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Engineering Procedure

SAEP-1141

31 December, 1996

Industrial Radiation Safety


Document Responsibility: Inspection Dept.

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards


Table of Contents

Previous Issue: New

Next Planned Update: 31 December, 1999

Revised paragraphs are indicated in the right margin


Primary contact: R. L. Prince on 874-6605

Page 1 of 28

Document Responsibility: Inspection Dept.


Issue Date: 31 December, 1996

SAEP-1141

Next Planned Update: 31 December, 1999

Industrial Radiation Safety

Scope........................................................... 2

Personnel..................................................... 2

Definitions....................................................

Personnel Dosimetry.................................... 4

Radiation Monitoring Equipment.................. 5

Permissible Exposure Limits........................ 6

Protection Of Sealed Sources...................... 7

Transportation Of Sealed Sources............... 7

Restricted Access Radiographic Areas........ 9

10 Procedures For Handling Sealed Sources... 9


11 Emergency Procedures................................ 11
12 Leak Testing Of Isotope Projectors.............. 13
13 Daily Inspection Of Radiographic
Equipment............................................. 15
14 X-Ray Equipment......................................... 15
15 Appendices.................................................. 16

Appendix 1 - Personsal Radiation Exposure


Record......................................................... 17
Appendix 2 - Daily Isotope Log Sheet............... 18

Page 2 of 28

Document Responsibility: Inspection Dept.


Issue Date: 31 December, 1996
Next Planned Update: 31 December, 1999

Page 3 of 28

SAEP-1141
Industrial Radiation Safety

Document Responsibility: Inspection Dept.


Issue Date: 31 December, 1996
Next Planned Update: 31 December, 1999

SAEP-1141
Industrial Radiation Safety

Scope
1.1

This procedure sets forth the requirements for the administration, safety
and reporting responsibility of all NDE Inspection personnel.

1.2

This procedure establishes the mandatory safety requirements for


personnel handling radioactive materials or x-ray generating equipment for
or on behalf of Saudi Aramco. It also provides procedures and guidelines
for the shipment, storage and use of radioactive materials by authorized
personnel.

1.3

This procedure interfaces with supplement 9 of General Instruction 150.003


(GI-150.003) and provides specific guidelines in addition to those contained
in the applicable supplements of the GI.

1.4

This procedure can only be changed with written approval of the Manager,
Inspection Department and with concurrence by the Saudi Aramco
Radiation Protection Committee Chairman.

Personnel
2.1

The Inspection Department's Radiation Safety Representative shall be


responsible for monitoring personnel performing inspection activities using
radioactive materials and x-ray equipment. These duties shall include, but
are not limited to, shipment, personnel qualification, field operations,
storage, transportation, safety audits, records, and supervision of NDT
personnel for all user organizations.

2.2

Saudi Aramco Radiographic personnel are required to pass the Saudi


Aramco Radiation Safety Program (Module 2 of the NDE Training
Program) or equivalent.

2.3

All Saudi Aramco or contractor radiographic crews shall have a copy of this
Radiation Safety Manual in their vehicle or work location at all times.

Page 4 of 28

Document Responsibility: Inspection Dept.


Issue Date: 31 December, 1996
Next Planned Update: 31 December, 1999

SAEP-1141
Industrial Radiation Safety

2.4

No Saudi Aramco or Contractor radiographic technician will be allowed to


perform Industrial Radiography for or on behalf of Saudi Aramco without
having successfully passed the Radiation Safety examination administered
by the Loss Prevention Department and be in possession of a current
"Saudi Aramco Permit to Use Material/Equipment Producing Ionizing
Radiation". prior to the commencement of any work.

2.5

For radiation safety when using an X-ray machine or an Iridium 192 (Ir
192) radioactive isotope , a radiographic crew shall consist of two (2)
qualified and certified personnel who are thoroughly familiar with the
equipment being used and Radiation Safety Practices. When Cobalt-60 is
being used, as a minimum, a crew shall consist of four (4) radiographic
technicians.

Definitions
3.1

Authorized Radiographer - An individual specifically authorized by the


Saudi Aramco Inspection Department to perform Industrial Radiography
for or on behalf of Saudi Aramco.

3.2

Curie (Ci) - Unit of measure for the decay rate and resulting radiation
intensity of a gamma radiation source. Microcurie (Ci) is 1/1,000,000 of a
Ci.

3.3

High Radiation Area - Any area, with levels of radiation in which a major
portion of the body human could receive a dose in excess of 100 millirem in
any one hour.

3.4

NDE - Nondestructive Examination.

3.5

NDT - Nondestructive Testing (same as NDE).

3.6

Non-radiation worker - any individual who may or may hnot be associated


with the radiographic operation not authorized to be in the radiation area
( 2 mR).

