[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 39 (Monday, February 28, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page ]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-4133]


[Federal Register: February 28, 1994]


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NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

10 CFR Parts 34 and 150

RIN 3150-AE07


Licenses for Radiography and Radiation Safety Requirements for 
Radiographic Operations

AGENCY: Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is proposing to amend 
its regulations governing industrial radiography. The proposed rule 
would include additional safety requirements to enhance the level of 
protection of radiographers and the public and would clarify the 
regulations so that licensees may have a better understanding of what 
is expected in radiographic operations. The proposed rule includes a 
number of updated radiography regulations that have been adopted by the 
Agreement States. The major changes in the proposed rule include 
requirements for: (1) Two qualified individuals to be present whenever 
radiography occurs at a temporary jobsite, (2) mandatory certification 
of radiographers, (3) permanent radiographic installations, and (4) a 
radiation safety officer. The format of the radiography regulations 
would be revised to place requirements into descriptive categories.

DATES: Submit comments by May 31, 1994. Comments received after this 
date will be considered if it is practical to do so, but the Commission 
is able to assure consideration only for comments received on or before 
this date.

ADDRESSES: Mail written comments to: Secretary, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory 
Commission, Washington DC 20555, Attention: Docketing and Service 
Branch. Hand deliver comments to 11555 Rockville Pike, Rockville, 
Maryland between 7:45 am and 4:15 pm on Federal workdays.
    Examine comments received, the environmental impact, and the 
regulatory analysis at: The NRC Public Document Room at 2120 L Street 
NW. (Lower Level), Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Donald O. Nellis or Mary L. 
Thomas, Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory 
Commission, Washington DC 20555; Telephone: (301) 492-3628 or 492-3886.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    Part 34 of Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations was first 
published in 1965 (30 FR 8192) as part of the recodification of parts 
30 and 31 for the purpose of simplifying and clarifying the format of 
the then-current requirements on radiography so that persons subject to 
byproduct material licensing regulations could conveniently use and 
understand them. Numerous modifications to the original part 34 have 
been made since 1965, many of which have been directed toward the 
safety aspects of field radiography. These modifications include 
performance requirements on radiography equipment and requirements for 
the use of alarming ratemeters published in 1990 (55 FR 843; January 
10, 1993).
    There are approximately 200 NRC radiography licensees with an 
additional 500 Agreement State licensees. Radiography licensees often 
conduct business under both NRC and Agreement State jurisdiction.
    The NRC has not initiated an overall revision of part 34 in many 
years. However, a number of Agreement States have updated their 
radiography regulations. The decision to develop an overall revision to 
10 CFR part 34 was made with the intent of establishing new safety 
requirements for radiography licensees and clarifying the regulation so 
that licensees will have a better understanding of what is expected in 
radiographic operations. The format of the radiography regulations 
would be revised to place requirements into descriptive categories that 
better describe the type of requirements found in the subpart.
    The NRC solicited recommendations on radiography issues at the 1991 
Agreement States' meeting in Sacramento, CA, as well as from NRC 
regional offices, radiography equipment manufacturers, and radiography 
licensees. Public comments were solicited on the issue of radiographer 
certification at the May 19, 1991, annual meeting of the Conference of 
Radiation Control Program Directors (CRCPD), Inc. in Wichita, Kansas, 
and a public workshop on radiographer certification was held May 27-28, 
1992, in Mobile, Alabama. A separate workshop was held on November 18, 
1992, in Dallas, Texas, to discuss recommendations received from the 
Agreement States and licensees on revision of the radiography 
regulations. The transcripts of these meetings, which are available for 
inspection and copying in the NRC Public Document Room, were reviewed 
in further developing the proposed revision. The NRC utilized part E of 
the ``Suggested State Regulations for Control of Radiation'' developed 
by the CRCPD, part 31 of the Texas Regulations for Control of 
Radiation, Chapter 5 of the Louisiana regulations, and the Canadian 
``Atomic Energy Control Regulations,'' that apply to radiography in 
developing this proposed revision of part 34.

II. Petition for Rulemaking

    A petition was received on October 15, 1992, from the International 
Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE), Local No. 2, requesting an 
amendment to the radiography regulations to require a minimum of two 
radiographic personnel when performing industrial radiography at 
temporary jobsites. The petition was published in the Federal Register 
on December 4, 1992 (57 FR 57392). Thirty-eight comment letters were 
received, 35 were in favor of granting the petition. Resolution of this 
petition has been addressed in this proposed revision to part 34.
    The IUOE petition offered three options for the makeup of the two-
person crew: (1) Two radiographers; (2) one radiographer and one 
radiographer's assistant; and (3) one radiographer and one trainee, 
with the trainee having completed 40 hours of approved radiation safety 
training and passed an examination. The petitioners identified a number 
of problems associated with the use of licensed material by one 
radiographer at temporary jobsites. These problems included: (1) 
Difficulty keeping the area under constant surveillance while 
radiographic operations are ongoing; (2) difficulty in maintaining 
surveillance when working in trenches; and (3) difficulty in obtaining 
assistance in the event of an emergency if there is only one 
individual. The petitioners believe that the suggested change is 
necessary to ensure a safe working environment.
    The comments received raised concerns regarding the combination of 
a radiographer and a trainee as a two-person team. Many stated that the 
trainee is an unskilled individual that may or may not achieve 
radiographer status and spending the time and money for 40 hours 
training may not be financially feasible for some radiography 
companies.
    This proposed rule, if adopted, would constitute a partial granting 
of the petition in that it proposes to require, at a minimum, a two-
person crew whenever radiographic operations are being conducted 
outside of a permanent radiographic installation. The NRC has decided 
not to adopt the term ``radiographer trainee,'' and is proposing that 
the second person be another qualified radiographer or an individual 
who has met, at a minimum, the requirements for a radiographer's 
assistant. The NRC recognizes that, in Agreement States, the training 
of those individuals designated as trainees would meet the NRC's 
training requirements for a radiographer's assistant.
    The estimated cost of requiring the two-person crew could be 
significant for licensees who send only one radiographer to a temporary 
jobsite. However, the current regulation requires direct surveillance 
of the operation to prevent unauthorized entry into a high radiation 
area. To comply with this regulation most licensees already must use 
more than one qualified individual in many situations. For certain 
circumstances where a licensee could demonstrate that adequate 
surveillance can be maintained by one radiographer, the Commission 
could consider granting an exemption through the process described in 
the proposed Sec. 34.111. The Commission is concerned that this 
requirement could cause a significant impact on a number of small 
entities which currently do not use two-person crews, and is soliciting 
comments on the potential impact. Furthermore, the Commission is 
interested in receiving proposals for alternatives to the two-person 
requirement which would achieve comparable enhancements in safety with 
less of a burden on licensees.
    In summary, the Commission believes that by requiring at least two 
qualified individuals to always be present when radiographic operations 
are being conducted, there will be a significant increase in assurance 
that operational safety measures and emergency procedures will be 
effectively implemented. The expectation is that violations involving 
failures to perform adequate radiation surveys of radiographic exposure 
devices and the surrounding area, failures to adequately post and 
monitor the restricted area, and failures to lock and secure the camera 
when not in use will become less frequent. Furthermore, if an 
incapacitating injury to a radiographer should occur at a remote 
location, the presence of a second individual could be an important 
factor in preventing unnecessary radiation exposures. The Commission is 
considering amending the Enforcement Policy as a result of this 
proposed rulemaking to provide, as an example of a Severity Level III 
violation, the conduct of radiography operations without the required 
second radiographer or individual with, at least, the qualifications of 
a radiographer's assistant as provided in the proposed Sec. 34.41.

III. General Discussion of Proposed Rule Changes

    The proposed amendments contain requirements which are intended to 
improve radiography safety. The first major change is a proposal to 
require, at a minimum, two qualified individuals (two radiographers or 
a radiographer and an individual who has met, at least, the 
requirements to be a radiographer's assistant) to be present any time 
radiographic operations occur outside of a permanent radiographic 
installation. This issue has already been addressed under Section II. 
Petition for Rulemaking.
    On March 19, 1991 (56 FR 11504), the NRC published a final rule 
which provided for a voluntary third-party radiographer certification 
program through the American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT), 
as discussed further in Section IV. Several Agreement States have 
adopted mandatory radiographer state administered examination programs. 
The promulgation of these programs, as well as other changes in their 
radiography regulations, have contributed to an overall improvement in 
safety and a decrease in serious overexposures in these Agreement 
States.
    The proposed rule would recognize other certifying organizations 
who meet the requirements outlined in Appendix A of the proposed rule. 
Independent certifying organizations would be required to meet all of 
the requirements listed in Appendix A, while Agreement States that wish 
to become certifying entities would only be required to meet the 
requirements listed in part II and III of the Appendix. The NRC plans 
to publish annually in the Federal Register an updated list of 
certifying entities and to provide the list with license application 
forms. The NRC also plans to investigate the feasibility of 
establishing a toll-free telephone number whereby licensees could 
obtain information on approved certifying entities.
    Another issue involves the definition of a permanent radiographic 
installation. The proposed rule changes the definition of a ``permanent 
radiographic installation'' to mean an enclosed shielded room, cell, or 
vault in which radiography is performed. The terms ``designed or 
intended for radiography'' and ``regularly performed'' have been 
removed from the definition to reduce any ambiguity as to what is 
intended. Under the existing rule, if a licensee has a room, cell, or 
vault that meets the definition of a ``permanent radiographic 
installation'', then it must meet the special safety requirements of 
Sec. 34.33. The proposed rule adds two additional requirements: (1) To 
perform a daily check of the visible and audible signals, and (2) to 
list all permanent facilities on the license. Under the proposed rule, 
radiography can only be performed in one of two ways: (1) In a 
permanent radiographic installation with a qualified radiographer, or 
(2) at any other location with at least two qualified individuals. The 
special safety requirements of Sec. 34.33 would not apply to the use of 
a shielded room at a temporary jobsite, although licensees would be 
permitted to submit a license amendment requesting approval to use a 
shielded room which meets the requirements of Sec. 34.33 as a permanent 
radiographic installation.
    The proposed rule includes requirements specifying the 
qualifications and duties of the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO). The 
RSO is the key licensee individual charged with the responsibility to 
ensure that the requirements in the license are followed. These 
requirements have been based on similar commitments previously included 
in specific license conditions on a case-by-case basis. The proposed 
rule would require additional special training for RSOs. The Commission 
is considering permitting existing RSOs to obtain the additional 
training within 2 years from the effective date of the rule and is 
specifically requesting comment on this proposed requirement.

IV. An Independent Certifying Entity (ASNT)

    The current ASNT program for certifying industrial radiographers 
was approved by its Board of Directors in March 1990 and offers 
certification for either isotope or x-ray users. The NRC staff has 
extensively reviewed this program, which includes a written examination 
developed by the State of Texas.
    The application to become a certified radiographer requires 
documentation of 40 hours of classroom training in radiation safety 
topics specified by ASNT including those topics listed in the proposed 
Sec. 34.43(f), documentation of 520 hours of direct hands-on experience 
with radiography sources and devices under the control of an NRC or 
Agreement State licensee, and proof of successful completion of a 
practical examination on safety procedures administered by an ASNT-
recognized institution. Recognized institutions, generally the 
candidates' employers, have been licensed by NRC or an Agreement State 
for the use of radiography sources.
    After ASNT's approval of an application, a candidate radiographer 
takes the written examination. The examination is administered by ASNT 
or the Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors, Inc. (CRCPD) 
and subsequently sent to the State of Texas for grading. The results of 
the examination are forwarded to ASNT. The written examination covers 
the fundamental radiation safety principles outlined in 10 CFR part 34, 
pertinent Federal and State regulations, basic radiographic equipment 
operation, general operating and emergency procedures, radiation 
detection instrumentation, and radiation safety procedures applicable 
to industrial radiography. In addition, candidates are required to sign 
a pledge that they will abide by the ASNT Rules of Conduct. On 
successful completion of the required examinations and other 
requirements, a certified individual is provided with a wallet card 
identifying him/her as an ASNT-certified radiographer.
    ASNT certification is valid for 3 years, unless suspended or 
revoked for cause. Renewal of certification may be accomplished either 
with or without reexamination. A candidate for renewal without 
reexamination must document continuous active full-time employment in 
radiography for at least 6 of the last 12 months. In addition, the 
candidate must document at least 8 hours, each year, of classroom 
refresher training covering basic radiation safety principles, 
equipment operations, emergency procedures, new safety regulations, 
license requirements, and other pertinent information. If these 
criteria are not met, the candidate must retake the written 
examination.
    The ASNT Rules of Conduct require certified individuals to comply 
with NRC and Agreement State regulations and the employer's procedures 
for radiation safety, routine and emergency operations, and to act in a 
professional manner in matters pertaining to industrial radiography or 
to the ASNT certification.
    The certification program also contains complaint and hearing 
procedures. For example, written allegations of unauthorized practice 
by an ASNT-certified individual are reviewed by the ASNT Ethics 
Subcommittee. In some cases a formal hearing may be held. If the ASNT 
Ethics Subcommittee determines that an unauthorized practice has been 
committed, the subcommittee may take one of the following actions:
    1. Revoke the individual's certification for a minimum of 1 year.
    2. Suspend the individual's certification for 30 to 180 days.
    3. Formally reprimand the individual.
    More detailed information on the ASNT certification program is 
available from the American Society for Nondestructive Testing, Inc., 
1711 Arlingate Plaza, P.O. Box 28518, Columbus, Ohio 43228-0518.

V. Discussion of the Proposed Rule

Table of Contents

    The new Table of Contents contains eight subparts. The organization 
is as follows:

Subpart A--General Provisions
Subpart B--Specific Licensing Provisions
Subpart C--Equipment
Subpart D--Radiation Safety Requirements
Subpart E--Recordkeeping Requirements
Subpart F--Notifications
Subpart G--Exemptions
Subpart H--Violations
Appendix A

    This organization follows the same general format used in 10 CFR 
part 39 concerning radiation safety requirements for well logging.

