SHE Code 28: Management of

Radioactive Open Sources

Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) Group

Managers of staff, staff, visiting scientists, STFC site tenants, and those responsible for contractors on STFC sites who work with radioactive open sources.

Who should use this presentation & read the code

STFC Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) Group

SHE Code 28: “Management of

Radioactive Open Sources”

Why an Open Source Code?• STFC science programmes can result in materials

and equipment becoming radioactive, e.g. beam line samples or accelerator components.

• STFC sites receive Environment Agency permits for the accumulation & disposal of radioactive materials.

• Radioactive open sources are a challenge for management accounting and control, and can be hazardous sources of radioactive contamination.

• This code addresses the requirements of radioactivity related legislation, in particular:

• the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2010 (EPR10) (replacing RSA93); and those for

• Safeguarded Nuclear Materials.

Key features

This is the last in a suite of four STFC radiation management codes that include:

•Management of Radioactive Sealed Sources, SHE Code 14;•Management of Radioactive Waste, SHE Code 21; and •Management of Ionising Radiation at work, SHE Code 29

Key points

• Raise concerns with interpretation or application of this code with your Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA).

• Radiation Protection Supervisors (RPSs) must be appointed for all work with Radioactive Open Sources.

• All work with Open Sources must be the subject of documented prior Risk Assessment and the area covered by Local Rules.

• Persons working with Open Sources must understand the local rules, be trained, competent to follow them, and keep sources secure.

Key points• Procedures for the receipt, internal movement &

dispatch of radioactive Open Sources are documented to ensure EA Permits are complied with, and monthly accounts of site radioactive material inventories collated.

• The code details the requirement and content of Site Open Source Registers to account for STFC Open Sources.

• This code also outlines additional controls necessary for Safeguarded Nuclear Materials (any materials containing Uranium, Thorium or Plutonium)

Specific training in the use of Open Sources is detailed in Management of Ionising Radiation at work, SHE Code 29 – see your SHE training contact: DL/RAL 8288; SO 2061; UKATC 273.

For further help or advice contact your site RPA:Louise Nicholson DL ext 3554Paul Wright RAL ext 5480Local RPS – see the SHE Directory or SHE Group

SHE Training