RAM REQUEST TAG GETS UPDATED - July 5, 2021
As we head into the scheduled fall run, the RadCon Department has taken the opportunity to modify the survey request process to hopefully make it less susceptible to errors. We will roll-out the new request tags on July 5, 2021. Please contact RadCon at (757) 876-1743 if you have any questions.
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It was believed that the current survey request tags reduced the potential for confusion on the disposition of an item(s) that were located in the beam enclosure. Unfortunately, we had an incident where the wrong portion of the tag was removed following a survey, creating a “near miss” condition. |
The latest revision to the survey request tag goes back to the basics. Upon filling out a request tag, after the survey has been performed, you will see one of two tags or no tag at all. |
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Please provide requested information and answer applicable sections of tag |
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| If "Activated" | If “Free Released” | |
| A radioactive materials tag will be filled out by RadCon and attached to the item. As always, contact RadCon prior to relocating radioactive materials. |
An "OK" tag will be filled out by RadCon and attached to the item or the item will be removed from the Radioactive Material area by RadCon. Do not remove materials from a beam enclosure that do not have an OK tag unless directed by RadCon. |
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Materials located inside accelerator enclosures - what should you assume? Radcon Safety Brief - April 15, 2019
As a radiation worker, you already know “the rules” about having materials surveyed before removing them from beam enclosures. Still, because we’re human, errors can occur that may result in loss of control of radioactive materials.
Here’s the Prime Assumption: Unless you have direct, personal knowledge as to the radiological status of an item in a beam enclosure, always assume such items are activated.
Minor infractions involving workers forgetting to have items surveyed occur from time to time. Usually, this results in little to no radiological impact since materials that are most likely to fall into this category have minimal likelihood of activation. We treat these incidents seriously, however, as they are an indicator of general adherence to requirements, and if we lose control over material removal, we risk serious repercussions.
In recent months, three minor incidents that had to do with such oversights have occurred. One case involved a worker forgetting to have a circuit card surveyed; the employee quickly recognized his error and called RadCon to have the item surveyed. The other events were more complicated - both involved “glitches” in communication and making non-conservative assumptions.
This Safety Brief discusses those assumptions – both instances mentioned involved materials that had been surveyed.
The first case involved a radioactive item (previously in storage) that had been returned to an experimental hall. While in the beam enclosure, such items are not usually marked with a radioactive material (RAM) tag. When it was determined that the item needed to be machined, a worker was tasked with arranging this with the machine shop. Because there had not been beam operations since the item arrived in the hall, the worker assumed the item was not activated. Based on this incorrect assumption, the activated item was sent to the machine shop. The worker’s supervisor quickly realized the oversight and had the item returned to the hall. What should the radiation worker have done? Double-checked with his supervisor or asked RadCon to conduct a survey since he was not familiar the material’s history.
In response to this event, RadCon personnel are now routinely leaving RAM tags on radioactive items brought into beam enclosures for installation until the items are installed. However, this must not be interpreted to mean that the absence of a RAM tag means an item is not activated. Remember the Prime Assumption!
In the second event, materials were marked with survey request tags in preparation for moving them from an experimental hall to storage. The items were all surveyed and some were conditionally released. Others that had low levels of activation were not given clearance. This status was clearly reflected on the survey request tag. The work group involved in this event experienced internal miscommunications with regard to the status of the items in question. This communications error, in conjunction with the failure of the workers to check the status indicated on the tags, lead to the removal of the entire collection of material.
Again, follow the Prime Assumption – verify the status of items (either by tag status or direct communication with RadCon) before removal. During the investigation of this event, it was determined that some of the workers involved were not familiar with changes in the clearance tagging system that occurred in 2018. These workers had not had an opportunity to use the process since the change.
In response to this event, RadCon committed to provide additional communications to radiation workers regarding the survey request system for clearance of materials. The information below is part of this effort.
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To request a clearance survey
Do you need the material surveyed immediately? Call RadCon at 757-876-1743 Otherwise, the tagged item(s) will be surveyed during RadCon’s twice daily rounds. |
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Survey request tags are located in all areas where release surveys are typically conducted.
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When RadCon personnel conduct the survey, a portion of the tag is removed, reflecting the status of the item. The material is either: - OK for removal or - Radioactive requiring RadCon consultation for movement (757-876-1743) |
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OK for removal or relocation |
Radioactive - consult RadCon for movement |
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