QSA Global Sentinel SSC-2 User manual

Models SSC-2 & SSC-4
SOURCE
STORAGE CONTAINERS
User Instructions
MAN-056-December 2015

WARNING - IMPORTANT SAFTY INFORMATION
Only trained and qualified personnel who have read and fully understand this operating manual are
allowed to use this system.
Using this system without the proper training and not following the related safety procedures can
result in life-threatening dangers.
During use, this system will emit high levels of penetrating gamma radiation that cannot be detected
by the human senses.
High radiation exposure at close range can cause injury, sickness or death to anyone who is exposed
to it even for a short period of time.
Never assume the position of the radioactive source without using a calibrated survey meter.
Always use a calibrated survey meter when using this system to avoid potentially dangerous levels of
radiation exposure.
Wear and use proper dosimetry including film badges or thermoluminescent dosimeters, direct
reading pocket dosimeters, and audible alarm ratemeters while using this system and during all
radiographic operations.
Other than the source connector during hook up to the drive cable, the radiation emitting source
assembly must never be touched by hand or handled unshielded up close.
Special confirmatory surveys must be performed whenever using a low-activity isotope source.
After performing a source transfer into the container and with the source locked in the container,
carefully and deliberately conduct the confirmatory survey on the following:
oAll surfaces of the container,
oAlong the entire length of source guide tube and
oOn and around the exposure device or source changer.
A multitude of overexposure incidents are directly attributed to a failure of the user to perform or
supervise an adequate confirmatory survey.
Failure to perform an adequate radiation survey can cause unnecessary exposure to personnel
resulting in a reportable incident.
Take advantage of the three basic radiation protection methods to minimize radiation exposure:
oTIME: Spend less time near the radiation source.
oDISTANCE: Increase your distance in a direction away from the radiation source.
oSHIELDING: Whenever possible, always apply the use of effective shielding between you and
the radiation source
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Warranty and Limitation of Liability
QSA Global, Inc. (herein referred to as the manufacturer) warrants its product which it manufactures
and sells to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of
shipment. This warranty shall not apply to any product or parts which have been subjected to misuse,
improper installation, repair, alteration, neglect, accident, abnormal conditions of operation, or use in
any manner contrary to instructions.
The manufacturer's liability under such warranty shall be limited to replacing or repairing, at its option,
any parts found to be defective in such respects, which are returned to the manufacturer,
transportation prepaid; or at its option, to returning the purchase price thereof.
The warranty on other manufacturer's components shall be that of the original manufacturer whose
warranty shall be binding.
In no event shall the manufacturer be liable for any incidental or consequential damages, whether or
not such damages are alleged to have resulted from the use of such product in accordance with
instructions given by or referred to by the manufacturer.
QSA Global, Inc. assumes no liability or responsibility for the usage of any radioactive material or device
generating penetrating radiation used in connection with this product. The use of such material or
generators in any manner other than prescribed in the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission or
equivalent Agreement State or permitted by any regulation of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
or State Regulation may constitute a violation of such license terms.
All other warranties, except those warranties expressly stated herein, including without limitation
warranties of, merchantability and implied warranties of fitness, are expressly excluded.
The warranty on this container is specifically limited to its use only with sealed sources and connectors,
parts, and accessories manufactured by QSA Global, Inc.
SentinelTM, QSA Global, Inc. shall not be liable for any errors or omissions contained herein and the
provision by SentinelTM, QSA Global, Inc. of the information set out in this manual does not in itself
constitute acceptance of any liability on the part of SentinelTM, QSA Global, Inc.
ii

SPECIAL NOTICE
This storage container is strictly for safe storage of QSA Global, Inc. source assemblies. The purpose of
this manual is to provide information that will assist in the proper use of the container. The user must be
thoroughly familiar with this instruction manual before using this equipment.
In order to use this equipment or perform source changes, users within the USA must be specifically
licensed to do so. Applications for a license should be filed with the Materials Licensing Section of the
appropriate U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission regional office or with the appropriate Agreement
State office. All users within Canada must have a Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission license.
It is the responsibility of users of this equipment to comply with all local, national and international
regulatory, licensing and transportation rules and regulations as they apply in their respective countries.
iii

