LOCAL RULES AND

CODE OF PRACTICE
FOR INDUSTRIAL
RADIOGRAPHY
DOC No#: A3.01.02

Issued for Review

A 05/12/2021 Daniel Nwaneri Rasheed Olawale
ASNT RT Level II ASNT RT Level II
Rev. Date Description Prepared Reviewed Approved
DOC No#: A3.01.02

REVISION CONTROL SHEET

Rev. No. Rev. Date Section Changes Made

A 05/12/2021 ALL Initial Draft

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INDEX

S/No DESCRIPTIONS PAGE

Cover Page 1
Revision Control Sheet 2
Index 3
1 Introduction 4
2 Scope 4
3 References 4
4 Definitions 5
5 Responsible Personnel 6
6 Responsibilities 6
7 Administrative and Medical Requirements 10
8 Radioactive Material Storage Requirements 11
9 Radiation Safety Training Requirements 12
Radiography Procedures prior to the work
10 13
execution
Radiography Procedures during work
11 14
execution
Radiography Procedures after work
12 15
execution
13 Radiation Dose Control & Limitation 15
14 Transportation of Sources 17
15 Emergency and Contingency Plans 17
Periodic Testing and Maintenance of
16 18
Radiographic Equipment

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

Industrial Radiography units emit ionizing radiation that constitutes a

significant health hazard unless adequately shielded and handled with proper
care. These local rules and code of practice have therefore been developed in
order to limit the risk of over exposure of workers and members of the public.
It is also to ensure that all times during radiographic work, storage and
transportation radiation exposures are kept As Low as Reasonably Achievable
(ALARA).

This document complies with legal requirements for use of radioactive substances
and for all persons involved in radioactive work MUST observe all these rules or
otherwise would be seen as committing an offence punishable by law.

Wherever the word “MUST” is used in this document, it implies that the requirement
so referenced is compulsory; where the word “SHOULD” is used, compliance is
strongly recommended but not mandatory.

This document MUST be issued to and MUST be comply with by all qualified
radiographers who shall ensure compliance of all other personnel under them.

2.0 SCOPE

These rules cover the minimum requirements for carrying out site radiography
safely and complement the company’s radiation safety and Emergency Procedures.
They must be complying with by all personnel involved in the use of ionizing
radiations.
3.0 REFERENCES

* Federal Republic of Nigeria, Decree No. 19 --- Nuclear Safety and Radiation
Protection Decree 1995.

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* Nigerian Radiation Safety in Industrial Radiography Regulations, 2006.

* Nigerian Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources Regulations, 2006.
* Nigerian Basic Ionizing Radiation Regulation 2003

4.0 DEFINITIONS

1. Industrial Radiography – Means work involving the examination of the

structure of materials by a nondestructive testing method utilizing ionizing
radiation. Industrial radiographic work covers all processes involved in the
activity and includes winding in and out of radioactive sources, activating of
x-ray units, monitoring of radiation levels, or handling of radiation
emergencies.

2. Classified Personnel – An industrial radiography worker who has

undergone adequate training and possesses relevant qualification and with
more than six months practical experience in carrying out radiographic work
safely. Radiographers and their Assistants are in this category because their
work subjects them to radiation field areas.

3. Trainee – A person who has successfully completed an approved

examination in industrial radiography but who has not yet obtained the
mandatory six (6) months practical experience under the supervision of a
qualified industrial radiographer.

4. Source Container – The shielding container in which a sealed radioactive

source is transported and stored.

5. Guide Tube – A flexible or rigid sheath or tube for guiding the source
assembly from the source container to the exposure point location.

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6. Source Assembly – The pen-shaped device or pigtail into which a sealed

radioactive source is incorporated for the purposes of industrial radiography.

7. Source encapsulation- the small outer metal sheath which protects a

radioactive source and which connects it to the source assembly or pigtail
device.

8. Remote Winding Control System – The device which enables the

radiography apparatus to be operated at a safe distance and comprises a
winding cable, winding able sheath, and winding control mechanism (i.e. reel
with crank handle).

