Leak Tests (8)

Question 1

A sealed source containing ___MBq or more of a nuclear substance must conduct a leak test

Answer 1

50MBq

Question 2

Leak tests must be capable of detecting how much leakage? (Bq)

Answer 2

200Bq or less of the substance

Question 3

Why are leak tests done?

Answer 3

To ensure that a sealed source has not developed defects, damage or been degraded

Question 4

Who keeps records of leak tests and for how long?

Answer 4

The licensee keeps records of leak tests for a minimum of 3 years, including:

• sealed source inventory
• leak test sampling certificates
• leak test measuring certificates
• stored in Radiation Safety Administrative Manual under “leak tests”

Question 5

Leak test frequency

Answer 5

specified in licence conditions and in Section 18 of the NSRDR

• every 12 months or whenever the source capsule assembly is changed (whichever comes first)
• performed every 24 months on an exposure device that does not contain a sealed source or upon the insertion of a new sealed source (whichever comes first)

Question 6

Regulation requirements regarding leak testing

Answer 6

• valid leak test certificate must accompany an exposure device during transport
• if an exposure device was involved in a accident or is suspected of leaking a leak test must be conducted immediately

Question 7

Leak Test Procedure (Sampling swab)

Answer 7

1. complete information required for leak test sampling certificate
2. confirm source is fully retracted and locked, use a survey meter to survey exposure device
3. view survey meter while removing cover from guide tube
4. wearing talc-free rubber gloves, use Q-tip #1, moist with filtered water or saline and swab about 3in into the exposure device
5. set survey meter to be low sensitivity, scan swabs and record
6. set survey meter to counts per minute (CPM) scan swabs and record
7. place Q-tip into designated sleeve
8. repeat with dry swab #2

Question 8

Shipping a leak test swab sample

Answer 8

• ship to leak test agency
• include signed leak test sampling certificate
• shipping should be kept short no more than 10 working days
• swab radiation >0.2mR/h are placed in a locked metal container and labelled.
• do not send by regular mail