THE PROVISION OF PIPELINE

INSTALLATION SERVICES

SMG1 FLOWLINE PROJECT

RADIOGRAPHY

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RADIOGRAPHY 001

RADIOGRAPHY

CONTENTS

1.0 PURPOSE
2.0 REFERENCES
3.0 RESPONSIBILITIES
4.0 PROCEDURE
4.1 General Requirements
4.2 Radioactive Sources
4.3 Precautions
4.4 Radiation Representative
4.5 Storage and Handling
4.6 Transport to Field Locations

1.0 PURPOSE
The purpose of this procedure is to promote the awareness of all personnel on the
site to radiation hazards that may arise during work activities where radioactive
particles or substances are used.
The procedure defines responsibilities and methods to be used to ensure the
safety of all personnel from exposure to ionising radiation sources (Gamma rays…)
used for inspection purpose.
This Instruction provides safety precautions in storage, transport and use of
radioactive sources that are used for radiography activities.

2.0 REFERENCES
Work Permit System Procedure

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INSTALLATION SERVICES

SMG1 FLOWLINE PROJECT

RADIOGRAPHY

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Handling of Hazardous Substances Procedure

3.0 RESPONSIBILITIES
The HSE Site Manager shall be responsible for ensuring that all personnel on the
site are aware of the potential hazards involved when radioactive materials are used on
the site.
The Radiation Representative/NDT Supervisor who will be the person nominated to
use, monitor and control the radiation sources used, shall be responsible for ensuring the
correct and safe use of the radioactive materials in accordance with this procedure and
applicable legislation. He is wholly responsible for the day to day management of
radiographic operations, including the security of the radioactive sources and the health
and safety of their personnel.
Radiographers/NDT Operators are responsible for ensuring that all ionising radiation
equipment is handled properly used, in accordance with approved procedures and is well
maintained for efficient operation. They are further responsible for following the relevant
personnel monitoring procedures and for taking all precautions whilst carrying out
radiography.

4.0 PROCEDURE

4.1 General Requirements

Since there is no sensation when the body is subjected to gamma ray
radiation, and injurious effects are not immediately obvious, it is important that all
personnel on the site must:
 Be aware of the hazards and the warning signs/labels displayed.
 Be aware of the location of all radioactive sources, which are used on
the site.
 Never enter a controlled area (e.g. barriered off), unless so authorised to
do so.
 Strictly adhere to any specified Work Permits in place which encompass
the use of radioactive materials (see Work Permit System procedure)

4.2 Radioactive Sources

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INSTALLATION SERVICES

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RADIOGRAPHY

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Radioactive sources are seldom used on the site except by specific request
from a Company. When they are employed, this procedure shall apply during
operations involving the storage, handling, use and transport of radioactive
sources, in conjunction with the relevant legislation. In general the sources most
commonly used are for NDE and nucleonic level detectors.
The main method of radiography uses a radioactive isotope (sealed source).
Radioactive isotopes are extremely small in size and do not require a power
supply; as a consequence they are completely portable. They have however; a
major disadvantage in that they continuously emit harmful rays and therefore
must be carefully shielded at all times, except when in use.

4.3 Precautions
Radiation is categorised into two groups:
Non-ionising
Which does not cause ionisation as it passes through the body. Examples
are visible, infrared and ultraviolet light.
Ionising
Which ionises matter it passes through, and can therefore damage body
tissue. Examples are alpha, beta particles and electromagnetic radiation such
as x-rays and gamma ray.
For Base Case in this contract ETOS will use just gamma-ray source for
NDT.

To comply with statutory obligations the following must be observed:

 Safe storage is provided for radioactive substances, locations should be
well marked.
 The HSE Site Manager shall liase with the Competent Person in co-
ordinating the provision of local control rules to ensure effective safety
precautions are taken.
 Radiography areas, or other areas where radioactive materials are in
use, shall be effectively cordoned off to prevent access to personnel.

