TITLE 32: ENERGY
CHAPTER II: DEPARTMENT OF NUCLEAR SAFETY
SUBCHAPTER b: RADIATION PROTECTION
PART 351
RADIATION SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR WIRELINE
SERVICE OPERATIONS AND SUBSURFACE TRACER STUDIES
Section
351.10 Purpose
351.20 Scope
351.30 Definitions
351.40 Prohibition
351.1010 Limits on Levels of Radiation
351.1020 Storage Precautions
351.1030 Transport Precautions
351.1040 Radiation Survey Instruments
351.1050 Leak Testing of Sealed Sources
351.1060 Quarterly Inventory
351.1070 Utilization Records
351.1080 Design and Performance Criteria for Sealed
Sources Used in Downhole Operations
351.1090 Labeling
351.1100 Inspection and Maintenance
351.2010 Training Requirements
351.2020 Operating and Emergency Procedures
351.2030 Personnel Monitoring
351.3010 Security
351.3020 Handling Tools
351.3030 Subsurface Tracer Studies
351.3040 Particle Accelerators
351.4010 Radiation Surveys
351.4020 Documents and Records Required at Field Stations
351.4030 Documents and Records Required at Temporary Jobsites
351.5010 Notification of Incidents, Abandonment, and Lost Sources
APPENDIX A Subjects To Be Included In Training Courses For Logging
Supervisors
APPENDIX B Example of Plaque for Identifying Wells Containing Sealed
Sources Containing Radioactive Material Abandoned Downhole
AUTHORITY: Implementing and authorized by Sections 6 and 6b of the Radiation
Protection Act (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1989, ch. 111�, pars. 216 and 216b), and
Section 5 of "AN ACT in relation to personnel radiation monitoring" (Ill. Rev.
Stat. 1989, ch. 111�, par. 230.15).
SOURCE: Adopted at 10 Ill. Reg. 17507, effective September 25, 1986; amended
at 11 Ill. Reg. 5215, effective March 13, 1987; amended at 13 Ill. Reg. 13605,
effective August 11, 1989; amended at 14 Ill. Reg. 13633, effective August 13,
1990.
Section 351.10 Purpose
The regulations in this Part establish radiation safety requirements for
persons using sources of radiation for wireline service operations, including
mineral logging, radioactive markers, and subsurface tracer studies. The
requirements of this Part are in addition to, and not in substitution for, the
requirements of 32 Ill. Adm. Code 310, 320, 330, 340, and 400.
Section 351.20 Scope
The regulations in this Part apply to all licensees or registrants who use
sources of radiation for wireline service operations, including mineral
logging, radioactive markers, or subsurface tracer studies.
Section 351.30 Definitions
As used in this Part, the following definitions apply:
"Field station" means a facility where radiation sources may be
stored or used and from which equipment is dispatched to temporary
jobsites.
"Irretrievable well-logging source" means any sealed source
containing radioactive material that is pulled off or not
connected to the wireline that suspends the source in the well and
for which all reasonable effort at recovery has been expended.
"Injection tool" means a device used for controlled subsurface
injection of radioactive tracer material.
"Logging supervisor" means the individual who provides personal
supervision of the utilization of sources of radiation at the well
site.
"Logging tool" means a device used subsurface to perform well-
logging.
"Mineral logging" means any logging performed for the purpose of
mineral exploration other than oil or gas.
"Personal supervision" means guidance and instruction by the
supervisor who is physically present at the jobsite and watching
the performance of the operation in such proximity that visual
contact can be maintained and immediate assistance given as
required.
"Radioactive marker" means radioactive material placed subsurface
or on a structure intended for subsurface use for the purpose of
depth determination or direction orientation.
"Source holder" means a housing or assembly into which a
radioactive source is placed for the purpose of facilitating the
handling and use of the source in well-logging operations.
"Subsurface tracer study" means the release of a substance tagged
with radioactive material for the purpose of tracing the movement
or position of the tagged substance in the well-bore or adjacent
formation.
"Temporary jobsite" means a location to which radioactive
materials have been dispatched to perform wireline service
operations or subsurface tracer studies.
"Well-bore" means a drilled hole in which wireline service
operations and subsurface tracer studies are performed.
