Alert

Due to a lapse in appropriations, the NRC has ceased normal operations. However, excepted and exempted activities necessary to maintain critical health and safety functions—as well as essential progress on designated critical activities, including those specified in Executive Order 14300—will continue, consistent with the OMB-Approved NRC Lapse Plan.

Health Physics Questions and Answers - Question 130

Question 130: 10 CFR 20.1603 (a), Footnote 2, exempts a nuclear power plant from the requirements of §20.1603 unless a non-self-shielded irradiator is used at the reactor.

(a) If the source used for the calibration of high-radiation instruments is non-self-shielded, and the absorbed dose at 1 meter distance could exceed 500 rads in 1 hour, is the source an irradiator?

(b) Do the provisions of §20.1603 (a) apply?

Answer:

(a) No. An "irradiator," as the term is used in 10 CFR 20.1603, uses gamma radiation to irradiate products to change their characteristics in some way (55 FR 50008, 12/4/90, Licenses and Radiation Safety Requirements for Large Irradiators, proposed 10 CFR Part 36). A radioactive source used for calibrating radiation survey instruments is not an "irradiator."

(b) No. However, the provisions of 10 CFR 20.1602 would apply.

(Reference: 10 CFR 20.1603)

Page Last Reviewed/Updated Wednesday, November 01, 2017