NDT In Canada Presentation Radiation Safety June 2014
WELCOME Speaker introduction Purpose & Scope of Presentation Radiation Safety in Laymen's Terms (IR) Brief Radiation Safety History- IR Introduction to CIRSA. Best Practices & Prevention Current initiatives
Purpose & Scope of Presentation The purpose of this presentation is to provide an overview of radiation safety in Canada as it pertains to the NDT industrial radiography industry. The presentation also attempts to provide awareness of and exposure for CIRSA as a small occupational radiation safety organization that services a relatively unknown niche area of industry. The scope includes and is limited to general information on radiation safety. It may also include some initiatives being made for continuous improvement.
Radiation Safety Radiation Safety in Laymen's Terms (IR) NDE Companies are required to have a CNSC license Adhere to Federal CNSC Regulations Adhere to Transportation of Dangerous Goods 4
Radiation Safety Licensee Radiation Safety Program Key elements Use, Transfer and Storage of devices & sources Security Radiation Protection Training Equipment and Maintenance Radiographic Operations Emergency Procedures Forms. 5
Radiation Safety Typical radiation used in Radiography? Electromagnetic Energies (Gamma & X- radiation) High energy short wavelength It travels only in straight lines Has the ability to penetrate dense materials It is non-destructive and is not residual 6
Radiation Safety HEALTH RISKS Crossing the radiation barrier may subject you to unsafe levels of ionizing radiation. (Exposure). Radiation cannot be detected by any of the human senses. At very close proximity and/or for variable lengths of time, it can kill cells. 7
Radiation Safety RADIATION PROTECTION How do we protect everyone? Time Distance Shielding Use calibrated radiation detection equipment Follow procedures - rules and regulations ALARA As Low As Reasonably Achievable 8
Radiation Safety DOSE RATES AT BARRIERS Barrier limits are set by CNSC at 10 mrem/hour (0.1 msv/hour) Warning signs are posted at 2.5 mrem/hour (0.025 msv/hour) 9
Radiation Safety RADIATION ZONES CAN BE RECOGNIZED BY: Radiation signs around the exposure area. Trained Nuclear Workers inside the area with special monitoring equipment Designated as Nuclear Energy Workers. They control the radiation zone 10
Radiation Safety EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE Daily Equipment checks Quarterly Maintenance Annual Maintenance Documentation/Traceability 11
Applicable Regulations: (CNSC) General Nuclear Safety Regulations (GNSR) Radiation Protection Regulations (RPR) Nuclear Substances and Radiation Devices Regulation (NSRD) Packaging and Transport of Nuclear Substances Regulation (PTNS) Transport Canada -Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (TDG) 1996 IAEA Regulations for the safe transport of Radioactive Material No. TS-R-1 (ST-1, Revised) http://www.cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca/eng/lawsregs/index.cfm Provinces regulate X-ray (Tube) Safety
Radiation Safety Maximum Allowable Dosages Set by CNSC Regulations Item Column l Column ll Column lll Person's Status Period of Time Effective Dose (msv) 1 Nuclear energy worker, including a One (1) year dosimetry period 50 pregnant nuclear energy worker Five (5) year dosimetry period 100 2 Pregnant nuclear energy worker The balance of the pregnancy 4 3 Non-nuclear energy worker One (1) calendar year 0.5 13
Radiation Safety SECURITY Some requirements for security: Equipment must be under direct visual care of an authorized person at all times or placed in secure storage. Prescribed Locks/Barriers Alarms/Warning devices Training/Emergency response Criminal background checks 14 Device and source tracking
Radiation Safety COMPANY INTERNAL MONITORING RSO Conducts regular field audits Audits for records, storage, security, etc. Training assessment / annual reviews EXTERNAL MONITORING Audited by CNSC Type I and Type II audits 15
History of Industrial Radiography Pig & Pole (Can you detect the PPE??Safety Culture?)
History of Industrial Radiography Training? What training? Certification Helpers no radiation safety Junior/Senior limited radiation safety Qualified Operators Grandfathered Qualified Operators by examination no course read book / wrote exam
History of Industrial Radiography Radiation Detection Equipment Canadian Admiral 1940 Neutron detector 1930 Victoreen
History of Industrial Radiography Types of Radiographic Equipment used Radium Source Budd 520-1960
Shoe fitting x-ray machine 50 Kv-8ma 20-30 min exposures
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Introduction to CIRSA Canadian Industrial Radiography Association Objectives Radiation Safety is our prime objective Influence the industry and change culture Improve working relationship with CNSC / Industry Promote exchange of information on health, safety, environment, and related topics between Industrial Radiography Companies, CIRSA members and allied industries Provide for representation to government bodies for Industrial Radiography Conduct itself in agreement with the Association s Mission Statement
MISSION STATEMENT To be the leading radiation safety advocacy group and source of communication for the industrial radiography industry. This is achieved by promoting a strong radiation safety culture, member support, radiation safety awareness, providing direction and fostering cooperative working relationships with regulatory bodies, while at the same time, maintaining a common voice for the industry.
