RADIATION SAFETY (GENERAL) REGULATIONS 1983 - REG 30

RADIATION SAFETY (GENERAL) REGULATIONS 1983 - REG 30

30 .         Storage of radioactive substances

                The person in whose name any premises are registered in respect of the manufacture, use or storage of radioactive substances shall ensure that —

            (a)         radioactive substances which are not in use are kept or stored in such a manner that —

                  (i)         the absorbed dose rate in air in any area accessible to persons other than radiation workers and outside the place of storage does not exceed 25 micrograys per hour; and

                  (ii)         no person receives an effective dose exceeding the appropriate effective dose limit;

                and

            (b)         every area used for the keeping or storage of radioactive substances is posted with a sign bearing the radiation warning symbol, the word “radioactive” or “radiation” and such other wording as is approved, and the name of the person in whose name those premises are registered; and

            (c)         vaults or rooms used for keeping or storing radioactive substances which are capable of emitting radioactive gases are ventilated in such a manner that any accumulation of radioactive gases does not exceed the appropriate maximum concentration specified in Schedule VIII; and

            (d)         radioactive substances which are not in use are —

                  (i)         in the case of radioactive substances which are not radioactive ores, enclosed in containers of such construction, materials or thickness or are otherwise shielded in such a manner; or

                  (ii)         in the case of radioactive ores, enclosed in containers of such construction, materials or thickness or are otherwise shielded in such a manner, or are kept at such a distance from areas to which unprotected persons have access, or are both so shielded and kept,

                that no person is exposed to an effective dose in excess of the appropriate effective dose limit; and

            (e)         except in the case of containers for radioactive substances which are radioactive ores, containers for radioactive substances specified in the second column of Schedule V in quantities in excess of 100 000 times the amounts specified opposite to those radioactive substances in the third column of that Schedule are designed to be resistant to fire and earthquake damage and to temperatures up to and including 800°C and are structurally sound, having regard to any corrosion, radiation effects and temperatures to which they may be subjected; and

            (f)         whenever it is possible that chemical, radiation or other action may weaken or rupture a container of radioactive substances sufficiently to cause leakage from that container, that container is provided with suitable secondary containment adequate to contain the entire quantity of radioactive substances in that container.

        [Regulation 30 amended: Gazette 22 Jul 1997 p. 3826.]