Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0400-20-07-.73 - PERIODIC SPOT-CHECKS FOR REMOTE AFTERLOADER UNITS

(1) A licensee authorized to use a remote afterloader unit for medical use shall perform spot-checks of each remote afterloader facility and on each unit:

(a) At the beginning of each day of use of a high dose-rate, medium dose-rate, or pulsed dose-rate remote afterloader unit;

(b) Before each patient treatment with a low dose-rate remote afterloader unit; and

(c) After each source installation.

(2) A licensee shall have the authorized medical physicist establish written procedures for performing the spot-checks required in paragraph (1) of this rule. The authorized medical physicist need not actually perform the spot-check measurements.

(3) A licensee shall have the authorized medical physicist review the results of each spot-check within 15 days. The authorized medical physicist shall notify the licensee as soon as possible in writing of the results of each spot-check.

(4) To satisfy the requirements of paragraph (1) of this rule, spot-checks must, at a minimum, assure proper operation of:

(a) Electrical interlocks at each remote afterloader unit room entrance;

(b) Source exposure indicator lights on the remote afterloader unit, on the control console, and in the facility;

(c) Viewing and intercom systems in each high dose-rate, medium dose-rate, and pulsed dose-rate remote afterloader facility;

(d) Emergency response equipment;

(e) Radiation monitors used to indicate the source position;

(f) Timer accuracy;

(g) Clock (date and time) in the unit's computer; and (h) Decayed source(s) activity in the unit's computer.

(5) If the results of the checks required in paragraph (4) of this rule indicate the malfunction of any system, a licensee shall lock the control console in the off position and not use the unit except as may be necessary to repair, replace, or check the malfunctioning system.

(6) A licensee shall retain a record of each check required by paragraph (4) of this rule in accordance with 0400-20-07-.106.

Notes

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0400-20-07-.73

Original rule filed February 22, 2012; effective May 22, 2012.

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 68-202-101 et seq., 68-202-201 et seq. and 4-5-201 et seq.