DOE-HDBK-1141-2001 Module 4-7, Radiological Assessor Training - Instructor's Guide Module 4-7
Functional areas: Radiological, Assessor Training, Instructor's Guide, Radiological Control Program, Lesson Plan, Technical Safety Requirements
This Handbook describes an implementation process for training as recommended in Implementation Guide G441.1-12, Radiation Safety Training Guide, and as outlined in DOE STD- 1098-99 DOE Radiological Control (the Radiological Control Standard - RCS). The Handbook is meant to assist those individuals within the Department of Energy, Managing and Operating contractors, and Managing and Integrating contractors identified as having responsibility for implementing training required by Title 10 Code of Federal Regulations Part 835 Occupational Radiation Protection (10 CFR 835) and training recommended by the RCS.
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- DOE-HDBK-1141-2008Radiological Assessor Training (Aug 20, 2008)
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Section 1
Radiological Assessor Training
DOE-HDBK-1141-2001
Instructor�s Guide
Module 4�1
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY LESSON PLAN
Course Material Topic: Elements of a Radiological Control
Program
Objectives:
Upon completion of this lesson, the participant will be able to:
1. Identify factors that influence the scope and magnitude of a Radiological
Control Program at any nuclear facility.
2. Identify typical elements of a Radiological Control Program.
Training Aids:
Overhead Transparencies (OTs): OT 4.1 � OT 4.5 (may be supplemented or
substituted with updated or
site-specific information)
Handouts - �List of Radiological Control Program Elements�
�Elements of a Radiological Control Program�
Equipment Needs:
Overhead projector
Screen
Flip chart
Markers
Masking tape
Student Materials:
Student�s Guide
References:
U.S. Department of Energy, 10 CFR Part 820, Procedural Rules for DOE Nuclear
Facilities, 1993.
U.S. Department of Energy, 10 CFR Part 835, Occupational Radiation Protection,
1993.
Radiological Assessor Training
DOE-HDBK-1141-2001
Instructor�s Guide
Module 4�2
I. Introduction
II. Radiological Control Program
A. Overall program
The Radiological Control Program consists of
the commitments, policies, and procedures that
are administered by a site or facility to meet the
EH Health and Safety Policy.
The Radiation Protection Program required by
10 CFR Part 835 is an element of the overall
Radiological Control Program.
The Radiological Control Program should
address the following:
• Requirements
• Responsibilities
• Programs/procedures
• Assessments
B. Size of the program
Radiological Control Programs vary in size.
There are several factors that may affect the
magnitude of a Radiological Control Program.
The specific mission, types and quantities of
radioactive material, and the radiation-
generating devices that will be used at the site
are just a few.
Show OT 4.1.
State objectives.
Show OT 4.2.
Obj. 1
Identify factors that influence the
scope and magnitude of a
Radiological Control Program at any
nuclear facility.
• What to do?
• Who does it?
• How is it done?
• Is it being done, and how well?
Ask participants what factors may
affect program size�list on flip
chart.
Encourage participants to write
responses in their Student�s Guide.
Responses should include the
following:
• The specific facility mission
Radiological Assessor Training
DOE-HDBK-1141-2001
Instructor�s Guide
Module 4�3
III. Elements of a radiological control program
A. Requirements
• The radiation-generating
devices at the site
• The types and quantities of
radioactive materials in use at
the site
• The physical and chemical
forms of the radioactive
materials in use at the site
• The physical location of the
site in relation to the
population centers
• The size of the work force
• The age of the facility
• The original facility design
criteria
Ask participants how a site would
determine what had to be
included in their program.
Encourage participants to write
responses in their student�s
guide.
Responses should include:
• Hazard assessment/
characterization
• Requirements/ commitments
� Contract
� RPP (10 CFR Part 835)
� Other federal regulations
� State regulations
� Site RadCon Manual
Implementation Plan
� Orders
� Other
Radiological Assessor Training
DOE-HDBK-1141-2001
Instructor�s Guide
Module 4�4
B. Responsibilities
C. Programs/procedures
Ask participants how a site
should address and document
these responsibilities.
Section 2
Responses should include:
• Organization and
administration
� Upper management
commitment
• Personnel training and
qualification
Ask participants what type of
subprograms should be included
or what areas should be
addressed in the responsibilities.
Responses should include:
• Work controls (engineered,
administrative, personal
protective equipment)
• Posting and labeling
• Entry controls
• Radioactive materials controls
• Criticality controls
• Radiation-generating devices
• Contamination controls
• Respiratory protection
• ALARA
Radiological Assessor Training
DOE-HDBK-1141-2001
Instructor�s Guide
Module 4�5
D. Assessments
• Dosimetry
� External
� Internal
• Instrumentation and alarms
• Monitoring
� Workplace
� Environmental
� Air
• Radioactive waste
management
• Transportation and receipt of
radioactive material
• Emergency response
• Reporting
• Records
Ask participants what types of
subprograms should be
established to monitor and
improve program performance.
Responses should include:
• Internal audits and
investigations
• Trend analysis
• Performance indicators
Radiological Assessor Training
DOE-HDBK-1141-2001
Instructor�s Guide
Module 4�6
IV. List of Radiological Control Program Elements
• Organization and administration
• Personnel training and qualification
• Quality assurance
• ALARA
• Radiological Work Control
� Procedures
� Radiological Work Permits
• Posting and labeling
• Radioactive material control
� Source control
� Release of materials
� Receipt and transportation
• Radiation-generating devices
� Sealed source
� X-ray machines
• Entry control
• Contamination control
• Instrumentation/alarms
• Monitoring
� Workplace
� Effluent
� Environmental
Show OT 4.3.
Obj. 2
Identify typical elements of a
Radiological Control Program.
Refer participants to
page 4 of handouts, �List of
Radiological Control Program
Elements,� which has different
element names, but similar
functions.
Show OT 4.4.
Show OT 4.5.