Subpart A--General Provisions

    This subpart covers items of a general nature, such as listing 
definitions and OMB approvals. It also describes the purpose and scope 
of the rule.
    Section 34.1, Purpose and scope, is basically unchanged from the 
existing regulation. Other NRC regulations that apply to radiography 
licenses are referenced in this section.
    Section 34.3, Definitions, contains the following new terms: ALARA, 
Annual safety review, Becquerel, Certifying entity, Collimator, Control 
(drive) cable, Field station, Gray, Independent certifying 
organization, Radiographer certification, Radiation Safety Officer, 
Sievert, S-tube, and Temporary jobsite. These definitions were added to 
define terms used in requirements not previously addressed in Part 34. 
The term ALARA, which means as low as reasonably achievable, has been 
added to describe a key element of the revised part 20, ``Standards for 
Protection Against Radiation,'' that licensees must implement by 
January 1994. The term Annual safety review was added to describe this 
activity in the proposed rule. The terms Becquerel, Gray, and Sievert 
were added to define the metric units used in all new or revised 
regulations. The terms Certifying entity, Independent certifying 
organization, and Radiographer certification were added to describe 
terms associated with revised requirements for verification of 
radiographer training. The terms Collimator and Control (drive) cable 
were added to the proposed rule to describe pieces of equipment that is 
often used in conducting radiography operations. The term S-tube was 
added to describe this component of a radiographic exposure for which 
there are new requirements in the proposed rule. The terms Field 
station and Temporary jobsite were added to clarify the meaning of 
these terms in the proposed rule. The term Field station is being used 
to designate those locations where radiography equipment is stored and 
from which equipment is dispatched. The term Temporary jobsite is being 
used to describe locations not authorized on the license where 
radiography is conducted. The term Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) was 
added to describe the role of this individual in the proposed rule.
    The terms Associated equipment, Control tube, Exposure head, Field 
examination, Projection sheath, Radiographic Operations, Shielded 
position, and Source assembly, while used in the existing regulation, 
were not previously defined. Both licensees and Agreement State 
representatives requested clarification of these terms. Changing the 
definition of radiographer's assistant was discussed at the November 
1992 workshop in Dallas, Texas. Some Agreement States use the term 
``trainee'' to refer to a radiographer's assistant and require training 
similar to that required of a radiographer. The NRC has decided to 
retain the term radiographer's assistant and has proposed upgrading the 
training requirements to provide additional assurance that 
radiographers' assistants are sufficiently knowledgeable of NRC 
regulations. Although the NRC is not adopting the term ``trainee,'' the 
proposed rule has been written to provide the flexibility for the 
second person to have training beyond that of a radiographer's 
assistant. This position could then equally be filled by a ``trainee.''
    The definition of a permanent radiographic installation was 
modified to remove ambiguities in the previous definition. The 
definitions of storage area and storage container were modified to 
remove references to transportation. Specific transportation 
requirements are addressed in Sec. 34.35.
    Section 34.5, Interpretations, is standard regulatory language to 
state that only the General Counsel of the NRC has the authority to 
provide interpretations of the regulations which will be binding on the 
Commission.
    Section 34.8, Information collection requirements: OMB approval, is 
unchanged from the current regulation, except for changing the section 
numbers to conform to the new format of the proposed rule and to list 
any new requirements that require OMB approval. The Commission has 
submitted the proposed rule for OMB clearance. Final OMB clearance will 
be obtained before publication of a final rule.

Subpart B--Specific Licensing Provisions

    This proposed subpart provides the basic requirements for submittal 
of a license application. The sections in this proposed subpart are 
basically unchanged from those in the current subpart A of part 34.
    Section 34.11, Application for a specific license, is worded the 
same as Sec. 34.3 in the current part 34.
    Section 34.13, Specific license for radiography, has several 
changes from Sec. 34.11 in the current part 34. A proposed 
Sec. 34.13(c) would specify requirements for establishing procedures to 
verify the certification status of radiographers. The requirement for 
verifying an individual's certification would only apply to previously 
certified radiographers whom a licensee might hire. A licensee would 
already know an individual's status if the individual is employed by 
the licensee at the time of certification. However, the licensee would 
be required to ensure that all radiographers are certified.
    Section 34.13(e) proposes a reduction in the frequency of field 
inspections of radiographers and radiographer's assistants from 
quarterly to annually for individuals regularly conducting radiographic 
operations. For individuals who have not performed radiographic 
operations for more than six months, an inspection of job performance 
would be required at the time they next participate in a radiographic 
operation. This reduction is possible due primarily to the proposed 
two-person rule, adoption of mandatory certification for radiographers, 
and upgraded radiographer assistants training which would reduce the 
need for inspection of job performance. The basic requirements for 
conducting the field inspections have been relocated to Sec. 34.43(d) 
to more accurately reflect its role in the training program. In 
addition, a requirement for conducting annual safety reviews has also 
been added in Sec. 34.13(b)(1) and Sec. 34.43(c) to clarify the intent 
of the current Sec. 34.11(b) which requires periodic training. Section 
34.13(g) is proposed to require the licensee to designate an individual 
on the license to fulfill the duties of the RSO. The qualifications and 
duties of this individual are specified in Sec. 34.42.
    Section 34.13(i) is a new paragraph which, as proposed, would 
require a list and description of all permanent radiographic 
installations and all field stations to be included in the license 
application.
    Section 34.13(j) is a new paragraph which, as proposed, would 
permit licensees to have the option to use certified radiographers 
before the proposed rule is adopted in final form and becomes 
effective.

Subpart C--Equipment

    This proposed subpart describes the requirements for radiographic 
equipment performance and use. Some of the requirements in this 
proposed subpart are changed from the current part 34 as described 
below.
    Section 34.20, Performance requirements for radiography equipment, 
is slightly changed from Sec. 34.20 of the current rule. Section 
34.20(b)(3) is revised to prohibit modification of any exposure device. 
The proposed rule was modified to remove any ambiguity regarding 
permission to modify safety components. The term Source assembly was 
added to Sec. 34.20 (c) and (e) to make clear that it is one of the 
pieces of equipment that must meet the requirements of Sec. 34.20. 
Section 34.20(f) is added to require labeling of all associated 
equipment acquired after January 10, 1996, to identify that the 
components have met the requirements of this section.
    Section 34.21, Limits on levels of radiation for radiographic 
exposure devices, storage containers, and source changers, is basically 
unchanged from Sec. 34.21 of the current rule with the following 
exceptions. Metric equivalents to the values previously cited have been 
included. While it is recognized that radiation exposure instruments 
currently use units of roentgens to measure radioactivity, the rule has 
been modified to use the terms millisieverts and millirems. Rather than 
making the transition from roentgens to coulombs per kilogram (in air), 
the terms millisieverts and millirems were chosen because a quality 
factor of 1 is appropriate in dealing with gamma-ray emitting 
radiography sources. Under the proposed rule measurements taken in 
roentgens may continue to be recorded in terms of roentgens, provided 
the limits described in the rule, expressed in millisieverts or 
millirems, are not exceeded.
    Section 34.23, Locking and relocation of radiographic exposure 
devices, storage containers, and source changers, is slightly changed 
from Sec. 34.22 of the current rule, as described below. Section 
34.23(a) describes locking of radiographic exposure devices. A 
requirement to remove the key of any keyed-lock is proposed. Should the 
key remain in the radiographic exposure device, there is an increased 
likelihood of the accidental or intentional removal of the sealed 
source when the radiographic device is unattended. The word 
``manually'' is added to clarify what is meant by securing the source 
assembly for radiographic exposure devices manufactured before January 
10, 1992. Section 34.23(b) is added which specifies requirements for 
ensuring that the sealed source is in the shielded position before 
moving the device and associated equipment because a number of 
overexposures have occurred while radiographic devices were being moved 
from one location to another.
    Section 34.25, Radiation survey instruments, replaces Sec. 34.24 in 
the current rule and has been updated to reflect current calibration 
standards for different types of survey meters. This is to specify 
requirements to address the variety of survey instruments currently 
available. An additional requirement to perform an operability check 
before use is proposed. While this is routinely part of all survey 
instrument specifications, a failure to determine whether an instrument 
was operable before use has been a contributing factor in overexposures 
during radiographic operations.
    In Sec. 34.27, Leak testing and replacement of sealed sources, the 
words ``repair, tagging, opening, and modification'' of sealed sources 
have been removed because these activities are only approved for 
individuals specifically licensed to do so. It was never intended that 
radiographers would be permitted to perform these activities without 
special authorization from the Commission or an Agreement State. 
Section 34.31 was modified to include a specific prohibition on the 
opening, repair, or modification of sealed sources. Most of the 
language in the proposed rule is the same as Sec. 34.25 of the existing 
rule. However, the organization has been modified for purposes of 
clarification. The requirement that performance of a source exchange or 
a leak test must be done by persons approved by the Commission has been 
modified to include Agreement States. Recordkeeping requirements have 
been moved to Sec. 34.67.
    Section 34.27(f) is proposed to require surveys for depleted 
uranium (DU) contamination in the ``S'' tube of radiographic devices at 
least once every 12 months. Depleted uranium is used as a shielding 
material in most radiographic devices and replaces the lead shielding 
that was used in older models. The presence of DU contamination in the 
``S'' tube may be an indication that the control cable has worn a 
groove through the ``S'' tube into the DU shielding. This condition 
could cause binding of the control cable in the groove with the 
resultant inability to retract the source, and could result in 
unwarranted exposures. Recordkeeping requirements may be found in 
Sec. 34.67.
    Section 34.29, Quarterly inventory, is basically unchanged from the 
existing regulation with the exception of moving all recordkeeping 
requirements to Sec. 34.69.
    Section 34.31, Inspection and maintenance of radiographic exposure 
devices, storage containers, associated equipment, and source changers, 
includes several proposed changes from Sec. 34.28 in the current rule. 
The term associated equipment has been included in the proposed rule, 
and includes various items used for specific tasks which may not be 
supplied with the radiographic device. Experience has shown that 
defects in associated equipment can have an effect on safety. 
Therefore, associated equipment must be included in an inspection and 
maintenance program. Section 34.31(a) has been revised to clarify the 
intent of the daily visual check and the required actions if defects 
are found. In Sec. 34.31(b), the term routine maintenance is now used 
to clarify that licensees are not required to perform all maintenance. 
Many equipment repairs may require returning the device to the 
manufacturer. Language has been added to specify that defective 
equipment must be removed from service until repaired and that a record 
of the defect, as well as corrective actions taken, must be made. While 
this appears obvious, there have been numerous instances where the use 
of defective equipment continued and overexposures of personnel 
occurred as a direct result of the defects. Recordkeeping requirements 
have been moved to Sec. 34.73. The records required to be kept would 
now be specified in the rule, and include: Date of check, individual 
performing check, equipment involved, any defects found, and repairs 
made.
    Section 34.33, Permanent radiographic installations, is basically 
unchanged from the existing requirements in part 34, with the 
exceptions noted below. Section 34.33(a) has been revised to clarify 
which entrance controls are required by incorporating the appropriate 
language from 10 CFR 20.1601 into part 34. Section 34.33(b) is revised 
to require an alarm system check at the beginning of each day of use. 
This is to be performed by checking the warning light and audible alarm 
with the source exposed before using the room each day. A defective 
alarm would require repair before radiographic operations could resume. 
This requirement is included because there have been instances where 
failures in alarm systems have resulted in personnel overexposures upon 
entry into a high radiation area.
    Section 34.35, Labels, storage, and transportation precautions, is 
a proposed new section that would place requirements that specify 
labeling and security precautions for radioactive material storage and 
transportation in part 34. Section 34.23 of the current rule describes 
storage precautions for exposure devices and storage containers but 
does not address transportation or labeling requirements. In Sec. 34.35 
of the proposed rule, labeling requirements for source changers and 
storage containers are specified. The proposed rule contains specific 
requirements to lock and physically secure transport packages. The 
proposed rule would also require licensees to store licensed material 
in a manner which minimizes the danger from explosions or fire. The 
requirement for a Quality Assurance (QA) program, as described in 
Sec. 71.105, has been added to the proposed rule. While radiography 
licensees have always had to comply with Sec. 71.105, there have been 
numerous cases where radiography licensees were unaware of this 
requirement and, therefore, failed to comply. The addition of 
requirements addressing labeling and transportation is necessary 
because in the past personnel and public exposures have occurred from 
the failure to properly safeguard radioactive material during storage 
and transportation.

