1 JSP 392 Pt 2 Chapter 9 (V1.1 Dec 2020)
9 Storage, Accounting and Leak Testing
of Radioactive Material
Scope
1. This Chapter covers the legal and MOD requirements for the safe storage,
accounting and leak testing of radioactive material.
Statutory Requirements
2. In addition to the general requirements of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act
1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, the following
specific legislation applies directly or is applied indirectly through parallel arrangements
designed to achieve equivalent standards:
a. Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17) (apply directly);
b. Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016 (EPR16) (as
amended) (parallel arrangements);
c. Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018 (EASR18) (parallel
arrangements):
d. Radioactive Substances Act 1993 (Northern Ireland) (RSA93) (as amended)
(apply directly)
e. Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Information) Regulations 2019
(REPPIR2019) (apply directly);
f. High activity Sealed Radioactive Sources and Orphan Sources Regulations
2005 (HASS) (Northern Ireland only) (apply directly)
Duties
3. Duties as detailed in Chapter 39 apply. In addition, the following duties also apply
Risk Assessment
4. Where work involves ionising radiation there is a requirement to ensure that the risk
assessment considers radiological as well as non-radiological hazards. The requirement
for a radiation risk assessment, (which must be made before a new activity involving work
with ionising radiation begins) complements this risk assessment. The form of these risks
assessments and the actions to be taken arising from them are detailed in Chapter 2.
Requirements for Radioactive Material in Storage
5. Radioactive materials when not in use, being moved or transported, must, so far as is
reasonably practicable, be kept in a suitable radioactive store. Any store allocated to
radioactive materials shall, as far as possible, be reserved for the materials, containers
and handling tools and kept clear of other items, in particular flammable or explosive
materials. Advice on the storage of radioactive materials is to be sought from the RPA.
2 JSP 392 Pt 2 Chapter 9 (V1.1 Dec 2020)
Local fire authorities are to be kept informed of the location and radioactive content of all
radioactive material storage areas, so that fire plans for buildings can be completed
correctly.
6. Items are to be stored in a suitable receptacle to ensure effective restriction of
exposure, physical security and prevention of dispersal of radioactive material. Aspects to
be considered include shielding to ensure that the dose rate on the external surface of the
receptacle is less than 2 mSv / hr, the ability of the receptacle to withstand damage from
normal use or foreseeable misuse, and fire resistance. If an item containing radioactive
material cannot be stored in a suitable receptacle, equivalent protection and containment
is to be provided.
7. Radioactive materials and their containers are to be clearly labelled as radioactive,
and, whenever practicable, individually numbered.
Requirements for Radioactive Material Stores
8. Dedicated buildings used as permanent radioactive stores are to:
a. provide sufficient shielding or use controls such that persons outside of the
store will not receive a dose exceeding 1 mSv in a year. The risk assessment for the
storage of radioactive materials will indicate likely radiation doses to persons external
to the store. In practice this will normally be achieved by ensuring that the radiation
dose rate at any point on the outside walls of the building is less than 2.5 μSv / hr.
For new facilities the dose rate is not to exceed 1 μSv / hr unless advised otherwise
by the Radiation Protection Adviser;
b. be constructed of fire-resistant materials;
c. provide protection against the weather;
d. be provided with adequate ventilation (e.g. an air extraction system exhausting
to the open air) to prevent accumulations of gases and vapours or of any accidentally
dispersed radioactive substance. This is particularly an issue for the storage of large
quantities of GTLDs or items containing radium-226; in these cases, advice of the
RPA is to be sought; and
e. provide adequate security refer to Chapter 3 (paragraph 48.3).
9. The RPA is to be consulted on the need to designate the store as a controlled or
supervised area in accordance with Chapter 4.
10. Suitable warning notices incorporating the radiation warning trefoil symbol as shown
at Annex B, with the name or designation and telephone number of the RPS / WPS and
details of the radiation hazard, are to be prominently displayed in appropriate languages at
each entrance to a store. Signs stating the contents of a source store and the risks arising
from such sources are normally to be posted at the entrance. Units and establishments are
responsible for procuring sufficient stocks of suitable signs, either obtained from
commercial sources or manufactured locally.