Radiological Assessor Training
DOE-HDBK-1141-2001
Instructor�s Guide
Module 4�7
• Dosimetry
� External
� Internal
- Program management (e.g., staffing,
technical basis, procedures, quality
assurance)
- Individual monitoring (e.g., air monitoring,
contamination monitoring, bioassay)
- Internal dose evaluation
• Respiratory protection
• Facility specific features
� Uranium
� Plutonium
� Tritium
� Accelerators
• Radioactive waste management
• Emergency response
• Records
• Assessments/performance indicators
Refer participants to page 10 of
handouts, �Elements of a
Radiological Control Program.�
These provide a more detailed
listing/breakdown of elements.
As time allows, review selected
elements.
Summarize lesson.
Review objectives.
Ask for questions.
Radiological Assessor Training
DOE-HDBK-1141-2001
Instructor�s Guide
Module 4�8
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Radiological Assessor Training
DOE-HDBK-1141-2001
Instructor�s Guide
Module 5�1
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY LESSON PLAN
Course Material Topic: Technical Safety Requirements
Objectives:
Upon completion of this lesson, the participant will be able to:
1. Describe the purpose of DOE Order 5480.22 and its relationship to 10 CFR
830.205.
2. Describe the purpose of Technical Safety Requirements (TSRs) in regard to
facility operations/activities.
3. Identify the source(s) of information required to develop reasonable and
appropriate TSRs.
4. Describe the responsibilities for the development and use of TSRs.
5. List the criteria for identifying problems in meeting TSRs.
6. List areas in TSRs which could be reviewed as part of a radiological
Section 3
assessment.
Training Aids:
Overhead Transparencies (OTs): OT 5.1 � OT 5.13 (may be supplemented or
Substituted with updated or
Site-specific information)
Handouts - �Typical Safety Analysis Report (SAR) Contents�
�Technical Safety Requirement (TSR) Format and Content�
Equipment Needs:
Overhead projector
Screen
Flip chart
Markers
Masking tape
Student Materials:
Student�s Guide
Radiological Assessor Training
DOE-HDBK-1141-2001
Instructor�s Guide
Module 5�2
References:
U.S. Department of Energy, Order 5480.22, Change 2, Technical Safety
Requirements, 1996.
U.S. Department of Energy, Order 5480.23, Change 1, Nuclear Safety Analysis
Reports, 1993.
Federal Register, Department of Energy 10 CFR 830, Nuclear Safety
Management, October 10, 2000, Vol.65, No. 196, 60292.
U.S. Department of Energy, Order 232.1A, Occurrence Reporting and Processing
of Operations Information, 1997.
U.S. Department of Energy, Operation Procedure Identifying, Reporting, and
Tracking Nuclear Safety Noncompliances, June 1998.
Radiological Assessor Training
DOE-HDBK-1141-2001
Instructor�s Guide
Module 5�3
I. Introduction
II. Purpose of DOE Order 5480.22
The intended purpose of DOE Order 5480.22,
Technical Safety Requirements, is �to clearly state the
requirements to have Technical Safety Requirements
(TSRs) prepared for DOE nuclear facilities and to
delineate the criteria, content, scope, format, approval
process, and reporting requirements of these
documents and revisions thereof.�
On October 10, 2000 an Interim final rule was
published in the Federal Register for 10 CFR 830,
"Nuclear Safety Management". The Interim Final Rule
was effective December 11, 2000, and codifies
requirements for TSRs in 10 CFR 830.205. The new
rule requires contractors to develop and submit TSRs
to DOE for approval by April 10, 2003. In the interim,
contractors are required to meet existing safety bases,
including TSRs.
TSRs are a critical element in the overall DOE safety
program.
A. Definitions (Paragraph 6)
• Technical Safety Requirements are those
requirements that define the conditions, safe
boundaries, and the management or
administrative controls necessary to ensure the
safe operation of nuclear facilities and to reduce
the potential risk to the public and facility
workers from uncontrolled releases of
radioactive materials or from radiation exposure
due to inadvertent criticality. Technical Safety
Requirements consist of safety limits, operating
limits, surveillance requirements, administrative
controls, use and application instructions, and
the bases thereof.
• A controlled document is content maintained
uniformly among the copies by an Administrative
Control System (paragraph 6, Item e).
Show OT 5.1 and OT 5.2.
State objectives.
Obj. 1
Describe the purpose of DOE
Order 5480.22 and its relationship
to 10 CFR 830.205.
This material may need to be
updated to reflect final
implementation guidance for 10
CFR 830 when it is finalized.
Show OT 5.3.
Radiological Assessor Training
DOE-HDBK-1141-2001
Instructor�s Guide
Module 5�4
Basis: Summary statements of the reasons for
the operating limits and associated surveillance
requirements. It shows how the numerical
value, condition, or the surveillance fulfills the
purpose from the safety documentation.
B. Policy (Paragraph 7)
It is the policy of the Department that nuclear
Section 4
facilities operate Cognizant Secretarial Officer
(CSO)-approved Technical Safety
Requirements, which prescribe the bounds for
safe operation of these facilities in order to
protect the health and safety of the public and
reduce risk to workers.
The TSRs constitute a contract between the
operating contractor and DOE management of
the methods that will be utilized or constraints to
be applied to minimize the potential risk of
operating the proposed facility or conducting the
proposed activity.
NOTE: TSRs apply to actions by specific facility
personnel and their commitments to responsible
DOE managers.
The Technical Safety Requirements document is
to be a controlled document.
TSRs are not based upon maintaining worker
doses below some acceptable level following an
uncontrolled release of hazardous material or
inadvertent criticality; rather, the risk to workers
is reduced through controls that reduce the
likelihood and potential impact of such events.
Show OT 5.4.
Obj. 2
Describe the purpose of
Technical Safety Requirements
(TSRs) in regard to facility
operations/activities.
Show OT 5.5.
Radiological Assessor Training
DOE-HDBK-1141-2001
Instructor�s Guide
Module 5�5
C. Source for bases (justification) of TSRs
In the development of limits, set-points, staffing
requirements, and other parameters for input
into the individual TSRs, the facility/operation-
specific Safety Analysis Report (SAR),
particularly the accident analyses contained
therein, is normally the primary basis.
