(Amendment)
DAR File No.: 37197
Filed: 01/11/2013 10:06:45 AMRULE ANALYSIS
Purpose of the rule or reason for the change:
Changes are required to conform with S.B. 21, 2012 General Session (Chapter 360, Laws of Utah 2012).
Summary of the rule or change:
S.B. 21 (2012) gave authority to the Director of the Division of Radiation Control to make many regulatory decisions that had previously been made either by the Radiation Control Board or by the Executive Secretary of the Radiation Control Board. This rule change implements these statutory changes by replacing occurrences of both "executive secretary" and "board" with "director." In Subsection R313-30-4(1)(d)(ii), provisions for the Board to grant an exemption were changed so the director may issue a written approval.
State statutory or constitutional authorization for this rule:
Anticipated cost or savings to:
the state budget:
There are no anticipated costs or savings to the state budget as this amendment only changes who has authority to make regulatory decisions.
local governments:
There are no anticipated costs or savings as this amendment only changes who has authority to make regulatory decisions.
small businesses:
There are no anticipated costs or savings as this amendment only changes who has authority to make regulatory decisions.
persons other than small businesses, businesses, or local governmental entities:
There are no anticipated costs or savings as this amendment only changes who has authority to make regulatory decisions.
Compliance costs for affected persons:
There are no compliance costs for affected persons as this amendment only changes who has authority to make regulatory decisions.
Comments by the department head on the fiscal impact the rule may have on businesses:
There is no anticipated fiscal impact on businesses as this amendment only changes who has authority to make regulatory decisions.
Amanda Smith, Executive Director
The full text of this rule may be inspected, during regular business hours, at the Division of Administrative Rules, or at:
Environmental Quality
Radiation ControlRoom Third Floor
195 N 1950 W
SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84116-3085Direct questions regarding this rule to:
- Craig Jones at the above address, by phone at 801-536-4264, by FAX at 801-533-4097, or by Internet E-mail at cwjones@utah.gov
Interested persons may present their views on this rule by submitting written comments to the address above no later than 5:00 p.m. on:
03/04/2013
This rule may become effective on:
03/19/2013
Authorized by:
Rusty Lundberg, Director
RULE TEXT
R313. Environmental Quality, Radiation Control.
R313-30. Therapeutic Radiation Machines.
R313-30-1. Scope and Applicability.
(1) R313-30 establishes requirements, for which the registrant is responsible, for use of therapeutic radiation machines. The provisions of R313-30 are in addition to, and not in substitution for, other applicable provisions of these rules.
(2) The use of therapeutic radiation machines shall be by, or under the supervision of, a licensed practitioner of the healing arts who meets the training and experience criteria established by R313-30-3(3).
(3) R313-30 shall only apply to therapeutic radiation machines which accelerate electrons into a target to produce bremsstrahlung or which accelerate electrons to produce a clinically useful electron beam.
R313-30-2. Definitions.
As used in R313-30, the following definitions apply:
"Absorbed dose (D)" means the mean energy imparted by ionizing radiation to matter. Absorbed dose is determined as the quotient of dE by dM, where dE is the mean energy imparted by ionizing radiation to matter of mass dM. The SI unit of absorbed dose is joule per kilogram and the special name of the unit of absorbed dose is the gray (Gy). The previously used special unit of absorbed dose (rad) is being replaced by the gray.
"Absorbed dose rate" means absorbed dose per unit time, for machines with timers, or dose monitor unit per unit time for linear accelerators.
"Accessible surfaces" means surface of equipment or of an equipment part that can be easily or accidentally touched by persons without the use of a tool, or without opening an access panel or door.
"Added filtration" means filtration which is in addition to the inherent filtration.
"Air kerma (K)" means the kinetic energy released in air by ionizing radiation. Kerma is determined as the quotient of dE by dM, where dE is the sum of the initial kinetic energies of the charged ionizing particles liberated by uncharged ionizing particles in air of mass dM. The SI unit of air kerma is joule per kilogram and the special name for the unit of kerma is the gray (Gy).
"Barrier" See "Protective barrier."
"Beam axis" means the axis of rotation of the radiation head.
"Beam-limiting device" means a field defining collimator which provides a means to restrict the dimensions of the useful beam.
"Beam monitoring system" means a system designed and installed in the radiation head to detect and measure the radiation present in the useful beam.
"Beam scattering foil" means a thin piece of material, usually metallic, placed in the beam to scatter a beam of electrons in order to provide a more uniform electron distribution in the useful beam.
"Bent beam linear accelerator" means a linear accelerator geometry in which the accelerated electron beam must change direction by passing through a bending magnet.
"Changeable filters" means filters, exclusive of inherent filtration, which can be removed from the useful beam through electronic, mechanical, or physical processes.
"Contact therapy system" means a therapeutic radiation machine with a short target to skin distance (TSD), usually less than five centimeters.
"Detector" See "Radiation detector."
"Dose monitor unit (DMU)" means a unit response from the beam monitoring system from which the absorbed dose can be calculated.
"External beam radiation therapy" means therapeutic irradiation in which the source of radiation is at a distance from the body.
"Field-flattening filter" means a filter used to homogenize the absorbed dose rate over the radiation field.
"Filter" means material placed in the useful beam to change beam quality in therapeutic radiation machines subject to R313-30-6.
"Gantry" means that part of a therapeutic radiation machine supporting and allowing movements of the radiation head about a center of rotation.
"Gray (Gy)" means the SI unit of absorbed dose, kerma, and specific energy imparted equal to 1 joule per kilogram. The previous unit of absorbed dose (rad) is being replaced by the gray. Note that 1 Gy equals 100 rad.
"Half-value layer (HVL)" means the thickness of a specified material which attenuates x-radiation or gamma radiation to the extent that the air kerma rate, exposure rate or absorbed dose rate is reduced to one-half of the value measured without the material at the same point.
"Interlock" means a device preventing the start or continued operation of equipment unless certain predetermined conditions prevail.
"Interruption of irradiation" means the stopping of irradiation with the possibility of continuing irradiation without resetting of operating conditions at the control panel.
"Irradiation" means the exposure of a living being or matter to ionizing radiation.
"Isocenter" means the center of the sphere through which the useful beam axis passes while the gantry moves through its full range of motions.
"Kilovolt (kV) or kilo electron volt (keV)" means the energy equal to that acquired by a particle with one electron charge in passing through a potential difference of one thousand volts in a vacuum. Current convention is to use kV for photons and keV for electrons.
"Lead equivalent" means the thickness of the material in question affording the same attenuation, under specified conditions, as lead.
"Leakage radiation" means radiation emanating from the therapeutic radiation machine except for the useful beam.
"Light field" means the area illuminated by light, simulating the radiation field.
"mA" means milliampere.
"Megavolt (MV) or mega electron volt (MeV)" means the energy equal to that acquired by a particle with one electron charge in passing through a potential difference of one million volts in a vacuum. Current convention is to use MV for photons and MeV for electrons.
"Monitor unit (MU)" See "Dose monitor unit."
"Moving beam radiation therapy" means radiation therapy with continuous displacement of one or more mechanical axes relative to the patient during irradiation. It includes arc therapy, skip therapy, conformal therapy and rotational therapy.
"Nominal treatment distance" means:
(a) For electron irradiation, the distance from the scattering foil, virtual source, or exit window of the electron beam to the entrance surface of the irradiated object along the central axis of the useful beam.
(b) For x-ray irradiation, the virtual source or target to isocenter distance along the central axis of the useful beam. For non-isocentric equipment, this distance shall be that specified by the manufacturer.
"Patient" means an individual subjected to machine produced external beam radiation for the purposes of medical therapy.
"Peak tube potential" means the maximum value of the potential difference across the x-ray tube during an exposure.
"Periodic quality assurance check" means a procedure which is performed to ensure that a previous calibration continues to be valid.
"Phantom" means an object which attenuates, absorbs, and scatters ionizing radiation in the same quantitative manner as tissue.
"Practical range of electrons" corresponds to classical electron range where the only remaining contribution to dose is from bremsstrahlung x-rays.
"Primary dose monitoring system" means a system which will monitor the useful beam during irradiation and which will terminate irradiation when a pre-selected number of dose monitor units have been delivered.
"Primary protective barrier" See "Protective barrier."
"Protective barrier" means a barrier of radiation absorbing materials used to reduce radiation exposure. The types of protective barriers are as follows:
(a) "Primary protective barrier" means the material, excluding filters, placed in the useful beam or a barrier which attenuates the primary beam.
(b) "Secondary protective barrier" means the material which attenuates stray radiation.
"Radiation detector" means a device which, in the presence of radiation provides, by either direct or indirect means a signal or other indication suitable for use in measuring one or more quantities of incident radiation.
"Radiation field" See "Useful beam."
"Radiation head" means the structure from which the useful beam emerges.
"Radiation Therapy Physicist" means an individual qualified in accordance with R313-30-3(4).
"Redundant beam monitoring system" means a combination of two dose monitoring systems in which each system is designed to terminate irradiation in accordance with a pre-selected number of dose monitor units.
"Scattered radiation" means ionizing radiation emitted by interaction of ionizing radiation with matter, the interaction being accompanied by a change in direction of the radiation.
"Secondary dose monitoring system" means a system which will terminate irradiation in the event of failure of the primary dose monitoring system.
"Secondary protective barrier" See "Protective barrier."
"Shadow tray" means a device attached to the radiation head to support auxiliary beam blocking material.
"Shutter" means a device attached to the tube housing assembly which can totally intercept the useful beam and which has a lead equivalency not less than that of the tube housing assembly.
"Sievert (Sv)" means the SI unit of dose equivalent. The unit of dose equivalent is the joule per kilogram. The previous unit of dose equivalent (rem) is being replaced by the sievert. Note that 1 Sv equals 100 rem.
