CNSC Expectations for the Security of Prescribed Equipment containing Radioactive Sources, with emphasis towards the High Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy Units

Abstract of the technical presentation presented at:
Canadian Organization of Medical Physicists 64th Annual Scientific Meeting, 2018
September 12-15, 2018

Prepared by:
Rick Kosierb
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission

Abstract:

In May of 2013, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, (CNSC) issued Regulatory Document (REGDOC) 2.12.3, the Security of Nuclear Substances: Sealed Sources. A licence condition requiring compliance with this document, including mandatory implementation dates, was then incorporated into all affected licences in January of 2015.  The requirements within REGDOC 2.12.3 came into effect for licensees holding Category 1 and 2 sealed sources in May of that year. For the remaining licensees who possess Category 3 to 5 sources the requirements came into effect on May 31, 2018.

Although security criteria already exist in the regulations made under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act (NSCA), this REGDOC provides additional explanations, clarifications and guidance on the CNSC’s expectations for the security of radioactive sealed sources. To further assist in clarifying expectations, the CNSC published articles and provided webinars, in order to assist licensees meet expectations prior to May 2018. Now that the deadline has passed, the CNSC continues to provide licensees with ongoing guidance on this topic.  This presentation will provide the rationale behind instituting the detailed requirements within REGDOC 2.12.3. It will further explain what constitutes an effective security system for prescribed equipment containing radioactive sources. Examples of both effective and non-effective security programs will be discussed, with the focus on High Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy units. Finally, it will emphasize the security responsibilities of management and the personnel who utilize radioactive sources.

To obtain a copy of the abstract’s document, please contact us at cnsc.info.ccsn@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca or call 613-995-5894 or 1-800-668-5284 (in Canada). When contacting us, please provide the title and date of the abstract.