QSA Global, Inc.
40 North Avenue Burlington, MA 01803
888.272.2242
781.272.2000
qsa-global.com
Operations Manual
MAN-038 March 2019
Page 41 of 100
source changer performed inside of a restricted area. The annual inspection and maintenance must be
performed by individuals specifically trained, qualified and authorized for this work.
Perform the following steps to transfer the sealed source from the gamma-ray source projector into a
source changer:
a. Perform a survey of the gamma-ray source projector to ensure measurable dose rates are less than
200 mR/hr (2 mSv/hr) and less than 5 mR/hr (50 µSv/hr) at 1 meter (to comply with ANSI/ISO
requirements) when loaded to maximum capacity. Perform a radiation survey and an inspection of the
source changer to be used according to the source changer's operating instructions manual.
b. Perform a daily inspection of the remote controls, source guide tube and gamma-ray source projector
according to the daily inspection section of this manual. If the source assembly connector fails the NO
GO gauge test, do not proceed with transfer of the source assembly. Contact a QSA Global, Inc.
service center for advice on disposition of the source assembly.
Use the Model 550 NO GO gauge to check the remote control cable connector before and after a
connection to the source assembly connector. For complete instructions to use the NO GO gauge
and points tested, review the daily inspection instructions.
Do not use remote controls that do not meet the inspection criteria described in the daily inspection.
c. Set up the equipment within a restricted area before transferring the source assembly into the source
changer according to the instructions supplied with the source changer. The transfer must be
performed by properly trained and licensed personnel. Use a survey meter to perform confirmatory
surveys of the gamma-ray source projector, source guide tube and source changer to confirm that the
sealed source is properly secured. Engage the lock on the source changer to lock and secure the
sealed source within the source changer.
Remove the source identification tag from the gamma-ray source projector and fasten it to the source
changer.
Attach a Model 550 connector gauge (jumper) to the end of the remote control cable connector. The
jumper gauge will allow removal of the remote controls from the locking mechanism of the device
after the remote control cable connector and jumper gauge is fully returned to the gamma-ray source
projector lock automatic securing mechanism.
4.2.1 Leak Test of the Radioactive Sealed Source
Periodic leak tests of the radioactive sealed source are required by most national and international
regulations. The leak test provides a confirmation of the integrity of the hermetically welded sealed
source by determining the amount of removable contamination. In most regulatory jurisdictions, a leak
test of a sealed source must be performed every 6 months or prior to its first use after removal from
storage. Acceptable results of a radio-assay must indicate removable contamination is less than <185 Bq
(0.005 µCi). To perform a wipe of the radioactive sealed source, perform the following steps:
a. Survey the entire exterior surface of the gamma-ray source projector to ensure the dose/rates are
less than 2 mSv/hr (200 mR/hr).
b. Prepare a Model 518 wipe test swab according to the instruction sheet. Fill in all required information
for the source on the leak test form. Omission of the isotope, source model and serial number, etc.
will delay processing of the wipe test.
c. Install the plastic service bayonet fitting into the outlet port and rotate the cover to allow the wipe test
wand to enter the ‘S’ tube.
