NAC459.341. Precautionary procedures: Control of access to high radiation areas.

     1. Except as otherwise provided in this section, a licensee or registrant shall ensure that each entrance to a high radiation area has one or more of the following features:

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

     (b) A control device that energizes a conspicuous visible or audible alarm so that a person entering the high radiation area and the supervisor of the activity in the area are made aware of the entry.

     (c) Entrances that are locked, except during periods when access to the area is required with positive control over each individual entrance.

     2. In place of the controls required pursuant to subsection 1, the licensee or registrant may substitute continuous direct or electronic surveillance that is capable of preventing unauthorized entry into the radiation area.

     3. The licensee or registrant may apply to the Division for authorization to use alternative methods for controlling access to high radiation areas.

     4. The licensee or registrant shall establish the controls required pursuant to subsections 1 and 3 in a manner that does not prevent a person from leaving a high radiation area.

     5. The licensee is not required to control each entrance to a high radiation area that contains only radioactive materials prepared for transport and packaged and labeled in accordance with the regulations of the United States Department of Transportation if:

     (a) The packages do not remain in the area for more than 3 days; and

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

     6. The licensee is not required to control each entrance to a room or other area in a hospital solely because of the presence of a patient whose treatment requires the use of radioactive material if there are persons in attendance who will take the necessary precautions to:

     (a) Prevent the exposure of a person to radiation or radioactive material in excess of the limits specified in NAC 459.325, 459.331, 459.333 and 459.335; and

     (b) Ensure that any doses are as low as are reasonably achievable.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Health, eff. 1-18-94)