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

DOE-STD-1069-94

(2)

Mark or label each potentially contaminated item as radioactive

material Small hand tools and minor equipment should be

uniquely identified by permanent marking to clearly distinguish

them from similar items intended for nonradiologically

controlled areas of the facility.

(3)

Label or mark all containers of temporarily stored RCA tools

and equipment such as barrels, toolboxes, "gang" boxes, crates,

etc., as radioactive material, along with the identity of the

contents, the levels of radioactive contamination, and the

radiation dose rates, in accordance with applicable facility

procedures.

Designate storage areas for highly radioactive tools and

(4)

equipment which may cause high-radiation areas. These areas

may need to be shielded and locked and should be as remote as

possible from traffic areas. High-radiation areas should be

controlled as specified in applicable facility procedures.

3.4.4.2 When necessary to remove tools and equipment from the RCA, adequate

facility decontamination facilities are necessary to ensure that all tools

and equipment are decontaminated and released in accordance with

applicable facility procedures.

3.4.4.3 Facility policies should prohibit the release of RCA tools and equipment

to uncontrolled areas except where specifically authorized. The release

of potentially contaminated tools to uncontrolled areas increases the risk

of uncontrolled releases of radioactive materials.

The number of tools and equipment unconditionally released to

uncontrolled facility areas should be limited. The need to

unconditionally release large numbers of tools and equipment in

a short time period at the end of major maintenance activities

or outages should be prevented. Radiological surveys of large

numbers of potentially contaminated tools that are generated

during major maintenance activities or outages are time-

consuming. Attempting to perform surveys rapidly may result in

the release to uncontrolled areas of radioactive material above

facility limits.

The facilities and equipment provided for the release of items to

uncontrolled areas should be of sufficient size and layout to