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RADIOGRAPHY

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 These areas shall be prominently signed by the black trefoil symbol on a

yellow background. The barriers, where appropriate, shall be further
identified by yellow flashing lights.
 Regular monitoring and leak testing shall be carried out on any sealed
radioactive source.
 Storage areas shall be properly marked with warning signs.
 In the event of an emergency involving a radioactive material, the
Construction Manager shall be informed immediately and emergency
procedures followed as laid down in the control plans. It should be
appreciated that radiation is emitted three dimensionally and can
permeate through floors, walls etc.
Radiography within Production Areas will normally be carried out during
night, when minimum numbers of unclassified workers are working. In case of
urgent requirements it may be carried out in the day-time during lunch break.
In both the above-mentioned situations the permit to work system must be
followed.
Before commencement of work, the area must be cordoned-off by ropes with
attached radiation warning labels.
The radiographer must have a survey meter with him and carry out periodic
checks as specified. The radiographer shall keep a constant watch on the
boundaries of the restricted area to prevent unauthorised entry of unclassified
personnel during the exposure.
The time limit specified in the work permit must be strictly enforced.
Whenever practicable, appropriate collimators must be used to reduce unwanted
radiation.
The field radiography team shall have quick access to emergency handling
tools like remote handling tongs and lead sheets/shots.

4.4 Radiation Representative

 Be responsible for ensuring that all safety precautions are observed and
that no personnel other than Qualified Persons are exposed to radiation
levels in excess of the maximum permitted dose as defined in the
Regulations.

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RADIOGRAPHY

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 Before starting any operation involving the use of radioactive sources,

ensure that the following items of equipment are available:
 Film badges for all ‘Classified Workers’ suitable for sources in use.
 Survey meters suitable for sources are in use.
 Adequate signs, barriers and warning lights for the work being carried
out.
 Source recovery tools where applicable.
 Bags of lead shot to cover dropped source (if applicable for source
type).
 Monitor all operations involving the use of radioactive substances to ensure
the safety requirements are being adhered to.
 Be responsible for supervising the movement of radioactive sources from
the transport container to the permanent storage area.
The Radiation Representative must ensure that the following safety
equipment is available at the work site:
- Sufficient orange coloured rope (200m is recommended)
- Warning pennants;
- Orange flashing lights (Suitable for Hazardous Areas).
- 1 Radiation monitors (direct reading type).
- 2 Bags of lead shot.
- 1 Pair of handling and retrieving tongs.
- 1 Pair of bolt cutters.
- 1 Roll of Lead sheet
- 1 Lead apron
- 1 Audible alarm (Whistle)
- 1 Lead apron

4.5 Storage and Handling

Radioactive substances must be stored in suitable protective containers,
clearly marked and should be stored as far away from any accommodation, work

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RADIOGRAPHY

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areas, offices and hazardous areas as possible. In areas accessible to the

general public the dose equivalent rate at a distance of 10 cm from any point on
the outside of the pit should not exceed 1 µSv/hr.
If the storage is inside a dedicated exposure bay and not accessible to the
general public a rate of 2.5 µSv/hr is permitted.
The isotope camera when not in use must be kept inside a dedicated storage
pit. The storage pit must be clearly identified with warning signs and marked in
clear and indelible print "DANGER – RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL". Its access
hatch or door must be provided with a lock and lock.
No radioactive substances shall be used or handled unless all reasonable
precautions have been made.

4.6 Transport to Field Locations

The isotope camera must be thoroughly inspected for both operational and
radiation safety by the radiography supervisor prior to its dispatch to the work site.
A metal tag (made out of preferably Stainless Steel plate) displaying a
radiation warning message, identity of isotope and emergency contract must be
attached to the transport container.
The isotope camera must be packed in a steel lead lined container for
transport to the work site. The leakage radiation levels must be measured with a
duly calibrated survey meter and the radiation level at the surface should not
exceed 0.5 µSv/hr.
A radioactive material transport category ‘YELLOW III’ label must be displayed
on two opposite sides of the box. The transport index must be written on the label
and the transport container securely. The transport container must only be
transported by private vehicle, all accessories and emergency handling tools must
accompany the isotope camera.