The limitations that are included in the TSRs
should be derived from the facility-specific safety
analysis, which considers all credible accidents.
This includes the most significant possible
releases of radioactive and hazardous materials,
criticality scenarios, and the accidental releases
expected during the life of the facility.
Careful and thorough examination of these
accident analyses will provide values for defining
the operational limits necessary to ensure that
facility operations do not occur outside the
bounds assumed in the analyses. Such an
examination will also identify parameters and
operating conditions that should be limited in
order to reduce, provide warning of, and mitigate
the uncontrolled releases of hazardous materials
and to prevent inadvertent criticality.
Examples of requirements expected to be
developed include:
• Operating limits for principal process
parameters
• Technical and administrative conditions that
must be met
• Availability of safety equipment and systems
• Critical functions of instrumentation and
controls
Obj. 3
Identify the source(s) of information
required to develop reasonable and
appropriate TSRs.
Show OT 5.6.
SAR text of interest
• Principal Safety Criteria
• Accident Analysis
• Deviation of TSRs
Show OT 5.7.
Show OT 5.8.
Radiological Assessor Training
DOE-HDBK-1141-2001
Instructor�s Guide
Module 5�6
Operations within the boundaries of the resulting
requirements will provide reasonable assurance
that the nuclear facility will not:
• Threaten the health and safety of the public
• Pose an undue risk to workers from the
uncontrolled releases of radioactive or other
hazardous materials and inadvertent
criticality
For facilities that do not have an approved SAR,
the technical input into the TSRs must be
derived from existing documents/analyses that
specifically demonstrate the limiting conditions
that the facility is expected to experience during
normal operations and potential accident
conditions.
Section 5
In order to serve as the basis for the TSRs,
these studies must systematically evaluate:
• All potential off-normal conditions that could
occur during the life of the facility
• What could be considered design basis
accidents
D. Responsibilities for TSRs
• Prepare → Contractor
• Review → DOE Field Office
• Approve → CSO
Refer participants to page 24 of
handouts, �Typical Safety
Analysis Report (SAR)
Contents.�
Show OT 5.9.
Show OT 5.10.
Obj. 4
Describe the responsibilities for
the development and use of
TSRs.
Refer participants to page 26 of
handouts, �Technical Safety
Requirement (TSR) Format and
Content.�
Radiological Assessor Training
DOE-HDBK-1141-2001
Instructor�s Guide
Module 5�7
E. Identification of violations
Violations of a TSR occur as the result of four
circumstances:
• Exceeding a Safety Limit (SL)
• Failing to take the necessary actions within
the required time limit following:
� Exceeding a Limit Control Setting (LCS)
� Failing to meet Limiting Conditions for
Operations (LCO)
� Failing to successfully meet a
Surveillance Requirement (SR)
• Failing to perform a surveillance within the
required time limit
• Failing to comply with an Administrative
Control (AC) requirement
As stated previously, compliance with TSRs is
required by 10 CFR 830.205, violations may be
enforceable under PAAA.
F. Reporting Requirements (DOE Order 232.1A)
Occurrence Reporting and Processing of
Operations Information, July, 1997
• Categorization
� Emergencies
� Unusual Occurrences
� Off-Normal Occurrences
• Notification
• Follow-up notification
• Occurrence Report preparation
TSR ACs may impose additional facility- or
operations-specific reporting requirements,
which must also be carefully and fully followed.
Show OT 5.11.
Note that the violation relates to failure
to comply with an Action Statement.
The actions required to be taken when
LCSs are exceeded, or when operations
outside an LCO occur, are intended to
provide compensatory protection for the
same safety concerns for which the limit
was established. Thus, exceeding the
limit by itself is not considered a
violation but is a reportable event as an
Off-Normal Occurrence.
Obj. 5
List the criteria for identifying problems
in meeting TSRs.
Show OT 5.12.
Radiological Assessor Training
DOE-HDBK-1141-2001
Instructor�s Guide
Module 5�8
Violations of TSRs may need to be reported as
part of the Noncompliance Tracking System
(NTS). For guidance on NTS reports, refer to
Operation Procedure Identifying, Reporting, and
Tracking Nuclear Safety Noncompliances, June
1998, prepared by the DOE Office of
Enforcement and Investigation (EH-10).
G. Ancillary guidance
The TSR document shall be kept current at all
times so that it reflects the facility as it exists and
is analyzed in the SAR. The TSR must be
approved prior to changes in the facility or facility
practices.
TSRs should be written in a clear and concise
manner, in language that is understandable by
those in the facility operating organization. The
TSR should not contain excessive details that
belong more appropriately in the SAR.
The scope and content of TSRs are to be limited
to only the most critical nuclear safety areas.
This serves to make TSR Documents more
useful for controlling facility safety.
H. Radiological Assessment of TSR Compliance
TSRs typically specify requirements for several
areas that may be reviewed as part of a
radiological assessment. These areas include:
Section 6
Area monitors:
Criticality monitors
Area Radiation Monitors
Air Monitors (i.e., real time air monitors,
fixed head air samplers)
TSRs are the primary source of
the more important safety
requirements that are imposed
upon any facility
operations/activities. The bases
for the TSRs can be found in
the Safety Analysis Report,
principally in the chapters on
Safety Criteria and Accident
Analysis.
Obj. 6 List areas in TSRs which
could be reviewed as part of a
radiological assessment
Show OT 5.13.
Radiological Assessor Training
DOE-HDBK-1141-2001
Instructor�s Guide
Module 5�9
Surveillance requirements for area monitors
HEPA ventilation systems and their surveillances
Shift Staffing
Facility staff qualification, training and
retraining
Audits and reviews
Summarize lesson.
Review objectives.
Ask for questions.
Radiological Assessor Training
DOE-HDBK-1141-2001
Instructor�s Guide
Module 5�10
This page intentionally left blank.