11. If only a small number of minor sources are held, it is not necessary for a dedicated
building to be provided as a store. Such items can be stored in a suitably demarcated
lockable metal cabinet within a general store. The cabinet is to be treated as the dedicated
3 JSP 392 Pt 2 Chapter 9 (V1.1 Dec 2020)
source store; thus the storage requirements listed above will also normally apply to the
cabinet. Advice is to be sought from the RPA as to the type of cabinet that is appropriate.
12. Very large and bulky items (such as thoriated engines) or items in temporary storage
/ transit not stored in a dedicated building are to be stored in dedicated areas of storage
buildings that are clearly demarcated. All such items are to be kept in their transit boxes
where practicable. All relevant storage requirements will apply to the dedicated storage
area. Advice is to be sought from the RPA on the storage requirements.
13. Stores specifically allocated for storing radioactive materials are only to contain
radioactive materials, their containers, associated handling tools and shielding materials.
No other materials are to be kept within the store.
14. No corrosive, flammable or explosive substances are to be taken into or stored in any
building used as a radioactive store.
15. No beverages, foodstuffs, or associated items (e.g. cutlery) are to be taken into or
stored in any radioactive store. Radiation sensitive materials, such as radiographic film or
personal dosemeters, are not to be stored in the vicinity of radioactive materials.
16. With the exception of High Activity Sealed Sources (HASS) (see paragraph 17),
keeping portable sources in a vehicle overnight is only acceptable if it is not reasonably
practicable to provide or make use of a proper store and if the vehicle is locked and kept in
a secure place, such as a locked compound. HASS sources must not be kept in a vehicle
overnight under any circumstances.
High Activity Sealed Radioactive Sources and Orphan Sources
Requirements
17. In addition to the MOD accounting arrangements set out in this Chapter, high activity
sealed sources are to be accounted for on a HASS Record Form (see Chapter 3) and are
to be identified separately on the Annual Holdings Return as advised by Dstl. RPA advice
must be sought before acquiring a high activity sealed source.
Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Information)
Regulations 2019
18. Where a premises holds large quantities of radioactive material, in excess of the
values stated in schedule 1 of REPPIR2019, the employer (e.g. CO / HoE) of that
premises is to make or ensure REPPIR2019 is complied with.
Accounting for Radioactive Material
19. All radioactive materials including sealed sources, unsealed radioactive substances,
articles containing radioactive materials and radioactive waste are to be accounted for.
Appropriate records of all radioactive material holdings are to be kept and made available
for inspection.
20. Where radioactive materials are fitted to aircraft, a radioactive source list stating the
inventory of those items is to be included with the aircraft documentation (MOD Form 701);
this is especially important when an aircraft is under maintenance at, or visiting, another
unit or establishment. The responsibility for producing and maintaining the source list lies
4 JSP 392 Pt 2 Chapter 9 (V1.1 Dec 2020)
with the parent air station. This source list is to accompany the aircraft documentation and
is to be made available to the local RSO.
Accounting for Radioactive Material on HM Ships during Refit
21. Where practicable, ships going into refit should return as many radioactive items to
Naval stores or remove them to a suitable lay-apart or other store. Where this is not
possible, refit authorities and Fleet Maintenance Units with personnel working in areas
containing radioactive material are to be supplied with a list of all radioactive items and
information on their associated hazards. Local orders must ensure the safety of refit
authority personnel during their work in compartments which contain installed sources. All
radioactive material is to be mustered and accounted for prior to and on completion of
maintenance / repair.
Internal Transfers of Radioactive Material
22. Accounting arrangements should record any internal transfer of items containing
radioactive material on-site. Details of the items being transferred should be provided such
that the recipient is:
a. willing and able to accept the item(s);
b. able to ensure adequate storage arrangements are in place; and
c. able to correctly account for the items on a source list.
23. Instructions for internal movements of radioactive material are provided in Chapter
10.
Radioactive Material Source Lists and Musters
24. All radioactive items are to be entered onto a radioactive source list kept by the unit
or establishment holding the items. An example of a radioactive source list is shown in
Annex A. However, where all the information required for a radioactive source list is
already held or can easily be adapted within other records and can be readily presented to
inspecting officers, then a separate radioactive source list need not be raised. This source
list need not be a hard copy document; it can be in an electronic format. If an electronic
form is used, a copy of the source list is to be saved periodically either electronically or as
a paper copy so that the changes in the source list over time are recorded.