9. R.S.A. – Radiation Safety Adviser

10. R.S.O. – Radiation Safety Officer

11. ICRP – International Commission on Radiological Protection

12. NNRA – Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority

13. Over Exposure – Any exposure of a person to ionizing radiation to an extent

that annual dose limit is exceeded.
14. TLD – Thermo Luminescent Dosimeter used for cumulative radiation doses
absorbed by a radiation worker for a month period
15. QFD – Quartz Fiber Dosimeter - used for recording daily radiation absorbed
doses a by a radiological worker.

5.0 RADIATION SAFETY OFFICER (R.S.O)

1. Shall ensure that all work with ionizing radiation is carried out in accordance
with Company policies and government regulations and with emphasis on
specific client requirement.

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2. Shall ensure that all radiographers and their Assistants are aware of their
responsibilities with regard to radiation safety at work for themselves and
the public.

3. Shall ensure that Company checklist for site radiography is completed by

each crew before work commencement and after work completion.

4. Shall make frequent site visits at least twice a week to ensure site compliance
of his radiographers to safe work practices and discuss field problems with
them and proffer solutions. Records of such visits shall be kept, noting
observations.

5. Shall ensure that records and certificates needed for each site are kept at the
locations.

6. Shall ensure that all necessary radiation safety equipment is available at

sites, duly calibrated and in good working conditions.

7. Shall ensure that radiation warning signs, notices, barrier materials are
available and sufficient and correctly positioned at the right places, and
distances, particularly on the first day of any site operation.

8. Shall supervise and ensure that proper arrangements are made for
transportation and site storage of isotopes prior to site mobilization.

9. Shall initiate the reporting and investigation of any radiation incident or

unusual exposures.

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10. Shall be thoroughly familiar with Company’s radiological Emergency

Procedures and Contingency Plans and shall implement them in the event
when they occur.

11. Shall ensure that an assistant is duly appointed in case of circumstances that
may warrant his absence.

RADIOGRAPHER
1. Shall carry out all work with ionizing radiations in accordance with Company
policies, government legislations and client’s stipulated rules and
requirements particularly as regards to health and safety of himself, assistants
and the public.

2. Shall ensure that all equipment are in a safe working conditions and any faulty
equipment is identified, segregated and reported without delay.

3. Shall be responsible for and supervise the activities of any Assistant

Radiographer working under him.

4. Shall not assign any part of the job, which the Assistant Radiographer cannot
handle safely.

5. Shall ensure that all safety and monitoring equipment issued for work are
carefully handled, maintained in good order and used at all occasions requiring
them, particularly the radiation monitor which must be used at all times during
radiographic exposure procedures.

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6. Shall ensure that all necessary equipment for safe conduct of radiological work
are available before work commencement and that all work practices at site are
safe and in compliance with company policies and specified regulations.

7. Shall return all TLD Badges promptly for his crew and must report loss, damage
or suspected over exposure either of the badge and wearer, or badge alone
without delay to his RSO.

8. Shall monitor radiation dose rates, map out barrier zones correctly and post
appropriate warning signs/tapes before work commencement as required by
Company policy and government legislation.

9. Shall report radiation emergencies to his site supervisor, secure radiation

danger zones by erecting barriers and instruct his Assistant to keep surveillance
on barrier until help arrives.

10. Shall contact his RSO by the fastest means possible in case of radiological
emergencies above his ability to handle and which requires an emergency
response team.

11. Must be familiar with Radiation Emergency Procedures and Contingency plans.

12. Shall ensure that radiation exposures at all times and particularly in case of
emergencies are kept As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA).

13. Shall ensure that all radioactive materials are kept safe and well secured at all
times.

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ASSISTANT RADIOGRAPHERS
1. Shall work in accordance with the instructions and under the direct supervision
of the Senior Radiographer in charge of his crew.

2. Shall not undertake any part of the job not assigned to him and shall consult the
radiographer on any part of the job he is not conversant with before carrying it
out.

3. Shall obey all instructions regarding safe working practices, maintenance and
operations of equipment, use of radiation monitoring devices and erection of
barriers and warning notices.