CIRSA CIRSA started as a grass roots association in western Canada in 2005 and is a registered non-profit organization. We have approximately 49 licensees as members now across Canada of a total of approx 150 licensee companies in this industry. A formal Constitution is in place to guide the association in its daily operations. Association Executive comprised of 9 elected members meets approximately once / month. Spring and Fall member/ag meetings.
Stakeholders Radiation Safety CIRSA
In the past: CIRSA continued to strive to communicate its existence, gain credibility and membership across Canada. This has been a challenge at times, given the industry regional disparities between Eastern and Western Canada. It has been a steady advocate for the industry and working hard to achieve recognition with both the industry and regulatory bodies such as the CNSC.
Industry issues and needs: Requests for responses from regulatory bodies were/are often not answered or acknowledged as received. No process for clear understanding for clarification of regulations. Continually changing CNSC staff we did not/do not know to whom we should address questions. Inconsistent interpretations of regulations from regulatory inspectors. Industry incidents should be better communicated. Not knowing is unsafe. Knowing is an opportunity to prevent.
In the Present: Bringing together all members from coast to coast as one team with an agreed focus on the implementation of radiation safety for our industry. Promote mutual respect for regional differences. CIRSA is recognized as an industry association by the CNSC/DNSR. Promote and maintain goodwill and working mutual respectful relationships with the CNSC/DNSR. The above points are achieved by volunteering and being involved in the CNSC meetings and focus groups.
In the Present: Website: www.cirsa.ca We have an active website that is constantly being improved that currently includes but is not limited to: A new overall look to the site. Access and links to 3 rd party radiation safety training. Information for clients and the general public on the basic purpose, use, training, regulatory and safety controls and measures in place for industrial radiography. Updated safety alerts and flashes, Rad Safety form templates. Industry performance/incident stats. Free links for member businesses. Industry and regulatory news/updates/photos/equipment museum.
Industry Perception (Safety today with the aid of CIRSA and the CNSC Industry Working Group Radiation Safety has improved.culture has improved. Hard working, safe, and relatively compliant industry. We know our business we are well positioned to assist in the communication between CNSC and industry We have learned and continue to learn from mistakes and improved procedures and practices. Exposure devices and detection equipment have improved. We have better training programs than in the past. We are on a steady decline in incidents and the dosages to workers.
Industry Best Practices Examples of Failure Reference: Cable drive systems Reasons for the checks: Damage from normal use Design of connector Environment Damage from Operator neglect
Industry Best Practices Examples of Failure A MDS Nordion connector that disconnected from the drive cable likely excessive force at drive cable return to device.
Industry Best Practices Examples of Failure A MDS Nordion G6 connector that had design deficiencies
Industry Best Practices Examples of Failure A MDS Nordion worn connector
Industry Best Practices Examples of Failure A MDS Nordion G6 broken female connector
Industry Best Practices Examples of Failure A MDS Nordion worn male connector Worn New
Industry Best Practices Maintain your equipment Operator neglect during storage
Industry Best Practices Perform Go/No Go checks
Industry Best Practices Drive Cable Checks Visually inspect the drive cable for at least 1 foot of length Flex test. Ensure male connector is attached securely Check for rust or damage to connector and cable.
Lessons Learned Safe Positioning of Magnet Stands Incidents can easily occur where a magnet stand falls during exposure and kinks the guide tube. 41
Lessons Learned Safe Positioning of Magnet Stands Make sure that the thumbscrew is not damaging the guide tube. Length of tube is too long and causes the screw to miss the source stop. 42
Best Practices Prevention of Incidents Good Training program inform operators Good equipment maintenance program Audit operators to ensure they are following procedures. Key procedure to enforce is proper survey at front of devices after each exposure. Ensure operators radiation detection equipment is worn, calibrated and in working order.
Current Inititives CNSC/Industry Focus Group Industrial Radiography Focus Group that was requested and put together by the CNSC/DNSR as a result of 2007/2008 information meetings and a subsequent CNSC commissioners meeting that Industry reps including CIRSA executive attended.
CNSC/Industry Focus Group This is a massive step forward for CIRSA, the CNSC and the industry in addressing some of the known issues and concerns. It is also precedence setting for the CNSC/Industry and it s success could prove to be beneficial to other industries and regulatory bodies. The group has formalized itself with a mission statement and terms of reference and is aggressively moving forward with goals and action items in place to tackle the issues. With the current two meetings per year, the group continues to progress and meet its mission now and in the future.
Initiatives Decertification and Fines The CNSC has increased enforcement tools at their disposal. This includes but is not limited to: Stop work orders. Monetary fines to operators and companies. Unannounced inspections. Decertification of operators. Revocation of company operating license. 46
New & Improved Equipment New Style Magnet Stands These new style stands hold much more weight (200 lb/600lb pull) and are an improvement 47
Improved devices
Radiographic Exposure Devices
Improved Shielding
Decertification of older devices
Average worker dosage (msv) from 1988 to Dec 31-2010
Safety Culture SAFETY A condition that exists when hazards are managed to an acceptable level of risk