"Simulator, or radiation therapy simulation system" means an x-ray system intended for localizing the volume to be exposed during radiation therapy and reproducing the position and size of the therapeutic irradiation field.
"Source" means the region or material from which the radiation emanates.
"Source-skin distance (SSD)" See "Target-skin distance."
"Stationary beam radiation therapy" means radiation therapy without displacement of the radiation source relative to the patient during irradiation.
"Stray radiation" means the sum of leakage and scattered radiation.
"Target" means that part of an x-ray tube or particle accelerator onto which is directed a beam of accelerated particles to produce ionizing radiation or other particles.
"Target-skin distance (TSD)" means the distance measured along the beam axis from the center of the front surface of the x-ray target or electron virtual source to the surface of the irradiated object or patient.
"Tenth-value layer (TVL)" means the thickness of a specified material which, x-radiation or gamma radiation to the extent that the air kerma rate, exposure rate or absorbed dose rate is reduced to one-tenth of the value measured without the material at the same point.
"Termination of irradiation" means the stopping of irradiation in a fashion which will not permit continuance of irradiation without the resetting of operating conditions at the control panel.
"Therapeutic radiation machine" means x-ray or electron-producing equipment designed and used for external beam radiation therapy.
"Tube" means an x-ray tube, unless otherwise specified.
"Tube housing assembly" means the tube housing with tube installed. It includes high-voltage and filament transformers and other appropriate elements that are contained within the tube housing.
"Useful beam" means the radiation emanating from the tube housing port or the radiation head and passing through the aperture of the beam limiting device when the exposure controls are in a mode to cause the therapeutic radiation machine to produce radiation.
"Virtual source" means a point from which radiation appears to originate.
"Wedge filter" means a filter which effects continuous change in transmission over all or a part of the radiation field.
"X-ray tube" means an electron tube which is designed to be used primarily for the production of x-rays.
R313-30-3. General Administrative Requirements for Facilities Using Therapeutic Radiation Machines.
(1) Administrative Controls. The registrant shall be responsible for directing the operation of the therapeutic radiation machines which have been registered with the Department. The registrant or the registrant's agent shall ensure that the requirements of R313-30 are met in the operation of the therapeutic radiation machines.
(2) A therapeutic radiation machine which does not meet the provisions of these rules shall not be used for irradiation of patients.
(3) Training for External Beam Radiation Therapy Authorized Users. The registrant for a therapeutic radiation machine subject to R313-30-6 or R313-30-7 shall require the authorized user to be a physician who:
(a) Is certified in:
(i) Radiology or therapeutic radiology by the American Board of Radiology; or
(ii) Radiation oncology by the American Osteopathic Board of Radiology; or
(iii) Radiology, with specialization in radiotherapy, as a British "Fellow of the Faculty of Radiology" or "Fellow of the Royal College of Radiology"; or
(iv) Therapeutic radiology by the Canadian Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons; or
(b) Is in the active practice of therapeutic radiology, and has completed 200 hours of instruction in basic radiation techniques applicable to the use of an external beam radiation therapy unit, 500 hours of supervised work experience, and a minimum of three years of supervised clinical experience.
(i) To satisfy the requirement for instruction, the classroom and laboratory training shall include:
(A) Radiation physics and instrumentation;
(B) Radiation protection;
(C) Mathematics pertaining to the use and measurement of radioactivity; and
(D) Radiation biology.
(ii) To satisfy the requirement for supervised work experience, training shall be under the supervision of an authorized user and shall include:
(A) Review of the full calibration measurements and periodic quality assurance checks;
(B) Preparing treatment plans and calculating treatment times;
(C) Using administrative controls to prevent misadministrations;
(D) Implementing emergency procedures to be followed in the event of the abnormal operation of a external beam radiation therapy unit or console; and
(E) Checking and using radiation survey meters.
(iii) To satisfy the requirement for a period of supervised clinical experience, training shall include one year in a formal training program approved by the Residency Review Committee for Radiology of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education or the Committee on Postdoctoral Training of the American Osteopathic Association and an additional two years of clinical experience in therapeutic radiology under the supervision of an authorized user. The supervised clinical experience shall include:
(A) Examining individuals and reviewing their case histories to determine their suitability for external beam radiation therapy treatment, and limitations and contraindications;
(B) Selecting proper dose and how it is to be administered;
(C) Calculating the external beam radiation therapy doses and collaborating with the authorized user in the review of patients' progress and consideration of the need to modify originally prescribed doses as warranted by patients' reaction to radiation; and
(D) Post-administration follow-up and review of case histories.
(iv) An individual who satisfies the requirements in R313-30-3(b), but not R313-30-3(a), must submit an application to the [
Executive Secretary]Director and must satisfy the requirements in R313-30-3(a) within one year of initial application to the [Executive Secretary]Director.(c) After December 31, 1994, a physician shall not act as an authorized user for a therapeutic radiation machine until the physician's training has been reviewed and approved by the [
Executive Secretary]Director.(4) Training for Radiation Therapy Physicist. The registrant for a therapeutic radiation machine subject to R313-30-6 or R313-30-7 shall require the Radiation Therapy Physicist to:
(a) Satisify the provisions of R313-16, as a provider of radiation services in the area of calibration and compliance surveys of external beam radiation therapy units; and
(b) Be certified by the American Board of Radiology in:
(i) Therapeutic radiological physics; or
(ii) Roentgen-ray and gamma-ray physics; or
(iii) X-ray and radium physics; or
(iv) Radiological physics; or
(c) Be certified by the American Board of Medical Physics in Radiation Oncology Physics; or
(d) Be certified by the Canadian College of Medical Physics; or
(e) Hold a master's or doctor's degree in physics, biophysics, radiological physics, or health physics, and have completed one year of full time training in therapeutic radiological physics and also one year of full time work experience under the supervision of a Radiation Therapy Physicist at a medical institution. To meet this requirement, the individual shall have performed the tasks listed in R313-30-4(1), R313-30-6(16), R313-30-7(19), R313-30-6(17), and R313-30-7(20) under the supervision of a Radiation Therapy Physicist during the year of work experience.
(f) Notwithstanding the provisions of R313-30-3(4)(e), certification pursuant to R313-30-3(4)(b), (c) or (d) shall be required on or before December 31, 1999 for all persons currently qualifying as a Radiation Therapy Physicist pursuant to R313-30-3(4)(e).
(5) Qualifications of Operators.
(a) Individuals who will be operating a therapeutic radiation machine for medical use shall be American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Registered Radiation Therapy Technologists.
(b) The names and training of personnel currently operating a therapeutic radiation machine shall be kept on file at the facility. Information on former operators shall be retained for a period of at least two years beyond the last date they were authorized to operate a therapeutic radiation machine at that facility.
(6) Written safety procedures and rules shall be developed by a Radiation Therapy Physicist and shall be available in the control area of a therapeutic radiation machine, including restrictions required for the safe operation of the particular therapeutic radiation machine. The operator shall be familiar with these rules as required in R313-18-12(1)(c).
(7) Individuals shall not be exposed to the useful beam except for medical therapy purposes. Exposure for medical therapy purposes shall be ordered in writing by an authorized user who is specifically identified on the Certificate of Registration. This provision specifically prohibits deliberate exposure of an individual for training, demonstration or other non-healing-arts purposes.
(8) Visiting Authorized User. Notwithstanding the provisions of R313-30-3(7), a registrant may permit a physician to act as a visiting authorized user under the term of the registrant's Certificate of Registration for up to 60 days per calendar year under the following conditions:
(a) The visiting authorized user has the prior written permission of the registrant's management and, if the use occurs on behalf of an institution, the institution's Radiation Safety Committee; and
(b) The visiting authorized user meets the requirements established for authorized users in R313-30-3(3)(a) and R313-30-3(3)(b); and
(c) The registrant maintains copies of records specified by R313-30-3(8) for five years from the date of the last visit.
(9) Individuals associated with the operation of a therapeutic radiation machine shall be instructed in and shall comply with the provisions of the registrant's quality management program. In addition to the requirements of R313-30, these individuals are also subject to the requirements of R313-15-201, R313-15-202, R313-15-205 and R313-15-502.
(10) Information and Maintenance Record and Associated Information. The registrant shall maintain the following information in a separate file or package for therapeutic radiation machines, for inspection by the representatives of the [
Executive Secretary]Director:(a) Report of acceptance testing;
(b) Records of surveys, calibrations, and periodic quality assurance checks of the therapeutic radiation machine required by R313-30, as well as the names of persons who performed the activities;
(c) Records of major maintenance and modifications performed on the therapeutic radiation machine after the effective date of these rules, as well as the names of persons who performed the services; and
(d) Signature of person authorizing the return of therapeutic radiation machine to clinical use after service, repair, or upgrade.
(11) Records Retention. Records required by R313-30 shall be retained until disposal is authorized by the [
Executive Secretary]Director unless another retention period is specifically authorized in R313-30. Required records shall be retained in an active file from at least the time of generation until the next inspection by a representative of the [Executive Secretary]Director. A required record generated prior to the last inspection may be microfilmed or otherwise archived as long as a complete copy of said record can be retrieved until the [Executive Secretary]Director authorizes final disposal.R313-30-4. General Technical Requirements for Facilities Using Therapeutic Radiation Machines.
(1) Protection Surveys.
(a) The registrant shall ensure that radiation protection surveys of new facilities, and existing facilities not previously surveyed are performed with an operable radiation measurement survey instrument calibrated in accordance with R313-30-8. The radiation protection survey shall be performed by, or under the direction of, a Radiation Therapy Physicist or a Certified Health Physicist and shall verify that, with the therapeutic radiation machine in a "BEAM-ON" condition, with the largest clinically available treatment field and with a scattering phantom in the useful beam of radiation:
(i) Radiation levels in restricted areas are not likely to cause personnel exposures in excess of the limits specified in R313-15-201(1); and
(ii) Radiation levels in unrestricted areas do not exceed the limits specified in R313-15-301(1).