4. Must report any incident or emergency involving ionizing radiations promptly to

the Radiographer and also to the RSO unfailingly.

5. Shall be familiar with Company Emergency Procedures and Contingency plans.

6. Shall work to ensure that all times, radiation exposure to himself and others are
kept As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA).

6.0 ADMINISTRATIVE AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

1. All Radiographic Personnel shall be subjected to mandatory comprehensive

health assessment prior to employment and reassessed annually. Records
detailing these assessments shall be kept both at the appointed clinic and at the
Company Records Department.

2. Any radiographer involved in radioactive incident resulting to a suspected over

exposure shall immediately be withdrawn from work and his TLD Badge sent for
immediate analysis. If the TLD Badge result confirms the over exposure, he shall
be subjected to proper medical re-examination and treatment with drugs that

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counter irradiation. He shall still abstain from work until the responsible
physician certifies him fit to resume work.

3. Medical examination shall also be carried out by the appointed doctor when it is
confirmed that in the normal course of work, a radiation worker has received in
any one year a radiation dose, which exceeds the annual limit.

7.0 RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL STORAGE REQUIREMENTS

8.1 No radioactive source or radiographic apparatus containing such material

may be stored on any premises zoned for domestic purposes.

8.2 When in storage radiographic source containers containing radioactive

sources must be locked in the “off” (fully shielded) position.

8.3 Warning signs must be displayed at the entrance to radioactive source

storage facilities and at any other appropriate places so as to clearly indicate
the presence of radioactive material and designate the area as controlled.

8.4 Dose rates outside radionuclide storage facilities must not exceed 2.55µSv/h
(0.25mRem/h).

8.5 A notice containing the names and telephone numbers of persons who can be
contacted in the event of an emergency must be displayed at radionuclide
storage facilities.

8.6 Radionuclide storage facilities must be lockable and no unauthorized entry

instructions shall be in place.

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8.7 It is the responsibility of the radiographer to ensure personally that the

radioactive source is safely returned after use to the storage facility. This
important task may not be delegated to radiographic assistants or trainees.

8.8 For gamma radiographic equipment a log must be kept on our Isotope
Movement Register. Source containers must be signed in and out of the
storage facility and dose levels on the surface of the containers recorded. The
serial number of monitors used and the condition of the equipment must also
be noted.

8.9 No radioactive source may be stored with or be in close proximity to any

corrosive, photographic films, combustible and explosive materials.

9.0 RADIATION SAFETY TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

9.1 Radiation Safety Officer

The Radiation Safety Officer must ensure that all persons performing
industrial radiography or who act as radiographic assistants have the
necessary training and are familiar with the correct operating and safety
procedures. In particular the training requirement specified below must be
met.

9.2 Initial Training Requirements

9.2.1 Persons wishing to work as industrial radiographers must

successfully complete a course in industrial radiography and must
subsequently undergo a practical training period of 6 months under
the supervision of a qualified and authorized industrial radiographer.

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9.2.2 Assistants to the radiographer must be given sufficient training to

enable them to carry out their work satisfactorily. Such training must include
information on the risks associated with ionizing radiation, prescribed safety
requirements and emergency procedures, as well as practical on-the-job
training. After such training the assistant’s/operator’s knowledge and
understanding must be evaluated in order to determine the effectiveness of
the training program.

9.3 Periodic Training of all Radiation Workers

9.3.1 All radiation workers (e.g. radiographers, trainees, assistants and

operators) must be given periodic training in radiation safety aspects
relating to their work at least once a year. The training must ensure, in
particular, that workers have a thorough knowledge of all rules of operations
contained herein. Such training must include an evaluation of the workers’
knowledge and understanding of the training material.

10.0 RADIOGRAPHIC PROCEDURES PRIOR TO WORK EXECUTION

1. Before commencing work, a radiographer must ensure that he and his crew
members are wearing personal dosimeters (TLD Badges), and Pen Dosimeters.

A functional and switched on radiation monitor must also be in his possession. The
team must also have all equipment necessary for setting up barriers such as barrier
tapes and radiation warning signs.

