website
can give you a general idea of the radiation dose you may have
received. General
disclaimer: Jefferson Lab does not control the
referenced website, and the website should only be used as a ballpark
estimate. Also, this
NRC website
has additional information on estimating radiation doses.
Q: I've had a nuclear medicine procedure (i.e., been injected with a
radiopharmeceutical/radioisotope). Can I still come to work?
A: Yes, by all means, you are allowed to come to work (unless
specifically instructed otherwise by a physician). You are not required
to divulge any information of your procedure to anyone at Jefferson
Lab. That being said, in order to keep an accurate record of
occupational dose for you and your co-workers, the RCD requests that
you provide information to the RCG of the radioisotope, quantity, and
the day of the injection. This information can be provided by filling
out and submitting the Declaration
of Radiopharmaceutical Patient Form
and returning the form to Becky Mosbrucker (269-7236) This
information will remain strictly confidential.
Additionally, (if at all possible), you should refrain from performing
work in RCAs, and refrain from wearing your TLD until the radioisotope
has effectively been cleared from your system. (The Radiation Control
Manager can help you determine that assessment.)
The reason for the interest in this information is that the annual collective dose for all of Jefferson Lab is on the order of 1000 mrem, and a person who wears a TLD soon after a nuclear medicine procedure can (depending on the radioisotope and quantity, and wear the TLD is placed relative to the organ of interest) easily exceed a dose of 50 mrem. Such a TLD reading would and has triggered a dose investigation in order to ascertain how that dose could occur through work conditions.
TLD
Q: I lost my TLD. What do I do?
A: Fill out the Exposure
Investigation Report Form
Forward the filled out version to Becky Mosbrucker at MS 52B or in
person to Trailer 52B. Contact Becky
at 269-7236 in order to get a temporary TLD as a
replacement. NOTE: Please turn in your TLD for processing, and fill out
an Exposure Investigation Form if you lose your badge and subsequently
find it in ANY RCA. This is to ensure that your radiation dose records
accurately reflect radiation dose received.
Q: Is there a way to change the location of TLD badge racks?
A: If you have a group of 20 or more people who are in agreement with
the proposed rack change, present the request to Becky Mosbrucker at
269-7236.
Q: I want to have my badge in a different rack. What do I do?
A: Fill out a Badge
Movement Request Form
, and submit it to Becky Mosbrucker at 269-7236,
and she will initiate the transfer of your badge storage location.
Q: Where is the proper placement of my TLD badge?
A: Generally speaking, attached to an article of clothing on the "whole
body" (on the torso to the elbows and knees). The key is that the TLD
is firmly attached (and not dangling from a CANS badge lanyard.) Most
recommended: in the chest region.
Q: Why can't I attach it to my CANS badge lanyard? That way, when I
take it home, I don't forget it.
A: The nature of the TLD badge as an albedo neutron dosimeter
necessitates the use of the human body as an integral part of the
badge. Wearing the badge "away" from the body causes the badge to not
function as intended for neutron measurement, and give false low
readings. TLD badges are not to be taken home, and MUST be stored in
the TLD storage racks. See Section 512.5 of the EH&S
Manual RadCon Supplement.
Training
Q: I just completed the GERT and/or Radiation Worker I test, when
will I have access onsite? When will JLIST be updated?
A: JLIST is updated periodically (twice a day). You may not have
unescorted access until JLIST is updated.
Q: Although I am a regular employee, can I take the Radiation Worker
I test at the User Liaison's Office?
A: If it is more convenient, and the User Liaison's Office approves,
this is acceptable.
Q: Can I take a written test for Radiation Worker I training?
A: Yes, we have written tests for those who prefer that method. Call
6127 or 7236 to schedule for a time to take a written test. If
you are
feeling particularly incompetent, you can take initial Radiation Worker
training which is usually offered every quarter. A schedule can be
located on the Monthly
On-site Training Calendar.
Q: What are the prerequisites to Radiation Worker II testing/class?
A: The prerequisites are successful completion of Radiation Worker I
training, and approval from your supervisor.
Q: Can I take the Radiation Worker II test without attending a class?
A: No, because the radiation worker II class is designed for teaching
people how to work in potentially contaminated areas and/or with
potentially contaminated items, a portion of the class is dedicated on
proper techniques to use for dressing in and out of anti-contamination
clothing. This information cannot be adequately conveyed through a
written test.
Q: Where can I sign up for the RadiationWorker II class?
A: You can call 6127 or 7212, or send an e-mail Welch@jlab.org. When there is a group
of at least 8 individuals, a class will be scheduled. Classes usually
occur every 2 months. Training schedules are available on the Monthly
On-site Training Calendar.
Q: When is the next Radworker I class? When is the next Radworker II
class?
A: Online
Radiation Worker l
is available. If classroom instruction is desired, the upcoming
schedule is listed on theJefferson
Lab Training Schedule page.
The Radiation Worker II class must be taken "live", and the upcoming
schedule is listed at: Monthly
On-site Training Calendar.
Q: Is there a shorter radworker refresher class online?
A: An online
version of Radiation Worker I
is available. Note that you
must come to the RadCon Trailer 52B or the User Liaison
Office to take the test.
Q: What are the Radiation Worker training requirements for Users?
A: Radiation
Worker training requirements
are listed on the User Liaison page. The Physics Division management
has decided
that Radiation Worker I training is required to access the accelerator
site. If you believe you have no reason to access Radiologically
Controlled Areas (e.g., you will only be accessing the "Counting
House"), you may only need General Employee Radiation Training (GERT)
which may be taken online at:
http://www.jlab.org/div_dept/train/online_courses/gert_04/start.html
Note that this training requires no proctored exam or practical
factors. If this seems to be a more palatable option for your
situation, please contact your sponsor.
Q: I'm a user preparing to come onsite. How long will it take to get
my Radiation Worker I qualification?
A: You can prepare for the test by watching the Computer
Based Training
You must then either take a proctored computer exam either at the
RadCon Trailer 52B or the User Liaison Office. You must then
take a
practical factors exam. You must schedule this exam at least 24 hours
in advance. It is possible to complete your RadWorker I
qualifications
in one day provided that you schedule your practical factors 24 hours
in advance by calling either (757)269-6127 or (757)269-7147 or email becky@jlab.org.