Radiological Assessor Training
DOE-HDBK-1141-2001
Instructor�s Guide
Module 6�1
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY LESSON PLAN
Course Material Topic: Radiological Aspects of Uranium
Objectives:
Upon completion of this lesson, the participant will be able to:
1. Identify the radiological properties of uranium.
2. Describe the toxicological properties and behavior of uranium.
3. Identify appropriate instrumentation, measurement techniques, and special
radiological survey methods for uranium.
4. Describe personnel protection requirements, external dose control techniques,
and internal dose control techniques.
5. Describe special controls and considerations required for uranium operations.
Training Aids:
Overhead Transparencies (OTs): OT 6.1 � OT 6.11 (may be supplemented or
substituted with updated or
site-specific information)
Equipment Needs:
Overhead projector
Screen
Flip chart
Markers
Masking tape
Student Materials:
Student�s Guide
References:
ICRP Publication 30, Limits for Intakes of Radionuclides by Workers, 1979.
U.S. Department of Energy, DOE-STD-1136-2000, Guide of Good Practices for
Occupational Radiological Protection in Uranium Facilities, 2000.
U.S. Department of Energy, DOE-STD-1121-99, Internal Dosimetry, 1999.
U.S. Department of Energy, DOE-HDBK-1113-98, Radiological Safety Training for
Uranium Facilities, 1998.
U.S. Department of Energy, DOE-STD-1098-99, Radiological Control, 1999.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Federal Guidance Report No. 11, Limiting
Values of Radionuclide Intake and Air Concentration, and Dose Conversion
Factors for Inhalation, Submersion, and Ingestion, EPA-520/1-88-020, 1988.
Radiological Assessor Training
DOE-HDBK-1141-2001
Instructor�s Guide
Module 6�2
I. Introduction
The guidance in DOE-STD-1136-2000, Guide of
Good Practices for Occupational Radiological
Protection in Uranium Facilities, should be reviewed
in detail prior to conducting an assessment of
uranium facilities. The following is a brief overview
of the radiological aspects of uranium.
II. Radiological aspects of uranium
A. Radiological properties of uranium
Fifteen radioisotopes exist, but the three of most
concern to the uranium industry are:
Uranium-238:
99.7% abundant in natural uranium;
half-life = 4.5 billion yrs,
specific activity = 3.3 E-7 Ci/g
Uranium-235:
0.72% abundant;
half-life = 710 million yrs,
specific activity = 2.1 E-6 Ci/g
Uranium-234:
0.006% abundant;
half-life = 247 thousand yrs,
specific activity = 6.2 E-3 Ci/g
Section 7
Enriched uranium has a higher content of
Uranium-235 than found in nature. Typical
enrichment values are:
• 2%-3% Uranium-235: power reactor grade
fuel
• >90% Uranium-235: weapons grade material
Show OT 6.1 and OT 6.2.
State objectives.
Show OT 6.3.
Obj. 1
Identify the radiological properties
of uranium.
Review DOE-STD-1136-2000,
Guide of Good Practices for
Occupational Radiological
Protection in Uranium Facilities
Radiological Assessor Training
DOE-HDBK-1141-2001
Instructor�s Guide
Module 6�3
Specialized reactor fuel may have enrichments
other than those listed above.
The uranium byproduct of enrichment is reduced
in Uranium-235 content and is called depleted
uranium. Its typical composition is as follows:
• 99.75% Uranium-238
• 0.20% Uranium-235
• 0.0007% Uranium-234
As a result of the differences in specific
activities, Uranium-234 may account for a
significant fraction, or even the majority, of the
radioactivity for enriched uranium.
For example, for 3% enriched uranium (i.e., 3%
Uranium-235), the Uranium-234 (with an
abundance of 0.03%) would have approximately
6 times the activity as Uranium-238 and
approximately 30 times the activity as
Uranium-235.
Uranium-238 and Uranium-234 are part of the
uranium decay series, while Uranium-235 is part
of the actinium series. Therefore, following
chemical separation, decay products will
continue to grow in. The most significant of
these are Thorium-234 and Protactinium-234m
from the uranium series and Thorium-231 from
the actinium series.
Other small amounts of radioactive material may
be present as the result of reprocessing
uranium. These include Neptunium, Plutonium,
Technetium-99, and other radioisotopes of
uranium, including Uranium-232 and
Uranium-236.
Radiological Assessor Training
DOE-HDBK-1141-2001
Instructor�s Guide
Module 6�4
B. Radioisotopes
The primary radioisotopes of uranium are all
long-lived alpha-emitters. The specific activity
(Ci/g) of uranium increases as enrichment
increases; therefore, enriched uranium is a more
serious radiation hazard.
In most uranium facilities, the inhalation hazard
from alpha particles released in the respiratory
tract is the predominant radiological hazard
associated with the alpha emitting uranium
isotopes. In addition, uranium decay products
are primarily beta-emitters. For external
exposure, the major concern is the high-energy
beta particle from Protactinium-234m (2.29
MeV). As a result of beta radiation, the typical
contact dose with a block of uranium is
approximately 200 mrad/hr.
Trace contaminants such as Technetium-99 and
Uranium-232 may result in additional external
radiation dose when present.
As a result of the alpha-neutron reaction, casks
of enriched uranium hexafluoride may also emit
neutrons. Typical dose rates are on the order of
a few mrem/hr.
Show OT 6.4.
Radiological Assessor Training
DOE-HDBK-1141-2001
Instructor�s Guide
Module 6�5
C. Criticality
Uranium-235 and Uranium-233 are both fissile
materials; therefore, facilities handling enriched
uranium and/or Uranium-233 have the potential
for criticality accidents, generating large
amounts of neutron and gamma radiation.
D. Toxicological properties of uranium
Uranium is a heavy metal poison and is toxic in
much the same way lead or mercury is. For
soluble compounds of low enrichments (< 5%
Uranium-235), the toxic properties of uranium
override the radiological hazards. The kidney is
the primary organ of concern.