(b) In addition to the requirements of R313-30-4(1)(a), a radiation protection survey shall also be performed prior to subsequent medical use and:
(i) After making changes in the treatment room shielding;
(ii) After making changes in the location of the therapeutic radiation machine within the treatment room;
(iii) After relocation of, or modification of, the therapeutic radiation machine; or
(iv) Before using the therapeutic radiation machine in a manner that could result in increased radiation levels in areas outside the external beam radiation therapy treatment room.
(c) The survey record shall indicate instances where the facility, in the opinion of the Radiation Therapy Physicist or a Certified Health Physicist, is in violation of applicable radiation protection rules. The survey record shall also include the date of the measurements, the reason the survey is required, the manufacturer's name, model number and serial number of the therapeutic radiation machine, the instruments used to measure radiation levels, a plan of the areas surrounding the treatment room that were surveyed, the measured dose rate at several points in areas expressed in microsieverts, millirems, per hour, the calculated maximum level of radiation over a period of one week for restricted and unrestricted areas, and the signature of the individual responsible for conducting the survey;
(d) If the results of the surveys required by R313-30-4(1)(a) or R313-30-4(1)(b) indicate radiation levels in excess of the respective limit specified in R313-30-4(1)(a), the registrant shall lock the control in the "OFF" position and not use the unit:
(i) Except as may be necessary to repair, replace, or test the therapeutic radiation machine, the therapeutic radiation machine shielding, or the treatment room shielding; or
(ii) Until the registrant has received a [
specific exemption from the Board]written approval from the Director.(2) Modification of Radiation Therapy Unit or Room Before Beginning a Treatment Program. If the survey required by R313-30-4(1) indicates that an individual in an unrestricted area may be exposed to levels of radiation greater than those permitted by R313-15-301(1) of these rules, before beginning the treatment program the registrant shall:
(a) Either equip the unit with beam direction interlocks or add additional radiation shielding to ensure compliance with R313-15-301(1) of these rules;
(b) Perform the survey required by R313-30-4(1) again; and
(c) Include in the report required by R313-30-4(4) the results of the initial survey, a description of the modification made to comply with R313-30-4(2)(a), and the results of the second survey; or
(d) Request and receive a registration amendment under R313-15-301(3) of these rules that authorizes radiation levels in unrestricted areas greater than those permitted by R313-15-301(1) of these rules.
(3) Possession of Survey Instruments. Facility locations authorized to use a therapeutic radiation machine in accordance with R313-30-6 and R313-30-7 shall possess appropriately calibrated portable monitoring equipment. As a minimum, the equipment shall include a portable radiation measurement survey instrument capable of measuring dose rates over the range 10 uSv (1 mrem) per hour to 10 mSv (1000 mrem) per hour. The survey instruments shall be operable and calibrated in accordance with R313-30-8.
(4) Reports of External Beam Radiation Therapy Surveys and Measurements. The registrant for a therapeutic radiation machine subject to R313-30-6 or R313-30-7 shall furnish a copy of the records required in R313-30-4(1) and R313-30-4(2) to the [
Executive Secretary]Director within 30 days following completion of the action that initiated the record requirement.R313-30-5. Quality Management Program.
(1) In addition to the definitions in R313-30-2, the following definitions are applicable to a quality management program:
"Course" means the entire treatment consisting of multiple fractions as prescribed in the written directive.
"Misadministration" means the administration of an external beam radiation therapy dose:
(a) Involving the wrong patient, wrong treatment modality, or wrong treatment site;
(b) When the treatment consists of three or fewer fractions and the calculated total administered dose differs from the total prescribed dose by more than ten percent of the total prescribed dose;
(c) When the calculated weekly administered dose differs from the weekly prescribed dose by more than 30 percent; or
(d) When the calculated total administered dose differs from the total prescribed dose by more than 20 percent of the total prescribed dose;
"Prescribed dose" means the total dose and dose per fraction as documented in the written directive.
"Recordable event" means the administration of an external beam radiation therapy dose when the calculated weekly administered dose differs by 15 percent or more from the weekly prescribed dose;
"Written directive" means an order in writing for a specific patient, dated and signed by an authorized user prior to the administration of radiation, containing the following information: total dose, dose per fraction, treatment site and overall treatment period.
(2) Scope and Applicability. Applicants or registrants subject to R313-30-6 or R313-30-7 shall establish and maintain a written quality management program to provide high confidence that radiation will be administered as directed by the authorized user. The quality management program shall include written policies and procedures to meet the following specific objectives:
(a) Prior to administration, a written directive is prepared for an external beam radiation therapy dose;
(i) Notwithstanding R313-30-5(2)(a), a written revision to an existing written directive may be made provided that the revision is dated and signed by an authorized user prior to administration of the external beam radiation therapy dose or the next external beam radiation therapy fractional dose;
(ii) Notwithstanding R313-30-5(2)(a), if, because of the patient's condition, a delay in order to provide a written revision to an existing written directive would jeopardize the patient's health, an oral revision to an existing written directive shall be acceptable, provided that the oral revision is documented immediately in the patient's record and a revised written directive is signed by an authorized user within 48 hours of the oral revision;
(iii) Notwithstanding R313-30-5(2)(a), if, because of the emergent nature of the patient's condition, a delay in order to provide a written directive would jeopardize the patient's health, an oral directive shall be acceptable, provided that the information contained in the oral directive is documented immediately in the patient's record and a written directive is prepared and signed by an authorized user within 24 hours of the oral directive.
(b) Prior to the administration of a course of radiation treatments, the patient's identity is verified, by more than one method, as the individual named in the written directive;
(c) External beam radiation therapy final plans of treatment and related calculations are in accordance with the respective written directives;
(d) An administration is in accordance with the written directive; and
(e) Unintended deviations from the written directive is identified and evaluated, and appropriate action are taken.
(3) Development of Quality Management Program.
(a) An application for registration subject to R313-30-6 or R313-30-7 shall include a quality management program that specifies staff, duties and responsibilities, and equipment and procedures as part of the application required by R313-16 of these rules. The registrant shall implement the program upon issuance of a Certificate of Registration by the [
Executive Secretary]Director;(b) Existing registrants subject to R313-30-6 or R313-30-7 shall submit to the [
Executive Secretary]Director a written certification that a quality management program has been implemented by December 31, 1994.(4) As a part of the quality management program, the registrant shall:
(a) Develop procedures for, and conduct a review of, the quality management program including, since the last review, an evaluation of a representative sample of patient administrations, recordable events, and misadministrations to verify compliance with the quality management program;
(b) Conduct these reviews annually. The intervals should not exceed 12 months and shall not exceed 13 months;
(c) Evaluate these reviews to determine the effectiveness of the quality management program and, if required, make modifications to meet the requirements of R313-30-5(2); and
(d) Maintain records of these reviews, including the evaluations and findings of the reviews, in a form that can be readily audited, for three years.
(5) The registrant shall evaluate and respond, within 30 days after discovery of the recordable event, to recordable events by:
(a) Assembling the relevant facts including the cause;
(b) Identifying what corrective actions are required to prevent recurrence; and
(c) Retaining a record, in a form that can be readily audited, for three years, of the relevant facts and what corrective actions were taken.
(6) The registrant shall retain:
(a) Written directives; and
(b) A record of administered radiation doses, in a form that can be readily audited, for three years after the date of administration.
(7) The registrant may make modifications to the quality management program to increase the program's efficiency provided the program's effectiveness is not decreased.
(8) The registrant shall evaluate misadministrations and shall take the following actions in response to a misadministration:
(a) Notify the [
Executive Secretary]Director by telephone no later than the next calendar day after discovery of the misadministration;(b) Submit a written report to the [
Executive Secretary]Director within 15 days after discovery of the misadministration. The written report shall include: the registrant's name; the prescribing physician's name; a brief description of the event; why the event occurred; the effect on the patient; what improvements are needed to prevent recurrence; actions taken to prevent recurrence; whether the registrant notified the patient or the patient's responsible relative or guardian, this person will subsequently be referred to as "the patient," and if not, why not; and if the patient was notified, what information was provided to the patient. The report shall not include the patient's name or other information that could lead to identification of the patient;(c) Notify the referring physician and also notify the patient of the misadministration no later than 24 hours after its discovery, unless the referring physician personally informs the registrant either that the physician will inform the patient, or that, based on medical judgment, telling the patient would be harmful. The registrant is not required to notify the patient without first consulting the referring physician. If the referring physician or patient cannot be reached within 24 hours, the registrant shall notify the patient as soon as possible thereafter. The registrant shall not delay appropriate medical care for the patient, including necessary remedial care as a result of the misadministration, because of a delay in notification;
(d) Retain a record of misadministrations for five years. The record shall contain the names of individuals involved; including the prescribing physician, allied health personnel, the patient, and the patient's referring physician; the patient's social security number or identification number if one has been assigned; a brief description of the event; why it occurred; the effect on the patient; what improvements are needed to prevent recurrence; and the actions taken to prevent recurrence; and
(e) If the patient was notified, furnish, within 15 days after discovery of the misadministration, a written report to the patient by sending either a copy of the report that was submitted to the [
Executive Secretary]Director, or a brief description of both the event and the consequences as they may effect the patient, provided a statement is included that the report submitted to the [Executive Secretary]Director can be obtained from the registrant;(9) Aside from the notification requirement, nothing in R313-30-5(8) affects the rights or duties of registrants and physicians in relation to patients, the patient's responsible relatives or guardians, or to others.
R313-30-6. Therapeutic Radiation Machines of Less Than 500 kV.