Subpart D--Radiation Safety Requirements

    This subpart describes basic radiation safety requirements for 
radiographic operations and includes training, safety procedures, 
personnel monitoring and surveys. New requirements describing the 
duties of the radiation safety officer are proposed.
    Section 34.41, Conducting radiographic operations, would be added 
to address the practice of conducting radiography at sites where the 
special safety features of a shielded facility are not available. The 
proposed requirement specifies that, as a minimum, either two 
radiographers or a radiographer and an individual who has met the 
requirements to be a radiographer's assistant must be present any time 
radiographic operations occur outside a permanent installation. The 
basis for this proposed requirement is to ensure that, in the absence 
of the safety features outlined in Sec. 34.33, there will be a 
significant increase in assurance that operational safety measures will 
be implemented effectively. The expectation is that violations 
involving failures to perform adequate radiation surveys of 
radiographic exposure devices and the surrounding area, failures to 
adequately post and monitor the restricted area, and failures to lock 
and secure the camera when not in use will become less frequent. 
Furthermore, if an incapacitating injury to a radiographer should occur 
at a remote location, the presence of a second individual could be an 
important factor in preventing unnecessary radiation exposures. Section 
34.41(b) is proposed to require that radiographic operations conducted 
at locations listed on the license be conducted in a permanent 
radiographic installation. If licensees would need to perform 
radiography outside of a permanent facility due to some unique 
circumstances Commission authorization would be required, and the 
requirements of Sec. 34.41(a) would need to be met.
    Section 34.42, Radiation Safety Officer (RSO), lists the 
qualifications and duties of the RSO. This section would be added to 
place in the regulations the requirements for this key individual. 
Previously, these requirements were referenced in regulatory guides and 
included as license conditions on a case-by-case basis, but not 
specified in the regulations. The NRC believes that the RSO is the key 
individual for ensuring safe operations. The qualifications listed for 
the RSO in the proposed rule include: (1) Completion of the training 
required for a radiographer as described in part 34; and (2) 2000 hours 
of documented experience in industrial radiography with at least 40 
hours of formal classroom training with respect to the establishment 
and maintenance of radiation protection programs. It is anticipated 
that most existing RSOs already meet these requirements. It is proposed 
that licensees would have two years from the effective date of the rule 
to meet this 40 hour training requirement for existing RSOs. A key duty 
of the RSO is to ensure the safe conduct of operations and to stop 
unsafe operations and institute corrective actions. Other duties of the 
RSO in the proposed rule include overseeing procedure implementation 
and employee training, and monitoring radiation surveys, leak tests, 
and personnel monitoring results.
    Section 34.43, Training, contains several new requirements. Section 
34.43(a) has been revised to require radiographers to be certified by a 
certifying entity meeting the criteria specified in Appendix A of the 
proposed rule. To be recognized as a certifying entity, an independent 
organization meeting the criteria specified in part I of appendix A 
would have to apply as specified in Sec. 34.43(a)(2). Certifying 
programs would be periodically reviewed by the NRC to ensure that the 
conditions of approval are being met. A list of approved certifying 
entities would be made available to licensees on request by contacting 
the appropriate regional office listed in appendix D to 10 CFR part 20, 
and would be published annually in the Federal Register. Under the 
proposed rule licensees would have 2 years to implement the proposed 
change. The change in the verification of training requirements was 
included in the proposed rule to provide assurance of the quality of 
radiographers' training in the safe handling of radioactive material. 
NRC and Agreement States must reciprocally recognize valid radiographer 
certifications issued by either an independent certifying entity 
approved by the NRC or an Agreement State certification program meeting 
the requirements of appendix A, parts II and III, of the proposed rule. 
Also included in this section is training in Secs. 30.7, 30.9, and 
30.10, applicable sections of 10 CFR part 71, and some instructions in 
applicable Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations as referenced 
in 10 CFR part 71 in addition to other parts of NRC regulations.
    Section 34.43(b), which lists training requirements for 
radiographers' assistants, has been revised to require training in 
Secs. 30.7, 30.9, 30.10, and parts 19, 20, 34, 71, and instructions in 
applicable DOT regulations as referenced in 10 CFR part 71, in addition 
to the licensee's operating and emergency procedures. These changes are 
to ensure that radiographers and radiographers' assistants are 
knowledgeable of the safety requirements applicable to handling 
radioactive material in the conduct of radiography. In Sec. 34.43(b)(3) 
the option of providing an oral test has been omitted. The proposed 
rule would only allow a written test to be given. Section 34.43(c) 
describes a proposed requirement to conduct annual safety reviews of 
radiographers and radiographers' assistants. In the current rule, 
periodic training is required but required topics to be addressed are 
not included. Because a number of violations involving personnel 
overexposures have resulted from licensees' failures to provide 
adequate training, the proposed amendment for annual safety reviews 
includes training on revised operating and emergency procedures, new 
equipment, and safety issues.
    Section 34.43(d) has been relocated from Sec. 34.11(d), and 
describes the requirements for routine inspections of job performance 
for radiographers and radiographers' assistants. The proposed rule 
reduces the frequency of these inspections from quarterly to annually. 
The NRC is proposing to reduce the frequency of inspections of job 
performance for individuals regularly conducting radiographic 
operations. For individuals who have not performed radiographic 
operations for more than six months, an inspection of their job 
performance would be required at the time of their next participation 
in a radiographic operation. With several of the other requirements 
proposed in this rulemaking, such as, certification of radiographers, 
and having at least two individuals at a temporary jobsite, the 
Commission believes that the frequency of inspection of job performance 
can be reduced from quarterly to annually.
    Proposed Sec. 34.43(e) specifies that recordkeeping requirements 
can be found in Sec. 34.79. The requirements for records are unchanged 
from the current part 34 except for the addition of records verifying 
the certification status of radiographers. Proposed Sec. 34.43(f) 
contains the subjects currently listed in Appendix A of part 34. 
Several additional requirements are proposed. These include: Pictures 
or models of source assemblies; training in storage, control, and 
disposal of licensed materials; and pertinent Federal regulations, 
i.e., Department of Transportation. A new Sec. 34.43(g) would be added 
which would allow licensees to continue to permit uncertified 
individuals to act as radiographers for a 2-year period after the 
proposed rule becomes final.
    In Sec. 34.45, Operating and emergency procedures, minor changes 
were made to include procedures for source recovery if the licensee 
intends to perform emergency source recovery. These were added because 
many of the steps in a source recovery would be the same in any 
circumstance and, in the past, a number of personnel overexposures have 
occurred during emergency source recovery operations because basic 
radiation protection precautions were overlooked. Additional 
requirements are proposed for transportation procedures to include 
placarding of vehicles, and reference to the DOT regulations. A number 
of violations have resulted from licensees failing to follow DOT 
regulations in the transportation of radioactive material. Section 
34.45(b) is proposed which specifies that the recordkeeping 
requirements can be found in Sec. 34.81. Sections 34.89 and 34.91 
specify that copies of current operating and emergency procedures are 
to be maintained at field stations, permanent installations, and 
temporary jobsites, to ensure that adequate documents are available 
where radiographic operations occur.
    Section 34.46, Supervision of radiographers' assistants, is 
unchanged from Sec. 34.44 of the current rule.
    In Sec. 34.47, Personnel monitoring, several changes are proposed. 
The existing requirement specifies that pocket dosimeters have a range 
from zero to at least 200 milliroentgens. The proposed rule has dropped 
the term ``at least,'' to limit the range to be only from 0-200. This 
is to prevent the use of pocket dosimeters with very high ranges where 
the users would be unable to properly determine their exposure. Use of 
pocket dosimeters with a range higher than 200 milliroentgens will be 
considered on a case-by-case basis. Additional requirements are 
proposed on the replacement frequency for film and TLDs. The existing 
regulation does not specify the replacement frequency for film and 
TLDs. The high intensity sources used in radiography necessitate 
frequent monitoring. Monthly replacement is judged to be an appropriate 
frequency to adequately track an individual's exposure. With the new 
lower limits for occupational dose, less frequent monitoring could 
result in a worker receiving an overexposure.
    Section 34.47(b) addresses the use of pocket dosimeters. A 
requirement to read dosimeters at the beginning and end of each shift 
is proposed. This is added to ensure that the dose is correctly 
estimated. The existing regulation only specifies a daily reading and 
does not provide sufficient instruction on how licensees should handle 
any readings which remain on the pocket dosimeter after recharging. 
Because it is nearly impossible to recharge a pocket dosimeter to zero, 
licensees must take a reading before and after use and determine the 
difference to determine the dose accurately. Section 34.47(d) addresses 
an off-scale pocket dosimeter. The proposed rule would require that, in 
the case of a pocket dosimeter being off-scale, the individual will not 
be permitted to work with licensed material until the RSO or a designee 
of the RSO makes a determination of the worker's radiation exposure. 
The current rule requires that the worker's film badge or TLD be sent 
for processing, but does not specify when the individual can return to 
work. The proposed revision provides the criteria that must be met 
before permitting the individual to return to work. A provision is 
included which will permit the individual to return to work when the 
circumstances are clearly known and justified by the RSO that there was 
no possibility of overexposure.
    Section 34.47(e) is proposed to require that a worker cease work 
whenever a film badge or TLD is lost or damaged until a replacement is 
available. This is added to ensure that there is a means to accurately 
determine the worker's radiation dose.
    Section 34.47(g) has a proposed revision to require alarm 
ratemeters to be capable of alerting the wearer regardless of the 
environmental conditions. In a recent radiography overexposure 
incident, a licensee reported that a radiographer who was wearing ear 
protection due to high workplace noise levels was overexposed because 
he was unaware that his ratemeter was alarming. For use in high ambient 
noise areas, ratemeters could be supplied with either a vibrating alarm 
that could be felt by the wearer or a small speaker built into hearing 
protectors to meet this requirement. NRC expects its licensees to 
determine the need for alarm ratemeters that incorporate these 
additional protective measures.
    In Sec. 34.49, Radiation surveys, there are several proposed 
changes. The existing regulation requires a survey of the circumference 
of the radiographic exposure device and the guide tube. A number of 
violations of NRC requirements have occurred due to a failure to comply 
with the requirement to survey the full circumference of the camera. In 
reviewing the regulation, the NRC has decided to revise the survey 
requirements to specify that a survey be conducted of the radiographic 
exposure device to determine that the sealed source has returned to the 
shielded position, and specify that the radiographer conduct a survey 
as he/she approaches the guide tube to exchange film, reposition the 
collimator, or dismantle equipment. The proposed rule places the 
responsibility with the licensee for ensuring that an adequate survey 
is conducted. In the majority of cases, a survey of the radiographic 
exposure device's ports should be adequate to make this determination. 
A proposed requirement to survey storage areas when radioactive 
material is initially placed in storage, during each quarterly 
inventory, and whenever changes occur which could increase radiation 
levels, is added.
    Section 34.51, Surveillance, is basically unchanged from Sec. 34.41 
of the current rule. References to part 20 have been updated to reflect 
the proposed revisions in Sec. 34.33.
    Section 34.53, Posting, is basically unchanged from Sec. 34.42 of 
the current rule except to incorporate current references to part 20.

Subpart E--Recordkeeping Requirements

    This subpart does not appear in the current part 34. This subpart 
is proposed to place all recordkeeping and notification requirements in 
one location. Most of the recordkeeping requirements are unchanged from 
those contained in the existing part 34. Proposed changes are discussed 
below.
    Section 34.61, Specific license for radiography, requires the 
licensee to maintain a copy of the license until it is terminated by 
the Commission.
    Section 34.63, Records of receipt and transfer of sealed sources, 
is added to provide a record showing the disposition of sources.
    Section 34.65, Records of radiation survey instruments, is proposed 
as currently written in Section 34.24. Licensees would be required to 
maintain calibration records for radiation survey instruments for 3 
years after the record is made.
    Section 34.67, Records of leak testing and replacement of sealed 
sources is proposed as currently written in Sec. 34.25(c) and requires 
licensees to maintain records of leak tests for 3 years after the 
record is made.
    Section 34.69, Records of quarterly inventory is proposed as 
currently written Sec. 34.26 and requires licensees to maintain records 
of quarterly inventories for 3 years after the record is made.
    Section 34.71, Utilization logs, is proposed much as currently 
written in Sec. 34.27. This section would require licensees to maintain 
utilization logs for 3 years after the record is made. The proposed 
rule has added several additional pieces of information to the logs 
including the serial number of the device in which the sealed source is 
located, the radiographer's signature, and the dates the device is 
removed and returned to storage. This information is necessary in order 
to verify location of sources.
    Section 34.73, Records of inspection and maintenance of 
radiographic exposure devices, storage containers, associated 
equipment, and source changers, is proposed much as currently written 
in Sec. 34.28(b). This section requires licensees to maintain 
inspection and maintenance records for 3 years after the record is 
made. The proposed rule would specify the information that must be 
included in the inspection records: Date of check, name of inspector, 
equipment inspected, any defects found, and repairs made.
    Section 34.75, Records of alarm system checks at permanent 
radiographic installations, is proposed as currently written in 
Sec. 34.29(c) and requires licensees to maintain records of alarm 
system checks for 3 years after the record is made.
    Section 34.79, Records of training, is proposed as currently 
written in Sec. 34.31(c) with proposed additional requirements for 
maintaining records of radiographer certification and annual safety 
reviews. This paragraph would require licensees to maintain records 
verifying radiographer certification status. For annual safety reviews, 
the records would include copies of tests, dates administered, names of 
instructors and attendees, and the topics covered. Under the proposed 
rule, records of the annual inspections would include a list of items 
checked, and any non-compliances observed by the RSO.
    Section 34.81, Copies of operating and emergency procedures, is 
proposed as currently written in Sec. 34.32 and requires licensees to 
maintain copies of emergency and operating procedures until the 
Commission terminates the license.
    Section 34.83, Records of personnel monitoring, is proposed as 
currently written in Sec. 34.33(b), and requires licensees to maintain 
records of alarm ratemeter calibrations, pocket dosimeter readings, and 
operability checks for 3 years from the date the record was made, and 
to maintain records of film badge or TLD reports until the Commission 
terminates the license.
    Section 34.85, Records of radiation surveys, is proposed as 
currently written in Sec. 34.43(d) and requires records of the exposure 
device surveys for 3 years from the date the record was made.
    Section 34.87, Form of records, is proposed as currently written in 
Sec. 34.4 and specifies how records must be maintained, including 
permitting records to be stored in electronic media.
    Section 34.89, Documents and records required at field stations and 
permanent installations, would be added to list documents and records 
required at field stations and permanent installations. This section is 
necessary to ensure that licensees have available sufficient records to 
demonstrate compliance with NRC regulations. Field stations and 
permanent installations may be far removed from the home office. 
Therefore, records necessary to conduct operations safely should be 
readily available. These records include a copy of the current license, 
copies of pertinent regulations, copies of operating and emergency 
procedures, instrument calibration records, leak test results, 
inventory records, utilization logs, training and survey records. These 
records are those required for licensees to safely handle radioactive 
material, and are a subset of the records required at a licensee's 
normal place of business.
    Section 34.91, Documents and records required at temporary jobsites 
and use or storage locations exceeding 180 days, would be added to list 
documents and records required at temporary jobsites and locations 
where radioactive material will be in use or storage for more than 180 
days. This section is necessary to ensure that licensees have available 
sufficient records to demonstrate compliance with NRC regulations and 
those records necessary to maintain safe operations. The records listed 
are a smaller subset of the records required for a field station or 
permanent installation. These records include copies of pertinent 
regulations, evidence of latest instrument calibrations, latest survey 
records, shipping papers, and NRC license or Agreement State license if 
operating under reciprocity. These records are those required for 
licensees to safely handle radioactive material.

Subpart F--Notifications

    This subpart is basically unchanged from Sec. 34.30 with the 
exception of an additional requirement. Section 34.101(c) would require 
licensees to notify the appropriate NRC regional office in writing 
before using or storing radioactive material in one location for more 
than 180 days. This notification would be required within 30 days of 
exceeding the 180-day timeframe. This provision would be added to 
provide the NRC with information in a timely manner to permit 
inspection of radioactive material at these locations.

Subpart G--Exemptions

    This subpart addresses exemptions and is basically the same as 
Sec. 34.51 in the current part 34 with the exception of minor wording 
changes to make it consistent with current language used in other parts 
of the rule. See Sec. 39.91.

Subpart H--Violations

    This subpart addresses violations and is basically the same as 
Sec. 34.61 and Sec. 34.63 in the current part 34 with the exception of 
minor wording changes to make the sections referenced consistent with 
the proposed rule.

