Radiation Protection Programs - doe-std-1128-98

DOE-STD-1128-98

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.

3.2

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.

3-2