Table of Contents
SECTION 1: TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION ........................................................................................................ 1
SECTION 2: USER INSTRUCTIONS.................................................................................................................. 3
2.1. Opening & unlocking the storage container.................................................................................. 3
2.2. Loading sources into the storage container .................................................................................. 3
2.3. Unloading source from the storage container............................................................................... 4
2.4. Closing & locking the storage container ........................................................................................ 4
SECTION 3: LEAK TESTING............................................................................................................................. 6
SECTION 4: DISPOSAL.................................................................................................................................... 7
iv

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
SECTION 1: TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
Table 1.1 Product Specifications
Manufacturer QSA Global, Inc., Burlington, Massachusetts, USA.
Primary Application Temporary Storage for Radiography Sources
Product Models SSC-2 SSC-4
Shielding Materials Depleted Uranium (DU) Lead with DU insert
Weight 120 pounds (54 kg) 165 pounds (75 kg)
Capacity - Isotope
2 x 120 Curies
Ir-192 & Se-75
4 x 100 Curies
Ir-192 & Se-75
Overall Diameter 15 inches ( 38 cm)
Overall Height 19 inches ( 48 cm)
Operating Temperature -20°F to 150°F (-20°C to 66°C)
Transport Approvals Not Approved for Transport
with Radioactive Material
Compatible QSA Sources
Model A424-9
Model A424-23
Model A424-25
Model A424-25W
Model 969
Model 87703
Compatible QSA Guide Tubes
TAN48907
95021
1

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
Figure 1. Cutaway view of the Storage Container (SSC-4 Shield Pot Shown).
2

USER INSTRUCTIONS
SECTION 2: USER INSTRUCTIONS
Personnel operating this equipment must be completely familiar with this manual and they must read
and understand these important safety warnings before proceeding.
WARNING
Do not compromise on safety. Always inspect the storage container and all other related
equipment before use.
Do not use the container or related equipment if found to be damaged or defective.
Defective equipment that is discovered during the daily inspection must not be used until
repaired or replaced.
Any foreign material (dirt, mud, ice, etc.) must be removed before using the container.
Inspect, clean, and test the equipment to ensure long term safety and reliability.
Do not use any component that is not approved for use with this container.
2.1. Opening & unlocking the storage container
1. Perform a confirmatory radiation survey on and around the storage container to ensure
radiation measurements are acceptable.
2. If radiation measurements are unacceptable (e.g., above 200 mR/hr (2 mSv/hr) on the surface),
then take precautions to protect yourself and others from radiation exposure. Otherwise,
continue to the next step.
3. Unlock and remove the standard padlock from the special drum lock bolt.
4. Unscrew and remove the lock bolt from the cover clamp band.
5. Remove the cover clamp band and cover.
6. Inspect the contents for damage or missing components. Refer to Figure 1.
2.2. Loading sources into the storage container
1. Open the storage container according to Section 2.1.
2. Find an empty storage port in the inner shielded pot.
3. Attach a compatible source guide tube to the fitting at the empty storage port.
4. Attach the other end of the guide tube to the exposure device outlet port.
3

USER INSTRUCTIONS
5. Follow the directions in the exposure device operating manual for source transfers.
6. Once the source is loaded into the storage pot, approach the storage container with a radiation
survey meter and survey the container, guide tubes, and exposure device to ensure the source
transfer was completed.Carefully survey the equipment involved in the source transfer.
7. If the storage container is an SSC-2, then lock the source in the port by sliding the port lock into
place.
8. Place the survey meter near the storage port and monitor the meter while carefully removing
the guide tube from the storage port.
9. Disconnect the control cable connector from the source assembly connector.
10. Install the storage port cover over the loaded port.
11. Identify and record, or place a source ID tag at the loaded port.
12. Close and lock the storage container according to Section 2.4, if transfers are complete.
2.3. Unloading source from the storage container
1. Open the storage container according to Section 2.1.
2. Locate the source to be unloaded from the inner shielded pot.
3. Follow the directions in the exposure device operating manual for source transfers.
4. Connect the control cable connector to the source assembly connector.
5. Attach a compatible source guide tube to the fitting at the storage port.
6. Attach the other end of the guide tube to the exposure device outlet port.
7. Unlock the storage port if the container is an SSC-2.
8. Transfer the source into the exposure device.
9. Once the source is loaded into the exposure device, approach the storage container with a
radiation survey meter and survey the container, guide tubes, and exposure device to ensure
the source transfer was completed. Carefully survey the equipment involved in the source
transfer.
10. Install the storage port cover over the empty port.
11. Close and lock the storage container according to Section 2.4, if transfers are complete.
2.4. Closing & locking the storage container
1. Perform a confirmatory radiation survey on and around the storage container to ensure
radiation measurements are acceptable (e.g., ≤ 200 mR/hr (2 mSv/hr) on the surface).
4

