Section 340.610  Control of Access to High Radiation Areas

a)         The licensee shall ensure that each entrance or access point to a high radiation area has one or more of the following features:

1)         A control device that, upon entry into the area, causes the level of radiation to be reduced below that level at which an individual might receive a deep dose equivalent of 1 mSv (0.1 rem) in 1 hour at 30 centimeters from the source of radiation or from any surface that the radiation penetrates; or

2)         A control device that energizes a conspicuous visible or audible alarm signal so that the individual entering the high radiation area and the supervisor of the activity are made aware of the entry; or

3)         Entryways that are locked, except during periods when access to the areas is required, with positive control over each individual entry.

b)         In place of the controls required by subsection (a) of this Section for a high radiation area, the licensee may substitute continuous direct or electronic surveillance to enable action to be taken to prevent unauthorized entry.

c)         The licensee may apply to the Agency for approval of alternative methods for controlling access to high radiation areas.

d)         The licensee shall establish the controls required by subsections (a) and (c) of this Section in a way that does not prevent individuals from leaving a high radiation area.

e)         The licensee is not required to control each entrance or access point to a room or other area that is a high radiation area solely because of the presence of radioactive materials prepared for transport and packaged and labeled in accordance with the regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation provided that:

1)         The packages do not remain in the area longer than 3 days; and

2)         The dose rate at 1 meter from the external surface of any package does not exceed 0.1 mSv (0.01 rem) per hour.

f)         The licensee is not required to control entrance or access to rooms or other areas in hospitals solely because of the presence of patients containing radioactive material, provided that there are personnel in attendance who are taking the necessary precautions, as required by 32 Ill. Adm. Code 335, to prevent the exposure of individuals to radiation or radioactive material in excess of the limits established in this Part and to operate within the ALARA provisions of the licensee's radiation protection program.

g)         The registrant shall control entrance or access to rooms or other areas containing sources of radiation capable of producing a high radiation area as described in this Section in accordance with the requirements for access and control specified in other applicable Parts of 32 Ill. Adm. Code: Chapter II, Subchapters b and d (i.e., 32 Ill. Adm. Code 350 for industrial radiography, 32 Ill. Adm. Code 360 for use of x-rays in the healing arts and 32 Ill. Adm. Code 390 for particle accelerators).

(Source:  Amended at 29 Ill. Reg. 20841, effective December 16, 2005)