(1) Leakage Radiation. When the x-ray tube is operated at its maximum rated tube current for the maximum kV, the leakage air kerma rate shall not exceed the value specified at the distance specified for that classification of therapeutic radiation machine:
(a) Systems 5-50 kV. The leakage air kerma rate measured at a position five centimeters from the tube housing assembly shall not exceed 1 mGy (100 mrad) in one hour.
(b) Systems greater than 50 and less than 500 kV. The leakage air kerma rate measured at a distance of one meter from the source in every direction shall not exceed 1 cGy (1 rad) in one hour. This air kerma rate measurement may be averaged over areas no larger than 100 square centimeters. In addition, the air kerma rate at a distance of five centimeters from the surface of the tube housing assembly shall not exceed 30 cGy (30 rad) per hour.
(2) Permanent Beam Limiting Devices. Permanent diaphragms or cones used for limiting the useful beam shall provide at least the same degree of attenuation as required for the tube housing assembly.
(3) Adjustable or Removable Beam Limiting Devices.
(a) Adjustable or removable beam limiting devices, diaphragms, cones or blocks shall not transmit more than five percent of the useful beam for the most penetrating beam used;
(b) When adjustable beam limiting devices are used, the position and shape of the radiation field shall be indicated by a light beam.
(4) Filter System. The filter system shall be so designed that:
(a) Filters can not be accidentally displaced at every possible tube orientation;
(b) For equipment installed after the effective date of these rules, an interlock system prevents irradiation if the proper filter is not in place;
(c) The air kerma rate escaping from the filter slot shall not exceed 1 cGy (1 rad) per hour at one meter under operating conditions; and
(d) Filters shall be marked as to its material of construction and its thickness.
(5) Tube Immobilization.
(a) The x-ray tube shall be so mounted that it can not accidentally turn or slide with respect to the housing aperture; and
(b) The tube housing assembly shall be capable of being immobilized for stationary portal treatments.
(6) Source Marking. The tube housing assembly shall be so marked that it is possible to determine the location of the source to within five millimeters, and the marking shall be readily accessible for use during calibration procedures.
(7) Beam Block. Contact therapy tube housing assemblies shall have a removable shield of material, equivalent in attenuation to 0.5 millimeters of lead at 100 kV, which can be positioned over the entire useful beam exit port during periods when the beam is not in use.
(8) Timer. A suitable irradiation control device shall be provided to terminate the irradiation after a pre-set time interval.
(a) A timer which has a display shall be provided at the treatment control panel. The timer shall have a pre-set time selector. The timer shall activate with an indication of "BEAM-ON" and retain its reading after irradiation is interrupted or terminated. After irradiation is terminated and before irradiation can be reinitiated, it shall be necessary to reset the timer;
(b) For equipment manufactured after the effective date of these rules, the timer shall be a cumulative timer with an elapsed time indicator. Otherwise, the timer may be a countdown timer;
(c) The timer shall terminate irradiation when a pre-selected time has elapsed, if the dose monitoring system present has not previously terminated irradiation;
(d) The timer shall permit pre-setting and determination of exposure times as short as one second;
(e) The timer shall not permit an exposure if set at zero;
(f) The timer shall not activate until the shutter is opened when irradiation is controlled by a shutter mechanism unless calibration includes a timer error correction to compensate for mechanical lag; and
(g) Timer shall be accurate to within one percent of the selected value or to within one second, whichever is greater.
(9) Control Panel Functions. The control panel, in addition to the displays required by other provisions in R313-30-6, shall have:
(a) An indication of whether electrical power is available at the control panel and if activation of the x-ray tube is possible;
(b) An indication of whether x-rays are being produced;
(c) Means for indicating x-ray tube potential and current;
(d) The means for terminating an exposure at any time;
(e) A locking device which will prevent unauthorized use of the therapeutic radiation machine; and
(f) For therapeutic radiation machines manufactured after the effective date of these rules, a positive display of specific filters in the beam.
(10) Multiple Tubes. When a control panel may energize more than one x-ray tube:
(a) It shall be possible to activate only one x-ray tube at a time;
(b) There shall be an indication at the control panel identifying which x-ray tube is activated; and
(c) There shall be an indication at the tube housing assembly when that tube is energized.
(11) Target-to-Skin Distance (TSD). There shall be a means of determining the central axis TSD to within one centimeter and of reproducing this measurement to within two millimeters thereafter.
(12) Shutters. Unless it is possible to bring the x-ray output to the prescribed exposure parameters within five seconds after the x-ray "ON" switch is energized, the beam shall be attenuated by a shutter having a lead equivalency not less than that of the tube housing assembly. In addition, after the unit is at operating parameters, the shutter shall be controlled electrically by the operator from the control panel. An indication of shutter position shall appear at the control panel.
(13) Low Filtration X-ray Tubes. Therapeutic radiation machines equipped with a beryllium or other low-filtration window shall have a label clearly marked on the tube housing assembly and shall be provided with a permanent warning device on the control panel that is activated when no additional filtration is present, to indicate that the dose rate is very high.
(14) Facility Design Requirements for Therapeutic Radiation Machines Capable of Operating in the Range 50 kV to 500 kV. In addition to shielding adequate to meet requirements of R313-30-9, the treatment room shall meet the following design requirements:
(a) Aural Communication. Provision shall be made for continuous two-way aural communication between the patient and the operator at the control panel;
(b) Viewing Systems. Provision shall be made to permit continuous observation of the patient during irradiation and the viewing system shall be so located that the operator can observe the patient from the control panel. The therapeutic radiation machine shall not be used for patient irradiation unless at least one viewing system is operational.
(15) Additional Requirements. Treatment rooms which contain a therapeutic radiation machine capable of operating above 150 kV shall meet the following additional requirements:
(a) Protective barriers shall be fixed except for entrance doors or beam interceptors;
(b) The control panel shall be located outside the treatment room or in a totally enclosed booth, which has a ceiling, inside the room;
(c) Interlocks shall be provided so that entrance doors, including doors to interior booths, shall be closed before treatment can be initiated or continued. If the radiation beam is interrupted by a door opening, it shall not be possible to restore the machine to operation without closing the door and reinitiating irradiation by manual action at the control panel; and
(d) When a door referred to in R313-30-6(15)(c) is opened while the x-ray tube is activated, the irradiation shall be interrupted either electrically or by the closure of the shutter.
(16) Full Calibration Measurements.
(a) Full calibration of a therapeutic radiation machine subject to R313-30-6 shall be performed by, or under the direct supervision of, a Radiation Therapy Physicist:
(i) Before the first medical use following installation or reinstallation of the therapeutic radiation machine;
(ii) Annually. The intervals should not exceed 12 months and shall not exceed 13 months; and
(iii) Before medical use under the following conditions:
(A) Whenever quality assurance check measurements indicate that the radiation output differs by more than five percent from the value obtained at the last full calibration and the difference cannot be reconciled; and
(B) Following a component replacement, major repair, or modification of components that could significantly affect the characteristics of the radiation beam.
(iv) Notwithstanding the requirements of R313-30-6(16)(a)(iii):
(A) Full calibration of therapeutic radiation machines with multi-energy capabilities is required only for those modes and energies that are not within their acceptable range; and
(B) If the repair, replacement or modification does not affect all energies, full calibration shall be performed on the affected energy that is in most frequent clinical use at the facility. The remaining energies may be validated with quality assurance check procedures against the criteria in R313-30-6(16)(a)(iii)(A).
(v) The registrant shall use the dosimetry system described in R313-30-8(6)(a) to perform the full calibration required in R313-30-6(16)(b);
(b) To satisfy the requirement of R313-30-6(16)(a), full calibration shall include measurements recommended for annual calibration by NCRP Report 69, "Dosimetry of X-Ray and Gamma Ray Beams for Radiation Therapy in the Energy Range 10 keV to 50 MeV," 1981 ed., which is adopted and incorporated by reference.
(c) The registrant shall maintain a record of calibrations for the duration of the registration. The record shall include the date of the calibration, the manufacturer's name, model number, and serial number for both the therapeutic radiation machine and the x-ray tube, the model numbers and serial numbers of the instruments used to calibrate the therapeutic radiation machine, and the signature of the Radiation Therapy Physicist responsible for performing the calibration.
(17) Periodic Quality Assurance Checks.
(a) Periodic quality assurance checks shall be performed on therapeutic radiation machines subject to R313-30-6, which are capable of operation at greater than 50 kV.
(b) To satisfy the requirement of R313-30-6(17)(a), quality assurance checks shall meet the following requirements:
(i) The registrant shall perform quality assurance checks in accordance with written procedures established by the Radiation Therapy Physicist; and
(ii) The quality assurance check procedures shall specify the frequency at which tests or measurements are to be performed. The quality assurance check procedures shall specify that the quality assurance check shall be performed during the calibration specified in R313-30-6(16)(a). The acceptable tolerance for parameters measured in the quality assurance check, when compared to the value for that parameter determined in the calibration specified in R313-30-6(16)(a), shall be stated.
