Information about Gauges

Table of Contents

General Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) Qualifications

For most industrial uses, the following documentation of qualifications must be submitted for the RSO. General minimum qualifications are outlined in Title 25 Texas Administrative Code §289.252(f):

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Training and experience appropriate for the authorized use on the license

Radiation Control Accepted Radiation Safety Training Course List

A list of accepted radiation safety training courses is available as a courtesy to you. We do not recommend one course over another. It is a resource for you to use to find the course that best suits your needs or used to verify previous training documentation for new radiography employees.

The list of Accepted Radiation Safety Training Courses (PDF, 66KB) is divided into use categories; Industrial Radiography, Well Logging and Tracer Studies, Well Logging Only, Portable Gauge, Fixed Gauge, Spinning Pipe and X-ray Fluorescence.

Applicable Regulations

The requirements of the following sections of Title 25, Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Chapter 289 apply to the use of radioactive material in moisture/density, spinning pipe and fixed gauge operations and X-ray fluorescence analyzers:

Radiation Control will provide one printed copy of the applicable sections of the rules. It is the licensee's responsibility to ensure that its facility and any additional authorized sites are provided with copies of the applicable rules. These rules may be duplicated or can be downloaded from this site. For a charge, you may request rules on disk or additional hard copies.

Completing the Application

Complete and submit RC 252-2, Radioactive Material License Application (PDF, 67KB).

Item 1. Legal Business Name and Mailing Address of Applicant

Enter the company name and mailing address. The name (or DBA) should correspond to the name on RC 252-1, Business Information Form (PDF, 54KB). The applicant is the organization or person legally responsible for the possession and use of the radioactive material. The address specified here must be your mailing address for correspondence. This may or may not be the same as the address where the material will be stored or used.

NOTE: Radiation Control will not issue a license addressed to a company or person residing outside the state of Texas.

Item 2. Location(s) at Which Radioactive Material Will Be Used

Specify all locations of storage or use by designating the street address, city, and state. A post office box address is not acceptable. Also, indicate whether the radioactive material will be used at temporary job sites throughout Texas.

Item 4. Location Where Records Will Be Kept

Provide the appropriate information even if it is the same as the mailing address.

If applying for additional authorized use/storage sites, specify which site will be designated as the main site (e.g., home office or office location of the Radiation Safety Officer - RSO). Copies of all required records need to be maintained for Radiation Control review at the designated main site. Additionally, if the records location is different from the radioactive material storage site, the site will be billed as an additional authorized use site.

Item 6. Radiation Safety Officer (RSO)

The RSO is the person designated to be responsible for the day-to-day radiation safety program. The RSO maintains all records required by the Radiation Control rules, and is the primary contact with Radiation Control on matters pertaining to the license and the use of radioactive materials. The RSO must have the authority to enforce radiation safety policy, suspend activities deemed unsafe, and require remedial action when necessary. Submit the qualifications outlined above for RSO qualifications.

Item 7. Radioactive Materials Data

Information necessary for this item is available from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's Radioactive Sealed Source and Device Registry.

This registry is a database of safety evaluations of devices registered with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The registry can be used to search for specific devices and manufacturers. The evaluations typically provide a description and safety information about the device, model numbers, manufacturer/distributor, sealed source model designation, isotope and maximum activity for the device, and leak test interval.

Item 15. Certification

The application shall be dated and signed by a representative of the corporation or legal entity who is authorized to sign official documents and to certify that the application contains information that is true and correct to the best of the applicant's knowledge and belief. All unsigned applications will be returned for proper signature.

Addendum Application Information

The following information is general guidance. Submit the information as it applies to your operation and facility.