3.7

Radiation Safety Representative - An individual appointed by the


Inspection Department that is responsible for monitoring and implementing
the procedures or requirements set-forth in this procedure and GI-150.003.

Page 5 of 28

Document Responsibility: Inspection Dept.


Issue Date: 31 December, 1996
Next Planned Update: 31 December, 1999

SAEP-1141
Industrial Radiation Safety

3.8

Radiography - The examination of materials by nondestructive methods


utilizing radioactive isotopes or x-ray generating equipment.

3.9

Radiographer - Any individual who performs industrial radiography using


radioactive isotopes or x-ray generating equipment.

3.10

Radiographic exposure device (isotope projector) - Any shielded sealed


source that may be moved or changed from the shielded to unshielded
position for purposes of making a radiographic exposure.

3.11

Radiation Area - Any area with levels of radiation in which the human body
could receive a dose in excess of 2 millirem (2 mR) in any one hour or a dose
in excess of 100 millirem in any 5 consecutive days.

3.12

Rem - a measure of the dose of any ionizing radiation to the body tissue in
terms of its estimated biological effect relative to the absorption of one
roentgen of x-rays or gamma rays. One R of x-rays or gamma rays
approximately equals one rem. One mR of x-rays or gamma rays equals
approximately one mrem (0.001 rem).

3.13

Removable contamination - Loose radioactive material.

3.14

Sealed Source - Any radioactive material encased in a capsule designed to


prevent leakage or escape of any radioactive substance.

3.15

Sievert - The sievert, as in the rem, is a unit of measure for the radiation
dose equivalent to man. This takes into consideration the Radiation
Biological Effect (RBE) of the radiation source. For x-ray and gamma ray,
10 sieverts (1 rem) is equal to 1 roentgen. In units more common to
industrial radiography:
1 Sv = 100rem
1 mSv = 100mRem
1 SV = 0.1 mRem (10 Sv = 1 mRem)

Page 6 of 28

Document Responsibility: Inspection Dept.


Issue Date: 31 December, 1996
Next Planned Update: 31 December, 1999

SAEP-1141
Industrial Radiation Safety

Radiation monitoring instruments are available with scales in both sieverts


and rems. To facilitate easy adjustment betwee rem's and sieverts, it should
be remembered that with a sievert instrument set in the Sv range, move the
decimal place of the reaing one place to the left to convert to rem (e.g., 20
Sv = 2m/r, 35 Sv = 3.5 mR, etc.).

3.16

Storage Container - A device in which sealed sources are transported or


stored.

3.17

X-ray Equipment - Any electrical device which generates x-ray radiation


for radiography.

Personnel Dosimetry
4.1

TLD And Pocket Dosimeter


4.1.1

When transporting, handling, or using x-ray equipment or


radioactive materials, radiographers shall wear a personnel
dosimeter (Thermal Luminescent
Dosimeter (TLD)) and a pocket dosimeter at all times. The pocket
dosimeter must be capable of measuring doses from zero to 200
milliroentgens.

4.1.2

One TLD shall be assigned to each person; to be used for


determining the personal dose of each radiographer. Radiographic
examinations shall not be performed without a TLD badge. TLD
badges must be returned to the Industrial Hygiene Unit upon
receipt of a replacement badge at the end of each month.

4.1.3

When not in use, TLD badges shall be stored in a radiation free


location of the assigned area office unless other locations or
circumstances are specifically authorized.

4.1.4

Pocket dosimeters shall be recharged at the beginning of each


day's work and checked periodically during the work shift. At the
end of each work day, each radiographer has the responsibility to
record the dosimeter reading on a personal Radioactive Exposure
Record form provided by his unit. (Attachment - 1 is an example
of such a form)

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Document Responsibility: Inspection Dept.


Issue Date: 31 December, 1996
Next Planned Update: 31 December, 1999

4.1.5

4.2

SAEP-1141
Industrial Radiation Safety

An individual in each work location (Ras Tanura, Abqaiq,


Dhahran, Riyadh, Jeddah, etc.) will be assigned the responsibility
to periodically check individual pocket dosimeter recordings. The
individual performing this task shall initial and date the checked
Exposure Record Form in the space provided.

Malfunctioning Pocket Dosimeters


Any individual whose pocket dosimeter indicates an exposure of 100 mR or
goes off scale (over 200 mR) shall immediately stop production work and
make a complete radiation survey of the area, making certain that no
additional radiation exposure is received. After the survey is completed, the
following steps should be followed:
4.2.1

If the source is in the shielded position or the x-ray machine is off


and your pocket dosimeter continues to indicate you are receiving
a dose rate, immediately notify the Inspection Radiation Safety
Representative, your immediate supervisor and the area NDE
coordinator.

