Quality Assurance - STD-1128-98master0062

DOE-STD-1128-98

Guide of Good Practices for Occupational Radiological Protection in Plutonium Facilities

In addition, each site that handles radioactive materials and/or radiation generating machines, is

required to establish and maintain its own documented radiation protection program, following the

Federal regulations.

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RADIATION PROTECTION PROGRAMS

Radiation protection programs include provisions for quality assurance, administrative controls,

protection of visitors, visits by regulatory personnel, and onsite packaging and transportation of

hazardous materials.

3.2.1 Quality Assurance

It is highly desirable for laboratories and industrial facilities handling plutonium to have a

well-integrated quality assurance program. Such a program should have high visibility and

strong management support. Quality assurance should be effectively applied throughout

facility activities, including the radiation protection program. The basis for quality

assurance programs in DOE facilities is established in 10 CFR 830, Nuclear Safety

Management (DOE 1994p). In addition, 10 CFR 830.120, Quality Assurance Requirement,

requires the development of a Quality Assurance Program, specifies an implementation

schedule, and provides the elements that the program must address.

An effective quality assurance program for radiation protection will include establishment of

appropriate standards of performance for essential activities and equipment, with an

effective system of documentation and traceability of those activities and of the use of the

equipment. Proper maintenance of those records will be necessary for reference purposes.

3.2.2 Administrative Controls

In any facility that handles radioactive materials, the major controls protecting workers, the

public, and the environment are structures and installed equipment, which shield, contain,

and confine the radioactive materials. However, to allow useful work to be performed in the

facility and to assure that its protective features remain effective, a number of administrative

controls are ordinarily required. These administrative controls are usually contained in a

series of procedures related to the operations and maintenance activities to be carried out in

the facility. All personnel who work in controlled areas should be familiar with the

administrative controls that apply to their work. When changes or additions to

administrative controls are made, these changes or additions should be effectively

communicated to all persons who may be affected.

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