Appendix A to Part 34

    This appendix is new. The requirements in appendix A to the current 
part 34 have been relocated to Sec. 34.43(f). Part I of the new 
appendix A provides the proposed requirements for an independent 
certifying organization, and does not apply to Agreement States 
choosing to become a certifying entity. Parts II and III of the new 
appendix A provide the proposed requirements for certification programs 
and written examinations for a certifying entity, which would include 
Agreement States. The proposed appendix A would not impose new 
requirements on NRC's radiography licensees.
    NRC is proposing that an independent certifying organization would 
have to be a national society or association involved in setting 
national standards of practice for industrial radiography or non-
destructive testing to be recognized. Membership in the organization 
could not be restricted because of race, color, religion, sex, age, 
national origin or handicap and the organization's certification 
program would need to be open to nonmembers. The independent certifying 
organization would need to:
    (1) Be incorporated;
    (2) Have a permanent full-time staff;
    (3) Be nationally recognized;
    (4) Have a policy and decision-making review board;
    (5) Be governed by written organizational by-laws and policies; and
    (6) Have a viable system of financing its operations.
    An independent certifying organization would also need to have:
    (1) A committee to review and approve certification guidelines and 
procedures and to advise the organization's staff in implementing its 
certification program;
    (2) A committee to review complaints against certified individuals;
    (3) Written procedures describing its certification program; and
    (4) An agreement to exchange information about certified 
individuals with the Commission and the Agreement States.
    For a certification program to be acceptable, NRC is proposing that 
it include provisions requiring individuals to receive training in the 
topics listed in Sec. 34.43(f), complete a written examination, 
complete a practical examination or equivalent, and require a minimum 
period of on-the-job experience. The program would also have to include 
procedures that ensure due process whenever an individual's 
certification may need to be revoked, suspended, or restricted for 
willful or significant failure to comply with his or her employer's 
operating or emergency procedures, or the Commission's or an Agreement 
State's regulations.
    For the written examination, NRC is proposing that it be: (1) 
Designed to test knowledge and understanding of the subjects listed in 
Sec. 34.43(f); (2) written for a ninth-grade reading comprehension 
level; and (3) scientifically analyzed to ensure that the questions are 
not biased or misleading.

Agreement State Compatibility

    The rule will be a matter of compatibility between the NRC and the 
Agreement States, thereby providing consistency between Federal and 
State safety requirements. With regard to basic radiation equipment 
specifications, standards, and definitions identified as matters of 
Division 1 level of compatibility, the Agreement States will be 
expected to adopt, essentially verbatim, the proposed part 34 standards 
and definitions into their equivalent regulations. However, the NRC 
also recognizes that certain terms, such as radiographer's assistant, 
may not be used in present Agreement State regulations. Continued use 
of alternative terms, such as ``trainee'' will be considered acceptable 
so long as the underlying requirements of the position are consistent 
with those proposed by the Commission. The remainder of the rule will 
be a Division 2 level of compatibility allowing the Agreement State 
regulators the flexibility to adopt similar or more stringent 
requirements based on their radiation protection experience, 
professional judgments, and community values.
    Appendix A of proposed 10 CFR part 34 provides the requirements for 
certifying entities to be acceptable to NRC. The Commission reserves 
the right to make this determination and therefore this is a Division 4 
item of compatibility. Because it concerns a regulatory function that 
will be reserved for the Commission pursuant to 10 CFR part 150, the 
Agreement States will not need to implement this provision of the 
proposed rulemaking. A new section proposed for part 150 would make 
clear the Commission's intent to reserve this function and also to 
reserve the right to set minimum radiographer certification standards.
    Agreement States that wish to develop radiographer certification 
programs would be expected to implement parts II and III of the 
proposed appendix A. The definitions and the requirements for 
certification programs and written examinations contained in this 
rulemaking must be the same for all NRC and Agreement State licensees 
to maintain consistency. In practice, States that develop certification 
programs must develop regulatory language and regulations that 
implement appendix A, parts II and III criteria. States would be 
permitted to include additional administrative requirements (such as 
State-issued cards). States that do not develop certification programs 
would not be expected to implement appendix A. NRC or an Agreement 
State must reciprocally recognize valid radiographer certifications 
issued by either an independent certifying entity approved by the NRC 
or by an Agreement State certification program meeting the requirements 
of appendix A, parts II and III, of the proposed rule. Agreement States 
would be expected to submit their proposed program for NRC review and 
evaluation prior to implementing their certification program.

Implementation

    The Commission intends to have different implementation dates for 
particular requirements of this proposed rule. The proposed 
requirements would become effective 90 days after publication of the 
final rule in the Federal Register. For the proposed requirements in 
Sec. 34.41 to use, as a minimum, a two-person crew for radiographic 
operations not conducted in a permanent facility, licensees would have 
1 year from the effective date of the rule to comply. Licensees would 
be required to affirm that all radiographers have met the certification 
requirements of 34.43(a)(1) within 2 years from the effective date of 
the rule. This would allow radiography licensees operating in NRC 
jurisdiction 2 years to obtain certification for their employees who 
act as radiographers. This requirement would include radiographers 
employed by Agreement State licensees operating in non-Agreement States 
under reciprocity pursuant to 10 CFR 150.20. The Commission notes that 
the State of Texas currently provides a 90-day grace period for non-
Texas licensees operating in that State under reciprocity (TRC 31.90). 
However, because this proposed rule will be a matter of compatibility, 
the requirement for mandatory certification would apply to radiography 
licensees nationwide.
    Licensees would have one year from the effective date of the rule 
to comply with the additional training requirements specified in 
Sec. 34.43(b). Licensees could consider combining this training with 
the annual safety review.
    For the proposed revision to Sec. 34.47(g) that would require alarm 
ratemeters be capable of alerting the wearer regardless of 
environmental conditions, licensees would have 1 year to obtain or 
modify a sufficient number of additional alarm ratemeters to meet 
anticipated needs.
    For use/storage locations not previously identified on the license 
(e.g., field stations, permanent radiographic installations, and 
temporary jobsites exceeding 180 days) licensees must request 
amendments or notify the NRC, as appropriate, by the effective date of 
the rule. Few amendment requests are anticipated.
    All current RSOs would be granted a two-year extension to meet the 
proposed additional RSO training requirements specified in 
Sec. 34.42(a).
    The Commission requests that persons commenting on this proposed 
rulemaking particularly address any hardships that would result if the 
proposed rule were adopted and also address any hardships that would 
result if the proposed implementation schedule were adopted. The NRC is 
particularly interested in suggestions for alternative implementation 
schedules.

Finding of No Significant Environmental Impact: Availability

    The Commission has determined under the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969, as amended, and the Commission's regulations in 
subpart A of 10 CFR part 51, that the rule, if adopted, would not be a 
major Federal action; therefore, an impact statement is not required. 
The revision of 10 CFR part 34 should have no environmentally 
significant impact because radiography only involves the use of sealed 
sources, and no environmental impact will be involved. The 
environmental assessment and finding of no significant impact on which 
this determination is based are available for inspection at the NRC 
Public Document Room at 2120 L Street, NW. (Lower Level), Washington 
DC.

Paperwork Reduction Act Statement

    This proposed rule amends information collection requirements that 
are subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et 
seq.). This rule has been submitted to the Office of Management and 
Budget for review and approval of the information collection 
requirements.
    The public reporting burden for this collection of information is 
estimated to average 108 hours per response, including the time for 
reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and 
maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate 
or any other aspect of this collection of information, including 
suggestions for reducing this burden, to the Information and Records 
Management Branch (MNBB-7714), U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, 
Washington, DC 20555; and to the Desk Officer, Office of Information 
and Regulatory Affairs, NEOB-3019, (3150-0007 and 3150-0120), Office of 
Management and Budget, Washington, DC 20503.

Regulatory Analysis

    The Commission has prepared a draft regulatory analysis on this 
proposed regulation. The analysis examines the costs and benefits of 
the alternatives considered by the Commission. The draft analysis is 
available for inspection in the NRC Public Document Room at 2120 L 
Street NW. (Lower Level), Washington, DC.

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis

    The NRC has prepared an initial regulatory analysis of the impact 
of this proposed rule on small entities. A summary of this analysis 
appears as Appendix A to this document. A copy of the analysis is 
available for inspection in the NRC Public Document Room, 2120 L 
Street, NW. (Lower Level), Washington, DC. Single copies of the 
analysis may be obtained from Donald O. Nellis or Mary L. Thomas, 
Division of Regulatory Application, Office of Research, U.S. Nuclear 
Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555. Telephone (301)-492-3785. 
The NRC is seeking public comment on the initial regulatory flexibility 
analysis. The NRC is particularly seeking comment from small entities 
(i.e., small businesses, small organizations, and small jurisdictions 
under the Regulatory Flexibility Act) as to how the regulations will 
affect them and how the regulations may be tiered or otherwise modified 
to impose less stringent requirements on small entities while still 
adequately protecting the public health and safety. Those small 
entities which offer comments on how the regulations could be modified 
to take into account the differing needs of small entities should 
specifically discuss the following items:
    (a) The size of their business and how the proposed regulations 
would result in a significant economic burden upon them as compared to 
larger organizations in the same business community.
    (b) How the proposed regulations could be modified to take into 
account their differing needs or capabilities.
    (c) The benefits that would accrue, or the detriments that would be 
avoided, if the proposed regulations were modified as suggested by the 
commenter.
    (d) How the proposed regulations, as modified, would more closely 
equalize the impact of NRC regulations or create more equal access to 
the benefits of Federal programs as opposed to providing special 
advantages to any individuals or groups.
    (e) How the proposed regulations, as modified, would still 
adequately protect the public health and safety. The comments should be 
sent to the Secretary of the Commission, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory 
Commission, Washington, DC 20555, Attn: Docketing and Service Branch.

Backfit Analysis

    The NRC has determined that the backfit rule, 10 CFR 50.109, does 
not apply to this proposed rule and, therefore, that a backfit analysis 
is not required for this proposed rule. The proposed rule does not 
involve any provisions that would impose backfits as defined in 10 CFR 
50.109(a)(1).

List of Subjects

10 CFR Part 34

    Byproduct material, Criminal penalties, Nuclear material, Packaging 
and containers, Radiation protection, Radiography, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Scientific equipment, Security measures.

10 CFR Part 150

    Criminal penalties, Hazardous materials--transportation, 
Intergovernmental relations, Nuclear materials, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Security measures, Source material, Special 
nuclear material.

    For reasons set out in the preamble and under the authority of the 
Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, the Energy Reorganization Act of 
1974, as amended, and 5 U.S.C. 553, the NRC is proposing to adopt the 
following amendments to 10 CFR part 34.

PART 34--LICENSES FOR RADIOGRAPHY AND RADIATION SAFETY REQUIREMENTS 
FOR RADIOGRAPHIC OPERATIONS

    1. The authority citation for part 34 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: Secs. 81, 161, 182, 183, 68 Stat. 935, 948, 953, 954, 
as amended (42 U.S.C. 2111, 2201, 2232, 2233); sec. 201, 88 Stat. 
1242, as amended (42 U.S.C. 5841).
    Section 34.45 also issued under sec. 206, 88 Stat. 1246 (42 
U.S.C. 5846).

    2. The existing headings for subparts A and B and each of the 
existing undesignated center headings are removed.
    3. A new heading for subpart A, consisting of Secs. 34.1-34.8, is 
added to read as follows:

Subpart A--General Provisions

    4. Section 34.1 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 34.1  Purpose and scope.

    This part prescribes requirements for the issuance of licenses for 
the use of sealed sources containing byproduct material and radiation 
safety requirements for persons using these sealed sources in 
industrial radiography. The provisions and requirements of this part 
are in addition to, and not in substitution for, other requirements of 
this chapter. In particular, the requirements and provisions of parts 
19, 20, 21, 30, 71, 150, 170, and 171 of this chapter apply to 
applications and licenses subject to this part. This rule does not 
apply to medical uses of byproduct material.


Sec. 34.3  [Removed]

    5. Section 34.3 is removed.
    6. Section 34.2 is redesignated as Sec. 34.3, and the new Sec. 34.3 
is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 34.3  Definitions.