Storage Facilities

Describe the permanent storage facility for radioactive material, to include the following:

  1. Provide a sketch or description of the gauge storage location within the facility to include:
     
    • Construction materials used and the dimensions of the storage area, including wall thickness.
    • Indicate the distance of work stations from the storage area, and the amount of time personnel spend in the area.
    • Provide an indication of where "Caution - Radioactive Materials" warning signs are posted.
    • Describe the storage location in relation to and distance from neighboring businesses and/or residences. Provide a specific description of the areas adjacent to your proposed storage facility (i.e., businesses, vacant lots, pasture, etc.)
  2. Indicate security precautions taken to prevent theft or unauthorized use or removal of the radioactive materials.
     
  3. In accordance with 25 TAC §289.252, if the proposed storage facility is not owned by your company, provide a copy of a letter from the owner or authorized agent of the property stating that the individual is aware that you are storing devices containing radioactive material on the property.

Temporary Jobsite Storage

If you will be storing radioactive material at temporary job sites, the following parameters that must be met prior to allowing devices containing radioactive material to be stored at temporary job sites:

  • acquisition of owner's written approval
  • exclusive access to the storage unit by your company
  • 24-hour access to the storage unit by your company, and
  • documented verification of suitable construction materials, postings, security, vicinity considerations

Operating, Safety, and Emergency Procedures (O, S, & E)

The purpose of O, S, & E procedures is to provide radioactive material users with clear and specific guidance and instructions for all radioactive material handling operations they will perform. O, S, & E procedures must be written and submitted to Radiation Control for approval as part of your application in accordance with §289.252(e)(7). The manual should include, but not be limited to the following topics:

Management Structure and Its Responsibilities

Provide a description of the management structure, and the RSO's position in that structure. Describe the company's policy with respect to maintaining exposure As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA).

Radiation Safety Officer Duties

Explain the RSO's duties in the company with emphasis on overseeing the radiation safety program. Describe records of administration, radiation surveys, periodic field inspections, etc. that will be performed by the RSO. A listing of the duties and responsibilities of the RSO is given in 25 TAC §289.252.

Individual Monitoring Devices

Individual monitoring is required in accordance with 25 TAC §289.202(q). Individual monitoring devices shall meet the requirements of 25 TAC §289.202(p)(3).

Describe the type of individual monitoring device (e.g. film badge, thermoluminescence dosimeter (TLD), optically stimulated luminescence dosimeter (OSL), electronic personal dosimeter, etc.) to be used and the name of the supplier. Outline the procedures for how, where, and when to wear the individual monitoring device, including the exchange frequency of the devices and where the reports will be posted.

Provide a description of what measures will be taken to ensure that occupational exposures will be maintained within regulatory limits. Indicate what steps will be taken during maintenance and cleaning operations and emergency conditions to minimize personnel exposure.

Posting and Labeling Requirements

Specify where 25 TAC §289.202 and §289.203, the radioactive material license, operating and emergency procedures and any notices of violation issued by Radiation Control will be posted in your facility.

Discuss in your procedures instructions for the routine inspection of all required postings and labels, including provisions for inspection frequency, identification and location of each label and posting, condition of each, replacement, and the date and identification of the person conducting the inspection.

Handling Procedures

Describe the procedures for removing the device from storage and recording the information on a utilization log, including the identification of the device (model and serial number), the date removed from storage, the name (or initials) of the person taking the device from storage, and the location of use.

Describe the procedures for returning the device to the storage location and recording the information on a the utilization log, showing who returned the device and when it was returned. The RSO should acknowledge that the device was returned to storage by signature.

Describe the safety precautions to be taken by the user when operating the gauge in the field. Reference to the manufacturer's instruction manual will be sufficient to describe actual use of the gauge.

Transportation Procedures

Describe the procedures for packaging the gauge in the transport container and the appropriate location for securing the transport container to the vehicle. The transport container must comply with the applicable U.S. Department of Transportation regulations. This includes providing security seals, bracing packages during transport, and labeling requirements of 25 TAC §289.257. Radiation Control requires that the devices be secured against unauthorized removal in accordance with 25 TAC §289.202(y).