Section 8
For insoluble compounds of any enrichment or
all compounds of highly enriched uranium, the
radiological hazards are limiting.
III. Detection, measurement, and survey techniques
A. Monitoring program
A radiation protection monitoring program in a
uranium facility must ensure the detection of
typical ionizing radiations over wide energy
ranges.
To detect alpha radiation from the uranium
isotopes, exposure rate surveys using photon-
sensitive portable and fixed alpha detectors
such, as zinc sulfide or gas proportional
counters, should be used.
Appropriate beta detection instrumentation
should be available to measure decay products
such as Protactinium-234m. If Technetium-99 is
suspected, special low-energy beta particle
detection equipment should be available.
Obj. 2
Describe the toxicological
properties and behavior of
uranium.
See Table 2-13 of
DOE-STD-1136-2000
Show OT 6.5.
Obj. 3
Identify appropriate
instrumentation, measurement
techniques, and special
radiological survey methods for
uranium.
Radiological Assessor Training
DOE-HDBK-1141-2001
Instructor�s Guide
Module 6�6
If large quantities of uranium hexafluoride are
present, appropriate neutron survey instruments
should be available to measure the neutron
radiation.
If the facility contains enriched uranium and/or
Uranium-233, appropriate criticality safety alarm
systems shall be in place and appropriate
neutron and gamma survey instruments
available.
Continuous air monitors (CAMs), sample
extraction lines that go to CAMs, and continuous
radiation dose monitors should be placed
outside glove boxes and fume hoods.
B. Survey Techniques
Monitoring practices include, but are not limited
to, the following:
• Contamination surveys of the workplace
• Release surveys
• External exposure surveys
• Airborne contamination surveys
• Routine surveillance by a Radiological
Control Technician
All work areas must be monitored for
contamination levels on a regularly scheduled
basis. The frequency of such surveys will
depend on the potential for dispensability of the
radioactive material. During these routine
surveys, all work enclosures, work surfaces,
floors, and equipment within the workplace
should be surveyed.
Show OT 6.6.
C. Workplace characterization
At the time a program is established,
measurements of external dose should be made
Show OT 6.7.
Radiological Assessor Training
DOE-HDBK-1141-2001
Instructor�s Guide
Module 6�7
at all locations where it occurs to delineate the
levels involved (workplace characterization).
Additional measurements should be made at the
same frequency as the contamination surveys to
identify the buildup of uranium in HEPA filters
and glove boxes.
Airborne contamination surveys should be
performed for:
• Prompt detection of airborne contamination
for worker protection
• Personnel dose assessment
• Monitoring of trends within the workplace
• Special studies
IV. Personnel protection requirements
Workers in uranium facilities need to be
appropriately trained on the hazards. DOE has
developed DOE-HDBK-1113-98, Radiological
Safety Training for Uranium Facilities, 1998.
This handbook provides DOE's guidance on
expectations for training of uranium workers.
A. Personnel air sampling
The use of personnel air sampling programs
should be considered in monitoring individual
Radiological Workers.
B. Protective clothing
As a minimum, personnel who perform
Section 9
operations in controlled areas should wear
coveralls, gloves, and shoe covers. No personal
outer clothing should be permitted under
coveralls. For inspections or visits, lab coats,
gloves, and shoe covers may be permissible.
Show OT 6.8.
Obj. 4
Describe personnel protection
requirements, external dose
control techniques, and internal
dose control techniques.
Review DOE-HDBK-1113-98,
Radiological Safety Training for
Uranium Facilities, 1998.
Radiological Assessor Training
DOE-HDBK-1141-2001
Instructor�s Guide
Module 6�8
Protective clothing should be removed at the
step-off pad, and personnel monitoring for
contamination shall be performed. If this is not
practical, strict control of the movement of
personnel shall be maintained from the step-off
pad to a location where protective clothing can
be removed. Personnel wearing protective
clothing shall not be allowed to mingle with
individuals wearing personal street clothing.
Protective clothing shall not be allowed in
uncontrolled areas such as offices, lunchrooms,
or control rooms.
C. Respiratory protection
Respiratory protection should be readily
available. Respiratory protective equipment
should be used for all bag-out operations, bag
and glove changes, and any situation involving a
potential or actual breach of confinement.
V. External dose control
A. Beta radiation
Beta radiation is usually the dominant external
radiation hazard in work with unshielded forms
of uranium. The primary concern is
Protactinium-234m, though other radionuclides
may be present. Particular care should be taken
in operations such as melting and casting, where
decay products could be separated and
concentrated. Appropriate measurements
should be made of the material and appropriate
extremity dosimetry worn by workers handling
the material.
Show OT 6.9.
Radiological Assessor Training
DOE-HDBK-1141-2001
Instructor�s Guide
Module 6�9
B. Gamma radiation
Gamma radiation is normally not the controlling
factor at uranium facilities. However, significant
gamma fields can exist in areas where large
quantities of uranium are stored. Appropriate
actions including time, distance, and shielding
considerations should be taken to maintain
radiation doses ALARA.
C. Neutron radiation
Neutron radiation from enriched uranium fluoride
compounds should also be considered in
determining potential external radiation hazards.
VI. Internal dose control
Intakes
In most uranium facilities, the primary
radiological hazard is the potential for internal
intakes of uranium. This hazard must be
controlled by appropriate facility and equipment
design, contamination control procedures, and
protective clothing.
Inhalation is the primary route of concern.
Uranium transported from the lungs is deposited
in the bone (22%), kidney (12%), or other
tissues (12%), or excreted (54%), according to
International Commission on Radiological
Protection (ICRP) Publication 30.
Control must be verified by a bioassay program.
Urinalysis is the most common technique, but
fecal analysis and in vivo monitoring may also
be appropriate.
Show OT 6.10.
Radiological Assessor Training
DOE-HDBK-1141-2001
Instructor�s Guide
Module 6�10
DOE-STD-1121-99, Internal Dosimetry, provides
technical guidance on internal dosimetry
programs, including evaluation of occupational
internal doses from exposure to radon and
thoron. This standard should be reviewed prior
to conducting assessments of internal dosimetry
programs.