(c) The cause for a parameter exceeding a tolerance set by the Radiation Therapy Physicist shall be investigated and corrected before the system is used for patient irradiation;
(d) Whenever a quality assurance check indicates a significant change in the operating characteristics of a system, as specified in the Radiation Therapy Physicist's quality assurance check procedures, the system shall be recalibrated as required in R313-30-6(16)(a);
(e) The registrant shall use the dosimetry system described in R313-30-8(6)(b) to make the quality assurance check required in R313-30-6(17)(b);
(f) The registrant shall have the Radiation Therapy Physicist review and sign the results of radiation output quality assurance checks monthly. The interval should not exceed 30 days and shall not exceed 40 days;
(g) Therapeutic radiation machines subject to R313-30-6 shall have safety quality assurance checks of external beam radiation therapy facilities performed monthly. The interval should not exceed 30 days and shall not exceed 40 days;
(h) Notwithstanding the requirements of R313-30-6(17)(f) and R313-30-6(17)(g), the registrant shall ensure that no therapeutic radiation machine is used to administer radiation to humans unless the quality assurance checks required by R313-30-6(17)(f) and R313-30-6(17)(g) have been performed within the required interval immediately prior to the administration;
(i) To satisfy the requirement of R313-30-6(17)(g), safety quality assurance checks shall ensure proper operation of:
(i) Electrical interlocks at external beam radiation therapy room entrances;
(ii) Proper operation of the "BEAM-ON" and termination switches;
(iii) Beam condition indicator lights on the access doors, control console, and in the radiation therapy room;
(iv) Viewing systems;
(v) If applicable, electrically operated treatment room doors from inside and outside the treatment room;
(j) The registrant shall maintain a record of quality assurance checks required by R313-30-6(17)(a) and R313-30-6(17)(g) for three years. The record shall include the date of the quality assurance check, the manufacturer's name, model number, and serial number for the therapeutic radiation machine, the manufacturer's name, model number and serial number of the instruments used to measure the radiation output of the therapeutic radiation machine, and the signature of the individual who performed the periodic quality assurance check.
(18) Operating Procedures.
(a) The therapeutic radiation machine shall not be used for irradiation of patients unless the requirements of R313-30-6(16) and R313-30-6(17) have been met;
(b) Therapeutic radiation machines shall not be left unattended unless secured pursuant to R313-30-6(9)(e);
(c) When a patient must be held in position for radiation therapy, mechanical supporting or restraining devices shall be used;
(d) The tube housing assembly shall not be held by an individual during operation unless the assembly is designed to require holding and the peak tube potential of the system does not exceed 50 kV. In these cases, the holder shall wear protective gloves and apron of not less than 0.5 millimeters lead equivalency at 100 kV;
(e) A copy of the current operating and emergency procedures shall be maintained at the therapeutic radiation machine control console; and
(f) No individual other than the patient shall be in the treatment room during exposures from therapeutic radiation machines operating above 150 kV. At energies less than or equal to 150 kV, individuals, other than the patient, in the treatment room shall be protected by a barrier sufficient to meet the requirements of R313-15-201 of these rules.
R313-30-7. Therapeutic Radiation Machines - Photon Therapy Systems (500 kV and Above) and Electron Therapy Systems (500 keV and Above).
(1) Leakage Radiation Outside the Maximum Useful Beam in Photon and Electron Modes.
(a) The absorbed dose rate due to leakage radiation (excluding neutrons) at any point outside the maximum sized useful beam, but within a circular plane of radius two meters which is perpendicular to and centered on the central axis of the useful beam at the nominal treatment distance, that is at the plane of the patient, shall not exceed a maximum of 0.2 percent and an average of 0.1 percent of the absorbed dose rate on the central axis of the beam at the nominal treatment distance. Measurements shall be averaged over an area not exceeding 100 square centimeters at a minimum of 16 points uniformly distributed in the plane;
(b) Except for the area defined in R313-30-7(1)(a), the absorbed dose rate, excluding that from neutrons, at one meter from the electron path between the electron source and the target or electron window shall not exceed 0.5 percent of the absorbed dose rate on the central axis of the beam at the nominal treatment distance. Measurements shall be averaged over an area not exceeding 100 square centimeters;
(c) For equipment manufactured after the effective date of these rules, the neutron absorbed dose outside the useful beam shall be in compliance with applicable acceptance criteria; and
(d) For therapeutic radiation machines, the registrant shall determine, or obtain from the manufacturer, the leakage radiation existing at the positions specified in R313-30-7(1)(a) through R313-30-7(1)(c) for the specified operating conditions. Records on leakage radiation measurements shall be maintained at the installation for inspection by representatives of the [
Executive Secretary]Director.(2) Leakage Radiation Through Beam Limiting Devices.
(a) Photon Radiation.
(i) Adjustable or interchangeable beam limiting devices, such as the collimating jaws or x-ray cones, shall attenuate the useful beam so that at the nominal treatment distance, the maximum absorbed dose anywhere in the area shielded by the beam limiting devices shall not exceed two percent of the maximum absorbed dose on the central axis of the useful beam measured in a ten centimeters by ten centimeters radiation field; and
(ii) Interchangeable beam limiting devices, such as auxiliary beam blocking material, shall attenuate the useful beam so that at the nominal treatment distance, the maximum absorbed dose anywhere in the area shielded by the interchangeable beam limiting device shall not exceed five percent of the maximum absorbed dose on the central axis of the useful beam measured in a ten centimeter by ten centimeter radiation field.
(b) Electron Radiation. Adjustable or interchangeable electron applicators shall attenuate the radiation, including but not limited to photon radiation generated by electrons incident on the beam limiting device and electron applicator and other parts of the radiation head, so that the absorbed dose in a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the useful beam at the nominal treatment distance shall not exceed:
(i) A maximum of two percent of the absorbed dose on the central axis of the useful beam at the nominal treatment distance. This limit shall apply beyond a line seven centimeters outside the periphery of the useful beam; and
(ii) A maximum of ten percent of the absorbed dose on the central axis of the useful beam at the nominal treatment distance. This limit shall apply beyond a line two centimeters outside the periphery of the useful beam.
(c) Measurement of Leakage Radiation.
(i) Photon Radiation. Measurements of leakage radiation through the beam limiting devices shall be made with the beam limiting devices closed and residual apertures blocked by at least two tenth value layers of suitable absorbing material. In the case of overlapping beam limiting devices, the leakage radiation through the sets of beam limiting devices shall be measured independently at the depth of maximum dose. Measurements shall be made using a radiation detector of area not exceeding ten square centimeters;
(ii) Electron Radiation. Measurements of leakage radiation through the electron applicators shall be made with an appropriate radiation detector suitably protected against radiation which has been scattered from material beyond the radiation detector. Measurements shall be made using an appropriate amount of water equivalent build up material for the energies being measured.
(3) Filters and Wedges.
(a) Filters and wedges which are removable from the system shall be clearly marked with an identification number;
(i) For removable wedge filters, the nominal wedge angle shall appear on the wedge, or on the wedge tray if the wedge filter is permanently mounted to the tray.
(ii) If the wedge or wedge tray is damaged, the Radiation Therapy Physicist will decide if the wedge transmission factor shall be redetermined;
(b) For equipment manufactured after the effective date of these rules which utilize a system of wedge filters:
(i) Irradiation shall not be possible until a selection of a wedge filter or a positive selection to use "no wedge filter" has been made at the treatment control panel;
(ii) An interlock system shall be provided to prevent irradiation if the wedge filter selected is not in the correct position;
(iii) A display shall be provided at the treatment control panel showing the wedge filters in use; and
(iv) An interlock shall be provided to prevent irradiation if a wedge filter selection operation, either manual or automatic, carried out in the treatment room does not agree with the wedge filter selection operation carried out at the treatment control panel.
(c) If the absorbed dose rate information required by R313-30-7(8) relates exclusively to operation with a field flattening filter or beam scattering foil in place, the filter or foil shall be removable only by the use of tools. If removable, the filter or foil shall be interlocked to prevent incorrect selection and incorrect positioning.
(d) For equipment manufactured after the effective date of these rules which utilize a system of interchangeable field flattening filters or interchangeable beam scattering foils:
(i) An interlock system shall be provided to prevent irradiation if the appropriate flattening filter for the x-ray energy selected is not in the correct position in the beam;
(ii) An interlock system shall be provided to prevent irradiation if the appropriate beam scattering foil for the electron energy selected is not in the correct position in the beam;
(iii) An interlock system shall be provided to prevent irradiation if no scattering foil is in place for the electron beams, or if no flattening filter is in place for the x-ray beams; and
(iv) A display shall be provided at the treatment control panel showing a fault indicator when the interlock system has prevented irradiation. The fault indicator will identify a filter or foil error.
(4) Stray Radiation in the Useful Beam. For equipment manufactured after the effective date of these rules, the registrant shall determine during acceptance testing, or obtain from the manufacturer, data sufficient to ensure that x-ray stray radiation in the useful electron beam, absorbed dose at the surface during x-ray irradiation and stray neutron radiation in the useful x-ray beam meet applicable acceptance criteria.
(5) Beam Monitors. Therapeutic radiation machines subject to R313-30-7 shall be provided with redundant beam monitoring systems. The sensors for these systems shall be fixed in the useful beam during treatment to indicate the dose monitor unit rate, and to monitor other beam parameters.
(a) Equipment manufactured after the effective date of these rules shall be provided with at least two independently powered integrating dose meters. Alternatively, common elements may be used if the production of radiation is terminated upon failure of a common element.
(b) Equipment manufactured on or before the effective date of these rules shall be provided with at least one radiation detector. This detector shall be incorporated into a useful beam monitoring system;
(c) The detector and the system into which that detector is incorporated shall meet the following requirements:
(i) Detectors shall be removable only with tools and, if movable, shall be interlocked to prevent incorrect positioning;
(ii) Detectors shall form part of a beam monitoring system from whose readings in dose monitor units the absorbed dose at a reference point can be calculated;
(iii) The beam monitoring systems shall be capable of independently monitoring, interrupting, and terminating irradiation; and
(iv) For equipment manufactured after the effective date of these rules, the design of the beam monitoring systems shall ensure that the:
(A) Malfunctioning of one system shall not affect the correct functioning of the secondary system; and
(B) Failure of an element common to both systems which could affect the correct function of both systems shall terminate irradiation or prevent the initiation of radiation.