"Well-logging" means the lowering and raising of measuring devices
or tools which may contain sources of radiation into well-bores or
cavities for the purpose of obtaining information about the well
and/or adjacent formations.
"Wireline" means a cable containing one or more electrical
conductors which is used to lower and raise logging tools in the
well-bore.
"Wireline service operation" means any evaluation or mechanical
service which is performed in the well-bore using devices on a
wireline.
Section 351.40 Prohibition
No licensee or registrant shall perform wireline service operations with a
sealed source(s) unless, prior to commencement of the operation, the licensee
has a written agreement with the well operator, well owner, drilling
contractor, or land owner that:
a) in the event a sealed source is lodged downhole, efforts at
recovery will be made that are commensurate with the circumstances
of the specific case, e.g., quantity and half-life of the isotope,
depth of the source and presence of potable water aquifers; and
b) in the event a decision is made to abandon the sealed source down-
hole, the requirements of Section 351.5010(c) shall be met within
30 days after a decision by the licensee to abandon the source has
been approved by the Department of Nuclear Safety (Department).
Section 351.1010 Limits on Levels of Radiation
Sources of radiation shall be used, stored, and transported in such a manner
that the transportation requirements of 32 Ill. Adm. Code 330 and the dose
limitation requirements of 32 Ill. Adm. Code 340 are met.
Section 351.1020 Storage Precautions
a) Each source of radiation, except accelerators, shall be provided
with a storage and/or transport container. The container shall be
provided with a lock, or tamper seal for calibration sources, to
prevent unauthorized removal of, or exposure to, the source of
radiation.
b) When in storage, sources of radiation shall be isolated from
flammable or explosive substances.
Section 351.1030 Transport Precautions
Transport containers shall be physically secured to the transporting vehicle
to prevent accidental loss, tampering, or unauthorized removal.
Section 351.1040 Radiation Survey Instruments
a) The licensee or registrant shall maintain sufficient calibrated
and operable radiation survey instruments at each field station to
make physical radiation surveys as required by this Part and by 32
Ill. Adm. Code 340.2010. Instrumentation shall be capable of
measuring 0.1 milliroentgen (2.58 x 10-8 C/kg) per hour through at
least 20 milliroentgens (5.16 x 10-6 C/kg) per hour.
b) Each radiation survey instrument shall be calibrated:
1) at intervals not to exceed six (6) months and after each
instrument servicing (e.g., electronic repair);
2) at energies and radiation levels equivalent to those to be
encountered during use; and
3) so that accuracy within plus or minus 20 percent of the true
radiation level can be demonstrated on each scale.
c) Calibration records shall be maintained for a period of two (2)
years for inspection by the Department.
Section 351.1050 Leak Testing of Sealed Sources
a) Requirements. Each licensee or registrant using sealed sources of
radioactive material shall have the sources tested for leakage.
Records of leak test results shall be kept in units of microcuries
and maintained for inspection by the Department for two (2) years
after the next required leak test is performed or until transfer
or disposal of the sealed source.
b) Method of Testing. Tests for leakage shall be performed only by
persons specifically authorized to perform such tests by the
Department, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, an Agreement
State, or a Licensing State. The test sample shall be taken from
the surface of the source, source holder, or from the surface of
the device in which the source is stored or mounted and on which
one might expect contamination to accumulate. The test sample
shall be analyzed for radioactive contamination, and the analysis
shall be capable of detecting the presence of 0.005 microcurie
(185 Bq) of radioactive material on the test sample.
c) Interval of Testing. Each sealed source of radioactive material
shall be tested at intervals not to exceed six (6) months. In the
absence of a certificate from a transferor indicating that a test
has been made prior to the transfer, the sealed source shall not
be put into use until tested. If, for any reason, it is suspected
that a sealed source may be leaking, it shall be removed from
service immediately and tested for leakage.
d) Leaking or Contaminated Sources. If the test reveals the presence
of 0.005 microcurie (185 Bq) or more of leakage or contamination,
the licensee shall immediately withdraw the source from use and
shall cause it to be decontaminated, repaired, or disposed of in
accordance with this Part. A report describing the equipment
involved, the test results, and the corrective action taken shall
be filed with the Department.
e) Exemptions. The following sources are exempted from the periodic
leak test requirements of Section 351.1050(a) through (d):
1) hydrogen-3 sources;
2) sources of radioactive material with a half-life of 30 days
or less;
3) sealed sources of radioactive material in gaseous form;
4) sources of beta- and/or gamma-emitting radioactive material
with an activity of 100 microcuries (3.7 MBq) or less; and
5) sources of alpha-emitting radioactive material with an
activity of 10 microcuries (0.370 MBq) or less.