Section 10
VII.Special controls and considerations at uranium
operations
A. Criticality alarm systems (gamma or neutron)
shall be provided in each area where an
accidental criticality is possible. Site
requirements documents relating to criticality
alarms should be reviewed prior to the
assessment, if applicable. These
requirements may include: ANSI/ANS 8.1,
Nuclear Criticality Safety in Operations with
Fissionable Materials Outside Reactors;
ANSI/ANS 8.3 Criticality Accident Alarm
Systems; ANSI/ANS 8.7, Nuclear Criticality
Safety in the Storage of Fissile Materials;
ANSI/ANS 8.15, Nuclear Criticality Control of
Special Actinide Elements; and ANSI/ANS
8.19, ANS Administrative Procedures for
Nuclear Criticality.
B. All DOE facilities that possess sufficient
quantities and kinds of fissile material to
constitute a potentially critical mass shall
provide nuclear accident dosimetry (fixed and
personal). The number of dosimeters
needed and their placement will depend on
the nature of the operation, structural design
of the facility, and accessibility of areas to
personnel. An analysis of the dosimeters
and their placement should be conducted
and documented.
Review DOE-STD-1121-99,
Internal Dosimetry.
Show OT 6.11.
Obj. 5
Describe special controls and
considerations required for
uranium operations.
Reference 10 CFR 835.1304.
Radiological Assessor Training
DOE-HDBK-1141-2001
Instructor�s Guide
Module 6�11
C. Uranium metal in finely divided form is
pyrophoric; therefore, any grinding or milling
operations must be carefully conducted to avoid
fires.
Uranium hexafluoride is commonly found in
many uranium operations. This material is a
solid at room temperatures but volatilizes readily
at elevated temperatures. As a gas, it is
extremely hazardous, forming hydrofluoric acid
when it comes in contact with water. Operations
involving uranium hexafluoride must be
conducted very carefully to prevent release of
the gas.
D. External radiation hazards from uranium are
primarily associated with decay products;
therefore, operations in which the decay
products can separate and concentrate must be
monitored carefully. For example, crucibles
used to melt depleted uranium and casks used
to ship uranium hexafluoride are sometimes
more radioactive after they are emptied than
when they are full. The reason is that the decay
products are left in the emptying process and
are no longer self-shielded by the uranium.
Summarize lesson.
Review objectives.
Answer questions.
Radiological Assessor Training
DOE-HDBK-1141-2001
Instructor�s Guide
Module 6�12
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Radiological Assessor Training
DOE-HDBK-1141-2001
Instructor�s Guide
Module 7�1
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY LESSON PLAN
Course Material Topic: Radiological Aspects of Tritium
Objectives:
Upon completion of this lesson, the participant will be able to:
1. Describe the radiological properties of tritium.
2. Identify personnel protection requirements and dose control techniques.
3. Identify the biological effects of internally deposited tritium.
4. Describe appropriate instrumentation, measurement techniques, and special
radiological survey methods for tritium.
5. Identify special controls and considerations required for the use of tritium.
Training Aids:
Overhead Transparencies (OTs): OT 7.1 � OT 7.14 (may be supplemented or
substituted with updated or
site-specific information)
Equipment Needs:
Overhead projector
Screen
Flip chart
Markers
Masking tape
Section 11
Radiological Assessor Training
DOE-HDBK-1141-2001
Instructor�s Guide
Module 7�2
Student Materials:
Student�s Guide
References:
U.S. Department of Energy, DOE-STD-1121-99, Internal Dosimetry, 1999.
U.S. Department of Energy, DOE-HDBK-1129-99, DOE Handbook Tritium
Handling and Safe Storage, 1999.
U.S. Department of Energy, DOE-HDBK-1105-96, Radiological Training for Tritium
Facilities, 1996.
U.S. Department of Energy, DOE-HDBK-1079-94, Primer on Tritium Safe
Handling Practices, 1994.
U.S. Department of Energy, Radiological Control Programs for Special Tritium
Compounds, Draft, DOE-OSCH-0002, 2001.
U.S. Department of Energy, Radiological Control Technical Position, RCTP 99 -
02, Acceptable Approach for Developing Air Concentration Values for Controlling
Exposures to Tritiated Particulate Aerosols and Organically-Bound Tritium, 1999.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Federal Guidance Report No. 11, Limiting
Values of Radionuclide Intake and Air Concentration, and Dose Conversion
Factors for Inhalation, Submersion, and Ingestion, EPA-520/1-88-020, 1988.
ICRP Publication 30, Limits for Intakes of Radionuclides by Workers, 1979.
ICRP Publication 66, Human Respiratory Tract Model for Radiological Protection,
1994.
Radiological Assessor Training
DOE-HDBK-1141-2001
Instructor�s Guide
Module 7�3
I. Introduction
II. Radiological aspects of tritium
A. There are three primary sources of tritium.
These are:
1. Environmental sources - Reactions between
cosmic rays and the upper atmosphere
14N + 1n ! 3H + 12C
2H + 2H ! 3H + 1H
2. By-product of power reactors
• Ternary fission - A fission event resulting
in fission fragments, one of which is
tritium. Occurrence typically has a 0.1%
yield.
B-10 (n, 2 alpha) 3H
Li-7 (n, n alpha) 3H
3. DOE production of tritium (Hanford,
Savannah River reactors) is by the following
reaction:
6Li + 1n ! 3H + alpha
Show OT 7.1 and OT 7.2.
State objectives.
Show OT 7.3.
Radiological Assessor Training
DOE-HDBK-1141-2001
Instructor�s Guide
Module 7�4
B. Chemical and radiological properties of tritium
1. Chemical forms
• Elemental tritium (tritium gas, HT, DT, T2)
• Tritiated water (tritium oxide, HTO, DTO,
T2O)
• Special tritium compounds (STCs):
created by intentional combination of
tritium with the desired materials or by
inadvertent contamination of a material
that has been subjected to the presence of
tritium for a period of time.