2. The condition of all radiographic equipment and accessories must be checked and
noted in the checklist register daily. If any equipment is defective, radiography
MUST NOT be carried out until it is repaired or replaced.

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3. Appropriate collimators must be used for reducing the field size of the primary
beam to the minimum practicable size necessary for the safe performance of the
work. Where the use of a collimator is not possible other appropriate shielding
material should be used.

4. Barriers must be erected at a distance calculated prior to exposure so as to ensure

that the instantaneous dose rate at the barrier is as low as is reasonably achievable
and does not exceed 7.5µSv/h (0.75mRem/h). Once the radiographic exposure unit
is activated, the radiographer shall check the radiation level at the barrier and
adjust them if necessary to conform to the above readings.

5. The radiographer shall ensure that during the course of the work, no individual is
exposed to radiation in excess of the following levels:

* Classified Radiological Workers – 20 mSv in any one year.

* Members of the Public including pregnant women – 1 mSv in any one

year.

6. Warning signs must be prominently displayed at the barrier and must be visible
from all directions.

11.0 RADIOGRAPHIC PROCEDURES DURING WORK EXECUTION

1. During each exposure the radiographer or his assistant must patrol the barrier
perimeter to ensure that no unauthorized entry is made and to take immediate
corrective action should such an entry be made.

2. Two radiographic personnel as a minimum must be present during any exposure of

a radiographic device.

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3. When the exposure is completed use the radiation monitor to ensure proper
source retraction and lock the container before preparing for next exposure.

4. The radiographic device must not be left unattended or out of sight at any stage of
the work, no matter whatever emergency.

12.0 RADIOGRAPHIC PROCEDURES AFTER WORK EXECUTION

1. Upon work completion, the radiographer must use the radiation monitor to
ensure proper source retraction, disconnect the winding assembly and the guide
tube from the container and securely lock the container.

2. The container must be the first item to be put into the vehicle and secured.

3. The source container shall be accompanied by at least one radiological worker

during transit from site and the radiation monitor should be available and
functional.

4. The container must be returned to the storage pit immediately on return to base
or site storage location.

5. The movement log of the container must be completed by the Radiographer the
same day of usage.

13.0 RADIATION DOSE CONTROL AND LIMITATION

1. The essence of dose limitation is based on the ALARA Principle which insists that
doses to individuals must be kept as low as is reasonably achievable.

2. All radiographers must therefore ensure that at all times radiation doses to
individuals including themselves must not exceed the limits specified by
legislation as specified below:

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* Classified Radiological Workers – 20 mSv in any one year.

* Members of the Public including pregnant women – 1 mSv in any one

year.

3. When the source assembly is in the shielded or “off” position, the dose rate must
not exceed the following limits:

* 2 mSv//h at any point on the surface of the container.

* 20 μSv at any point 1 m from the surface of the container.
4. Dose Rates outside the storage pit facilities for radioactive materials must not
exceed 2.55μSv/hr.

5. All doses exceeding those above must be reported to the RSO for immediate
corrective action.

6. If any member of the public is suspected to have received doses over that
specified for the public above, the name and address of the concerned person(s)
must be obtained by the radiographer and a report forwarded to the RSO for
further remedial action.

13.1 Yearly Dose Limit/Investigation Level

Following ICRP yearly “DOSE LIMIT” of 20 mSv and adopted by NNRA, Moment
Energy Limited decided to adopt 15 mSv as yearly “DOSE LIMIT” on all her Radiological
Workers. This level forms the Investigation Level of dose received.

All Radiological Workers are therefore advised to work safely in order to achieve
this goal.

On the event of exceeding the above dose limit in any one year an investigation will
be instituted by Management to consider the reasons and proffer proactive
preventive measures to forestall future reoccurrences.

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14.0 TRANSPORTATION OF SOURCES

1. An enclosed and lockable vehicle must be used to transport radioactive

sources, or if in open vehicle, in a fixed lead-lined transport box with locks.

2. The source container must be firmly secured to the vehicle during

transportation.

3. The source container must be locked in the shielded “off” position during
transportation.

4. The source container must not be transported in the passenger’s compartment

of the transport vehicle and must be positioned as far as possible from any
persons in the vehicle.

