WAC 246-221-102   Control of access to high radiation areas.  (1) The licensee or registrant shall ensure that each entrance or access point to a high radiation area has one or more of the following features:

     (a) A control device that, upon entry into the area, causes the level of radiation to be reduced below that level at which an individual might receive a deep dose equivalent of 1 mSv (0.1 rem) in one hour at thirty centimeters from the source of radiation or from any surface that the radiation penetrates; or

     (b) A control device that energizes a conspicuous visible or audible alarm signal so that the individual entering the high radiation area and the supervisor of the activity are made aware of the entry; or

     (c) Entryways that are locked, except during periods when access to the areas is required, with positive control over each individual entry.

     (2) In place of the controls required by subsection (1) of this section for a high radiation area, the licensee or registrant may substitute continuous direct or electronic surveillance that is capable of preventing unauthorized entry.

     (3) The licensee or registrant may apply to the department for approval of alternative methods for controlling access to high radiation areas.

     (4) The licensee or registrant shall establish the controls required by subsections (1) and (3) of this section in a way that does not prevent individuals from leaving a high radiation area.

     (5) The licensee is not required to control each entrance or access point to a room or other area that is a high radiation area solely because of the presence of radioactive materials prepared for transport and packaged and labeled in accordance with the regulations of the United States Department of Transportation provided that:

     (a) The packages do not remain in the area longer than three days; and

     (b) The dose rate at one meter from the external surface of any package does not exceed 0.1 mSv (0.01 rem) per hour.

     (6) The licensee is not required to control entrance or access to rooms or other areas in hospitals solely because of the presence of patients containing radioactive material, provided that there are personnel in attendance who are taking the necessary precautions to prevent the exposure of individuals to radiation or radioactive material in excess of the established limits and to operate within the ALARA provisions of the licensee's radiation protection program.

     (7) The licensee or registrant is not required to control entrance or access to rooms or other areas as described in this section if the licensee or registrant has met all the specific requirements for access and control specified in other applicable chapters of these regulations, such as, chapter 246-243 WAC for industrial radiography, chapter 246-225 WAC for X rays in the healing arts, and chapter 246-229 WAC for particle accelerators.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 70.98.050. 94-01-073, § 246-221-102, filed 12/9/93, effective 1/9/94.]