These are classified in a number of ways,
depending on their host material (metal or
organic), rate of tritium release (stable or
unstable), and physical form (particulate or
non-particulate). They include:
- Organically bound tritium (OBT); the
main types of OBT encountered in the
DOE complex are solvents, oils, and
solid particulates (e.g., plastics, nylon,
and organic dust forms).
- Particulates; stable or insoluble forms
are referred to as stable tritiated
particulates (STPs).
Show OT 7.4.
Radiological Assessor Training
DOE-HDBK-1141-2001
Instructor�s Guide
Module 7�5
2. Radiological properties
• 3H ! 3He + beta minus and anti-neutrino
• Emax = 18.6 keV, Eavg = 5.69 keV
• Half-life = 12.32 years
• Specific activity = 9619 Ci/gram
• ALIwater = 3000 MBq = 8 E4 µCi
(inhalation and ingestion)
• DACwater = 0.8 MBq/m3 = 2 E-5 µCi/cm3
• DACelemental = 2 E4 MBq/m3 = 0.5 µCi/cm3
• f1 = 1
Section 12
• Committed dose equivalent per unit
intake = 1.73 E-11 Sv/Bq =
6.4 E-2 mrem/µCi
• DACelemental/DACwater = 25,000
In addition, DOE has issued guidance on
radiological protection for special tritiated
compounds in Radiological Control Technical
Position, RCTP 99 - 02, Acceptable Approach for
Developing Air Concentration Values for
Controlling Exposures to Tritiated Particulate
Aerosols and Organically-Bound Tritium.
DOE has also developed a technical standard,
now in draft, Radiological Control Programs for
Special Tritium Compounds, DOE-OSCH-0002.
Obj. 1
Describe the radiological
properties of tritium.
Show OT 7.5.
Review Radiological Control
Technical Position, RCTP 99 -
02, Acceptable Approach for
Developing Air Concentration
Values for Controlling Exposures
to Tritiated Particulate Aerosols
and Organically-Bound Tritium
v Review Radiological Control
Programs for Special Tritium
Compounds, DOE-OSCH-0002
Radiological Assessor Training
DOE-HDBK-1141-2001
Instructor�s Guide
Module 7�6
C. Potential exposure pathways of tritium
Dose pathways and biological effects
• Inhalation
� Elemental tritium (tritium gas) - Limiting
condition is exposure to the lung
� Approximately 0.005% of HT inhaled is
converted to HTO prior to exhalation
� Nearly 100% of inhaled HTO is
incorporated into body fluids/tissues.
• Ingestion
� Tritiated water
• Assumed to be instantaneous
• Biological half-life is normally ten
days, but may be reduced by a
factor or two-three with increased
fluid intake
• Skin absorption of HTO through intact skin
≈50% of that inhaled.
For different modes of entry of STCs:
� STPs behave with the characteristics
of the particle to which they are
attached.
- Soluble OBT distributes throughout the
body causing a whole body dose.
Insoluble OBT can be taken into the
body by inhalation when in particulate
form. Airborne droplets of insoluble
components of oils may be treated as
stable particulates.
Show OT 7.6.
Radiological Assessor Training
DOE-HDBK-1141-2001
Instructor�s Guide
Module 7�7
D. General sources of tritium releases
1. Gaseous releases - ventilation exhaust
systems
2. Liquid wastes
• Aqueous
• Organic (e.g., oils)
3. Solid wastes
• Contaminated wastes
• Treatment residues
E. Exposure controls for tritium
The personnel protection requirements for tritium
include:
• Airborne contamination controls
• Surface contamination controls
1. Airborne controls
• Differential room pressure zones
• Dilution ventilation
• Room-air detritiation systems
• Local exhaust ventilation
Show OT 7.7.
Show OT 7.8.
Obj. 2
Identify personnel protection
requirements and dose control
techniques.
Radiological Assessor Training
DOE-HDBK-1141-2001
Instructor�s Guide
Module 7�8
2. Contamination controls
• Good housekeeping
• Good work practices
3. Personnel protective equipment
• Air supplied respirators
• Protective clothing
F. Metabolism of tritium
The tritium beta lacks sufficient energy to
penetrate the dead cell layer in skin. Therefore,
it is of little consequence as an external hazard.
The beta particles can produce Bremsstrahlung
radiation when they interact with matter,
although the tritium Bremsstrahlung is extremely
low energy. It is remotely possible that the
Bremsstrahlung exposure could become
significant around materials with very high
specific activities and little or no shielding.
Tritium can deliver a radiation dose if it gets
Section 13
inside the body. Modes of entry include:
• Inhalation
• Ingestion
• Absorption
1. Inhalation
Tritium gas (HT) is only slightly incorporated
into the body when inhaled. Approximately
0.005% of HT inhaled is converted to tritiated
water prior to being exhaled. Depending
upon the rate at which HT converts to HTO in
vivo, it is possible that some dissolved HT
may be excreted in urine.
Obj. 3
Identify the biological effects of
internally deposited tritium.
Show OT 7.9.
Radiological Assessor Training
DOE-HDBK-1141-2001
Instructor�s Guide
Module 7�9
Tritiated water (HTO) is much more
radiologically hazardous than tritium gas.
Inhaled HTO enters the body through the lung
fluids with 100% efficiency, and mixes rapidly
with body water. Nearly 100% of tritiated water
(HTO) inhaled is incorporated into body fluids
and tissues.
2. Ingestion
Ingested HTO is assumed to be completely and
instantaneously absorbed from the
gastrointestinal tract and mixes rapidly with the
body fluids so that following ingestion, the
concentration in sweat, sputum, urine, blood,
perspiration and expired water vapor is the
same.
3. Absorption
There is negligible skin absorption for tritium
gas. Some HT can be absorbed through the
skin from contact with surface contamination.
This uptake is probably in the form of HTO,
resulting from the oxidation of HT. Some tritium
may be retained in the skin in the form of
organics, presumably resulting from exchange
reactions with HT on or in the skin.