25. Radioactive source lists are to be kept up to date by an appropriate person on behalf
of the CO / HoE of the unit or establishment. This is usually the RPS / WPS for each
storage area.
26. A review of the total holdings of each nuclide at the establishments is to be
undertaken to ensure they do not exceed those detailed on the establishment’s relevant
environment agency notification (if held) or trigger the requirements for REPPIR (see
Chapter 3).
27. The location of each source or article containing a radioactive substance must
always be known. For static sources, the source list record at Annex A is adequate. For
sources which can be used in a variety of locations, a source movement log is to be kept
and for sources issued out to individuals, an issue log is to be maintained.
5 JSP 392 Pt 2 Chapter 9 (V1.1 Dec 2020)
28. Musters are to be conducted at a frequency appropriate to the movement of a
source, its security of stowage and its potential for becoming damaged. The frequency of
muster is to be decided by the unit or establishment, although advice can be sought from
the RPA. The interval between musters must not exceed one month unless otherwise
advised by the RPA. A record of the muster taking place is to be retained for at least two
years. Typical muster frequencies are listed below:
a. for portable sources such as radiography sources and mobile check sources, at
the end of each working day; and
b. for installed or static sources, monthly and following maintenance or repair that
could have affected the source.
29. An annual check is advisable to ensure that the accounting record is a true record.
This can be conveniently linked to the requirement to provide Dstl with an Annual Holdings
Return as detailed in Chapter 3. Any radioactive materials identified at this stage as being
no longer required are to be transferred or disposed of through an appropriate transfer /
disposal route. A record of the annual audit is to be kept by the unit or establishment.
30. Records of non-radioactive items contaminated with radioactive materials and
radioactive waste are to be kept for each unit and establishment in a radioactive
substances list. The record is to contain the following information:
a. name and address of authority holding the source;
b. place where the source is normally kept;
c. date of receipt and origin of the source;
d. nature of radionuclide and estimated activity, or dose rate at known distance
from radioactive material and date of estimation or measurement;
e. nature of container;
f. details of tests undertaken to demonstrate that the exterior of the container, and
surrounding areas are not contaminated;
g. date and details of removal of part of the source; and
h. date and details of final disposal.
Leak Tests
31. It is to be ensured that any article containing or embodying a radioactive substance is
tested for leakage, unless it is inappropriate to do so; the RPA will be able to provide
advice on leak testing requirements and methods. The purpose of a leak test is to show
that the mechanisms for preventing dispersal of radioactive substances are functioning as
intended. The risk assessment (see Chapter 2) is to identify potential ways in which
containment could be lost and the likelihood of those scenarios occurring. The test method
chosen, and the frequency of testing is to be capable of detecting leakage of radioactivity
before a radiation risk arises. Annex C provides guidance on the method for carrying out
leak tests on a number of common items. The interval between leak tests will not normally
exceed two years and in some cases, leakage testing might be required more frequently,
for example when a sealed source is going to be retained beyond the recommended
6 JSP 392 Pt 2 Chapter 9 (V1.1 Dec 2020)
working life for the source capsule by the supplier or manufacturer, or when it is used in an
aggressive or corrosive environment. A suitable record of the leak test is required is to
include the following:
a. the identification of the source or article which is the subject of the test;
b. the date of the test;
c. the reason for the test;
d. the methods of test, including, when the source or article has not been tested
directly, a statement of what part of the device was tested and a statement as to
whether this is likely to detect any leaking material. The method will include a
statement of the pass / fail criteria;
e. numerical results of the test;
f. the result of the test (pass / fail);
g. any action taken if the source failed the test; and
h. the name and signature of the person carrying out the test.
32. The current Dstl leak test certificate fulfils the requirement of a suitable record of a
leak test. The record of the leak test is to accompany the associated radioactive source if
this source is transferred to another establishment. A copy is to be kept by the transferring
establishment.
33. The Dangerous Goods Manual contains guidance on the transport of smears from
units in the UK. Units outside the UK must send smears through established channels and
not via the local postal system.