(v) Beam monitoring systems shall have a legible display at the treatment control panel. For equipment manufactured after the effective date of these rules, displays shall:
(A) Maintain a reading until intentionally reset;
(B) Have only one scale and no electrical or mechanical scale multiplying factors;
(C) Utilize a design so that increasing dose monitor units are displayed by increasing numbers; and
(D) In the event of power failure, the dose monitor units delivered up to the time of failure, or the beam monitoring information required in R313-30-7(5)(c)(v)(C) displayed at the control panel at the time of failure shall be retrievable in at least one system for a 20 minute period of time.
(6) Beam Symmetry.
(a) Bent-beam linear accelerators subject to R313-30-7 shall be provided with auxiliary devices to monitor beam symmetry;
(b) The devices referenced in R313-30-7(6)(a) shall be able to detect field asymmetry greater than ten percent; and
(c) The devices referenced in R313-30-7(6)(a) shall be configured to terminate irradiation if the specifications in R313-30-7(6)(b) can not be maintained.
(7) Selection and Display of Dose Monitor Units.
(a) Irradiation shall not be possible until a selection of a number of dose monitor units has been made at the treatment control panel;
(b) The preselected number of dose monitor units shall be displayed at the treatment control panel until reset manually for the next irradiation;
(c) After termination of irradiation, it shall be necessary to reset the dosimeter display before subsequent treatment can be initiated; and
(d) For equipment manufactured after the effective date of these rules, after termination of irradiation, it shall be necessary for the operator to reset the preselected dose monitor units before irradiation can be initiated.
(8) Air Kerma Rate and Absorbed Dose Rate. For equipment manufactured after the effective date of these rules, a system shall be provided from whose readings the air kerma rate or absorbed dose rate at a reference point can be calculated. The radiation detectors specified in R313-30-7(5) may form part of this system. In addition:
(a) The dose monitor unit dose rate shall be displayed at the treatment control panel;
(b) If the equipment can deliver an air kerma rate or absorbed dose rate at the nominal treatment distance more than twice the maximum value specified by the manufacturer, a device shall be provided which terminates irradiation when the air kerma rate or absorbed dose rate exceeds a value twice the specified maximum. The dose rate at which the irradiation will be terminated shall be a record maintained by the registrant;
(c) If the equipment can deliver, under any fault condition, an air kerma rate or absorbed dose rate at the nominal treatment distance more than ten times the maximum value specified by the manufacturer, a device shall be provided to prevent the air kerma rate or absorbed dose rate anywhere in the radiation field from exceeding twice the specified maximum value and to terminate irradiation if the excess absorbed dose at the nominal treatment distance exceeds 4 Gy (400 rad); and
(d) For therapeutic radiation machines, the registrant shall determine, or obtain from the manufacturer, the maximum values specified in R313-30-7(8)(b) and R313-30-7(8)(c) for the specified operating conditions. Records of these maximum values shall be maintained at the installation for inspection by representatives of the [
Executive Secretary]Director.(9) Termination of Irradiation by the Beam Monitoring System or Systems During Stationary Beam Radiation Therapy.
(a) Primary systems shall terminate irradiation when the preselected number of dose monitor units has been detected by the system;
(b) If the original design of the equipment included a secondary dose monitoring system, that system shall be capable of terminating irradiation when not more than 15 percent or 40 dose monitor units above the preselected number of dose monitor units set at the control panel has been detected by the secondary dose monitoring system; and
(c) For equipment manufactured after the effective date of these rules, an indicator on the control panel shall show which monitoring system has terminated irradiation.
(10) Termination Switches. It shall be possible to terminate irradiation and equipment movement or go from an interruption condition to termination condition at any time from the operator's position at the treatment control panel.
(11) Interruption Switches. If a therapeutic radiation machine has an interrupt mode, it shall be possible to interrupt irradiation and equipment movements at any time from the treatment control panel. Following an interruption, it shall be possible to restart irradiation by operator action without a reselection of operating conditions. If a change is made of a pre-selected value during an interruption, irradiation and equipment movements shall be automatically terminated.
(12) Timer. A suitable irradiation control device shall be provided to terminate the irradiation after a preset time interval.
(a) A timer shall be provided which has a display at the treatment control panel. The timer shall have a preset time selector and an elapsed time indicator;
(b) The timer shall be a cumulative timer which activates with an indication of "BEAM-ON" and retains its reading after irradiation is interrupted or terminated. After irradiation is terminated and before irradiation can be reinitiated, it shall be necessary to reset the elapsed time indicator;
(c) The timer shall terminate irradiation when a preselected time has elapsed, if the dose monitoring systems have not previously terminated irradiation.
(13) Selection of Radiation Type. Equipment capable of both x-ray therapy and electron therapy shall meet the following additional requirements:
(a) Irradiation shall not be possible until a selection of radiation type (x-rays or electrons) has been made at the treatment control panel;
(b) The radiation type selected shall be displayed at the treatment control panel before and during irradiation;
(c) An interlock system shall be provided to ensure that the equipment can principally emit only the radiation type which has been selected;
(d) An interlock system shall be provided to prevent irradiation with x-rays, except to obtain a verification film, when electron applicators are fitted;
(e) An interlock system shall be provided to prevent irradiation with electrons when accessories specific for x-ray therapy are fitted; and
(f) An interlock system shall be provided to prevent irradiation if selected operations carried out in the treatment room do not agree with the selected operations carried out at the treatment control panel.
(14) Selection of Energy. Equipment capable of generating radiation beams of different energies shall meet the following requirements:
(a) Irradiation shall not be possible until a selection of energy has been made at the treatment control panel;
(b) The nominal energy value selected shall be displayed at the treatment control panel before and during irradiation; and
(c) Irradiation shall not be possible until the appropriate flattening filter or scattering foil for the selected energy is in its proper location.
(15) Selection of Stationary Beam Radiation Therapy or Moving Beam Radiation Therapy. Therapeutic radiation machines capable of both stationary beam radiation therapy and moving beam radiation therapy shall meet the following requirements:
(a) Irradiation shall not be possible until a selection of stationary beam radiation therapy or moving beam radiation therapy has been made at the treatment control panel;
(b) The mode of operation shall be displayed at the treatment control panel;
(c) An interlock system shall be provided to ensure that the equipment can operate only in the mode which has been selected;
(d) An interlock system shall be provided to prevent irradiation if a selected parameter in the treatment room does not agree with the selected parameter at the treatment control panel;
(e) Moving beam radiation therapy shall be controlled to obtain the selected relationships between incremental dose monitor units and incremental angle of movement. For equipment manufactured after the effective date of these rules:
(i) An interlock system shall be provided to terminate irradiation if the number of dose monitor units delivered in increments of ten degrees of rotation or one centimeter of motion differs by more than 20 percent from the selected value;
(ii) Where angle terminates the irradiation in moving beam radiation therapy, the dose monitor units shall differ by less than five percent from the dose monitor unit value selected;
(iii) An interlock shall be provided to prevent motion of more than five degrees or one centimeter beyond the selected limits during moving beam radiation therapy;
(iv) For equipment manufactured after the effective date of these rules, an interlock shall be provided to require that a selection of direction be made at the treatment control panel in units which are capable of both clockwise and counter-clockwise moving beam radiation therapy.
(v) Moving beam radiation therapy shall be controlled with both primary position sensors and secondary position sensors to obtain the selected relationships between incremental dose monitor units and incremental movement.
(f) Where the beam monitor system terminates the irradiation in moving beam radiation therapy, the termination of irradiation shall be as required by R313-30-7(9); and
(g) For equipment manufactured after the effective date of these rules, an interlock system shall be provided to terminate irradiation if movement:
(i) Occurs during stationary beam radiation therapy; or
(ii) Does not start or stops during moving beam radiation therapy unless the stoppage is a preplanned function.
(16) Facility Design Requirements for Therapeutic Radiation Machines Operating above 500 kV. In addition to shielding adequate to meet requirements of R313-30-9, the following design requirements are made:
(a) Protective Barriers. Protective barriers shall be fixed, except for access doors to the treatment room or movable beam interceptors;
(b) Control Panel. In addition to other requirements specified in R313-30, the control panel shall also:
(i) Be located outside the treatment room;
(ii) Provide an indication of whether electrical power is available at the control panel and if activation of the radiation is possible;
(iii) Provide an indication of whether radiation is being produced; and
(iv) Include an access control device which will prevent unauthorized use of the therapeutic radiation machine;
(c) Viewing Systems. Windows, mirrors, closed-circuit television or an equivalent viewing system shall be provided to permit continuous observation of the patient following positioning and during irradiation and shall be so located that the operator may observe the patient from the treatment control panel. The therapeutic radiation machine shall not be used for patient irradiation unless at least one viewing system is operational;
(d) Aural Communications. Provision shall be made for continuous two-way aural communication between the patient and the operator at the control panel. The therapeutic radiation machine shall not be used for irradiation of patients unless continuous two-way aural communication is possible;
(e) Room Entrances. Treatment room entrances shall be provided with warning lights in a readily observable position near the outside of access doors, which will indicate when the useful beam is "ON;"
(f) Entrance Interlocks. Interlocks shall be provided so that access controls are activated before treatment can be initiated or continued. If the radiation beam is interrupted by an access control, it shall not be possible to restore the machine to operation without closing the door and reinitiating irradiation by manual action at the control panel;
(g) Beam Interceptor Interlocks. If the shielding material in a protective barrier requires the presence of a beam interceptor to ensure compliance with R313-30-301(1), interlocks shall be provided to prevent the production of radiation, unless the beam interceptor is in place, whenever the useful beam is directed at the designated barriers;
(h) Emergency Cutoff Switches. At least one emergency power cutoff switch shall be located in the radiation therapy room and shall terminate equipment electrical power including radiation and mechanical motion. This switch is in addition to the termination switch required by R313-30-7(11). Emergency power cutoff switches shall include a manual reset so that the therapeutic radiation machine cannot be restarted from the unit's control panel without resetting the emergency cutoff switch. Alternatively, power cannot be restarted without pressing a RESET button in the treatment room after resetting the power breaker, and the operator shall check the treatment room and patient prior to turning the power back on;
(i) Safety Interlocks. Safety interlocks shall be designed so that defects or component failures in the safety interlock system prevent or terminate operation of the therapeutic radiation machine; and
(j) Surveys for Residual Radiation. Surveys for residual activity shall be conducted on therapeutic radiation machines capable of generating photon and electron energies above 10 MV prior to machining, removing, or working on therapeutic radiation machine components which may have become activated due to photo-neutron production.