    ALARA (acronym for as low as reasonably achievable) means making 
every reasonable effort to maintain exposures to radiation as far below 
the dose limits specified in part 20 as is practical consistent with 
the purpose for which the licensed activity is undertaken, taking into 
account the state of technology, the economics of improvements in 
relation to state of technology, the economics of improvements in 
relation to benefits to the public health and safety, and other 
societal and socioeconomic considerations, and in relation to 
utilization of nuclear energy and licensed materials in the public 
interest.
    Annual safety review means a review conducted or provided by the 
licensee for its employees on radiation safety aspects of radiography. 
The review may include, as appropriate, the results of internal 
inspections, new procedures or equipment, accidents or errors that have 
been observed, and opportunities for employees to ask safety questions.
    Associated equipment means equipment that is used in conjunction 
with a radiographic exposure device to make radiographic exposures that 
drives, guides, or comes in contact with the source, (e.g., guide tube, 
control tube, control (drive) cable, removable source stop, ``J'' 
tube).
    Becquerel (Bq) means one disintegration per second.
    Certifying entity means an independent certifying organization 
meeting the requirements in Appendix A of this part or an Agreement 
State meeting the requirements in Appendix A, parts II and III of this 
part.
    Collimator means a device used to limit the size, shape, and 
direction of the primary radiation beam.
    Control (drive) cable means the cable that is connected to the 
source assembly and used to drive the source to and from the exposure 
location.
    Control tube means a protective sheath for guiding the control 
cable. The control tube connects the control drive mechanism to the 
radiographic exposure device.
    Exposure head means a device that locates the gamma radiography 
sealed source in the selected working position. (An exposure head is 
also known as a source stop.)
    Field examination means a demonstration through practical 
application of the safety rules and principles in radiography including 
use of all appropriate equipment and procedures.
    Field station means a facility where licensed material may be 
stored or used and from which equipment is dispatched.
    Gray means the SI unit of absorbed dose. One gray is equal to an 
absorbed dose of 1 Joule/kilogram. It is also equal to 100 rads.
    Independent certifying organization means an independent 
organization that meets all of the criteria in Appendix A of this part.
    Permanent radiographic installation means an enclosed shielded 
room, cell, or vault, not located at a temporary jobsite, in which 
radiography is performed.
    Projection sheath (guide tube) means a flexible or rigid tube 
(i.e., ``J'' tube) for guiding the source assembly and the attached 
control cable from the radiographic exposure device to the exposure 
head or working position.
    Radiation Safety Officer means an individual named by the licensee 
who has knowledge of, responsibility for, and authority to ensure 
compliance with appropriate radiation protection rules, standards, and 
practices on behalf of the licensee and who meets the requirements of 
Sec. 34.42.
    Radiographer means any individual who meets the requirements of 
Sec. 34.43, is in attendance at the site where the sealed source or 
sources are being used, personally supervises radiographic operations 
and who is responsible to the licensee for ensuring compliance with the 
requirements of the Commission's regulations and the conditions of the 
license.
    Radiographer certification means written approval received from a 
certifying entity stating that an individual has satisfactorily met 
certain established radiation safety training, testing, and experience 
criteria.
    Radiographer's assistant means any individual, who under the 
personal supervision of a radiographer, uses radiographic exposure 
devices, sealed sources or related handling tools, or radiation survey 
instruments in radiography.
    Radiographic exposure device (also called a camera or a projector) 
means any instrument containing a sealed source fastened or contained 
therein, in which the sealed source or shielding thereof may be moved, 
or otherwise changed, from a shielded to unshielded position for 
purposes of making a radiographic exposure.
    Radiographic operations means all activities associated with the 
presence of radioactive sources in a radiographic exposure device 
during transport and use of the device, to include surveys to confirm 
the adequacy of boundaries, setting up equipment and any activity 
inside restricted area boundaries.
    Radiography means the examination of the structure of materials by 
nondestructive methods, utilizing sealed sources of byproduct 
materials.
    S-tube means a tube (typically made of a hard metal, such as, 
titanium) through which the radioactive source travels in a 
radiographic exposure device.
    Sealed source means any byproduct material that is encased in a 
capsule designed to prevent leakage or escape of the byproduct 
material.
    Shielded position means the location within the radiographic 
exposure device or source changer where the sealed source is secured 
and restricted from movement. (In this position the radiation exposure 
will be at a minimum. This position incorporates maximum shielding for 
the radioactive source.)
    Sievert means the SI unit of any of the quantities expressed as 
dose equivalent. The absorbed dose in grays multiplied by the quality 
factor is equal to the dose equivalent in Sieverts. For comparison 1 
Sv=100 rems.
    Source assembly means an assembly that consists of the sealed 
source and a connector that attaches the source to the control cable. 
The source assembly may also include a stop ball used to secure the 
source in the shielded position.
    Source changer means a device designed and used for replacement of 
sealed sources in radiographic exposure devices, including those also 
used for transporting and storage of sealed sources.
    Storage area means any location, facility, or vehicle which is used 
to store or to secure a radiographic exposure device, a storage 
container, or a sealed source when it is not in use and which is locked 
or has a physical barrier to prevent accidental exposure, tampering 
with, or unauthorized removal of the device, container, or source.
    Storage container means a device in which sealed sources are 
stored.
    Temporary jobsite means a place where radiographic operations are 
conducted other than the location(s) of use authorized on the license.


Sec. 34.4  [Removed]

     7. Section 34.4 is removed.
    8. Section 34.5 is added to read as follows:


Sec. 34.5  Interpretations.

    Except as specifically authorized by the Commission in writing, no 
interpretation of the meaning of the regulations in this part by any 
officer or employee of the Commission, other than a written 
interpretation by the General Counsel, will be recognized to be binding 
upon the Commission.
    9. Section 34.8 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 34.8  Information collection requirements: OMB approval.

    (a) The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has submitted the information 
collection requirements contained in this part to the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) for approval as required by the Paperwork 
Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). OMB has approved the 
information collection requirements contained in this part under 
control number 3150-0007.
    (b) The approved information collection requirements contained in 
this part appear in Secs. 34.13, 34.20, 34.25, 34.27, 34.29, 34.31, 
34.33, 34.35, 35.41, 34.43, 34.45, 34.47, 34.49, 34.61, 34.63, 34.65, 
34.67, 34.69, 34.71, 34.73, 34.75, 34.79, 34.81, 34.83, 34.85, 34.87, 
34.89, 34.91, 34.101, and Appendix A.
    (c) This part contains information collection requirements in 
addition to those approved under the control number specified in 
paragraph (a) of this section. The information collection requirement 
and the control number under which it is approved are as follows:
    (1) In Sec. 34.11, NRC Form 313 is approved under control number 
3150-0120.
    (2) [Reserved]
    10. A new heading for subpart B, consisting of Secs. 34.11-34.13, 
is added to read as follows:

Subpart B--Specific Licensing Provisions

     11. Section 34.11 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 34.11  Application for a specific license.

    A person may file an application for specific license for use of 
sealed sources in radiography, in duplicate, on NRC Form 313, 
``Application for Material License,'' in accordance with the provisions 
of Sec. 30.32 of this chapter.
    12. Section 34.13 is added to read as follows:


Sec. 34.13  Specific license for radiography.

    The Commission will approve an application for a specific license 
for the use of licensed material in radiography if the applicant meets 
the following requirements:
    (a) The applicant shall satisfy the general requirements specified 
in Sec. 30.33 of this chapter for byproduct material, as appropriate, 
and any special requirements contained in this part.
    (b) The applicant shall develop an adequate program for training 
radiographers and radiographers' assistants that meets the requirements 
of Sec. 34.43, and submit to the Commission a description of this 
program which specifies the--
    (1) Initial training;
    (2) On-the-job training;
    (3) Annual safety reviews; and
    (4) Means the applicant will use to demonstrate the radiographer's 
and radiographer's assistant's knowledge and understanding of and 
ability to comply with the Commission's regulations and licensing 
requirements and the applicant's operating and emergency procedures.
    (c) The applicant shall establish and submit to the Commission a 
description of its procedures for verifying and documenting the 
certification status of its radiographers and for ensuring that the 
certification of individuals acting as radiographers remains valid.
    (d) The applicant shall submit to the Commission written operating 
and emergency procedures as described in Sec. 34.45.
    (e) The applicant shall establish and submit to the Commission its 
program for annual inspections of the job performance of each 
radiographer and radiographer's assistant as described in 
Sec. 34.43(d).
    (f) The applicant shall submit a description of its overall 
organizational structure as it applies to the radiation safety 
responsibilities in radiography, including specified delegations of 
authority and responsibility.
    (g) The applicant shall designate and identify a Radiation Safety 
Officer responsible for implementing the licensee's radiation safety 
program. The Radiation Safety Officer shall meet the qualifications and 
duties described in Sec. 34.42.
    (h) If an applicant intends to perform leak testing of sealed 
sources, the applicant shall identify the manufacturers and the model 
numbers of the leak test kits to be used. If the applicant intends to 
analyze its own wipe samples, the applicant shall establish procedures 
to be followed and submit a description of these procedures to the 
Commission. The description must include the--
    (1) Instruments to be used;
    (2) Methods of performing the analysis; and
    (3) Pertinent experience of the person who will analyze the wipe 
samples.
    (i) The applicant shall identify the location(s) of, and describe, 
all field stations and permanent radiographic installations.
    (j) From (insert effective date of final rule) to (Insert date 2 
years after the final rule is published in the Federal Register):
    (1) A license applicant may affirm that all individuals acting as 
radiographers will be certified in radiation safety by a certifying 
entity before commencing duties as radiographers. This affirmation is 
instead of describing its initial training program for radiographers in 
the subjects outlined in Sec. 34.43(f) and the means used to determine 
the radiographer's knowledge and understanding of these subjects, and;
    (2) A licensee may substitute radiographer certification in place 
of the description of the means to determine the radiographer's 
knowledge and understanding of the subjects outlined in Sec. 34.43(f).
    (3) After (Insert date 2 years after the final rule is published in 
the Federal Register), a license applicant and licensee shall comply 
with the requirement of Sec. 34.43(a)(2).
    13. A new heading for subpart C, consisting of Secs. 34.20-34.35, 
is added to read as follows:

Subpart C--Equipment

    14. Section 34.20 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 34.20  Performance requirements for radiography equipment.

    Equipment used in industrial radiographic operations must meet the 
following minimum criteria:
    (a) Each radiographic exposure device and all associated equipment 
must meet the requirements specified in American National Standard 
N432-1980 ``Radiological Safety for the Design and Construction of 
Apparatus for Gamma Radiography,'' (published as NBS Handbook 136, 
issued January 1981). This publication has been approved for 
incorporation by reference by the Director of the Federal Register in 
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a). This publication may be purchased from 
the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, 
Washington, DC 20402 and from the American National Standards 
Institute, Inc., 1430 Broadway, New York, New York 10018, Telephone 
(212) 642-4900. Copies of the document are available for inspection at 
the Nuclear Regulatory Commission Library, 7920 Norfolk Avenue, Lower 
Level, Bethesda, Maryland, 20814. A copy of the document is also on 
file at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street 
NW., Washington, DC 20408.
    (b) In addition to the requirements specified in paragraph (a) of 
this section, the following requirements apply to radiographic exposure 
devices and associated equipment.
    (1) Each radiographic exposure device must have attached to it by 
the user, a durable, legible, clearly visible label bearing the--
    (i) Chemical symbol and mass number of the radionuclide in the 
device;
    (ii) Activity and the date on which this activity was last 
measured;
    (iii) Model number and serial number of the sealed source;
    (iv) Manufacturer of the sealed source; and
    (v) Licensee's name, address, and telephone number.
    (2) Radiographic exposure devices intended for use as Type B 
transport containers must meet the applicable requirements of 10 CFR 
Part 71.
    (3) Modification of radiographic exposure devices and associated 
equipment is prohibited.
    (c) In addition to the requirements specified in paragraphs (a) and 
(b) of this section, the following requirements apply to radiographic 
exposure devices, source assemblies, and associated equipment that 
allow the source to be moved out of the device for routine operation.
    (1) The coupling between the source assembly and the control cable 
must be designed in such a manner that the source assembly will not 
become disconnected if cranked outside the guide tube. The coupling 
must be such that it cannot be unintentionally disconnected under 
normal and reasonably foreseeable abnormal conditions.
    (2) The device must automatically secure the source assembly when 
it is cranked back into the fully shielded position within the device. 
This securing system may only be released by means of a deliberate 
operation on the exposure device.
    (3) The outlet fittings, lock box, and drive cable fittings on each 
radiographic exposure device must be equipped with safety plugs or 
covers which must be installed during storage and transportation to 
protect the source assembly from water, mud, sand or other foreign 
matter.
    (4) Each sealed source or source assembly must have attached to it 
or engraved on it, a durable, legible, visible label with the words:

``DANGER--RADIOACTIVE''.

The label must not interfere with the safe operation of the exposure 
device or associated equipment.
    (5) The guide tube must have passed the crushing tests for the 
control tube as specified in ANSI N432 and a kinking resistance test 
that closely approximates the kinking forces likely to be encountered 
during use.
    (6) Guide tubes must be used when moving the source out of the 
device.
    (7) An exposure head or similar device designed to prevent the 
source assembly from passing out of the end of the guide tube must be 
attached to the outermost end of the guide tube during radiographic 
operations.
    (8) The guide tube exposure head connection must be able to 
withstand the tensile test for control units specified in ANSI N432.
    (9) Source changers must provide a system for ensuring that the 
source will not be accidentally withdrawn from the changer when 
connecting or disconnecting the drive cable to or from a source 
assembly.
    (d) All newly manufactured radiographic exposure devices and 
associated equipment acquired by licensees after January 10, 1992, must 
comply with the requirements of this section.
    (e) All radiographic exposure devices, source assemblies, and 
associated equipment in use after January 10, 1996, must comply with 
the requirements of this section.
    (f) All associated equipment acquired after January 10, 1996, must 
be labelled to identify that the components have met the requirements 
of this section.
    15. Section 34.21 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 34.21  Limits on levels of radiation for radiographic exposure 
devices, storage containers, and source changers.

    (a) Radiographic exposure devices measuring less than 10 
centimeters (4 inches) from the sealed source storage position to any 
exterior surface of the device must not have a radiation level in 
excess of 0.5 millisieverts (50 millirems) per hour at 15 centimeters 
(6 inches) from any exterior surface of the device. Radiographic 
exposure devices measuring a minimum of 10 centimeters (4 inches) from 
the sealed source storage position to any exterior surface of the 
device, and all storage containers for sealed sources or for 
radiographic exposure devices, must not have a radiation level in 
excess of 2 millisieverts (200 millirems) per hour at any exterior 
surface, and 0.1 millisieverts (10 millirems) per hour at 1 meter from 
any exterior surface. The radiation levels specified are with the 
sealed source in the shielded (i.e., ``off'') position.
     (b) Paragraph (a) of this section applies to all equipment 
manufactured before January 10, 1992. After January 10, 1996, 
radiographic equipment other than storage containers and source 
changers must meet the requirements of Sec. 34.20. Section 34.21 
applies only to storage containers.


Sec. 34.22  [Removed]

    16. Section 34.22 is removed.
    17. Section 34.23 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 34.23  Locking and relocation of radiographic exposure devices, 
storage containers and source changers.

    (a) Locked radiographic exposure devices and storage containers 
must be physically secured to prevent tampering.
    (1) Each radiographic exposure device must have a lock or outer 
locked container designed to prevent unauthorized or accidental removal 
of the sealed source from its shielded position. The exposure device 
and/or its container must be kept locked (and if a keyed-lock, with the 
key removed at all times), when not under the direct surveillance of a 
radiographer or a radiographer's assistant or as otherwise may be 
authorized in Sec. 34.51. In addition, during radiographic operations 
the sealed source assembly must be manually secured in the shielded 
position each time the source is returned to that position, in those 
exposure devices manufactured before January 10, 1992.
    (2) Each sealed source storage container and source changer must 
have a lock or outer locked container designed to prevent unauthorized 
or accidental removal of the sealed source from its shielded position. 
Storage containers and source changers must be kept locked (and if a 
keyed-lock, with the key removed at all times) when containing sealed 
sources except when under the direct surveillance of a radiographer or 
a radiographer's assistant.
    (b) Radiographic exposure devices, source changers, and storage 
containers, before being moved from one location to another, must have 
the guide tubes and control cables disconnected, safety plugs or covers 
applied, locked and physically secured to prevent accidental loss, 
tampering or removal of licensed material, and must be surveyed to 
assure that the sealed source is in the shielded position.


Sec. 34.24  [Removed]

    18. Section 34.24 is removed.
    19. Section 34.25 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 34.25  Radiation survey instruments.