Incidents, Occurrences and Accidents
34. If a radioactive source is lost or stolen or, if any radioactive substances on the source
list or inventory cannot be accounted for, the RPA and TLB Safety Authority are to be
informed initially. In addition, MOD, HSE, EA / SEPA / NIEA and the police may also need
to be informed. Damage to a source or accidental spillages or release of radioactive
material may also require notification to the RPA, MOD, HSE and EA / SEPA / NIEA. The
procedures to be followed after a suspected or real loss or incident are detailed in Chapter
14.
Annual Holdings Returns
35. To enable MOD to apply equivalent arrangements to those set out under
EPR16/EASR18/RSA93, Dstl maintains a database of radioactive material holdings for all
units and establishments. In order to ensure that this database is accurately maintained,
units and establishments are to complete an Annual Holdings Return. The following item
details are required:
a. radioactive items - their NATO Stock Number, nuclide, activity and quantity;
b. High Voltage equipment capable of producing X-rays (Greater than 5 kV)
make, model, serial number and quantity;
7 JSP 392 Pt 2 Chapter 9 (V1.1 Dec 2020)
c. NonIonising Equipment (radars, lasers) NATO Stock Number, wavelength,
laser classification and quantity;
d. Radiation Monitoring Instruments NATO Stock Number and quantity;
e. Radioactive Waste, Discharges and Transfers NATO Stock Number, type and
quantity;
f. Chief Environment and Safety Officers or equivalents are to remind their units,
by 1 February each year, of the requirement to complete the return by 31 March;
g. on receipt of the Annual Holdings Return, Dstl will check the data, verify any
changes with the unit or establishment and update the database;
h. although the need for a permit (Notification or Approval) should have been
assessed at the time of procurement or disposal commencing in April of each year,
the data will be reviewed by Dstl against the requirements of EPR16 / EASR18 /
RSA93. An assessment will be made on whether a new Notification, or a change in
Notification status, is to be made to the appropriate Regulatory Authority for the unit
or establishment and is thus liable for an annual subsistence charge;
i. Dstl will review source holdings to determine if any high activity sealed sources
are held by the unit or establishment as these will become subject to special
requirements. The RPA will provide advice on these special requirements but the
responsibility for making an application for HASS will remain with the respective CO /
HOE; and
j. Dstl will submit the updated information direct to the appropriate Regulatory
Authority on behalf of the CO / HoE. The appropriate fee is to be paid by the TLB.
Dstl will act as agent and will ensure that any correspondence is copied to the unit or
establishment.
Records
36. Radioactive source lists, records of leak tests and lists of unsealed radioactive
substances are to be retained by the unit or establishment indefinitely following disposal of
the item. However, if the item is transferred to another MOD establishment, the period is 2
years (from the transfer date) for radioactive source lists, records of leak test and lists of
unsealed radioactive substances. Source lists from ships that have been decommissioned
and establishments that have closed are to be archived in accordance with the
requirements of JSP 392 Part 1, Chapter 3.
8 JSP 392 Pt 2 Chapter 9 (V1.1 Dec 2020)
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ANNEX A
TO JSP 392
CHAPTER 9
A1 JSP 392 Pt 2 Chapter 9 (V1.1 Dec 2020)
Example Radioactive Source List and Muster Sheet
NSN
(or other ref.)
Description
Isotope
Activity
(Bq)
Serial
No/
Quantity
Location
Date
received/
removed
Date next
leak test
due (if
required)*
Custodian
Date
Signed
Date
Signed
Date
Signed
Date
Signed
Date
Signed
Date
Signed
A2 JSP 392 Pt 2 Chapter 9 (V1.1 Dec 2020)
This page is intentionally blank
ANNEX B
TO JSP 392
CHAPTER 9
B1 JSP 392 Pt 2 Chapter 9 (V1.1 Dec 2020)
Radioactive Materials
(GTLSs) are stored
within this Cupboard
Workplace Supervisor
…………
……………………………
Te
lephone…………………………..
Radioactive Material Storage Signs
Figure 1 GTLS Storage Sign
B2 JSP 392 Pt 2 Chapter 9 (V1.1 Dec 2020)
Radioactive Material
is stored within this
Area
Workplace Supervisor
………………………………………
Telephone…………………………..