5. Appropriate Radiation Warning Signs must be posted on the transport vehicle

or if in hostile community territory on the lead lined transport box only to
avoid undue attraction of attention to the vehicle.

6. Dispatch of radiography source containers by public transport may be carried

out provided adequate and properly completed approved transport documents
are attached to the transport container specifying the radioactive content.

7. All radioactive substances shall be transported strictly by a classified

radiological worker who must have a constantly reading radiation monitor and
must wear a TLD badge and a dosimeter. He shall also have in his custody
appropriate warning signs and barrier tapes.

15.0 EMERGENCY AND CONTINGENCY PLANS

15.1 There shall exist relevant emergency/contingency plan describing procedures

to be followed in the event of a radiation. The contingency plan shall detail the
following as a minimum:

a) Immediate action to be taken in order to prevent excessive radiation

doses.
b) Internal and external notification procedures.
c) Specific procedures for dealing with each possible incident and
returning the situation to normal.

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d) Information regarding medical examination of involved personnel

and relevant blood tests.

15.2 If the Radiographic crew is not able to deal with an emergency situation in a
safe and acceptable manner they must contact the Emergency crew at Base
Office for assistance.

15.3 In the event of the Emergency crew not being able to safely handle the situation
the office management must be notified and the approved government
Radiation regulatory agency for such as the NNRA must be notified
immediately, particularly in situations where radioactive contamination of the
environment may have occurred or is suspected to have occurred.

15.4 In the event of an over-exposure or suspected over-exposure, the personal

dosimeter (TLD) of the individual involved must be immediately forwarded to
the NNRA approved Dosimetry service provides for processing and the
individual withdrawn from further radioactive work until the results are
received.

16.0 PERIODIC TESTING AND MAINTENANCE OF RADIOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT

The RSO and each crew leader shall on monthly basis and at the end of any major
project carryout the following routine maintenance:

16.1 The source assembly must be thoroughly cleaned and inspected for
visible damage such as wear, stretching and source attachment thread
damage.

16.2 The socket on the end of the source assembly where the winding cable
is attached must be examined for wear and damage using go no go gauge.

16.3 The container must not show any signs of external damage or
deformation that could affect its safe operation or shielding function.

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16.4 No screw, bolts or nuts must be loose or missing.

16.5 Mechanisms that connect the guide tube and winding gear to the
container must not show any signs of unacceptable wear or damage.

16.6 The shutter and/or locking mechanism the locking device (e.g. key) and
the securing system must not show signs of excessive wear or damage and
must function faultlessly.

16.7 All safety plugs and protective caps must be present undamaged and
must function properly.

16.8 Period testing of winding cables, winding cable sheaths and guide tubes
must be carried out.

16.9 The guide tube and winding cable sheath must not show signs of
excessive wear or damage and must not be brittle, cracked or kinked in
anyway.

16.10 The connecting device(s), which attach the winding gear to the source
container, must be undamaged and function correctly.

16.11 The winding cable (especially near the ball attachment joint) must not
contain any damaged strands and the cable must not be bent to such an
extent that it is impossible to straighten it without the use of tools.

16.12 The cable must be clean, correctly lubricated and free from corrosion.

16.13 Every 6 months, the winding control mechanism must be dismantled

and inspected thoroughly. The mechanism must not show signs of serious
wear or damage that might endanger its safe operation.

16.14 Leak tests must be carried out on gamma radiography sources at

intervals not exceeding one year. Leak tests must be carried out as follows:-

16.14.1Ensuring the source is in fully shielded position, wipe the outer

surface of the source container and source outlet port as well as the inside of
the guide tube with a piece of absorbent material (e.g. tissue, wool moistened
with spirit or filter paper).

16.14.2 Place the tissue or filter paper in a plastic bag and place on top of a
sensitive digital radiation monitor. Observe for any readings above
background radiation. The smear sample should be labeled and kept in a
container within the isotope pit if there is no abnormal reading recorded.

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16.14.3 The result of the test must be kept and filed for inspection
purposes until the next test is carried out

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