Section 351.1060 Quarterly Inventory
Each licensee or registrant shall conduct a quarterly physical inventory to
account for all sources of radiation. If all sources are not accounted for
during the inventory, the licensee or registrant shall notify the Department
in accordance with the requirements of 32 Ill. Adm. Code 340.4020. Records of
inventories shall be maintained for two (2) years from the date of inventory
for inspection by the Department and shall include the quantities and kinds of
sources of radiation, the location where sources of radiation are assigned,
the date of the inventory, and the name of the individual conducting the
inventory.
Section 351.1070 Utilization Records
Each licensee or registrant shall maintain current records, which shall be
kept available for inspection by the Department for two (2) years from the
date of the recorded event, showing the following information for each source
of radiation:
a) make, model number, and a serial number or a description of each
source of radiation used;
b) the identity of the well-logging supervisor or field unit to whom
assigned;
c) locations where used and dates of use; and
d) in the case of tracer materials and radioactive markers, the
utilization record shall indicate the radionuclide and activity
used in a particular well.
Section 351.1080 Design and Performance Criteria for Sealed Sources Used in
Downhole Operations
a) A licensee may not use a sealed source in well logging unless:
1) the sealed source is doubly encapsulated;
2) the sealed source contains radioactive material whose
chemical and physical forms are insoluble and non-
dispersible; and
3) a prototype of the sealed source has been tested and meets
the performance standards for oil well logging sources
contained in either the United States of America Standards
Institute (USASI) Standard No. N5.10-1968 or the American
National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standard No. N542-1977
(1978 edition), exclusive of subsequent amendments or
editions. A copy of USASI Standard No. N5.10-1968 and ANSI
Standard No. N542-1977 are available for public inspection
at the Department's offices, 1035 Outer Park Drive,
Springfield, Illinois.
b) The requirements of subsection (a) do not apply to sealed sources
that contain licensed material in gaseous form.
(Source: Amended at 14 Ill. Reg. 13633, effective August 13, 1990)
Section 351.1090 Labeling
a)
1) Each source, source holder, or logging tool containing
radioactive material shall bear a durable, legible, and
clearly visible marking or label which has, as a minimum,
the standard radiation caution symbol (as described in 32
Ill. Adm. Code 340.2030), without the conventional color
requirement, and the following wording:
DANGER*
RADIOACTIVE
*AGENCY NOTE: or CAUTION.
2) This labeling shall be on every component transported as a
separate piece of equipment.
b) Each transport container shall have permanently attached to it a
durable, legible, and clearly visible label which has, as a
minimum, the standard radiation caution symbol (as described in 32
Ill. Adm. Code 340.2030) and the following wording:
DANGER*
RADIOACTIVE
NOTIFY CIVIL AUTHORITIES (OR NAME OF COMPANY)
*AGENCY NOTE: or CAUTION.
Section 351.1100 Inspection and Maintenance
a) Each licensee or registrant shall conduct, at intervals not to
exceed six (6) months, a program of inspection and maintenance of
source holders, logging tools, source handling tools, storage
containers, transport containers, and injection tools to assure
proper labeling and physical condition. Records of inspection and
maintenance shall be maintained for a period of two (2) years for
inspection by the Department.
b) If any inspection conducted pursuant to Section 351.1100(a)
reveals damage to labeling or components which could result in
release of radioactive material into the environment, or loss of
control of radioactive material, or which could otherwise create a
risk of increase in radiation exposure, the device shall be
removed from service until repairs have been made.
c) The repair, opening, or modification of any sealed source shall be
performed only by persons specifically authorized to do so by the
Department, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, an Agreement
State, or a Licensing State.