Figure 2 Radioactive material storage area sign
B3 JSP 392 Pt 2 Chapter 9 (V1.1 Dec 2020)
Figure 3 Radioactive material storage cupboard sign
Radioactive Materials
are stored within this
Cupboard
Workplace Supervisor
………………………………………
Telephone…………………………..
ANNEX C
TO JSP 392
CHAPTER 9
C1 JSP 392 Pt 2 Chapter 9 (V1.1 Dec 2020)
Procedures for Leak Testing Radioactive Sources
DSTL RPA Body
Institute of Naval Medicine
Alverstoke
Gosport
Hampshire PO12 2DL
Tel: +44(0)23 92 768130 / 9 3806 8130
Fax: +44(0)23 92 768150 / 9 3806 8150
Email: LHPINM@dstl.gov.uk
Equipment
This document
*Filter papers (NATO Stock Number 6640-99-220-3090)
Ziploc resealable plastic bags (NATO Stock Number 8105-99-224-6148)
Disposable gloves
Cardboard
Tape
Padded envelope
Radiochemistry Laboratory Sample Request Form - CBRD_RD_FORM_WI 005 v2
References
JSP 392 Management of Radiation Protection in Defence
Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17)
Upon submitting the leak test filter paper to DSTL for analysis, a certificate will be returned
to the RSO containing the results. The certificate should be filed in an appropriate place,
for example with the radioactive source list. The leak test frequency of these items is every
two years with the exception of SICS Mk 10 NHA where the requirement is for an annual
leak test.
Procedure
1. Regulation 27(3) of Ref. B requires that suitable leak tests are carried out to detect
leakage from radioactive sources. There are many equipment items in service with the UK
Armed Forces that require such testing.
2. The Radiation Safety Officer of each Ship, Unit or Establishment is to ensure that
such items are correctly leak tested.
3. Prior to taking a sample, a Ziploc plastic bag from the supplied kit should be marked
with the following information:
a. the date of taking the sample;
C2 JSP 392 Pt 2 Chapter 9 (V1.1 Dec 2020)
b. the name of the Ship, Unit or establishment;
c. the type of equipment being sampled e.g. “CAM # 4”;
d. the radiation source employed by the equipment e.g. “nickel-63”;
e. a unique identifying feature from the equipment e.g. serial number; and
4. Disposable gloves should be worn when taking the following sample.
5. The leak test sample should be taken by wiping the area immediately surrounding a
radioactive source with a small circular “filter” paper from the supplied pack. The purpose
of this is to collect any potential escaping radioactive material. It is important to observe
the following discipline:
a. do not write on the filter paper;
b. do not bend or tear the filter paper;
c. do not moisten the filter paper with water or any other solvent; and
d. do not apply tape to or staple through the filter paper
6. The paper should be placed in the Ziploc bag which was marked in step 3. This bag
should then be sealed.
7. Once all items have been tested and samples obtained, all sealed bags should be
placed together between two pieces of card to keep them flat. They should then be placed
into the supplied pre-addressed envelope supplied in the pack.
8. The “DSTL Radiochemistry Sample Analysis Request” supplied with this document
should be completed with all relevant information and placed in the same envelope. The
envelope should then be mailed to DSTL.
C3 JSP 392 Pt 2 Chapter 9 (V1.1 Dec 2020)
Leak Test Procedures for Specific Equipment
CAM and MCAD
a. wear disposable gloves;
b. do not moisten the filter paper, this could affect the function of the CAM /
MCAD;
c. when examining CAM, remove the black nozzle assembly from the front of the
CAM;
d. wipe the filter paper around the white air exhaust ports at the base of the air
intake nozzle, and inside the black nozzle;
e. with MCAD, use one dry filter paper to wipe both of the areas described below;
Wipe the inlet port under the
rain cap assembly Wipe the MCAD exhaust port
f. in addition, a supplementary leak test of the air inlet manifold of the MCAD
should be undertaken to coincide with sieve pack replacement. One dry sample
should be taken.
