WAC 246-243-220   Special requirements for permanent radiographic installation.  (1) Each entrance that is used for personnel access to the high radiation area in a permanent radiographic installation to which this section applies shall have either:

     (a) An entrance control of the type described in WAC 246-221-102(1) that reduces the radiation level upon entry into the area; or

     (b) Both conspicuous visible and audible warning signals to warn of the presence of radiation. The visible signal shall be actuated by radiation whenever the source is exposed. The audible signal shall be actuated when an attempt is made to enter the installation while the source is exposed.

     (2) The alarm system must be tested for proper operation with a radiation source each day before the installation is used for radiographic operations. The test must include a check of both the visible and audible signals. Entrance control devices that reduce the radiation level upon entry (designated in subsection (1)(a) of this section) shall be tested monthly. If an entrance control device or an alarm is operating improperly, it must be immediately labeled as defective and repaired within seven calendar days. The facility may continue to be used during this seven-day period, provided the licensee implements the continuous surveillance requirements of WAC 246-243-170 and uses an alarming rate meter. Test records for entrance controls and audible and visual alarm must be maintained for three years after the record is made.

     (3) The department shall review and approve, in advance of construction, plans for permanent radiographic installations whose construction had not commenced by the effective date of these regulations. Construction of the permanent facility shall be in accordance with the plans approved by the department.

     (4) A physical radiation survey shall be conducted and results recorded following construction or major modification of the facility to be used in the installation. Radiography shall not be conducted if exposure levels in unrestricted areas are greater than 2 mR in any hour. Any increase in source strength will require resurvey of the installation prior to the conduct of industrial radiography.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 70.98.050. 00-08-013, § 246-243-220, filed 3/24/00, effective 4/24/00; 94-01-073, § 246-243-220, filed 12/9/93, effective 1/9/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.98.050 and 70.98.080. 91-15-112 (Order 184), § 246-243-220, filed 7/24/91, effective 8/24/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-243-220, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.98.080. 83-19-050 (Order 2026), § 402-36-157, filed 9/16/83. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.98.050. 81-01-011 (Order 1570), § 402-36-157, filed 12/8/80.]