Section 351.2010 Training Requirements
a) No licensee or registrant shall permit any individual to act as a
logging supervisor as defined in this Part until such individual
has:
1) received 40 hours of instruction in the subjects outlined in
Appendix A of this Part and has demonstrated to the
satisfaction of the licensee or registrant an understanding
thereof by successful completion of a written examination
administered by the licensee or registrant;
2) read and received instruction in the regulations contained
in this Part and the applicable Sections of 32 Ill. Adm.
Code 310, 340, and 400 or the equivalent state or federal
regulations, conditions of appropriate license or
certificate of registration, and the licensee's or
registrant's operating and emergency procedures, and
demonstrated to the satisfaction of the licensee or
registrant an understanding thereof; and
3) demonstrated to the satisfaction of the licensee or
registrant competence to use sources of radiation, related
handling tools, and radiation survey instruments which will
be used on the job.
b) No licensee or registrant shall permit any individual to assist in
the handling of sources of radiation until such individual has:
1) read or received instruction in the licensee's or
registrant's operating and emergency procedures and
demonstrated to the satisfaction of the licensee or
registrant an understanding thereof; and
2) demonstrated to the satisfaction of the licensee or
registrant competence to use, under the personal supervision
of the logging supervisor, the sources of radiation, related
handling tools, and radiation survey instruments which will
be used on the job.
c) The licensee or registrant shall maintain employee training
records for inspection by the Department for two (2) years
following termination of employment.
Section 351.2020 Operating and Emergency Procedures
The licensee's or registrant's operating and emergency procedures shall
include instructions in at least the following:
a) handling and use of sources of radiation to be employed so that no
individual is likely to be exposed to radiation doses in excess of
the standards established in 32 Ill. Adm. Code 340;
b) methods and occasions for conducting radiation surveys;
c) methods and occasions for locking and securing sources of
radiation;
d) personnel monitoring and the use of personnel monitoring
equipment;
e) transportation to temporary jobsites and field stations, including
the packaging and placing of sources of radiation in vehicles,
placarding of vehicles, and securing sources of radiation during
transportation;
f) minimizing exposure of individuals in the event of an accident;
g) procedure for notifying proper personnel in the event of an
accident;
h) maintenance of records;
i) inspection and maintenance of source holders, logging tools,
source handling tools, storage containers, transport containers,
and injection tools;
j) procedure to be followed in the event a sealed source is lodged
downhole; and
k) procedures to be used for picking up, receiving, and opening
packages containing radioactive material.
Section 351.2030 Personnel Monitoring
a) No licensee or registrant shall permit any individual to act as a
logging supervisor or to assist in the handling of sources of
radiation unless each such individual wears either a film badge or
a thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD). Each film badge or TLD shall
be assigned to and worn by only one individual.
b) Personnel monitoring records shall be maintained for inspection
until the Department authorizes disposition.
Section 351.3010 Security
During each logging or tracer application, the logging supervisor or other
designated employee shall maintain direct surveillance of the operation to
protect against unauthorized and/or unnecessary entry into a restricted area,
as defined in 32 Ill. Adm. Code 310.
Section 351.3020 Handling Tools
The licensee or registrant shall provide and require the use of tools that
will assure remote handling of sealed sources other than low-activity
calibration sources.
Section 351.3030 Subsurface Tracer Studies
a) All personnel handling radioactive tracer material shall be
required to use protective gloves, protective clothing and
equipment which prevents the spread of contamination. Precautions
shall be taken by the licensee or registrant to prevent ingestion
or inhalation of radioactive material.
b) No licensee or registrant shall cause the injection of radioactive
material into potable aquifers without specific license
authorization issued by the Department pursuant to 32 Ill. Adm.
Code 330.250. Such authorization will be issued only if:
1) The applicant's proposed procedures will prevent tracer
concentrations at the most exposed drinking water source or
public water supply inlet from exceeding the Illinois
Environmental Protection Agency's drinking water quality
standards in 35 Ill. Adm. Code 604, and
2) The applicant's proposed procedures will be performed:
A) on an underground injection well for which a U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency underground injection
control program permit has been issued pursuant to 40
CFR 124 or 40 CFR 144 revised as of July 1, 1988, or
pursuant to 35 Ill. Adm. Code 705 or 62 Ill. Adm. Code
240, or
B) on a well for which the Illinois Environmental
Protection Agency has otherwise approved a subsurface
radioactive tracer study pursuant to 35 Ill. Adm. Code
704, or
C) on a well for which the Illinois Department of Mines
and Minerals has otherwise approved a subsurface
radioactive tracer study pursuant to 62 Ill. Adm. Code
240.
