Health Physics Questions and Answers - Question 130
Question 130: 10 CFR 20.1603 (a), Footnote 2, exempts a nuclear power plant from the requirements of §20.1603 unless a non-self-shielded irradiator is used at the reactor.
(a) If the source used for the calibration of high-radiation instruments is non-self-shielded, and the absorbed dose at 1 meter distance could exceed 500 rads in 1 hour, is the source an irradiator?
(b) Do the provisions of §20.1603 (a) apply?
(a) No. An "irradiator," as the term is used in 10 CFR 20.1603, uses gamma radiation to irradiate products to change their characteristics in some way (55 FR 50008, 12/4/90, Licenses and Radiation Safety Requirements for Large Irradiators, proposed 10 CFR Part 36). A radioactive source used for calibrating radiation survey instruments is not an "irradiator."
(b) No. However, the provisions of 10 CFR 20.1602 would apply.
(Reference: 10 CFR 20.1603)