    (a) The licensee shall keep sufficient calibrated and operable 
radiation survey instruments at each location where radioactive 
material is present to make the radiation surveys required by this part 
and by part 20 of this chapter. Instrumentation required by this 
section must be capable of measuring a range from 0.02 millisieverts (2 
millirems) per hour through 0.01 Sievert (1 rem) per hour. Survey 
instruments must be checked for operability before use each day. This 
may be accomplished by evaluating the instrument response to the 
previously measured fields at the projection sheath port or the control 
cable sheath port on a radiographic exposure device.
    (b) The licensee shall have each radiation survey instrument 
required under paragraph (a) of this section calibrated--
    (1) At intervals not to exceed 6 months and after instrument 
servicing, except for battery changes;
    (2) For linear scale instruments, at two points located 
approximately one-third and two-thirds of full-scale on each scale; for 
logarithmic scale instruments, at midrange of each decade, and at two 
points of at least one decade; and for digital instruments, at 3 points 
between 0.02 and 10 mSv (2 and 1000 millirems) per hour; and
    (3) So that an accuracy within plus or minus 20 percent of the 
calibration standard can be demonstrated at each point checked.
    (c) The licensee shall maintain records of the results of the 
instrument calibrations in accordance with Sec. 34.65.


Sec. 34.26  [Removed]

    20. Section 34.26 is removed.
    21. Section Sec. 34.27 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 34.27  Leak testing and replacement of sealed sources.

    (a) The replacement of any sealed source fastened to or contained 
in a radiographic exposure device and leak testing of any sealed source 
must be performed only by persons specifically authorized by the 
Commission or an Agreement State to do so.
    (b) Testing and recordkeeping requirements.
    (1) Each licensee who uses a sealed source shall have the source 
tested for leakage at intervals not to exceed 6 months.
    (2) The licensee shall maintain records of the leak tests in 
accordance with Sec. 34.67.
    (3) In the absence of a certificate from the transferor that a leak 
test has been made within the 6 months before the transfer, the sealed 
source may not be used until tested.
    (c) Method of testing. The wipe of a sealed source must be 
performed using a leak test kit or method approved by the Commission or 
an Agreement State. The wipe sample must be taken from the nearest 
accessible point to the sealed source where contamination might 
accumulate. The wipe sample must be analyzed for radioactive 
contamination. The analysis must be capable of detecting the presence 
of 185 Bq (0.005 microcurie) of radioactive material on the test sample 
and must be performed by a person specifically authorized by the 
Commission or an Agreement State to perform the analysis.
    (d) Any test conducted pursuant to paragraphs (b) and (c) of this 
section which reveals the presence of 185 Bq (0.005 microcurie) or more 
of removable radioactive material must be considered evidence that the 
sealed source is leaking. The licensee shall immediately withdraw the 
equipment involved from use and shall have it decontaminated and 
repaired or disposed of, in accordance with Commission regulations. A 
report must be filed with the Director of Nuclear Material Safety and 
Safeguards, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555, 
within 5 days of any test with results that exceed the threshold in 
this subsection, describing the equipment involved, the test results, 
and the corrective action taken. A copy of the report must be sent to 
the Administrator of the appropriate Nuclear Regulatory Commission's 
Regional Office listed in Appendix D of part 20 of this chapter 
``Standards for Protection Against Radiation.''
    (e) A sealed source which is not fastened to or contained in a 
radiographic exposure device must have permanently attached to it a 
durable tag at least one (1) inch square bearing the prescribed 
radiation caution symbol in conventional colors, magenta, purple or 
black on a yellow background, and at least the instructions: ``Caution 
(or Danger)--Radioactive Material--Do Not Handle--Notify Civil 
Authorities (or Name of Company).''
    (f) Each exposure device using depleted uranium (DU) shielding and 
an ``S'' tube configuration must be periodically tested for DU 
contamination. This test can be performed by the licensee using 
available test kits or method approved by the Commission or an 
Agreement State, or the exposure device could be returned to the 
manufacturer for such testing. The analysis must be capable of 
detecting the presence of 185 Bq (0.005 microcuries) of radioactive 
material on the test sample and must be performed by a person 
specifically authorized by the Commission or an Agreement State to 
perform the analysis. This test must be undertaken at intervals not to 
exceed 12 months and should such testing reveal the presence of DU 
contamination, the exposure device must be removed from use and 
arrangements for repair or proper disposal in a facility licensed under 
10 CFR part 61 must be made. A record of the DU leaktest must be made 
in accordance with Sec. 34.67.


Sec. 34.28  [Removed]

    22. Section 34.28 is removed.
    23. Section 34.29 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 34.29  Quarterly inventory.

    (a) Each licensee shall conduct a quarterly physical inventory to 
account for all sealed sources received and possessed under this 
license. (b) The licensee shall maintain records of the quarterly 
inventory in accordance with Sec. 34.69.


Sec. 34.30  [Removed]

    24. Section 34.30 is removed.
    25. Section 34.31 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 34.31  Inspection and maintenance of radiographic exposure 
devices, storage containers, associated equipment, and source changers.

    (a) The licensee shall visually check for obvious defects in 
radiographic exposure devices, storage containers, associated 
equipment, and source changers before use each day the equipment is 
used to ensure that the equipment is in good working condition and that 
required labeling is present. If defects are found, the equipment must 
be removed from service until repaired, and a record must be made in 
accordance with Sec. 34.73.
    (b) Each licensee shall have a program for inspection and routine 
maintenance of radiographic exposure devices, source changers, 
associated equipment and storage containers at intervals not to exceed 
3 months or before the first use thereafter to ensure the proper 
functioning of components important to safety. Records of these 
inspections and maintenance performed must be made in accordance with 
Sec. 34.73. If defects are found, the equipment must be removed from 
service until repaired, and a record must be made in accordance with 
Sec. 34.73.
    (c) The opening, repair, or modification of any sealed source must 
be performed by persons specifically authorized to do so by the 
Commission or an Agreement State.


Sec. 34.32   [Removed]

    26. Section 34.32 is removed.
    27. Section 34.33 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 34.33   Permanent radiographic installations.

    (a) Each entrance that is used for personnel access to the high 
radiation area in a permanent radiographic installation must have 
either
    (1) Entrance controls of the type described in Sec. 20.1601(a)(1) 
of this chapter; or
    (2) Both visible and audible warning signals to warn of the 
presence of radiation. The visible signal must be actuated by radiation 
whenever the source is exposed. The audible signal must be actuated 
when an attempt is made to enter the installation while the source is 
exposed.
    (b) The alarm system must be tested for proper operation at the 
beginning of each day the installation is used for radiographic 
operations. The test must include a check of the visible and audible 
signals by turning on the exposure device before using the room. 
Entrance control devices must be tested monthly. If a control device or 
alarm is operating improperly, it must be immediately labeled as 
defective and repaired before industrial radiographic operations are 
resumed. Test records must be maintained in accordance with Sec. 34.75.
    28. Section 34.35 is added to read as follows:


Sec. 34.35   Labels, storage, and transportation precautions.

    (a) Labels.
    (1) The licensee may not use a source changer or container to store 
licensed material unless the source changer or the container has 
securely attached to it a durable, legible, and clearly visible label. 
The label must contain the radiation symbol specified in Sec. 20.1904 
of this chapter and the wording

Caution (or Danger) Radioactive Material--Do Not Handle Notify Civil 
Authorities (or Name of Company)

    (2) The licensee may not transport licensed material unless the 
material is packaged, and the package is labeled, marked, and 
accompanied with appropriate shipping papers in accordance with 
regulations set out in 10 CFR Part 71, including documentation of the 
Quality Assurance (QA) program requirements outlined in Sec. 71.105 of 
this chapter.
    (b) Security precautions during storage and transportation.
    (1) Locked radiographic exposure devices and storage containers 
must be physically secured to prevent tampering or removal by 
unauthorized personnel in accordance with the requirements in 
Sec. 34.23. The licensee shall store licensed material in a manner 
which will minimize danger from explosion or fire.
    (2) The licensee shall lock and physically secure the transport 
package containing licensed material in the transporting vehicle to 
prevent accidental loss, tampering, or unauthorized removal of the 
licensed material from the vehicle.
    29. A new heading for subpart D, consisting of Secs. 34.41-34.57, 
is added to read as follows:

Subpart D--Radiation Safety Requirements

    30. Section 34.41 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 34.41  Conducting radiographic operations.

    (a) Whenever radiography is performed at a location other than a 
permanent radiographic installation, the radiographer must be 
accompanied by at least one other qualified radiographer or an 
individual who has at a minimum met the requirements of Sec. 34.43(b). 
The additional qualified individual(s) shall observe the operations and 
be capable of providing immediate assistance to prevent unauthorized 
entry. Radiography may not be performed if only one qualified 
individual is present.
    (b) All radiographic operations conducted at locations of use 
authorized on the license must be conducted in a permanent radiographic 
installation, unless specifically authorized by the Commission.
    31. Section 34.42 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 34.42  Radiation Safety Officer.

    The Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) shall ensure that radiation 
safety activities are being performed in accordance with approved 
procedures and regulatory requirements in the daily operation of the 
licensee's program.
    (a) The RSO's qualifications must include:
    (1) Completion of the training and testing requirements of 
Sec. 34.43(a); and
    (2) 2000 hours of documented experience in industrial radiographic 
operations, with at least 40 hours of formal classroom training with 
respect to the establishment and maintenance of a radiation protection 
program.
    (b) The specific duties of the RSO include, but are not limited to, 
the following:
    (1) To establish and oversee operating, emergency, and ALARA 
procedures as required by part 20 of this chapter, and to review them 
regularly to ensure that the procedures are current and conform with 
these rules;
    (2) To oversee and approve all phases of the training program for 
radiographic personnel so that appropriate and effective radiation 
protection practices are taught;
    (3) To ensure that required radiation surveys and leak tests are 
performed and documented in accordance with these rules, including any 
corrective measures when levels of radiation exceed established limits;
    (4) To ensure that personnel monitoring devices are calibrated and 
used properly by occupationally exposed personnel, that records are 
kept of the monitoring results, and that timely notifications are made 
as required by Sec. 20.2203 of this chapter; and
    (5) To ensure that operations are conducted safely and to assume 
control and have the authority to institute corrective actions 
including stopping of operations when necessary in emergency situations 
or unsafe conditions.
    32. Section 34.43 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 34.43  Training.

    (a) The licensee may not permit any individual to act as a 
radiographer until the individual--
    (1) Has been instructed in the subjects outlined in paragraph (f) 
of this part.
    (2) Is certified through a radiographer certification program by a 
certifying entity in accordance with the criteria specified in Appendix 
A of this part. An independent organization that would like to be 
recognized as a certifying entity shall submit its request to the 
Director, Office of Nuclear Materials Safety and Safeguards, U.S. 
Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC. 20555.
    (3) Has received copies of and instruction in the requirements 
described in NRC regulations contained in this part; in Secs. 30.7, 
30.9, and 30.10 of this chapter; in the applicable sections of parts 
19, 20, and 71 of this chapter, in applicable DOT regulations as 
referenced in 10 CFR part 71, in the NRC license(s) under which the 
radiographer will perform radiography, and the licensee's operating and 
emergency procedures;
    (4) Has demonstrated understanding of NRC regulations, the 
licensee's license, and the licensee's operating and emergency 
procedures by successful completion of a written examination.
    (5) Has demonstrated competence in the use of the licensee's 
radiographic exposure devices, sealed sources, related handling tools, 
and survey instruments; and
    (6) Has demonstrated understanding of the instructions in paragraph 
(a)(3) and (a)(5) of this section by successful completion of a field 
examination.
    (b) The licensee may not permit any individual to act as a 
radiographer's assistant until the individual--
    (1) Has received copies of and instruction in the requirements 
described in NRC regulations contained in this part; in Secs. 30.7, 
30.9, and 30.10 of this chapter; in the applicable sections of parts 
19, 20, and 71 of this chapter, in applicable DOT regulations as 
referenced in 10 CFR part 71, in the NRC license(s) under which the 
radiographer's assistant will perform radiography, and the licensee's 
operating and emergency procedures;
    (2) Has demonstrated competence to use, under the personal 
supervision of the radiographer, the radiographic exposure devices, 
sealed sources, related handling tools, and radiation survey 
instruments that the assistant will use; and
    (3) Has demonstrated understanding of the instructions provided 
under paragraph (b)(1) of this section by successfully completing a 
written test and a field examination on the subjects covered.
    (c) The licensee shall provide annual safety reviews for 
radiographers and radiographer's assistants at least once during each 
calendar year.
    (d) The licensee shall conduct an annual inspection program of the 
job performance of each radiographer and radiographer's assistant to 
ensure that the Commission's regulations, license requirements, and the 
applicant's operating and emergency procedures are followed. The 
inspection program must:
    (1) Include observation of the performance of each radiographer and 
radiographer's assistant during an actual radiographic operation at 
intervals not to exceed 12 months; and
    (2) Provide that, if a radiographer or a radiographer's assistant 
has not participated in a radiographic operation for more than 6 months 
since the last inspection, the individual's performance must be 
observed and recorded when the individual next participates in a 
radiographic operation.
    (e) The licensee shall maintain records of the above training to 
include certification documents, written and field examinations, annual 
safety reviews and annual inspections of job performance in accordance 
with Sec. 34.79.
    (f) The licensee shall include the following subjects in the 
training required in paragraph (a)(1) of this section:
     (1) Fundamentals of radiation safety including--
    (i) Characteristics of gamma radiation;
    (ii) Units of radiation dose and quantity of radioactivity;
    (iii) Hazards of exposure to radiation;
    (iv) Levels of radiation from licensed material; and
    (v) Methods of controlling radiation dose (time, distance, and 
shielding);
    (2) Radiation detection instruments including--
    (i) Use, operation, calibration, and limitations of radiation 
survey instruments;
    (ii) Survey techniques; and
    (iii) Use of personnel monitoring equipment;
    (3) Equipment to be used including--
    (i) Operation and control of radiographic exposure equipment, 
remote handling equipment, and storage containers, including pictures 
or models of source assemblies (pigtails).
    (ii) Storage, control, and disposal of licensed material; and
    (iii) Maintenance of equipment.
    (4) The requirements of pertinent Federal regulations; and
    (5) Case histories of accidents in radiography.
    (g) The licensee may, until (Insert date 2 years after the final 
rule is published in the Federal Register), allow an individual who has 
not met the certification requirements of paragraph (a)(2) of this 
section to act as a radiographer after the individual has received 
training in the subjects outlined in paragraph (f) of this section and 
demonstrated understanding of those subjects by successful completion 
of a written examination that was previously submitted to and approved 
by the Commission.