4.2.2

If the radiation source can not be shielded, insure access into the
area is restricted to prevent a radiation hazard, then notify the
Radiation Safety Representative of your dosimeter and source
condition.

4.2.3

Exposed TLD badge(s) will be processed as soon as possible. All


personnel associated with the radiation incident will not be allowed
to return to work until the results of the TLD badge evaluation are
received.

4.2.4

If the total reported results of the TLD badge are not in excess of
the allowable limits, individuals involved in the radiation incident
may return to active work assignments.

4.2.5

If the total reported results of the TLD badge are in excess of the
allowable limits, individuals involved in the radioactive incident
will be given non-radiation work assignments until they can return
to active radiographic work.

Page 8 of 28

Document Responsibility: Inspection Dept.


Issue Date: 31 December, 1996
Next Planned Update: 31 December, 1999

SAEP-1141
Industrial Radiation Safety

Radiation Monitoring Equipment


5.1

A calibrated and operable radiation survey instrument having a minimum


range of two milliroentgens per hour to one roentgen per hour shall be
available at all times for radiation surveys. Follow the specific procedures
for making radiation surveys contained in various sections of this
document.

5.2

Radiation survey instruments shall be calibrated every six (6) months. The
Radiation Safety Representative will maintain all records and will be
responsible for calibration of survey instruments. Each survey instrument
shall carry a tag showing the calibration and expiration dates. Survey
instruments shall also be calibrated following any repairs.

5.3

If a radiation survey instrument becomes inoperative or is beyond its


calibration date, the radiographer shall stop all activities using radiation
equipment until a replacement survey instrument, properly calibrated, is
obtained.

5.4

Calibrated survey instruments shall be checked for operation prior to use.


Check all on/off switches, check each scale, check batteries and allow the
unit to warm up for two or three minutes, prior to the above checks.

Permissible Exposure Limits


6.1

Exposure to ionizing radiation shall be kept as low as reasonably


achievable. Exposure limits given below are the maximum permissible and
shall not be exceeded, except under certain emergency conditions. These
limits shall apply to persons whose job routinely involves handling and use
of radiation producing equipment or radioactive materials, and who have
been supplied with appropriate exposure monitoring devices and have been
trained in the safe use of radiation.

6.2

Occupational Exposure
1.

Whole body dose equivalent

1.25 rem (12.5 mSv)/calendar


quarter
5 rem (50 mSv)/year

2.

Crystalline lens of the eye

15 rem (150 mSv)/year

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Document Responsibility: Inspection Dept.


Issue Date: 31 December, 1996

SAEP-1141

Next Planned Update: 31 December, 1999

3.

All other tissues or organs

Industrial Radiation Safety

50 rem (500 mSv/year

(e.g. red bone marrow, breast, lung


gonads, skin and extremities).
Note:

6.3

Non-Occupational Exposure Limits


6.3.1

6.3.2
6.4

Persons under the age of 18 years shall not be permitted to


be occupationally exposed to radiation except for
educational and training purposes described in 6.4.

Radiation producing equipment or radioactive materials shall not


be used, stored or transported in any way which could create
radiation levels which, if a non-radiation worker were
continuously present in the area, would result in a dose in excess of
any of the following:
1.

Whole body dose equivalent of 0.1 rem (1 mSv)/year


(continuous or frequent exposure)

2.

Whole body dose equivalent of 0.5 rem (5 mSv)/year


(infrequent exposure)

3.

Dose equivalent limits for of 5 rem (50 mSv)/year for lens of


eye, skin and extremities

Exposures to persons for medical treatment shall not be included


in any dose limits.

Education and Training Exposure Limits


a)

Whole body dose equivalent:

0.1 rem (1 mSv)/year

b)

Lens of eye, skin and extremities: 5 rem (50 mSv)/year

Even though the above doses are permissible, any dose is excessive if it
could be reduced by developing safer working procedures. If continued
excessive doses are caused by careless and/or negligent working procedures,
the Radiation Safety Representative will prepare a written report and place
a copy in the radiographers personnel file and forward a copy to Loss
Prevention.

Page 10 of 28

Document Responsibility: Inspection Dept.


Issue Date: 31 December, 1996
Next Planned Update: 31 December, 1999

SAEP-1141
Industrial Radiation Safety

Protection Of Sealed Sources


7.1

All radiographic exposure devices shall be provided with a lock designed to


prevent unauthorized or accidental removal or exposure of a sealed source,
and shall be kept locked at all times except when used under the direct
supervision of a radiographer. If the exposure device (isotope projector)
lock become inoperative, the isotope projector will immediately be taken
out of service for repair by authorized personnel.

7.2

All radiographic exposure devices shall be stored in an approved location.


