Airborne Radiation Control

DOE-HDBK-1132-99

1.3.3

Airborne Radiation Control . Established airborne concentration limits for

normal operating conditions should not be exceeded in occupied operating

areas. 10 CFR 835.1002(c) provides requirements for limiting concentrations.

ALARA principles should be used when designing confinement and ventilation

systems to limit airborne contamination levels. Respirators should not be

required during normal operations. Engineered controls and features should

minimize potential inhalation of radioactive and other hazardous materials under

all conditions. ASME N509, Nuclear Power Plant Air-Cleaning Units and

Components, and ASME N510 provide guidance for the design and testing of

nuclear facility HVAC systems.

Monitoring systems should be calibrated at least annually using appropriate

national standards. Radiation monitoring, alarm, and warning systems, which

are required to function during a loss of normal power, should be provided with

an emergency uninterruptible power supply (UPS) (internal or external on-line)

unless it can be demonstrated that these systems can tolerate a temporary loss

of function without losing needed data and that they are provided with standby

or emergency (switched) power. Determination of the power supply type and

quality should be based on the safety classification of the monitoring system or

device. The sampling motivation (vacuum) type and quality should also be

based on the safety classification. ANSI N13.2, Administrative Practices in

Radiation Monitoring (A Guide for Management), provides guidance for

administrative practices in radiation monitoring.

Air monitoring and warning systems should be installed in work areas where

hazardous materials are stored or handled or where hazardous airborne

particles or vapors may be present. Air sampling heads should be located to

provide a representative sample of potential airborne radioactive or hazardous

materials being breathed. ANSI N13.1, Guide to Sampling Airborne Radioactive

Materials in Nuclear Facilities, provides guidance for the design of air monitoring

systems.

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