Tools and Equipment in Radiologically Controlled Areas (RCAs) - Continued

DOE-STD-1069-94

All RCA tools and equipment should be stored in designated

contaminated-tool control storage areas. Positive controls over

all contaminated-tool storage areas should be provided,

including checking items out and in and continually staffing each

tool control storage area during periods of heavy demand.

Locked storage, however, should be the minimum acceptable

positive control for tool storage areas during low-demand

periods. The use of temporary tool storage areas and mobile

cabinets should be planned as an effective method for

supporting work at specific locations during maintenance

activities. The program should ensure facility control over the

issue and inventory of RCA tools and equipment.

Introduction into the RCA of highly specialized tools previously

used in other facility's RCAs should be controlled. Allow access

only when approved by the radiological protection manager or

designee. Since these specialized items may contain radioactive

contamination (including hot particles), thorough radiological

surveys should be conducted prior to introducing items into the

RCA.

If required, tools and equipment should be forwarded for

decontamination or repair prior to restocking for further use.

Criteria should be established to control whether tools are

returned to tool storage areas, decontamination facilities, or field

attendants, depending on the radiological conditions of the job.

Field attendants, for example, should be assigned to accept used

tools from highly contaminated radiological work areas during

major maintenance activities.

Control all RCA tools and equipment as radioactive material.

Controlling these items as radioactive material serves to make

workers aware of the potential hazard associated with the use of

these tools and to assist the facility in properly retaining each

item within the RCA. The following controls should be

incorporated:

Potentially contaminated tools and equipment should be handled

(1)

in accordance with applicable facility procedures.