(17) Radiation Therapy Physicist Support.
(a) The services of a Radiation Therapy Physicist shall be required in facilities having therapeutic radiation machines with energies of 500 kV and above. The Radiation Therapy Physicist shall be responsible for:
(i) Full calibrations required by R313-30-7(19) and protection surveys required by R313-30-4(1);
(ii) Supervision and review of dosimetry;
(iii) Beam data acquisition and transfer for computerized dosimetry, and supervision of its use;
(iv) Quality assurance, including quality assurance check review required by R313-30-7(20)(e) of these rules;
(v) Consultation with the authorized user in treatment planning, as needed; and
(vi) Perform calculations and assessments regarding misadministrations.
(b) If the Radiation Therapy Physicist is not a full-time employee of the registrant, the operating procedures required by R313-30-7(18) shall also specifically address how the Radiation Therapy Physicist is to be contacted for problems or emergencies, as well as the specific actions to be taken until the Radiation Therapy Physicist can be contacted.
(18) Operating Procedures.
(a) No individual, other than the patient, shall be in the treatment room during treatment or during an irradiation for testing or calibration purposes;
(b) Therapeutic radiation machines shall not be made available for medical use unless the requirements of R313-30-4(1), R313-30-7(19) and R313-30-7(20) have been met;
(c) Therapeutic radiation machines, when not in operation, shall be secured to prevent unauthorized use;
(d) If a patient must be held in position during treatment, mechanical supporting or restraining devices shall be used;
(e) A copy of the current operating and emergency procedures shall be maintained at the therapeutic radiation machine control console; and
(f) When adjustable beam limiting devices or beam limiting devices that do not contact the skin are used, the position and shape of the radiation field shall be indicated by a light field.
(19) Full Calibration Measurements.
(a) Full calibration of a therapeutic radiation machine subject to R313-30-7 shall be performed by, or under the direct supervision of, a Radiation Therapy Physicist:
(i) Before the first medical use following installation or reinstallation of the therapeutic radiation machine;
(ii) Annually. The intervals should not exceed 12 months and shall not exceed 13 months; and
(iii) Before medical use under the following conditions:
(A) Whenever quality assurance check measurements indicate that the radiation output differs by more than five percent from the value obtained at the last full calibration and the difference cannot be easily reconciled; and
(B) Following component replacement, major repair, or modification of components, if the appropriate Quality Assurance checks demonstrate that the characteristics of the radiation beam have been significantly affected as determined by a Radiation Therapy Physicist. The Quality Assurance checks shall be performed by, or under the direct supervision of a Radiation Therapy Physicist. The determination of the need for a full calibration shall be made by a Radiation Therapy Physicist.
(iv) Notwithstanding the requirements of R313-30-7(19)(a)(iii):
(A) Full calibration of therapeutic radiation machines with multi-energy and multi-mode capabilities is required only for those modes and energies that are not within their range and the difference cannot be easily reconciled; and
(B) If the repair, replacement or modification does not affect all modes and energies, full calibration shall be performed on the effected mode or energy if the Quality Assurance checks demonstrate that the characteristics of the radiation beam have been significantly affected as determined by a Radiation Therapy Physicist. The Quality Assurance checks shall be performed by, or under the direct supervision of, a Radiation Therapy Physicist. The determination of the need for a full calibration shall be made by a Radiation Therapy Physicist. The remaining energies or modes may be validated with quality assurance check procedures against the criteria in R313-30-7(19)(a)(iii)(A).
(b) To satisfy the requirement of R313-30-7(19)(a), full calibration shall include measurements required for annual calibration by American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) Report 46, "Comprehensive Quality Assurance for Radiation Oncology," 1994 ed., which is adopted and incorporated by reference;
(c) The registrant shall use the dosimetry system described in R313-30-8(6) to measure the radiation output for one set of exposure conditions. The remaining radiation measurements required in R313-30-7(19)(b) may then be made using a dosimetry system that indicates relative dose rates; and
(d) The registrant shall maintain a record of calibrations for the duration of the registration. The record shall include the date of the calibration, the manufacturer's name, model number, and serial number for the therapeutic radiation machine, the model numbers and serial numbers of the instruments used to calibrate the therapeutic radiation machine, and the signature of the Radiation Therapy Physicist responsible for performing the calibration.
(20) Periodic Quality Assurance Checks.
(a) Periodic quality assurance checks shall be performed on therapeutic radiation machines subject to R313-30-7. These checks should be performed at intervals not to exceed those intervals recommended in American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) Report 46, "Comprehensive Quality Assurance for Radiation Oncology," 1994 ed., which is adopted and incorporated by reference.
(i) Determination of parameters for central axis radiation output shall be done at least weekly. The interval shall not exceed ten days.
(ii) The interval at which periodic quality assurance checks are to be performed shall be determined by the Radiation Therapy Physicist and shall be documented in the registrant's quality management program. The interval for a specific performance check may be based on the history of that performance check for a particular machine. The interval may be increased above the recommended limits only if the Radiation Therapy Physicist determines the increase is justified based on the history of the performance check for that machine or a machine of the same manufacturer and the same model.
(iii) If the performance check demonstrates a need to decrease the interval, the Radiation Therapy Physicist shall decide if the interval should be decreased. The decreased interval shall be continued until the performance check demonstrates that the decreased interval is not necessary.
(b) To satisfy the requirement of R313-30-7(20)(a), quality assurance checks shall include determination of central axis radiation output and shall include a representative sampling of periodic quality assurance checks contained in American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) Report 46, "Comprehensive Quality Assurance for Radiation Oncology," 1994 ed., which is adopted and incorporated by reference.
(i) A representative sampling shall include those referenced periodic quality assurance checks necessary to assure that the radiation beam and alignment parameters for all therapy machines and modes of operation are within limits prescribed by AAPM Report 46.
(ii) The intervals for a representative sampling of referenced periodic quality assurance checks should not exceed 12 consecutive months and shall not exceed 13 consecutive months.
(c) The registrant shall use a dosimetry system which has been inter-compared semi-annually. The intervals should not exceed six months and shall not exceed seven months, with a dosimetry system described in R313-30-8(6)(a) to make the periodic quality assurance checks required in R313-30-7(20)(a)(i);
(d) The registrant shall perform periodic quality assurance checks required by R313-30-7(20)(a) in accordance with procedures established by the Radiation Therapy Physicist;
(e) The registrant shall review the results of periodic radiation output checks according to the following procedures:
(i) The authorized user and Radiation Therapy Physicist shall be immediately notified if a parameter is not within its acceptable range. The therapeutic radiation machine shall not be made available for subsequent medical use until the Radiation Therapy Physicist has determined that all parameters are within their acceptable range;
(ii) If periodic radiation output check parameters appear to be within their acceptable range, the periodic radiation output check shall be reviewed and signed by either the authorized user or Radiation Therapy Physicist within two weeks;
(iii) The Radiation Therapy Physicist shall review and sign the results of radiation output quality assurance checks at intervals not to exceed one month; and
(iv) Other Quality Assurance checks shall be reviewed at intervals specified in the Quality Management Program, as required by R313-30-5.
(f) Therapeutic radiation machines subject to R313-30-7 shall have safety quality assurance checks of external beam radiation therapy facilities performed weekly at intervals not to exceed ten days;
(g) To satisfy the requirement of R313-30-7(20)(f), safety quality assurance checks shall ensure proper operation of:
(i) Electrical interlocks at external beam radiation therapy room entrances;
(ii) Proper operation of the "BEAM-ON", interrupt and termination switches;
(iii) Beam condition indicator lights on the access doors, control console, and in the radiation therapy room;
(iv) Viewing and aural communication systems;
(v) Electrically operated treatment room doors from inside and outside the treatment room;
(vi) At least one emergency power cutoff switch. If more than one emergency power cutoff switch is installed and not all switches are tested at once, switches shall be tested on a rotating basis. Safety quality assurance checks of the emergency power cutoff switches may be conducted at the end of the treatment day in order to minimize possible stability problems with the therapeutic radiation machine.
(h) The registrant shall promptly repair a system identified in R313-30-7(20)(g) that is not operating properly; and
(i) The registrant shall maintain a record of quality assurance checks required by R313-30-7(20)(a) and R313-30-7(20)(g) for three years. The record shall include the date of the quality assurance check, the manufacturer's name, model number, and serial number for the therapeutic radiation machine, the manufacturer's name, model number and serial number of the instruments used to measure the radiation output of the therapeutic radiation machine, and the signature of the individual who performed the periodic quality assurance check.
R313-30-8. Calibration and Check of Survey Instruments and Dosimetry Equipment.
(1) The registrant shall ensure that the survey instruments used to show compliance with R313-30 have been calibrated before first use, at intervals not to exceed 12 months, and following repair.
(2) To satisfy the requirements of R313-30-8(1), the registrant shall:
(a) Calibrate required scale readings up to 10 mSv (1000 mrem) per hour with an appropriate radiation source that is traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST);
(b) Calibrate at least two points on the scales to be calibrated. These points should be at approximately 1/3 and 2/3 of scale rating; and
(3) To satisfy the requirements of R313-30-8(2), the registrant shall:
(a) Consider a point as calibrated if the indicated dose rate differs from the calculated dose rate by not more than ten percent; and
(b) Consider a point as calibrated if the indicated dose rate differs from the calculated dose rate by not more than 20 percent if a correction factor or graph is conspicuously attached to the instrument.