HTO can be readily absorbed through the skin.
It will be uniformly distributed in all biological
fluids within one to two hours.
Most exposures are to HTO, which rapidly
enters the body water via absorption through
the lungs and/or skin. A small amount of HT
can dissolve in lung fluids, convert to HTO, and
enter the body fluids. Exposures to HTO are
approximately 10,000 to 25,000 times more
hazardous than exposure to HT. HTO has an
effective half-life in the body in the range of 4 to
18 days, with a mean effective half-life of about
9 or 10 days.
Radiological Assessor Training
DOE-HDBK-1141-2001
Instructor�s Guide
Module 7�10
Most tritium leaves the body either in urine or
through evaporation from the lungs and skin. The
dose commitment from an uptake of one curie of
HTO is approximately 63 rem.
For the above 3 discussed modes of entry: STPs
and insoluble components of tritiated oils behave
with the characteristics of the particle to which they
are attached.
For dose calculations for STPs, ICRP Publication
66 uses absorption types; slow, medium, and fast
(S, M, F). These are used in place of the lung
retention classes (day, week, and year; D, W, Y)
used in ICRP Publication 30. Depending on the
absorption type of the compound, the dose per
intake will be different than HTO.
For example: The air concentration value (which
could be used in assessing dose per intake) for
Type S STP is 10 times more restrictive than HTO,
while the air concentration value for Type F STP is
5 times less restrictive than HTO.
Soluble OBTs act somewhat similar to HTO,
however a larger percentage of nuclear
transformations occur in the stomach. The dose
per intake is approximately twice that of HTO.
Skin absorption is also a valid intake pathway for
tritiated oil components and solvent OBT.
G. Methods of tritium containment
1. Primary - Process equipment and piping
2. Secondary
• Glove boxes
• Temporary vented enclosures
Section 14
Review Types S, M, F
Show OT 7.10.
Radiological Assessor Training
DOE-HDBK-1141-2001
Instructor�s Guide
Module 7�11
3. Tertiary - Room and associated ventilation systems
• Effluent recovery systems
• Emergency containment systems
H. Airborne tritium controls
1. Differential room pressure zones - The air
ventilation system plays a key role in controlling
the spread of contamination. In addition to
providing the necessary humidity and
temperature control for a building, differential
pressure zones should be established within a
building to ensure that the air flows from areas
with lower hazardous contamination potential to
areas with more hazardous contamination
potential.
2. Dilution ventilation - Dilution ventilation is the
once-through flow technique of exchanging
outside air for inside air for comfort and basic
contamination control.
3. Room-air detritiation systems - Such a system
uses tritium monitors located in the room
exhaust to activate (close) fast acting dampers.
The dampers then route the exhaust through a
special oxidation/drying system and return the
air to the room.
3. Local exhaust ventilation - The primary
advantage of local exhaust ventilation
techniques is the removal of airborne tritium,
regardless of its evolution rate or chemical or
physical form. In addition, these techniques
use relatively low flow rates compared to
normal ventilation requirements.
Show OT 7.11.
Radiological Assessor Training
DOE-HDBK-1141-2001
Instructor�s Guide
Module 7�12
I. Measurement techniques for tritium
1. Air monitoring - Fixed and portable ionization
chambers most widely used.
2. Differential monitoring - Separate monitoring
of HT and HTO components through the use
of bubblers in conjunction with desiccants or
catalysts.
3. Discrete sampling - Samples collected with a
bubbler or �cold finger� type sampler, then
later analyzed by liquid scintillation counting
techniques.
4. Process monitoring
• Stack, room, hood, glove box
• Mass spectroscopy, gas chromatography,
calorimetry
5. Surface monitoring
• Difficult to measure directly due to low-
energy emission
• May have some success with thin window
GM (pancake style probe), thin window
sodium iodine, or gas flow proportional
counters
• Smears taken for loose contamination,
and measured by dissolution and analysis
by liquid scintillation counting techniques
6. Liquid Monitoring - Liquid scintillation
counting techniques
Show OT 7.12.
Obj. 4
Describe appropriate instrumentation,
measurement techniques, and special
radiological survey methods for tritium.
Flow-through ionization chambers
Typical example - TRITON radioactive
gas monitors
Explain how the ionization chamber
works.
Radiological Assessor Training
DOE-HDBK-1141-2001
Instructor�s Guide
Module 7�13
J. Bioassay program for tritium workers
An adequate bioassay program for tritium
workers would test for chronic and acute
exposure.
1. Chronic exposure - Periodic urinanalysis for
tritium (daily to biweekly identified in Tritium
Good Practices Manual)
2. Acute exposure
• Wait one to two hours.
• Void bladder.
• Collect sample as soon as possible
thereafter.
• Continue to collect daily to determine
individual half-life.
Dose from exposure to STCs may need to be
assessed based on air monitoring results, see
RCTP 99-02.
DOE-STD-1121-99, Internal Dosimetry, 1999,
provides guidance on internal dosimetry
programs including monitoring and assessing
dose from tritium.
Section 15
K. Tritium effluent recovery systems
1. Purpose - Reduce tritium available for
release
2. Method - Tritium gas converted to HTO and
ultimately a stable waste form
Show OT 7.13.
Obj. 5
Identify special controls and
considerations required for the use of
tritium.
Review DOE-STD-1121-99, Internal
Dosimetry, 1999, for tritium applications.
Show OT 7.14.
Radiological Assessor Training
DOE-HDBK-1141-2001
Instructor�s Guide
Module 7�14
L. Inventory control and accountability for tritium
1. Nuclear materials, including tritium, need to
be controlled and have material
accountability.
2. Appendix D to the Tritium Good Practices
Manual discusses inventory control and
defines it to consist of:
• Measurements
• Measurement controls
• Determination of holdup in systems
• Development of predictors
• Establishment of accounting practices
Summarize lesson.
Review objectives.
Ask for questions.
Part 2 - Instructor's Guide