**Warning: Dangerous substances and fumes
g. the RTC battery can vent at any time causing the release of dangerous
substances and fumes. Suitable precautions must be taken when opening the sieve
pack door to prevent contact with these substances or inhalation of the fumes.
Wipe the air inlet ports
C4 JSP 392 Pt 2 Chapter 9 (V1.1 Dec 2020)
SICS Mk.10 NHA
a. the SICS Mk10 NHA requires leak testing every year;
b. wear disposable gloves;
c. do not moisten the filter paper, this could affect the function of the SICS Mk10
NHA; and
d. remove the Sieve Pack Assembly and wipe the outside surface of the sieve
pack including the area around the air intake from the Drift Tube Assembly unit.
The sieve pack unit should be pulled forward. Wipe the area around the sieve
pack.
C5 JSP 392 Pt 2 Chapter 9 (V1.1 Dec 2020)
Mk. 13NJ and 1623A Check Sources
Mk. 13NJ 1623A
a. wear disposable gloves;
b. do not moisten the filter paper;
c. each check sources can be leak tested by wiping the closed outer surface of the
units; and
d. do not wipe the inner surfaces of the units.
Smoke Detectors
F36 Smoke Detector F31 Smoke Detector
a. wear disposable gloves;
b. do not moisten the filter paper; this could affect the function of the smoke
detector;
c. the smoke detectors can only be practically leak tested by wiping around the
unit, especially between the unit and the surrounding fixtures; and
d. take care to be aware of any electrical hazards from power supplies.
C6 JSP 392 Pt 2 Chapter 9 (V1.1 Dec 2020)
TRaME
a. wear disposable gloves;
b. do not moisten filter papers (two will be required);
c. there are two items within the TRaME / Exploranium package that contain
caesium-137 sources. These are the base plate and check source, and each should
be wiped separately;
d. both items should have their plastic housings checked for damage. If any is
found, isolate the item and consult your RPA;
e. the underside of the docking station (left) should be wiped with the first filter
paper; and
f. the upper face of the check source (right) should be wiped with the second filter
paper.
C7 JSP 392 Pt 2 Chapter 9 (V1.1 Dec 2020)
CBR Division Radiochemistry
Sample Request Form
1 The information requested in Sections 1, 2, 3 and 4 must be completed by the originator.
2 CBR Division Radiochemistry facility staff will not submit samples for analysis without full information and
a signature from the facility manager, or representative thereof, in the appropriate boxes.
3 Please list all the sample descriptors on page 2 of this form.
4 Please indicate whether you require hard copies of certificates or electronic copies via e-mail;
Hard Copy
Electronic Copy
(Please Provide e-mail address in the box below).
Section 1 Customer Details
Please send the completed form to
Please Provide Return Details:
Radiochemistry Facility
Dstl CBR Division
Institute of Naval Medicine
Crescent Road, Alverstoke
Gosport, Hants, PO12 2DL
Tel 023 92768164
Fax 023 92768150
E-mail; RadioChemistry.ESD@dstl.gov.uk
To:
Unit Address for
return of results/
certificates:
Tel:
E-mail:
Person requesting the analysis
STL Use ONLY
Unit or Company the samples have come from
Date of submission
Date the report is required by
For D
Dstl Assignment and Item codes
Project Facility Managers Authorisation
Signature*
Reviewed and Accepted by Facility staff*
*These two areas needs to be completed when both parties are satisfied with the information provided and that resources are available.
Section 2 Analysis and Limit of Detection required
To include details of suspected nuclide identity, and required limit of detection [LoD] - This will minimise count times.
Sample Type
Quantity
Nuclides Required
LoD
Required
Is the activity of the
sample likely to be
greater than
background?
Y/N
Are any of these samples a possible mixture of pure Beta and Beta/Gamma emitters?
Any other relevant information concerning the analysis and further notes
Section 3 Disposal arrangements (Please tick the appropriate box)
Dustbin if the activity is at Background levels
C8 JSP 392 Pt 2 Chapter 9 (V1.1 Dec 2020)
Return to Originator after analysis
Section 4 Sample Description (Please complete for all the samples. Use a continuation sheet if required)
Sample
number
Sample Descriptor i.e. instrument type, serial number, nuclide
Analysis
Type
Dstl Use
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26