MPM-E - Special Session: AIRRS Orange B 14:30 - 17:00
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| Chair(s): Catherine Ribaudo
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MPM-E.1
14:30 Leaking Ni-63 Source from Ionscan Chemical Agent Detectors CA Ribaudo*, National Institutes of Health
Abstract: In this post-9/11 environment, many institutions are employing chemical agent detectors as a means of establishing a clearance for vehicles entering a security check-point. These chemical agent detectors analyze wipe samples (from steering wheels, trunks, handles, etc.) for residual chemical vapors indicative of the potential presence of suspect compounds. Commonly used in urban settings, a specific chemical agent detector such as an Ionscan is used for screening against explosives or narcotic substances. At a federal facility in suburban Washington DC, vehicles entering a security perimeter are checked using this model of detector prior to granting approved entry. The Ionscan detectors are generally-licensed devices and contain a 15 mCi Ni-63 source, which ionizes the detection chamber where the vapors are created. These units employ "Ion Mobility Spectrometry" as a means of creating ions which collide with a detector plate to create a characteristic spectrum of chemical compounds, which is then compared against a library of compound spectrums (in this case explosives materials). This presentation explores the intersection of Security and Health Physics through the acquisition, use, and periodic leak testing of Ionscan chemical agent detectors. In particular, the story of detectable Ni-63 contamination found on the exterior of some detectors, and the resultant actions taken by the manufacturer, is told.
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MPM-E.2
14:50 Hidex Triple Label Quench Curve - Part II KF Ball*, National Institutes of Health
Abstract: This presentation addresses the creation of a triple label quench curve for the Hidex 300 SL.
The original problem with creating a triple label quench curve was that the MikroWin 4.44 version of the Hidex 300 SL operating program for the Hidex 300 SL there were only (5) five UseMA(#) codes available. It was impossible to create a triple label quench curve because there needed to be at least (6) six UseMA(#) codes, two codes per isotope. Two ratios are needed per curve: the Region of Interest Ratio and the Isotope Efficiency Ratio. This means that for a triple label a minimum of (6) six ratios are needed. LabLogic, Hidex, and MikroWin attempted to solve this problem with the MikroWin Version 5.55, but instead of creating more UseMA(#) codes they increased the number of allowable matrix names and numbers, MA(#), codes from 1 - 16 to 1- 32. MikroWin Version 5.56 resolved this problem. Now a triple label quench curves can be created using the "UseMA(#)" or by using the program Null Driver.
Quench sets for Tritium, Carbon-14, and Chlorine-36 were used to create a triple label quench curve. Using the program Null Driver each set was counted thirty times to establish a mean for use in the MikroWin program. Using the "UseMA(#)" code the quench sets need only to be counted once.
Chlorine-36 was used instead of Phosphorus-32 to eliminate potential issues with decay of Phosphorus-32 during the experiment.
Ten parameters were written to manually adjust for the shifting of the isotope peaks as the quench levels increased.
All programming was verified using a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and the quench curves were placed into service.
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MPM-E.3
15:10 Transition from Beckman Coulter and Perkin Elmer to the Hidex Counting Equipment KB Ball*, National Institutes of Health
Abstract: This presentation addresses the transition from Beckman Coulter Liquid Scintillation Counters and Perkin Elmer Wallac 1480 Gamma Counters to the Hidex 330/600 SL Liquid Scintillation Counters and Hidex AMG Gamma Counters. In May of 2010 Beckman-Coulter sent out a notification that they would be discontinuing their Liquid Scintillation Counters and In June of 2017 Perkin Elmer sent out an "End of Life" notification for the Wallac 1480 Gamma Counter. These two notifications cause the management team for the Division of Radiation Safety (DRS) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to reassess their counting equipment requirements for their Analytical Laboratory. The Hidex 300/600 SL Liquid Scintillation Counter and the Hidex AMG Gamma Counter were selected. Transitioning from the outdated equipment to setting up, learning, and training others on this new equipment, as well as implementing new policies and procedures has been a quite a journey. Several problems were overcome, and interesting new ideas were developed. Interaction with the Microsoft Excel software has helped make the transition to the Hidex equipment very much smoother. Today the NIH DRS Analytical Laboratory is fully up and running will all new Hidex equipment.
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MPM-E.4
15:30 Haute Compliance: A Radiation Safety Management System in Use GM Sturchio*, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine
Abstract: Radiation sources that have the potential to create a negative impact on an organization require documented policies and procedures to demonstrate how risk is controlled and to promote positive outcomes. These documents are fundamental to a safety management system. Organizational procedures should indicate where responsibility for implementation resides, as well as providing tools and resources to assist with implementation. Monitoring and measurement activities and the amount of resource allocated should be based on a consideration of risk and organizational needs (e.g., regulatory requirements). The crux of a safety management system is the Control Plan, or equivalent, detailing how the radiation safety program will be assessed for compliance/conformance with requirements. An example of a Control Plan, including methodology, frequency, timescales, and results will be presented. Where monitoring and measurement activities reveal system deficiencies, the root cause must be identified, the deficiency corrected and actions taken to prevent recurrence. This information must be tracked and documented as a remedial action. An example of a remedial action plan will be presented. (Note: Only systemic or substantive remedial actions should be recorded. One-off findings should be handled and recorded locally as appropriate.) An annual Management Review with senior leadership is conducted to ensure the adequacy, effectiveness and quality of the radiation safety management system elements, including improvement plans, control plans, remedial actions, system audit, etc.
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MPM-E.5
15:50 Decommissioning Lessons Learned for Academic and Research Reactor Institutions DG Miller*, Chase Environmental Group, Inc.
Abstract: This presentation describes lessons learned from the radiological decommissioning of several research reactors and numerous academic research institutions.
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