(Source: Amended at 13 Ill. Reg. 13605, effective August 11, 1989)
Section 351.3040 Particle Accelerators
No licensee or registrant shall permit above-ground testing of particle
accelerators, designed for use in well-logging, which results in the produc-
tion of radiation, except in areas or facilities controlled or shielded so
that the requirements of 32 Ill. Adm. Code 340.1010 and 340.1050, as
applicable, are met.
Section 351.4010 Radiation Surveys
a) Radiation surveys and/or calculations shall be made and recorded
for each area where radioactive materials are stored.
b) Radiation surveys and/or calculations shall be made and recorded
for the radiation levels in occupied positions and on the exterior
of each vehicle used to transport radioactive material. Such
surveys and/or calculations shall include each source of radiation
or combination of sources to be transported in the vehicle.
c) After removal of the sealed source from the logging tool and
before departing the jobsite, the logging tool detector shall be
energized, or a radiation survey meter used, to assure that the
logging tool is free of contamination.
d) Radiation surveys shall be made and recorded at the jobsite or
wellhead for each tracer operation, except those using Hydrogen-3,
Carbon-14, and Sulfur-35. These surveys shall include
measurements of radiation levels before and after the operation.
e) Records required pursuant to Section 351.4010(a) through (d) shall
include the dates, the identification of individual(s) making the
survey, the identification of survey instrument(s) used, and an
exact description of the location of the survey. Records of these
surveys shall be maintained for inspection by the Department for
two (2) years after completion of the survey.
Section 351.4020 Documents and Records Required at Field Stations
Each licensee or registrant shall maintain, for inspection by the Department,
the following documents and records for the specific devices and sources used
at the field station:
a) appropriate license, certificate of registration, or equivalent
document issued by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, an Agreement
State, or Licensing State;
b) operating and emergency procedures required by Section 351.2020;
c) 32 Ill. Adm. Code 310, 320, 330, 340, 341, 351 and 400;
d) records of the latest survey instrument calibrations pursuant to
Section 351.1040;
e) records of the latest leak test results pursuant to Section
341.1050;
f) quarterly inventories required pursuant to Section 351.1060;
g) utilization records required pursuant to Section 351.1070;
h) records of inspection and maintenance required pursuant to Section
351.1100; and
i) survey records required pursuant to Section 351.4010.
Section 351.4030 Documents and Records Required at Temporary Jobsites
Each licensee or registrant conducting operations at a temporary jobsite shall
have the following documents and records available at that site for inspection
by the Department:
a) operating and emergency procedures required by Section 351.2020;
b) survey records required pursuant to Section 351.4010 for the
period of operation at the site;
c) evidence of current calibration for the radiation survey
instruments in use at the site;
d) the licensee's radioactive material license, including all
appropriate amendments;
e) when operating in the state under reciprocity as provided for in
32 Ill. Adm. Code 330.900, a copy of the appropriate license,
certificate of registration, or equivalent document(s); and
f) the date of the latest test for leakage and contamination
performed on the sealed source(s) and the results of the test(s).
Section 351.5010 Notification of Incidents, Abandonment, and Lost Sources
a) Whenever an incident as described in 32 Ill. Adm. Code 340.4030 or
340.4050 has occurred or whenever a source is lost, other than in
downhole logging operations, notification shall be made to the
Department in accordance with 32 Ill. Adm. Code 340.4020.
b) Whenever a sealed source or device containing radioactive material
is lodged downhole, the licensee or registrant shall:
1) monitor at the surface for the presence of radioactive
contamination with a radiation survey instrument or logging
tool during logging tool recovery operations; and
2) notify the Department immediately by telephone if
radioactive contamination is detected at the surface or if
the source appears to be damaged.