Sec. 34.44  [Removed]

    34. Section 34.44 is removed.
    35. Section 34.45 is added to read as follows:


Sec. 34.45  Operating and emergency procedures.

    (a) Operating and emergency procedures must include, as a minimum, 
instructions in at least the following:
    (1) The handling and use of licensed sealed sources and 
radiographic exposure devices to be employed such that no person is 
likely to be exposed to radiation doses in excess of the limits 
established in part 20 of this chapter ``Standards for Protection 
Against Radiation'';
    (2) Methods and occasions for conducting radiation surveys;
    (3) Methods for controlling access to radiographic areas;
    (4) Methods and occasions for locking and securing radiographic 
exposure devices, storage containers and sealed sources;
    (5) Personnel monitoring and the use of personnel monitoring 
equipment;
    (6) Transporting sealed sources to field locations, including 
packing of radiographic exposure devices and storage containers in the 
vehicles, placarding of vehicles, when needed, and control of the 
sealed sources during transportation (refer to 49 CFR parts 171 through 
173);
    (7) The inspection and maintenance of radiographic exposure devices 
and storage containers;
    (8) Steps that must be taken immediately by radiography personnel 
in the event a pocket dosimeter is found to be off-scale or an alarm 
ratemeter alarms;
    (9) The procedure(s) for identifying and reporting defects and 
noncompliance, as required by part 21 of this chapter;
    (10) The procedure for notifying proper persons in the event of an 
accident;
    (11) Minimizing exposure of persons in the event of an accident;
    (12) Source recovery procedure if licensee will perform source 
recovery; and
    (13) Maintenance of records.
    (b) The licensee shall maintain copies of current operating and 
emergency procedures in accordance with Sec. 34.81.
    36. Section 34.46 is added to read as follows:


Sec. 34.46  Supervision of radiographers' assistants.

    Whenever a radiographer's assistant uses radiographic exposure 
devices, uses sealed sources or related source handling tools, or 
conducts radiation surveys required by Sec. 34.49(b) to determine that 
the sealed source has returned to the shielded position after an 
exposure, the assistant shall be under the personal supervision of a 
radiographer. The personal supervision must include:
    (a) The radiographer's personal presence at the site where the 
sealed sources are being used;
    (b) The ability of the radiographer to give immediate assistance if 
required; and
    (c) The radiographer's watching the assistant's performance of the 
operations referred to in this section.
    37. Section 34.47 is added to read as follows:


Sec. 34.47  Personnel monitoring.

    (a) The licensee may not permit any individual to act as a 
radiographer or a radiographer's assistant unless, at all times during 
radiographic operations, each individual wears a direct reading pocket 
dosimeter, an operating alarm ratemeter, and either a film badge or a 
thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD). At permanent radiography 
installations where other appropriate alarming or warning devices are 
in routine use, the wearing of an alarming ratemeter is not required.
    (1) Pocket dosimeters must have a range from zero to 2 
millisieverts (200 millirems) and must be recharged at the start of 
each shift.
    (2) Each film badge and TLD must be assigned to and worn by only 
one individual.
    (3) Film badges and TLDs must be replaced at least monthly.
    (4) After replacement, each film badge or TLD must be promptly 
processed.
    (b) Pocket dosimeters must be read and the exposures recorded at 
the beginning and end of each shift, and records must be maintained in 
accordance with Sec. 34.83.
    (c) Pocket dosimeters must be checked at periods not to exceed 12 
months for correct response to radiation, and records must be 
maintained in accordance with Sec. 34.83. Acceptable dosimeters must 
read within plus or minus 30 percent of the true radiation exposure.
    (d) If an individual's pocket dosimeter is found to be off-scale 
and the possibility of radiation exposure cannot be ruled out as the 
cause, the individual's film badge or TLD must be sent immediately for 
processing. In addition, the individual may not work with licensed 
material until a determination of the individual's radiation exposure 
has been made. This determination must be made by the RSO or the RSO's 
designee. The results of this determination must be included in the 
records maintained in accordance with Sec. 34.83.
    (e) If a film badge or TLD is lost or damaged, the worker shall 
cease work immediately until a replacement film badge or TLD is 
provided and the exposure is calculated for the time period from 
issuance to loss or damage of the film badge or TLD. The results of the 
calculated exposure and the time period for which the film badge or TLD 
was lost or damaged must be included in the records maintained in 
accordance with Sec. 34.83.
    (f) Reports received from the film badge or TLD processor must be 
retained in accordance with Sec. 34.83.
    (g) Each alarm ratemeter must--
    (1) Be checked to ensure that the alarm functions properly (sounds) 
before using at the start of each shift;
    (2) Be set to give an alarm signal at a preset dose rate of 5 mSv/
hr (500 mrem/hr); with an accuracy of plus or minus 20 percent of the 
true radiation dose rate.
    (3) Be adequate to alert the individual regardless of the 
environmental conditions (e.g., high ambient noise levels).
    (4) Require special means to change the preset alarm function; and
    (5) Be calibrated at periods not to exceed 12 months for correct 
response to radiation. The licensee shall maintain records of alarm 
ratemeter calibrations in accordance with Sec. 34.83.
    38. Section 34.49 is added to read as follows:


Sec. 34.49  Radiation surveys.

    The licensee shall:
    (a) Conduct surveys with a calibrated and operable radiation survey 
instrument that meets the requirements of Sec. 34.25.
    (b) Conduct an adequate survey of the radiographic exposure device 
with a radiation survey instrument after each exposure to determine 
that the sealed source has been returned to its shielded position.
    (c) Conduct a survey when approaching the guide tube before 
exchanging films, repositioning the collimator, or dismantling 
equipment.
    (d) Conduct an adequate survey with a radiation survey instrument 
any time the source is exchanged and whenever a radiographic exposure 
device is placed in a storage area (as defined in Sec. 34.3) to ensure 
that the sealed source is in its shielded position.
    (e) Conduct a survey of the storage area to ensure that radiation 
levels do not exceed the limits specified in 10 CFR 20.1301. These 
surveys must be performed initially with radioactive material present 
in the storage location and thereafter at the time of the quarterly 
inventory and whenever storage conditions change (i.e., increases in 
radioactive material present or changes in shielding or arrangement of 
the radioactive material).
    (f) Maintain records in accordance with Sec. 34.85.
    39. Section 34.51 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 34.51  Surveillance.

    During each radiographic operation the radiographer or 
radiographer's assistant shall maintain continuous direct visual 
surveillance of the operation to protect against unauthorized entry 
into a high radiation area, as defined in part 20 of this chapter, 
except at permanent radiographic installations where all entryways are 
locked and the requirements of Sec. 34.33 are met.
    40. Section 34.53 is added to read as follows:


Sec. 34.53  Posting.

    Areas in which radiography is being performed must be conspicuously 
posted as required by Sec. 20.1902(a) and (b) of this chapter. 
Exceptions listed in Sec. 20.1903 of this chapter do not apply to 
radiographic operations.
    41. A new heading for subpart E, consisting of Secs. 34.61-34.91, 
is added to read as follows:

Subpart E--Recordkeeping Requirements

    42. Section 34.61 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 34.61  Records of specific license for radiography.

    Each licensee shall maintain a copy of its license, license 
conditions, documents incorporated by reference, and amendments to each 
of these items until superseded by new documents or until the 
Commission terminates the license.
    43. Section 34.63 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 34.63  Records of receipt and transfer of sealed sources.

    (a) Each licensee shall maintain records showing the receipts and 
transfers of sealed sources and retain each record for 3 years after it 
is made.
    (b) These records must include the date, the individual making the 
record, the radionuclide, number of becquerels (curies), and make, 
model, and serial number of each sealed source and device, as 
appropriate.
    44. Sections 34.65--34.91 are added to subpart E to read as 
follows:


Sec. 34.65  Records of radiation survey instruments.

    Each licensee shall maintain records of the calibrations of its 
radiation survey instruments and retain each record for 3 years after 
it is made.


Sec. 34.67  Records of leak testing of sealed sources.

    Each licensee shall maintain records of leak test results in units 
of becquerels (curies) and retain each record for 3 years after it is 
made.


Sec. 34.69  Records of quarterly inventory.

    (a) Each licensee shall maintain records of the quarterly inventory 
and retain each record for 3 years after it is made.
    (b) The record must include the quantities and kinds of byproduct 
material (including the model number, the serial number and 
manufacturer), location of sealed sources, the name of the individual 
conducting the inventory, and the date of the inventory.


Sec. 34.71  Utilization logs.

    (a) Each licensee shall maintain current utilization logs at the 
address specified in the license, showing for each sealed source the 
following information:
    (1) A description, including the make, model number, and serial 
number of the radiographic exposure device or storage container in 
which the sealed source is located;
    (2) The identity and signature of the radiographer to whom 
assigned; and
    (3) The plant or site where used and dates of use, including the 
dates removed and returned to storage.
    (b) The licensee shall retain the logs required by paragraph (a) of 
this section for 3 years after the log is made.


Sec. 34.73  Records of inspection and maintenance of radiographic 
exposure devices, storage containers, associated equipment, and source 
changers.

    (a) Each licensee shall maintain records of defects found in daily 
checks and quarterly inspections and maintenance of radiographic 
exposure devices, storage containers, associated equipment, and source 
changers, and retain each record for 3 years after it is made.
    (b) The record must include the date of check, name of inspector, 
equipment involved, any defects found, and repairs made.


Sec. 34.75  Records of alarm system and entrance control checks at 
permanent radiographic installations.

    Each licensee shall maintain records of alarm system and entrance 
control device tests and retain each record for 3 years after it is 
made.


Sec. 34.79  Records of training and certification.

    Each licensee shall maintain the following records (of training and 
certification) for 3 years after the record is made:
    (a) Records of training of each radiographer and each 
radiographer's assistant. The record must include radiographer 
certification documents, certification status verification, copies of 
written tests, dates of field examinations, and names of individuals 
conducting the field examinations, and
    (b) Records of annual safety reviews and annual inspections for 
each radiographer and each radiographer's assistant. The records must 
list the topics discussed during the annual safety review, the dates 
the annual safety review was conducted, and names of the instructors 
and attendees. For annual inspections, the records must also include a 
list showing the items checked and any regulatory non-compliances 
observed by the RSO.


Sec. 34.81  Copies of operating and emergency procedures.

    Each licensee shall maintain a copy of current operating and 
emergency procedures until the Commission terminates the license. 
Superseded material must be retained for 3 years after the change is 
made.


Sec. 34.83  Records of personnel monitoring.

    Each licensee shall maintain the following exposure records:
    (a) Daily pocket dosimeter readings and yearly operability checks 
for 3 years after the record is made.
    (b) Records of alarm ratemeter calibrations for 3 years after the 
record is made.
    (c) Reports received from the film badge or TLD processor until the 
Commission terminates the license.
    (d) Records of estimates of exposures as a result of off-scale 
pocket dosimeters or lost or damaged film badges or TLDs until the 
Commission terminates the license.


Sec. 34.85   Records of radiation surveys.

    Each licensee shall maintain a record of each exposure device 
survey conducted before placing the device in storage in accordance 
with Sec. 34.49 (d) and (e) for 3 years after the record is made, if 
that survey is the last one performed in the work day.


Sec. 34.87   Form of records.

    Each record required by this part must be legible throughout the 
specified retention period. The record may be the original or a 
reproduced copy or a microform provided that the copy or microform is 
authenticated by authorized personnel and that the microform is capable 
of reproducing a clear copy throughout the required retention period. 
The record may also be stored in electronic media with the capability 
for producing legible, accurate, and complete records during the 
required retention period. Records, such as letters, drawings, and 
specifications, must include all pertinent information, such as stamps, 
initials, and signatures. The licensee shall maintain adequate 
safeguards against tampering with and loss of records.


Sec. 34.89   Documents and records required at field stations and 
permanent installations.

    Each licensee shall maintain copies of the following documents and 
records sufficient to demonstrate compliance at the field station and 
permanent installation:
    (a) A copy of 10 CFR parts 19, 20, and 34;
    (b) The license authorizing the use of licensed material;
    (c) Operating and emergency procedures required by Sec. 34.45;
    (d) Records of radiation survey instrument calibrations required by 
Sec. 34.65;
    (e) Records of leak test results required by Sec. 34.67;
    (f) Quarterly inventory records required by Sec. 34.69;
    (g) Utilization records required by Sec. 34.71;
    (h) Records of inspection and maintenance required by Sec. 34.73;
    (i) For permanent installations, records of alarm system and 
entrance control checks required by Sec. 34.75;
    (j) Training and certification records required by Sec. 34.79;
    (k) Survey records required by Sec. 34.85;
    (l) Personnel monitoring records as required by Sec. 34.83; and
    (m) Records of receipt and transfer of sealed sources required by 
Sec. 34.63.


Sec. 34.91   Documents and records required at temporary jobsites and 
use or storage locations exceeding 180 days.

    Each licensee conducting operations at a temporary jobsite shall 
maintain copies of the following documents and records at the temporary 
jobsite until the radiographic operation is completed and at any 
storage location where radioactive material is stored for more than 180 
days:
    (a) The license authorizing the use of licensed material;
    (b) Operating and emergency procedures required by Sec. 34.45;
    (c) Evidence of latest calibration of the radiation survey 
instruments in use at the site required by Sec. 34.65;
    (d) Evidence of latest calibrations of alarm ratemeters and 
operability checks of pocket dosimeters as required by Sec. 34.83;
    (e) Latest survey records required by Sec. 34.85;
    (f) The shipping papers for the transportation of radioactive 
materials required by Sec. 71.5 of this chapter; and
    (g) When operating under reciprocity pursuant to Sec. 150.20 of 
this chapter, a copy of the Agreement State license authorizing use of 
licensed materials.
    45. A new subpart F, consisting of Sec. 34.101, is added to read as 
follows:

Subpart F--Notifications


Sec. 34.101   Notifications.