The location or area shall be locked with signs posted to protect against
unauthorized or accidental removal of the exposure devices. (Signs shall be
in English and Arabic.)

7.3

A radiation survey shall be conducted on the outside surfaces of the storage


area where radioactive exposure devices are stored. The maximum
radiation levels shall not exceed 2 mR per hour at 12 inches from the
storage surface.

7.4

A sign bearing the radiation caution symbol, red (magenta) on yellow


background, with the words "Caution - Radiation Area" must be posted on
the outside of the container or location where radioactive exposure devices
are being stored (Signs shall be in English and Arabic)

7.5

Isotope projectors or x-ray producing equipment shall not be kept in any


vehicle overnight unless specifically authorized by the Inspection
Department.

Transportation Of Sealed Sources


8.1

Transportation of isotope projectors containing sealed sources shall be by


vehicles specifically equipped. Such vehicles shall have a storage box
affixed to the vehicle, as approved by the Saudi Aramco Inspection
Department for the storage of radioactive isotopes during transport. Only
authorized personnel having met the requirements of 2.2 and 2.4 of the
SAEP, and in possession of personnel radiation monitoring equipment, are
authorized to drive or ride in these vehicles regardless if they contain
radioactive material or not.

Page 11 of 28

Document Responsibility: Inspection Dept.


Issue Date: 31 December, 1996
Next Planned Update: 31 December, 1999

SAEP-1141
Industrial Radiation Safety

8.2

Transportation of isotope projectors form facility to facility for the purpose


of transfer, servicing, inspection, etc. shall be by qualified and approved
individuals as described above. Unless otherwise deemed necessary by the
Inspection Department, only one individual is required. For transportation
of isotope projectors to and from work sites for the purpose of performing
radiography, refer to paragraph 2.3. Prior to loading Ir 192 isotope
projectors into a transporting vehicle, one technician shall be responsible to
take the device directly from its storage location to the vehicle. The second
technician will be in the vehicle to receive the device and place it into its
transportation compartments and lock it. The tailgate of the vehicle shall
remain down during the loading and unloading of a isotope projector.
Loading and unloading of a Co 60 isotope projector requires specific
requirements to be conducted under the supervision of the area NDE
coordinator or his designee.

8.3

During this operation a designated individual shall be responsible to fill in


the appropriate blocks as required in the "Daily Isotope Log Sheet" (see
Attachment 2).

8.4

The procedures outlined in paragraphs 8.1 and 8.2 shall be followed


everytime the loading or unloading of radioactive equipment takes place.

8.5

When loading or unloading any radioactive device, it shall never put down
temporarily for any reason but taken directly to the transporting vehicle or
approved storage location.

8.6

Whenever a sealed source is transported, it must be secured in an approved


storage compartment of the transporting vehicle to prevent shifting or loss.
The outside of the device and the compartment where it is stored must be
posted with a sign bearing the radiation symbol.

8.7

A radiation survey shall be made of the storage compartment; radiation


levels shall not exceed two (2) mR per hour on the surface. A calibrated
radiation survey meter will be used to monitor all shipments and kept
available in the driver/passenger area of the vehicle for use at all times.

Page 12 of 28

Document Responsibility: Inspection Dept.


Issue Date: 31 December, 1996
Next Planned Update: 31 December, 1999

SAEP-1141
Industrial Radiation Safety

8.8

All vehicles transporting radioactive materials shall be posted with


radiation warning signs stating: "Danger, Radiation" on the front and rear
of the vehicle.

8.9

Emergency procedures to be followed in the event of a road accident are


detailed in paragraph 11.

8.10

Vehicles speed transporting radioactive materials shall not exceed 90km/hr.


For 4 x 4 vehicles with sand tires the maximum speed limit is 70km/hr.

Restricted Access Radiographic Areas


9.1

9.2

Radiation Area
9.1.1

Each radiographic area must be roped off and/or posted with a


minimum of four signs placed around the perimeter. The
precalculated radiation level reading around the perimeter prior to
the first radiographic exposure shall not exceed 2 mR per hour as
defined in paragraph 3.11.

9.1.2

A radiation survey shall be conducted as soon as the source is


exposed. The radiographer shall keep the area under constant
surveillance to protect against unauthorized or accidental entry.

9.1.3

The radiographer must complete a radiation survey at each


radiographic work location.

9.1.4

If any unauthorized person enters the radiation area the source


will be retracted and no exposures made until the area is cleared.
The area NDE coordinator shall be verbally notified of the
situation and if deemed necessary, the situation shall be considered
as an "Incident" requiring investigation.