Describe the documentation that will accompany drivers during the transport of radioactive materials. Provide instructions for completing the forms. Attach examples of each form.

Emergency Procedures

Describe the actions to be taken by the user and the RSO when emergency situations involving radioactive material occur. These situations could involve the theft of the gauge, an accident that damages or destroys the gauge, the loss or damage to the technician's individual monitoring device, or the accidental exposure of workers.

Record Keeping

Provide a description of all records that will be maintained to document operations involving the use of radioactive material. Records should include, but not be limited to:

a. receipt, transfer, and disposal;
b. leak tests;
c. utilization logs;
d. individual monitoring reports, if applicable; and
e. training; and
f. radiation surveys.

Equipment Maintenance and Inspection Procedures

Describe routine maintenance and inspections to be performed on the gauge(s), indicate what items are checked, the documentation of and specific intervals for the maintenance and/or inspections to be performed.

If you will be conducting routine gauge cleaning, provide detailed procedures for the cleaning and lubrication of the spring-operated sliding tungsten shield and scraper ring. Include in the procedure, the wearing of personnel monitoring devices, standing to the side of the gauge while removing the tungsten block, indicate where the servicing shall take place and the orientation of the gauge.

NOTE: During these operations, radiation exposure levels are at their highest while the tungsten block is removed and the individual performing this servicing shall be very familiar with the procedure and take extreme caution.

Radiation Detection Instrumentation

Radiation survey meters shall be available for the applicant to perform surveys and demonstrate compliance with 25 TAC §289.202(p) and for accident response. Procedures should be written providing personnel with instructions on the proper use and maintenance of radiation detection instrumentation.

The applicant must provide the manufacturer, model number, range, and types of each survey instrument to be possessed. Indicate who will be calibrating the instrument and at what interval.

If a survey instrument is to be calibrated by a service firm, the firm should be licensed or registered by Radiation Control, the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission, or another agreement state.

If the applicant wants to calibrate their own survey instrument at the their facility, a detailed description of the instrument calibration procedures for all meter ranges must be provided.

Leak Testing

Sealed sources shall be leak tested every six months in accordance with 25 TAC §289.201(g). Indicate what option you will follow. Options for your leak testing program are:

1. Using a commercial leak test provider licensed by Radiation Control, the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission, or another agreement state, provide the name of the leak test provider.

Identify who will use the commercial leak test kits to perform leak tests. If the applicant performs the leak tests, include specific instructions in the operating, safety, and emergency procedures on how the tests are to be performed. Including precautions for cross-contamination prevention and procedures for preparing the kit for shipment.

2. Request authorization to perform leak test analysis for your facility. If you intend on performing analysis of your own leak tests, you must submit detailed information requested by Regulatory Guide 5.1, "Guide for the Preparation of Leak Test Applications"

Records indicating that leak tests have been performed and the results of the leak tests must be maintained for inspection by Radiation Control in accordance with 25 TAC §289.201(g)(7).

Training And Experience

Each user must successfully complete a radiation safety course presented by a Radiation Control-authorized instructor determined by Radiation Control as appropriate and complete a period of on-the-job training.

Provide the name of an appropriate training provider, as an example, and describe the on-the-job training program. Describe how the RSO will verify and document that the radiation safety and on-the-job training is completed.

Waste Disposal

The applicant must describe how the radioactive material will be disposed of when it is no longer needed or can no longer be used. Disposal of radioactive material shall satisfy the general requirements in 25 TAC §289.252(cc).

Waste disposal can usually be accomplished by returning all depleted sources devices containing radioactive material to the manufacturer. Authorized recipients are the original supplier, a commercial firm licensed by Radiation Control, NRC or an agreement state to accept radioactive waste from other persons, or another specific licensee authorized to possess the radioactive material.

All records of receipt, transfer, and disposal as well as all survey records pertaining to these actions shall be retained for Radiation Control inspection.

Texas Radiation Control

Texas Radiation Control

Radioactive Material Licensing