    (a) In addition to the reporting requirements specified in 
Sec. 30.50 and under other sections of this chapter, each licensee 
shall provide a written report to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory 
Commission, Division of Industrial and Medical Nuclear Safety, 
Washington, DC 20555, with a copy to the Director, Office for Analysis 
and Evaluation of Operational Data, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, 
Washington, DC 20555, within 30 days of the occurrence of any of the 
following incidents involving radiographic equipment:
    (1) Unintentional disconnection of the source assembly from the 
control cable;
    (2) Inability to retract the source assembly to its fully shielded 
position and secure it in this position; or
    (3) Failure of any component (critical to safe operation of the 
device) to properly perform its intended function;
    (b) The licensee shall include the following information in each 
report submitted under paragraph (a) of this section, and in each 
report of overexposure submitted under 10 CFR 20.2203 which involves 
failure of safety components of radiography equipment:
    (1) A description of the equipment problem;
    (2) Cause of each incident, if known;
    (3) Name of the manufacturer and model number of equipment involved 
in the incident;
    (4) Place, date and time of the incident;
    (5) Actions taken to establish normal operations;
    (6) Corrective actions taken or planned to prevent recurrence; and
    (7) Qualifications of personnel involved in the incident.
    (c) The licensee shall notify the appropriate NRC regional office 
in writing 30 days before conducting radiographic operations or storing 
radioactive material at any location not listed on the license in 
excess of 180 days.
    46-47. A new subpart G, consisting of Sec. 34.111, is added to read 
as follows:

Subpart G--Exemptions


Sec. 34.111  Applications for exemptions.

    The Commission may, upon application of any interested person or 
upon its own initiative, grant such exemptions from the requirements of 
the regulations in this part as it determines are authorized by law and 
will not endanger life or property or the common defense and security 
and are otherwise in the public interest.
    48-49. A new subpart H, consisting of Secs. 34.121-34.123, is added 
to read as follows:

Subpart H--Violations


Sec. 34.121   Violations.

    (a) The Commission may obtain an injunction or other court order to 
prevent a violation of the provisions of
    (1) The Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended;
    (2) Title II of the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, as amended; 
or
    (3) A regulation or order issued pursuant to these Acts.
    (b) The Commission may obtain a court order for the payment of a 
civil penalty imposed under section 234 of the Atomic Energy Act;
    (1) For violations of--
    (i) Sections 53, 57, 62, 63, 81, 82, 101, 103, 104, 107, or 109 of 
the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended;
    (ii) Section 206 of the Energy Reorganization Act;
    (iii) Any rule, regulation, or order issued pursuant to the 
sections specified in paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section.
    (iv) Any term, condition, or limitation of any license issued under 
the sections specified in paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section.
    (2) For any violation for which a license may be revoked under 
section 186 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended.


Sec. 34.123   Criminal penalties.

    (a) Section 223 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1952, as amended, 
provides for criminal sanctions for willful violation of, attempted 
violation of, or conspiracy to violate, any regulation issued under one 
or more of sections 161b, 161i, or 161o of the Act. For purposes of 
section 223, all the regulations in part 34 are issued under one or 
more of sections 161b, 161i, or 161o, except for the sections listed in 
paragraph (b) of this section.
    (b) The regulations in part 34 that are not issued under sections 
161b, 161i, or 161o for the purposes of section 223 are as follows: 
Secs. 34.1, 34.3, 34.5, 34.8, 34.11, 34.13, 34.111, 34.121, 34.123.
    50-52. Appendix A is revised to read as follows:

Appendix A to Part 34--Radiographic Certification

I. Requirements for an Independent Certifying Organization

    An independent certifying organization shall:
    1. Be an organization such as a society or association, whose 
members participate in, or have an interest in, the fields of 
industrial radiography or non-destructive testing;
    2. Make its membership available to the general public 
nationwide that is not restricted because of race, color, religion, 
sex, age, national origin or handicap;
    3. Have a certification program open to nonmembers;
    4. Be an incorporated, nationally recognized organization, that 
is involved in setting national standards of practice within its 
fields of expertise;
    5. Have a permanent full-time staff, a viable system for 
financing its operations, and a policy- and decision-making review 
board;
    6. Have a set of written organizational by-laws and policies 
that provide adequate assurance of lack of conflict of interest and 
a system for monitoring and enforcing those by-laws and policies;
    7. Have a committee, whose members can carry out their 
responsibilities impartially, to review and approve the 
certification guidelines and procedures, and to advise the 
organization's staff in implementing the certification program;
    8. Have a committee, whose members can carry out their 
responsibilities impartially, to review complaints against certified 
individuals and to determine appropriate sanctions;
    9. Have written procedures describing all aspects of its 
certification program, maintain records of the current status of 
each individual's certification and the administration of its 
certification program;
    10. Have procedures to ensure that certified individuals are 
provided due process with respect to the administration of its 
certification program, including the process of becoming certified 
and any sanctions imposed against certified individuals; and
    11. Have procedures to ensure that the individuals proctoring 
each examination are not employed by the same company or corporation 
(or a wholly-owned subsidiary of such company or corporation) as any 
of the examinees;
    12. Exchange information about certified individuals with the 
Commission and other independent certifying organizations and/or 
Agreement States and allow periodic review of its certification 
program and related records;
    13. Provide a description to the Commission of its procedures 
for choosing examination sites and for providing an appropriate 
examination environment.

II. Requirements for Certification Programs

    All certification programs must:
    1. Require that individuals:
    (a) Receive training in the topics set forth in Sec. 34.34(f) of 
this part, and
    (b) Satisfactorily complete a written examination covering these 
topics;
    2. Require applicants for certification to provide documentation 
that demonstrates that the applicant has:
    (a) Received training in the topics set forth in section 
34.43(f) to this part;
    (b) Satisfactorily completed a minimum period of on-the-job 
training; and
    (c) Has received verification by an Agreement State or a NRC 
licensee that the applicant has demonstrated the capability of 
independently working as a radiographer;
    3. Include procedures to ensure that all examination questions 
are protected from disclosure;
    4. Include procedures whereby an application or certification 
would be considered null and void if the applicant or certified 
individual is prohibited from acting as a radiographer by a 
regulatory agency at the time of making the application;
    5. Provide a certification period of not less than 3 years nor 
more than 5 years;
    6. Include procedures for renewing the certifications and, if 
the procedures allow renewals without examination, require evidence 
of recent active full-time employment and annual refresher training;
    7. Include procedures whereby an individual's certification may 
be revoked, suspended, or restricted for willful or significant 
failure to comply with his or her employer's operating or emergency 
procedures, or the Commission's or an Agreement State's regulations;
    8. Provide for automatic suspension of an individual's 
certification, based on Commission or Agreement State action 
prohibiting the individual from acting as a radiographer;
    9. Provide for sanctions imposed against certified individuals 
that are at least as severe as any action taken by the Commission or 
an Agreement State; and
    10. Provide a timely response to inquiries, by telephone or 
letter, from members of the public, about an individual's 
certification status.

III. Requirements for Written Examinations

    All examinations must be:
    1. Designed to test an individual's knowledge and understanding 
of the topics listed in section 34.43(f) or equivalent Agreement 
State requirements;
    2. Written in a multiple-choice format;
    3. Written at a ninth-grade reading comprehension level;
    4. Scientifically-analyzed, before use, to ensure that the 
questions are not biased or misleading, and that the examination of 
one certifying entity will produce a result equivalent to that of 
another certifying entity;
    5. Tested by at least 50 individuals before being used in an 
actual examination leading to certification of individuals; and
    6. Composed of questions randomly selected from a population of 
questions that contains ten times as many questions as may be needed 
for any one examination, to ensure that it is unlikely that an 
examinee would retake the same examination.

PART 150--EXEMPTIONS AND CONTINUED REGULATORY AUTHORITY IN 
AGREEMENT STATES AND IN OFFSHORE WATERS UNDER SECTION 274

    53. The authority citation for part 150 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: Sec. 161, 68 Stat. 948, as amended, sec. 274, 73 
Stat. 688 (42 U.S.C. 2201, 2021); sec. 201, 88 Stat. 1242, as 
amended (42 U.S.C. 5841).
    Sections 150.3, 150.15, 150.15a, 150.31, 150.32 also issued 
under secs. 11e(2), 81, 68 Stat. 923, 935, as amended, secs. 83, 84, 
92 Stat. 3033, 3039 (42 U.S.C. 2014e(2), 2111, 2113, 2114). Section 
150.14 also issued under sec. 53, 68 Stat. 930, as amended (42 
U.S.C. 2073). Section 150.15 also issued under secs. 135, 141, Pub. 
L. 97-425, 96 Stat. 2232, 2241 (42 U.S.C. 10155, 10161). Section 
150.17a also issued under sec. 122, 68 Stat. 939 (42 U.S.C. 2152). 
Section 150.30 also issued under sec. 234, 83 Stat. 444 (42 U.S.C. 
2282).

    54. A new Sec. 150.15b is added to read as follows:


Sec. 150.15b  Continued Commission authority pertaining to independent 
certifying organizations.

    The Commission reserves the authority to establish minimum 
standards regarding industrial radiographer certification programs and 
independent certifying organizations, as described in part 34 of this 
Chapter, and to identify acceptable certifying entities.
    55. In Sec. 150.33, paragraph (b) is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 150.33  Criminal penalties.

* * * * *
    (b) The regulations in part 150 that are not issued under sections 
161b, 161i, or 161o for the purposes of section 223 are as follows: 
Secs. 150.1, 150.2, 150.3, 150.4, 150.5, 150.7, 150.8, 150.10, 150.11, 
150.15, 150.15a, 150.15b, 150.30, 150.31, 150.32, 150.33.

    Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 17th day of February 1994.

    For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Samuel J. Chilk,
Secretary of the Commission.

Appendix A--Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis for Revision of 10 
CFR Part 34

    The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is proposing to amend 
its regulations governing industrial radiography. The proposed rule 
would include additional safety requirements to enhance the level of 
protection of radiographers and the public and would clarify the 
regulations so that licensees may have a better understanding of 
what is expected in radiographic operations. The proposed rule 
includes a number of updated radiography regulations that have been 
adopted by many Agreement States. The format of the radiography 
regulations would be adjusted to place requirements into descriptive 
categories.
    The radiography industry in the United States consists of 
approximately 700 firms, employing about 20,000 individuals, that 
perform radioisotope radiography either at fixed locations or at 
multiple temporary job sites. Of these firms, approximately 200 are 
NRC licensees employing about 3,400 radiographers with an additional 
2,000 radiography supervisors and radiographers' assistants. This 
estimate is based on 1990 data for the number of individuals 
monitored for radiation exposure to comply with 10 CFR Part 20. The 
industry uses an estimated 3,500 radiographic exposure devices that 
employ either cobalt-60 or iridium-192 radioisotope sources. Roughly 
one-quarter of the firms conduct radiography at a single location 
and the other three-quarters work at multiple locations generally 
referred to as temporary jobsites.
    Approximately 90 percent are considered to be ``small entities'' 
under the criterion established in Section 605(b) of the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act of 1980. Most of the radiography licensees are in 
the business of non-destructive testing in which radiography 
represents only a part of their total income. A few small firms work 
only in radiography. Much of the work in the field involves the 
inspection of welds in bridges, oil, gas, and other pipelines and in 
the steel framework of commercial buildings under construction so 
that the success and viability of the industry is closely tied to 
the economic health of the country. NRC surveys indicated that 76 
percent of NRC radiography licensees had annual receipts of over 
$500,000, and most of the remainder had annual receipts exceeding 
$250,000.
    In accordance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (5 
U.S.C. 605 (b)), the Commission believes that this rule may, if 
promulgated, have a significant economic impact on a substantial 
number of small entities.
    The proposed revisions to part 34 are intended to provide 
additional safety requirements to enhance the level of protection of 
radiographers and the public and to clarify the regulations so that 
licensees may have a better understanding of what is expected in 
radiographic operations. The proposed rule includes a number of 
radiography regulations which have been adopted by the Agreement 
States.
    The proposed revisions to part 34 can be grouped into major and 
minor impacts. Of the five major impacts, the proposed requirement 
to have a second qualified individual at temporary jobsites may have 
a significant effect on small entities, who would be more likely to 
use single-person crews. It should be recognized that under the 
current rule many licensees already need to have, at least, two 
qualified individuals present at a temporary jobsite to maintain 
direct surveillance of radiographic operations so as to protect 
against any unauthorized entry into the restricted area. Therefore, 
this proposed requirement will only impact those operations where 
two individuals are not currently required. It was assumed in the 
draft Regulatory Analysis that approximately 25 percent of NRC 
licensees who perform radiography at temporary jobsites will need to 
hire and train additional staff to meet the proposed requirement. 
Other assumptions used in the draft Regulatory Analysis were that 
each of these 50 licensees would need to hire 3-4 additional 
workers, and that the cost of each assistant is $24,000 per year 
including benefits.
    The other major impacts include mandatory certification 
requirements for radiographers, additional training for 
radiographers' assistants, a specific requirement for a Radiation 
Safety Officer (RSO) who meets certain training requirements, 
requirements for permanent installation alarms, and additional 
requirements for alarm ratemeters. The estimated costs for all of 
these changes are significantly less than the costs associated with 
adopting the two-person rule. The initial costs to certify 
radiographers is approximately $4080. The initial costs for each 
licensee to provide an additional eight hours of training for 
radiographers' assistants is approximately $1,200. The initial costs 
to provide the additional training required to meet the proposed RSO 
requirements is $3,700 per RSO. The initial costs to install alarms 
in permanent installations is estimated to be $3,000. The initial 
costs to purchase additional upgraded alarm ratemeters is estimated 
to be $1800. The other proposed revisions which are of a minor 
nature, would result in initial costs of $700-$800 per licensee.
    In addition, the proposed rule includes a reduction in the 
number of field inspections to be conducted, from quarterly to 
annual. This reduction would lead to an estimated annual savings to 
each NRC licensee of approximately $16,000. The proposed rule also 
includes a reduction in the frequency for radiation survey 
instrument calibrations from 3 months to 6 months. This reduction 
would lead to an estimated annual savings to each NRC licensee of 
approximately $1400.
    Of these changes, the costs to adopt the two-person rule may 
have the most impact on a substantial number of ``small entities''; 
however, the Commission believes that by requiring at least two 
qualified individuals to always be present when radiographic 
operations are being conducted, there will be a significant increase 
in assurance that operational safety measures and emergency 
procedures will be implemented effectively. The potential for a 
lowering of the risk of unintended public exposure can be viewed as 
a potential cost savings to the industry. This proposed rule does 
not duplicate or conflict with other Federal rules. No other 
alternative regulatory provisions that would minimize the economic 
impact on small entities were considered.

[FR Doc. 94-4133 Filed 2-25-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7590-01-P