High Radiation Area


Where space limitations do not allow the boundary to be established at less
than, or equal to, 2 mR per hour, then a "Caution High Radiation Area"
sign shall be posted around the area perimeter. The perimeter of a high
radiation area shall not exceed 100 mr per hour as defined in paragraph
3.3.

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Document Responsibility: Inspection Dept.


Issue Date: 31 December, 1996
Next Planned Update: 31 December, 1999

9.3

SAEP-1141
Industrial Radiation Safety

Radiation Storage Facilities


Personnel access to isotope storage facilities requires compliance with the
applicable portions of 2 and 4 of this procedure relating to personnel
qualification and radiation monitoring. Visitation to storage facilities by
non-radiation workers requires that such personnel be in possession of a
calibrated pocket dosimeter and accompanied by a qualified radiographic
technician in possession of a film badge, pocket dosimeter and survey meter.
Access requires the approval of the NDE Supervisor and the facilities must
be surveyed prior to the entrance by non-radiation workers.

10

Procedures For Handling Sealed Sources


10.1

General
10.1.1

All sealed sources used for industrial radiography by Saudi


Aramco radiographic personnel shall be housed in approved,
remote operated, or shielded projector type devices. Any available
natural shielding and/or a collimating device shall be used
whenever practical.

10.1.2

When performing radiographic operations a physical survey shall


be made after each exposure to determine that the radiation source
has been properly returned to its shielded position. The survey
shall be accomplished as the radiographer approaches the
projector; readings shall be taken at the rear of the projector and
top to assure proper retraction. After the physical survey is
completed the survey meter should be placed next to the projector
until the next exposure is to be made.

10.1.3

In no case should the levels of radiation for the surveys in 10.1.2


exceed the following limits:
10.1.3.1

When a radioactive source is returned to its shielded


position inside the storage camera, the radiation level 15
cm.(6 inches) from any surface shall not exceed the
limitations set forth by the manufacturer of the
equipment.

Page 14 of 28

Document Responsibility: Inspection Dept.


Issue Date: 31 December, 1996
Next Planned Update: 31 December, 1999

10.1.3.2

10.2

SAEP-1141
Industrial Radiation Safety

When a radioactive source is in its shielded position


inside the isotope projector, the maximum radiation
reading 4 inches (10 cm) from any exterior surface, shall
not exceed 200 mR per hour, or shall not exceed 10 mR
per hour three feet (90 cm) from any exterior surface.

Radiographic Equipment
10.2.1

Each radiographer is responsible for checking his own


radiographic equipment (isotope projectors, wind-outs, and
extensions) prior to each day's assignment. Inspection procedures
are detailed in section 13.

10.2.2

The following are operational steps that should be used when


operating isotope projectors at the beginning of a work
assignment:
10.2.2.1

Assure the survey meter is operating properly prior to


unloading the projector from its storage container.

10.2.2.2

When the isotope projector is in its work location, layout


the full length of the wind-out cables keeping them as
straight as possible.

10.2.2.3

Unlock the isotope projector and turn the locking device


to the correct position, removing the cap, exposing the
source pigtail.

10.2.2.4

Connect the control cable to the pigtail.

10.2.2.5

Remove the safety plug from the front of the isotope


projector and connect the guide tube(s).

10.2.2.6

Place the guide tube at the exposure location making


sure there are no 90 degrees bends in the tube keeping is
as straight as possible.

10.2.2.7

When the isotope projector setup is complete, turn the


locking device to "operate".

Page 15 of 28

Document Responsibility: Inspection Dept.


Issue Date: 31 December, 1996

SAEP-1141

Next Planned Update: 31 December, 1999

Industrial Radiation Safety

10.2.2.8

Prior to the first radiograph, wind out the source to


conduct a radiation survey of the area roped off or
posted, to check that if radiation levels at the boundaries
are at or below the established limits and adjust position
of boundaries as necessary.

10.2.2.9

At the end of each exposure, rewind the source into the


isotope projector and conduct a physical survey as
described in 10.1.2.

10.2.2.10 When work is completed, and a survey conducted; turn


the locking device to the locked position, disconnect the
guide tube and replace the safety plug.
10.2.2.11 Turn the locking device to the connect position and
disconnect source pigtail, replace the cap, and turn the
locking device to its locked position (this locks the
isotope projector).
Note:

10.3

Source surveys should always be made before,


during and after each exposure and when
loading and/or unloading an isotope projector.

Source changes
The Saudi Aramco Inspection Department Radiation Safety Representative
or other authorized individual appointed by the Radiation Safety
Representative, will be responsible for supervising or conducting
radioactive source changes for equipment owned or in the custody of Saudi
Aramco. Changing sources will be performed in accordance with the
manufacturer's or vendor's approved procedures and equipment.