(4) The registrant shall retain a record of calibrations required in R313-30-8(1) for three years. The record shall include:
(a) A description of the calibration procedure; and
(b) A description of the source used and the certified dose rates from the source, and the rates indicated by the instrument being calibrated, the correction factors deduced from the calibration data, the signature of the individual who performed the calibration, and the date of calibration.
(5) The registrant may obtain the services of individuals licensed by the Board, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, an Agreement State, or a Licensing State to perform calibrations of survey instruments. Records of calibrations which contain information required by R313-30-8(4) shall be maintained by the registrant.
(6) Dosimetry Equipment.
(a) The registrant shall have a calibrated dosimetry system available for use. The system shall have been calibrated for by the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) or by an American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) Accredited Dosimetry Calibration Laboratory (ADCL). The calibration shall have been performed within 24 months prior to use and after servicing that may have affected system calibration.
(i) For beams with energies greater than 1 MV (1 MeV), the dosimetry system shall have been calibrated for Cobalt-60;
(ii) For beams with energies equal to or less than 1 MV (1 MeV), the dosimetry system shall have been calibrated at an energy or energy range appropriate for the radiation being used.
(b) The registrant shall have available for use a dosimetry system for quality assurance check measurements. To meet this requirement, the system may be compared with a system that has been calibrated in accordance with R313-30-8(6)(a). This comparison shall have been performed within the previous 12 months (six months if the dosimetry system is an ionization chamber) and after servicing that may have affected system calibration. The quality assurance check system may be the same system used to meet the requirement in R313-30-8(6)(a);
(c) The registrant shall maintain a record of dosimetry system calibration, intercomparison, and comparison for the duration of the license and registration. For calibrations, intercomparisons, or comparisons, the record shall include the date, the model numbers and serial numbers of the instruments that were calibrated, intercompared, or compared as required by R313-30-8(6)(a) and R313-30-8(6)(b), the correction factors that were determined, the names of the individuals who performed the calibration, intercomparison, or comparison, and evidence that the calibration, intercomparison, or comparison was performed by, or under the direct supervision of, a Radiation Therapy Physicist.
R313-30-9. Shielding and Safety Design Requirements.
(1) Therapeutic radiation machines subject to R313-30-6 or R313-30-7 shall be provided with the primary and secondary barriers that are necessary to ensure compliance with R313-15-201 and R313-30-301 of these rules.
(2) Facility design information for new installations of a therapeutic radiation machine or installations of a therapeutic radiation machine of higher energy into a room not previously approved for that energy shall be submitted for approval by the [
Executive Secretary]Director prior to actual installation of the therapeutic radiation machine. The minimum facility design information that must be submitted is contained in R313-30-10.R313-30-10. Information on Radiation Shielding Required for Plan Reviews.
(1) Therapeutic Radiation Machines
(a) Basic facility information including: name, telephone number and Department registration number of the individual responsible for preparation of the shielding plan; name and telephone number of the facility supervisor; and the street address, including room number, of the external beam radiation therapy facility. The plan should also indicate whether this is a new structure or a modification to existing structures.
(b) Wall, floor, and ceiling areas struck by the useful beam shall have primary barriers. For an adjacent area that is normally unoccupied, barrier thicknesses may be less than the required thickness, if:
(i) That area where the exposure rates and exposures exceed the limits specified in R313-15-301(1) is permanently fenced or walled to prevent access;
(ii) The appropriate warning signs are posted at appropriate intervals and locations on the fence or wall;
(iii) The exposure rates and exposures outside the fence or wall are less than the limits specified in R313-15-301(1);
(iv) Access to the area is controlled by the operator, and once access is gained, the therapeutic radiation machine cannot be operated until the area has been cleared and access is again controlled by the operator;
(v) The ceiling is of sufficient thickness to reduce exposure due to skyshine, so that the exposure rates and exposures surrounding the facility are less than the limits specified in R313-15-301(1); and
(vi) The primary barrier is of sufficient thickness to ensure that the exposure rates and exposures from the primary beam in spaces in adjacent buildings are less than the limits specified in R313-15-301(1).
(c) Secondary barriers shall be provided in wall, floor, and ceiling areas not having primary barriers.
(2) Therapeutic Radiation Machines up to 150 kV (photons only). In addition to the requirements listed in R313-30-10(1), therapeutic radiation machine facilities which produce only photons with a maximum energy less than or equal to 150 kV shall submit shielding plans which contain, as a minimum, the following additional information:
(a) Equipment specifications, including the manufacturer and model number of the therapeutic radiation machine, as well as the maximum technique factors.
(b) Maximum design workload for the facility including total weekly radiation output, expressed in gray (rad) or air kerma at one meter, total beam-on time per day or week, the average treatment time per patient, along with the anticipated number of patients to be treated per day or week.
(c) A facility blueprint or drawing indicating: the scale of the blueprint or drawing; direction of North; normal location of the therapeutic radiation machine's radiation ports; the port's travel and traverse limits; general directions of the useful beam; locations of windows and doors; and the location of the therapeutic radiation machine control panel. If the control panel is located inside the external beam radiation therapy treatment room, the location of the operator's booth shall be noted on the plan and the operator's station at the control panel shall be behind a protective barrier sufficient to ensure compliance with R313-15-101 of these rules.
(d) The structural composition and thickness or the lead or concrete equivalent of walls, doors, partitions, floor, and ceiling of the rooms concerned.
(e) The type of occupancy of adjacent areas inclusive of space above and below the rooms concerned. If there is an exterior wall, show distance to the closest areas where it is likely that individuals may be present.
(f) At least one example calculation which shows the methodology used to determine the amount of shielding required for the physical conditions; that is the primary and secondary or leakage barriers, restricted and unrestricted areas, entry doors; and shielding material in the facility.
(i) If commercial software is used to generate shielding requirements, please also identify the software used and the version or revision date.
(ii) If the software used to generate shielding requirements is not in the open literature, please also submit quality control sample calculations to verify the result obtained with the software.
(3) Therapeutic Radiation Machines over 150 kV. In addition to the requirements listed in R313-30-10(1), therapeutic radiation machine facilities which produce photons with a maximum energy in excess of 150 kV and electrons and protons or other subatomic particles shall submit shielding plans which contain, as a minimum, the following additional information:
(a) Equipment specifications including the manufacturer and model number of the therapeutic radiation machine, and gray (rad) at the isocenter and the energies and types of radiation produced, that is photon and electron. The source to isocenter distance shall be specified.
(b) Maximum design workload for the facility including total weekly radiation output, expressed in gray (rad) at one meter, total beam-on time per day or week, the average treatment time per patient, along with the anticipated number of patients to be treated per day or week.
(c) Facility blueprint or drawing, including both floor plan and elevation views, indicating relative orientation of the therapeutic radiation machine; scale; types; thickness and minimum density of shielding materials; direction of North; the locations and size of penetrations through shielding barriers, ceiling, walls and floor; as well as details of the doors and maze.
(d) The structural composition and thickness or concrete equivalent of walls, doors, partitions, floor, and ceiling of the rooms concerned.
(e) The type of occupancy of adjacent areas inclusive of space above and below the rooms concerned. If there is an exterior wall, show distance to the closest areas where it is likely that individuals may be present.
(f) Description of assumptions that were used in shielding calculations including, but not limited to; design energy, for example a room may be designed for 6 MV unit although only a 4 MV unit is currently proposed; workload; presence of integral beam-stop in unit; occupancy and uses of adjacent areas; fraction of time that useful beam will intercept permanent barriers, walls, floor and ceiling; and "allowed" radiation exposure in both restricted and unrestricted areas.
(g) At least one example calculation which shows the methodology used to determine the amount of shielding required for the physical conditions; that is the primary and secondary or leakage barriers, restricted and unrestricted areas, small angle scatter, entry doors and maze; and shielding material in the facility.
(i) If commercial software is used to generate shielding requirements, also identify the software used and the version or revision date.
(ii) If the software used to generate shielding requirements is not in the open literature, also submit quality control sample calculations to verify the result obtained with the software.
(4) Neutron Shielding. In addition to the requirements listed in R313-30-10(3), therapeutic radiation machine facilities which are capable of operating above 10 MV shall submit shielding plans which contain, as a minimum, the following additional information:
(a) The structural composition, thickness, minimum density and location of neutron shielding material.
(b) Description of assumptions that were used in neutron shielding calculations including, but not limited to, neutron spectra as a function of energy, neutron flux rate, absorbed dose and dose equivalent, due to neutrons, in both restricted and unrestricted areas.
(c) At least one example calculation which shows the methodology used to determine the amount of neutron shielding required for the physical conditions, that is, restricted and unrestricted areas, entry doors and maze and neutron shielding material utilized in the facility.
(i) If commercial software is used to generate shielding requirements, also identify the software used and the version or revision date.
(ii) If the software used to generate shielding requirements is not in the open literature, also submit quality control sample calculations to verify the result obtained with the software.
(d) The methods and instrumentation which will be used to verify the adequacy of neutron shielding installed in the facility.
KEY: x-rays, survey, radiation, radiation safety
Date of Enactment or Last Substantive Amendment: [
August 13, 1999]2013Notice of Continuation: October 14, 2008
Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 19-3-104
Document Information
- Effective Date:
- 3/19/2013
- Publication Date:
- 02/01/2013
- Filed Date:
- 01/11/2013
- Agencies:
- Environmental Quality,Radiation Control
- Rulemaking Authority:
Section 19-3-104
Section 19-3-108
- Authorized By:
- Rusty Lundberg, Director
- DAR File No.:
- 37197
- Related Chapter/Rule NO.: (1)
- R313-30. Therapeutic Radiation Machines.