Administrative Code


Virginia Administrative Code
Title 12. Health
Agency 5. Department of Health
Chapter 481. Virginia Radiation Protection Regulations

12VAC5-481-2820. Construction Monitoring and Acceptance Testing.

A. For all irradiators, licensees shall verify the proper operation of the monitor to detect sources carried on the product conveyor system and the related alarms and interlocks required by 12VAC5-481-2760 A.

B. For all irradiators with product conveyor systems, the licensee shall observe and test the operation of the conveyor system to assure that the requirements in 12VAC5-481-2790 are met for protection of the source rack and the mechanism that moves the rack; testing shall include tests of any limit switches and interlocks used to protect the source rack and mechanism that moves the rack from moving product carriers.

C. For panoramic irradiators:

1. Licensees shall monitor the construction of the shielding to verify that its construction meets design specifications and generally accepted building code requirements for reinforced concrete.

2. Licensees shall monitor the construction of the foundations to verify that their construction meets design specifications.

3. Licensees shall test the movement of the source racks for proper operation prior to source loading; testing shall include source rack lowering due to simulated loss of power.

4. Licensees shall test the completed access control system to assure that it functions as designed and that all alarms, controls, and interlocks work properly.

5. Licensees shall test the ability of the heat and smoke detectors to detect a fire, to activate alarms, and to cause the source rack to automatically become fully shielded. Licensees shall test the operability of the fire extinguishing system.

6. Licensees shall demonstrate that the source racks can be returned to their fully shielded positions without offsite power.

7. For panoramic irradiators that use a computer system to control the access control system, licensees shall verify that the access control system will operate properly if offsite power is lost and shall verify that the computer has security features that prevent an irradiator operator from commanding the computer to override the access control system when it is required to be operable.

8. Licensees shall verify that the electrical wiring and electrical equipment that were installed meet the design specifications.

D. For pool irradiators:

1. Licensees shall verify that the pool meets design specifications and shall test the integrity of the pool. Licensees shall verify that outlets and pipes meet the requirements of 12VAC5-481-2780 B.

2. Licensees shall verify that the water purification system, the conductivity meter, and the water level indicators operate properly.

3. Licensees shall verify the proper operation of the radiation monitors and the related alarm if used to meet 12VAC5-481-2870 B.

E. For underwater irradiators, licensees shall verify the proper operation of the over-the-pool monitor, alarms, and interlocks required by 12VAC5-481-2760 B.

Statutory Authority

§ 32.1-229 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes


