RAM security must be maintained at all times. Security violations are frequently cited at institutions utilizing RAM. This violation may jeopardize the university's license to use such materials. The Iowa Administrative Code (IAC) specifically addresses the security and control of licensed or registered radiation sources.
Iowa Administrative Code (IAC) 641-40.55(136C) states:
- The licensee or registrant shall secure licensed or registered radioactive material in an unrestricted area from unauthorized removal or access.
- The licensee or registrant shall maintain constant surveillance and use devices or administrative procedures to prevent unauthorized use of licensed or registered radioactive material in an unrestricted area and not in storage.
- The registrant shall secure registered radiation machines from unauthorized removal.
- The registrant shall use devices or administrative procedures to prevent unauthorized use of registered RPDs.
This means that the trained user must constantly attend to all RAM (i.e., source material, sealed sources, devices containing sources, labeled materials, and even waste) or otherwise locked or secured to prevent unauthorized removal or tampering.
Storage of radioactive material, sources, labeled materials, and waste
RAM storage shall be in secured or locked boxes, cabinets, refrigerators, freezers, waste areas, or rooms unless the licensee is present. RAM shall be stored in sealed containers in such a way as to prevent accidental release and contamination and to prevent release into the air. If the nuclide requires shielding, it shall be stored in shielded containers to reduce exposure to personnel accessing the storage areas. If the radioactive material has been stored in a freezer, the material shall be thawed, opened, and handled in a fume hood, glove box, or biological safety cabinet. All containers and contaminated equipment must be marked "radioactive" and indicate the isotope to communicate the presence of the material.