Release Criteria - doe-std-1128-98

DOE-STD-1128-98

also suggests that an empirical method be used to verify scan rates. The

equipment and method used in this determination may be incorporated into

training for survey personnel to enhance their survey skills.

4.2.5 Release Criteria

The release of material from radiological areas shall be performed according to 10

CFR 835.1101. In these areas, material and equipment should be treated as

radioactive material and should not be released from radiological areas to controlled

areas if either of the following conditions exist:

-- Measurements of accessible surfaces show that either the total or removable

contamination levels exceed the values specified in Table 4.1

-- Prior use suggests that the contamination levels on the inaccessible surfaces are

likely to exceed the values specified in Table 4.1.

Wire rope and electronic gear with cooling fans are examples of equipment that are

difficult to survey and require special procedures to be released from contaminated

and airborne radioactivity areas. Additional release criteria can be found in Section 4

of the DOE standard, Radiological Control, Ch. 1. (DOE, 2004).

It may be noted that Appendix D of 10 CFR 835 allows that surface radioactivity

values be averaged over 1 m2 provided that the activity in any 100 cm2 is not more

than three times the specified value.

The material release methodology has four main components: material evaluation,

scan survey for fixed contamination, large-area wipe survey for removable

contamination (described above), and statistical survey for fixed contamination. The

material process involves consideration of the previous known uses of the material,

as well as typical uses and the environment in which the material was used. Material

evaluation places the material into one of two categories: not potentially

contaminated or potentially contaminated.

Non-radioactive material can be released without an instrument survey if its

documented history ensures

-- That it has never been used or stored in an area controlled for contamination

purposes (i.e., a Contamination Area, High Contamination Area, or Airborne

Radioactivity Area)

-- That it has never come into contact with unsealed radioactive material

-- That it has not been stored or used in a Radiological Buffer Area (RBA)

surrounding a Contamination Area, High Contamination Area, or Airborne

Radioactivity Area.

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