11

Emergency Procedures
11.1

Transportation of Sealed Sources

Page 16 of 28

Document Responsibility: Inspection Dept.


Issue Date: 31 December, 1996
Next Planned Update: 31 December, 1999

11.1.1

11.2

SAEP-1141
Industrial Radiation Safety

In the event of a road accident involving a vehicle transporting


isotope projector(s), personnel must immediately conduct a
radiation survey to determine the level of radiation and determine
if the sealed source is exposed. If the source is exposed, the
following steps must be taken:
11.1.1.1

Restrict and post the area around the vehicle in


accordance with paragraph 9.2.

11.1.1.2

Personnel must remain at the scene of the accident and,


as soon as possible, notify his supervisor who will notify
the Saudi Aramco Inspection Department Radiation
Safety Representative.

11.1.2

In the event the radiation survey meter is damaged, assume that


the source is exposed and use the inverse square law to calculate
the distance required for establishing a restricted area. No one
shall be allowed in this area until a survey meter is available and if
exposed, the source has been secured and is in its shielded position.

11.1.3

In the event both individual(s) are injured and unable to physically


perform the required surveys and post the area as required, one
should direct others as much as possible, and provide them with a
copy of this manual. (Also include paragraph 11.1.1.2 as part of
this action)

11.1.4

In the event that authorized individual(s) are unable to respond


mentally or physically due to injuries, the vehicle shall be posted in
English and Arabic stating "WARNING: KEEP A DISTANCE OF
100 METERS AROUND THIS VEHICLE UNTIL HELP
ARRIVES". Such signs shall be affixed to the top and inside cover
of the isotope projector box so that under normal circumstances it
is not visible.

11.1.5

As soon as possible, a written report of the incident must be made


by all personnel involved and sent to the Inspection Department
Radiation Safety Representative.

Incidents During Radiography

Page 17 of 28

Document Responsibility: Inspection Dept.


Issue Date: 31 December, 1996
Next Planned Update: 31 December, 1999

SAEP-1141
Industrial Radiation Safety

In the event of an accident to the device containing a sealed source,


immediately take the following steps:
A.

Try to retract the source into the isotope projector, following the
standard operating procedures.

B.

Make a radiation survey to ascertain that the source has been


returned to the shielded position and lock the isotope projector.

C.

Do not use the isotope projector until the Saudi Aramco Inspection
Department Radiation Safety Representative or his authorized
representative makes an inspection of the projector to confirm that it
is operating properly. Do not use the equipment unless instructed to
do so by the Saudi Aramco Inspection Department Radiation Safety
Representative.

D.

In the event the source cannot be returned to the isotope projector


for any reason and its return is beyond your control:
1.

Post the area in accordance with the requirements of this


procedure and maintain a constant surveillance to restrict
access.

2.

Contact the Saudi Aramco Inspection Department Radiation


Safety Representative for instructions.
Note: Do not attempt to recover the source.

11.3

Lost Or Stolen Isotope Projector(s)


For a lost or stolen isotope projector containing a radioactive source, notify
the Saudi Aramco Inspection Department Radiation Safety Representative
and he will advise the proper Saudi Aramco authorities.

11.4

Radiation Incident Reporting

Page 18 of 28

Document Responsibility: Inspection Dept.


Issue Date: 31 December, 1996
Next Planned Update: 31 December, 1999

SAEP-1141
Industrial Radiation Safety

All personnel involved in a radiation incident and/or recovery are required


to prepare a written report of the incident and send it to the Inspection
Department Radiation Safety Representative who will summarize the
reports and forward all reports to the Inspection Department Manager and
Chairman of the Radiation Protection Committee, who will distribute
copies to Committee members.
12

Leak Testing Of Isotope Projectors


12.1

12.2

Requirements
12.1.1

Leak testing shall be conducted at intervals not to exceed one year,


using a procedure capable of detecting the presence of 0.005
microcuries of removable contamination at the equipment
associated with sealed source handling.

12.1.2

Leak test services will be provided by properly qualified


individuals or licensed vendors approved by the Saudi Aramco
Radiation Protection Committee. Leak tests will be performed by
the Radiation Safety Representative or his designated appointee.

12.1.3

Leak test results shall be maintained by the Inspection


Department, Nondestructive Testing Unit, with copies sent to the
Industrial Hygiene Unit in Dhahran.

12.1.4

New sources shall be accompanied by a certificate that leak tests


were performed prior to shipment. Sources can not be put into use
until they are leak tested.

Procedure
Leak testing of equipment shall be conducted as follows:
12.2.1

Fill out a form indicating equipment identification date, location,


and name, etc.

12.2.2

If not already prepared, dissolve dry detergent in a small amount


of water.

Page 19 of 28

Document Responsibility: Inspection Dept.


