Administrative Regulations for Radioactive Material and Equipment Capable of Producing Ionizing Radiation and Associated Practice Article 54

Paragraph 54.1If a facility operator uses, ceases to use, or possesses a sealed radioactive material, the operator shall conduct a sealed radioactive material smear test within the time period prescribed in Paragraph 54.3 and retain a record for filing and reference. However the following sealed radioactive material may be waived for the smear test:1.sealed radioactive material used for calibration in a liquid scintillation counter;2.sealed gaseous radioactive material;3.sealed radioactive material with a half-life of not exceeding 30 days;4.beta- or gamma-emitting radioactive nuclide with an activity of not exceeding 3.7 MBq;5.alpha-emitting radioactive nuclide with an activity of not exceeding 370 kBq; and6.other materials as designated by the competent authority.Paragraph 54.2If the radioactive nuclide referred to in the preceding paragraph is radium, the smear test shall include a test for radon leakage.Paragraph 54.3Smear test reports of sealed radioactive material shall be made by the facility operator according to the timeframes prescribed below:1.once every six months for sealed radioactive material in teletherapy equipment and remote after-loading brachytherapy equipment;2.once a year for sealed radioactive material of other uses;3.once every three years for americium-241 or nickel-63 contained in toxic gas detectors; or4.other actions announced by the competent authority shall be completed according to the prescribed timeframes.Paragraph 54.4If the smear test results referred to in Paragraph 54.1 exceed 185 Bq, the facility operator shall cease the uses immediately and report to the competent authority within seven days.