10A NCAC 15 .1615         CONTROL OF ACCESS TO HIGH RADIATION AREAS

(a)  The licensee or registrant shall ensure that each entrance or access point to a high radiation area has at least one of the following features:

(1)           a control device that, upon entry into the area, causes the level of radiation to be reduced below that level at which an individual might receive a deep-dose equivalent of 0.1 rem (1 mSv) in one hour at 30 centimeters from the radiation source or from any surface that the radiation penetrates;

(2)           a control device that energizes a conspicuous visible or audible alarm signal so that the individual entering the high radiation area and the supervisor of the activity are made aware of the entry; or

(3)           entryways that are locked, except during periods when access to the areas is required, with positive control over each individual entry.

(b)  In place of the controls required by Paragraph (a) of this Rule for a high radiation area, the licensee or registrant may substitute continuous direct or electronic surveillance that is capable of preventing unauthorized entry.

(c)  Any licensee, registrant or applicant for a license or registration may apply to the agency for approval of alternative methods for controlling access to high radiation areas.  The agency will approve alternatives if the licensee, registrant or applicant demonstrates that the alternative methods of control will prevent unauthorized entry into a high radiation area.

(d)  The licensee or registrant shall establish the controls required by Paragraphs (a) and (c) of this Rule in a way that does not prevent individuals from leaving a high radiation area.

(e)  Control is not required for each entrance or access point to a room or other area that is a high radiation area solely because of the presence of radioactive materials prepared for transport and packaged and labeled in accordance with the regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation provided that:

(1)           the packages do not remain in the area longer than three days; and

(2)           the dose rate at one meter from the external surface of any package does not exceed 0.01 rem (0.1 mSv) per hour.

(f)  Control of entrance or access to rooms or other areas in hospitals is not required solely because of the presence of patients containing radioactive material, provided that there are personnel in attendance who will take the necessary precautions to prevent the exposure of individuals to radiation or radioactive material in excess of the limits established in this Section and to operate within the ALARA provisions of the licensee's radiation protection program.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 104E-7(a)(2);

Eff. January 1, 1994;

Transferred and Recodified from 15A NCAC 11 .1615 Eff. February 1, 2015.