Issue Date: 31 December, 1996
Next Planned Update: 31 December, 1999

12.2.3

12.3

12.4

12.5

13

SAEP-1141
Industrial Radiation Safety

Dampen a cotton swab in the liquid and proceed according to the


instructions supplied with the test kit or as instructed by the Saudi
Aramco Radiation Safety Representative.

Projector
12.3.1

Remove the safety plug from the front of the isotope projector, and
dampen a cotton swab with liquid.

12.3.2

Insert the cotton swab into the front of the isotope projector
making a swabbing motion.

12.3.3

Remove the swab, place it in a plastic bag, seal the bag and replace
the safety plug.

12.3.4

Remove the rear locking cap, swab the source connection clip,
replace the cap and lock the isotope projector.

12.3.5

Place swab in a plastic bag and seal it.

Wind-Out/Guide Tubes
12.4.1

Wipe the guide cable (about 6 inches from the end) and place the
swab in a plastic bag.

12.4.2

Wipe the front-end extension tube (internal) with a swab and place
it in a plastic bag.

Specific Wipe Test Instructions


12.5.1

Place all bagged samples from one isotope projector into a single
package with a copy of the form filled out in accordance with
12.2.1 above.

12.5.2

Prior to sending wipe samples for analysis, survey all sealed bags.
If any samples provide a reading above background, samples must
not be mailed.

12.5.3

Samples with reading above background must be hand delivered in


a sealed container for analysis and the equipment taken out of
service.

Daily Inspection Of Radiographic Equipment

Page 20 of 28

Document Responsibility: Inspection Dept.


Issue Date: 31 December, 1996
Next Planned Update: 31 December, 1999

14

SAEP-1141
Industrial Radiation Safety

13.1

All exposure devices must be inspected at the beginning of each day that it
is used. The radiographers are responsible for checking their own
equipment. These checks need not be documented by the technician, but
these checks should be made and documented periodically by each area
Safety Representative.

13.2

Daily inspections shall include but are not limited to the following
equipment:
A.

Survey for excessive radiation levels.

B.

Inspect control and indicator assembly for loose hardware and


damage.

C.

Inspect control cables for cuts, breaks, and broken fittings.

D.

For models with detachable controls:


i.

Check connector (ball and socket) for proper operation.

ii.

Inspect lock for ease of operation. If not operating freely, do


not use and inform your Supervisor who shall issue a written
report.

iii.

Check operation of control cable locking ring.

E.

Inspect carriage, wheels, lifting lugs and handles of units, so


equipped.

F.

Check all labels for legibility.

G.

Inspect source tube for cuts and kinks.

H.

Make sure source tube end cap is secured.

I.

Inspect source tube connector fitting for thread damage.

J.

Check lock, hasp, and shipping plug. The inside of the source tube
and all connection parts should be free of any foreign material that
may impair the operation of the device before the components are
assembled for use.

X-Ray Equipment

Page 21 of 28

Document Responsibility: Inspection Dept.


Issue Date: 31 December, 1996
Next Planned Update: 31 December, 1999

SAEP-1141
Industrial Radiation Safety

All safety precautions provided in this manual shall apply to operations with x-ray
generators where applicable. The following items are mandatory when using x-ray
generators.

15

a)

Radiation survey instruments shall be used in the same manner as they are
used with radioactive materials. They shall be used to determine that the xray unit is turned-off, except in cases where the main power source is
disconnected.

b)

No x-ray unit shall be left unattended. The control shall be locked after
each exposure.

Appendices
The appendices attached to this Operating and Emergency Procedures Manual
become an integral part of the overall radiation safety program for Saudi Aramco.
They are referenced as part of the written portion of the Manual. These
appendices include report forms and provide supplementary material regarding
the control of radiation as practiced by radiographic personnel.

Revision Summary
31 December, 1996

New SAEP replacing 00-SAIP-08.

Page 22 of 28

Document Responsibility: Inspection Dept.


Issue Date: 31 December, 1996

SAEP-1141

Next Planned Update: 31 December, 1999

Industrial Radiation Safety

Appendix 1 - Personal Radiation Exposure Record

Personal Radiation Exposure Record

Name _______________________________________

ID: _____________

Month ______________

Date

Out

In

Rec'd

Date

Out

In

Rec'd

_____

_____

_____

17

_____

_____

_____

_____

_____

_____

18

_____

_____

_____

_____

_____

_____

19

_____

_____

_____

_____

_____

_____

20

_____

_____

_____

_____

_____

_____

21

_____

_____

_____

_____

_____

_____

22

_____

_____

_____

_____

_____

_____

23

_____

_____

_____

_____

_____

_____

24

_____

_____

_____

_____

_____

_____

25

_____

_____

_____

10

_____

_____

_____

26

_____

_____

_____

Page 23 of 28

Document Responsibility: Inspection Dept.