USER INSTRUCTIONS
2. If radiation measurements are unacceptable, then take precautions to protect yourself and
others from radiation exposure. Otherwise, continue to the next step.
3. Inspect the contents for damage or missing components. Refer to Figure 1.
4. Attach the cover and cover clamp band.
5. Install the lock bolt into the cover clamp band. Ensure the clamp band is tight enough to
prevent clamp removal.
6. Install and lock the standard padlock in the special drum lock bolt.
7. Perform a confirmatory radiation survey on and around the container.
5

LEAK TESTING
SECTION 3: LEAK TESTING
Periodic leak testing of the radioactive sources used in the storage container are required by most
national and international regulations. The leak test provides a confirmation of the integrity of the
hermetically welded sealed source by determining the amount of removable contamination. In most
regulatory jurisdictions, a leak test of a sealed source must be performed every 6 months or prior to its
first use after removal from storage. Acceptable results of a radio-assay must indicate removable
contamination in less than <185 Bq (0.005 µCi).
Evaluation of depleted sources for return to QSA Global, Inc. should be leak tested while still contained
in their exposure device in accordance with the applicable device procedures. This test must be
performed in a properly secured Controlled Area. The individual performing this test should wear a
direct reading pocket dosimeter and either a film badge or thermoluminescent dosimeter. The individual
should also use a properly calibrated and operable radiation survey instrument.
6

DISPOSAL
SECTION 4: DISPOSAL
By international regulations, radioactive materials that are no longer required must be transferred to a
licensed recipient for final disposition. Source assemblies that have depleted beyond their useful
working life may be returned to authorized recipients using a source changer authorized for the specific
model source assembly.
Authorized recipients will provide any specific conditions to the shipper as required by regulatory
authorities. As a minimum, sources that are transferred for a final disposition must be within a current
leak test and properly secured within an authorized package before shipment.
Damaged, cropped, modified or contaminated source assemblies may require special handling and
special transport containers. Notify the authorized recipient for specific instructions in these
circumstances.
Depleted Uranium (DU) shielded exposure devices that are removed from service due to severe damage,
worn through ‘S’ tubes or decommissioning reasons must be sent to a licensed recipient for final
disposition. If the Type B transport status of a damaged exposure device is impaired, the exposure
device must be transported without radioactive source assemblies. DU shielded exposure devices sent
for final disposition must be properly packaged, surveyed, marked and labeled before placement into
the transportation system.
Contact QSA Global, Inc. for assistance in the transfer of DU shielded exposure device for final
disposition.
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Sales & Service
SENTINEL™
QSA Global, Inc.
6765 Langley Drive
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70809 USA
Telephone + 1 225 751 5893
Toll Free + 1 800 225 1383
Fax + 1 225 756 0365 or
+ 1 225 751 8082
Manufacturing
SENTINEL™
QSA Global, Inc.
40 North Avenue,
Burlington, Massachusetts 01803 USA
Telephone + 1 781 272 2000
Toll Free + 1 800 815 1383
Fax + 1 781 273 2216
Sales & Service
SENTINEL™
Loma Systems - QSA Global, Inc.
U Lomy 1069,
334 41 Dobrany
Czech Republic
Telephone + 420 377 183 843
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.qsa-global.com
All goods and services are sold subject to the terms and conditions
of QSA Global, Inc. A copy of these terms and conditions is available upon request.
SENTINEL™ is a trademark of QSA Global, Inc.
All brand names and product names where used are acknowledged
to be trademarks of their respective holders.
© 2015 QSA Global, Inc.
MAN-056 - December 2015