c) When it becomes apparent that efforts to recover the radioactive
source will not be successful, the licensee or registrant shall:
1) advise the well-operator of the regulations of the Illinois
Department of Nuclear Safety regarding abandonment and a
method of abandonment, which shall include:
A) the immobilization and sealing in place of the
radioactive source with a cement plug,
B) the setting of a whipstock or other deflection device,
and
C) the mounting of a permanent identification plaque, at
the surface of the well, containing the appropriate
information required by Section 351.5010(d);
2) notify the Department immediately by telephone, and by mail
within ten (10) calendar days, giving the circumstances of
the loss, and requesting approval of the adopted abandonment
procedures; and
3) file a written report with the Department within 30 days of
the abandonment, setting forth the following information:
A) date of occurrence and a brief description of attempts
to recover the source;
B) a description of the radioactive source involved,
including radionuclide, quantity, and chemical and
physical form;
C) surface location, and identification of well;
D) results of efforts to immobilize and seal the source
in place;
E) depth of the radioactive source;
F) depth of the top of the cement plug;
G) depth of the well; and
H) information contained on the permanent identification
plaque.*
d) The Department will provide written approval of the request by the
licensee pursuant to subsection (c)(2) if the Department
determines that accepted industry methods for recovery have been
unsuccessful and the proposed abandonment procedures satisfy the
requirements of subsection (c)(1).
e) Whenever a sealed source containing radioactive material is
abandoned downhole, the licensee shall provide a permanent plaque*
for posting the well or well-bore. This plaque shall:
*AGENCY NOTE: An example of a suggested plaque is shown in
Appendix B of this Part.
1) be constructed of long-lasting material, such as stainless
steel or monel; and
2) contain the following information engraved on its face:
A) the word "CAUTION";
B) the radiation symbol without the conventional color
requirement;
C) the date of abandonment;
D) the name of the well operator or well owner;
E) the well name and well identification number(s) or
other designation;
F) the sealed source(s) by radionuclide and quantity of
activity;
G) the source depth and the depth to the top of the plug;
and
H) an appropriate warning, depending on the specific
circumstances of each abandonment.*
*AGENCY NOTE: Appropriate warnings may include: "Do
not drill below plug back depth"; "Do not enlarge
casing"; or "Do not re-enter the hole" followed by the
words, "before contacting the Illinois Department of
Nuclear Safety".
f) The licensee or registrant shall notify the Department immediately
by telephone and by mail within ten (10) calendar days, if the
licensee knows or has reason to believe that radioactive material
has been lost in or to an underground potable water source. Such
notice shall designate the well location and shall describe the
magnitude and extent of loss of radioactive material, assess the
health and environmental consequences of such loss, and explain
efforts planned or being taken to mitigate these consequences.
SECTION 351.APPENDIX A Subjects To Be Included In Training Courses For
Logging Supervisors
I) Fundamentals of Radiation Safety
A) Characteristics of radiation
B) Units of radiation dose and quantity of radioactivity
C) Significance of radiation dose
1) Radiation protection standards
2) Biological effects of radiation dose
D) Levels of radiation from sources of radiation
E) Methods of minimizing radiation dose
1) Working time
2) Working distances
3) Shielding
II) Radiation Detection Instrumentation to be Used
A) Use of radiation survey instruments
1) Operation
2) Calibration
3) Limitations
B) Survey Techniques
C) Use of personnel monitoring equipment
III) Equipment to be Used
A) Handling equipment
B) Sources of radiation
C) Storage and control of equipment
D) Operation and control of equipment
IV) The Requirements of Pertinent Federal and State Regulations
V) The Licensee's or Registrant's Written Operating and Emergency
Procedures
VI) The Licensee's or Registrant's Record Keeping Procedures
SECTION 351.APPENDIX B Example of Plaque for Identifying Wells Containing
Sealed Sources Containing Radioactive Material Abandoned Downhole
The size of the plaque should be convenient for use on active or
inactive wells, e.g., a 7-inch square. Letter size of the word
"CAUTION" should be approximately twice the letter size of the rest of
the information, e.g. 1/2-inch and 1/4-inch letter size, respectively.
(Source: Added at 11 Ill. Reg. 5215, effective March 13, 1987)