Issue Date: 31 December, 1996

SAEP-1141

Next Planned Update: 31 December, 1999

Industrial Radiation Safety

11

_____

_____

_____

27

_____

_____

_____

12

_____

_____

_____

28

_____

_____

_____

13

_____

_____

_____

29

_____

_____

_____

14

_____

_____

_____

30

_____

_____

_____

15

_____

_____

_____

31

_____

_____

_____

16

_____

_____

_____

T o T a l:

_____

Remarks:
___________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_______
_____________________________________________________________________________
_______
_____________________________________________________________________________
_______
_____________________________________________________________________________
_______

Note: If reading for one day exceeds 100 mR or Total for 4-WK. Period exceeds 400 mR report
it to your Supervisor at once.

Page 24 of 28

Document Responsibility: Inspection Dept.


Issue Date: 31 December, 1996
Next Planned Update: 31 December, 1999

SAEP-1141
Industrial Radiation Safety

Reviewed by: ___________________________________ ID: ____________ Date:


_______________

Page 25 of 28

Document Responsibility: Inspection Dept.


Issue Date: 31 December, 1996
Next Planned Update: 31 December, 1999

Page 26 of 28

SAEP-1141
Industrial Radiation Safety

Document Responsibility: Inspection Dept.


Issue Date: 31 December, 1996

SAEP-1141

Next Planned Update: 31 December, 1999

Industrial Radiation Safety

Appendix 2 - Daily Isotope Log Sheet

Desti-

RadioTruck #

Source

Time

graphers In Box Issuer

In

Source

Date Isotope #

nation

____ ________

______ _______ ________ _____

_____

____ ____ ____ ________ ______ ____

____ ________

______ _______ ________ _____

_____

____ ____ ____ ________ ______ ____

____ ________

______ _______ ________ _____

_____

____ ____ ____ ________ ______ ____

____ ________

______ _______ ________ _____

_____

____ ____ ____ ________ ______ ____

____ ________

______ _______ ________ _____

_____

____ ____ ____ ________ ______ ____

____ ________

______ _______ ________ _____

_____

____ ____ ____ ________ ______ ____

____ ________

______ _______ ________ _____

_____

____ ____ ____ ________ ______ ____

____ ________

______ _______ ________ _____

_____

____ ____ ____ ________ ______ ____

____ ________

______ _______ ________ _____

_____

____ ____ ____ ________ ______ ____

____ ________

______ _______ ________ _____

_____

____ ____ ____ ________ ______ ____

____ ________

______ _______ ________ _____

_____

____ ____ ____ ________ ______ ____

____ ________

______ _______ ________ _____

_____

____ ____ ____ ________ ______ ____

____ ________

______ _______ ________ _____

_____

____ ____ ____ ________ ______ ____

____ ________

______ _______ ________ _____

_____

____ ____ ____ ________ ______ ____

____ ________

______ _______ ________ _____

_____

____ ____ ____ ________ ______ ____

____ ________

______ _______ ________ _____

_____

____ ____ ____ ________ ______ ____

____ ________

______ _______ ________ _____

_____

____ ____ ____ ________ ______ ____

____ ________

______ _______ ________ _____

_____

____ ____ ____ ________ ______ ____

____ ________

______ _______ ________ _____

_____

____ ____ ____ ________ ______ ____

____ ________

______ _______ ________ _____

_____

____ ____ ____ ________ ______ ____

Page 27 of 28

Date Out

Time

Receiver Stored Date

Document Responsibility: Inspection Dept.


Issue Date: 31 December, 1996

SAEP-1141

Next Planned Update: 31 December, 1999

Industrial Radiation Safety

____ ________

______ _______ ________ _____

_____

____ ____ ____ ________ ______ ____

____ ________

______ _______ ________ _____

_____

____ ____ ____ ________ ______ ____

____ ________

______ _______ ________ _____

_____

____ ____ ____ ________ ______ ____

____ ________

______ _______ ________ _____

_____

____ ____ ____ ________ ______ ____

____ ________

______ _______ ________ _____

_____

____ ____ ____ ________ ______ ____

____ ________

______ _______ ________ _____

_____

____ ____ ____ ________ ______ ____

____ ________

______ _______ ________ _____

_____

____ ____ ____ ________ ______ ____

____ ________

______ _______ ________ _____

_____

____ ____ ____ ________ ______ ____

____ ________

______ _______ ________ _____

_____

____ ____ ____ ________ ______ ____

____ ________

______ _______ ________ _____

_____

____ ____ ____ ________ ______ ____

Attachment - 2

____________________
Supervisor's Signature

Page 28 of 28

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