Section 1320. Training

A. The licensee or registrant may not permit any individual to act as a radiographer until the individual has received at least 40 hours of training in the subjects outlined in subsection G of this section in addition to on the job training consisting of hands-on experience under the supervision of a radiographer and is certified through a radiographer certification program by a certifying entity meeting the requirements of 10 CFR Part 34, Appendix A. The on-the-job training shall include a minimum of two months (320 hours) of active participation in the performance of industrial radiography utilizing radioactive material and/or one month (160 hours) of active participation in the performance of industrial radiography utilizing radiation machines. Individuals performing industrial radiography utilizing radioactive materials and radiation machines must complete both segments of the on-the-job training (3 months or 480 hours).

B. In addition, the licensee or registrant may not permit any individual to act as a radiographer until the individual:

1. Has received copies of and instruction in the requirements described in the regulations contained in this part, 12VAC5-481-30 and applicable sections of Parts IV (12VAC5-481-600 et seq.), X (12VAC5-481-2250 et seq.), and XIII (12VAC5-481-2950 et seq.) of this chapter, in the license or registration under which the radiographer will perform industrial radiography, and the licensee's or registrant's operating and emergency procedures;

2. Has demonstrated an understanding of items in subdivision 1 of this subsection by successful completion of a written examination;

3. Has received training in the use of the registrant's radiation machines, or the licensee's radiographic exposure devices, sealed sources, in the daily inspection of devices and associated equipment, and in the use of radiation survey instruments; and

4. Has demonstrated understanding of the use of the equipment described in subdivision 3 of this subsection by successful completion of a practical examination.

C. The licensee or registrant 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 the regulations contained in this part, 12VAC5-481-30 and applicable sections of Parts IV (12VAC5-481-600 et seq.), X (12VAC5-481-2250 et seq.), and XIII (12VAC5-481-2950 et seq.) of this chapter, in the license or registration under which the radiographer's assistant will perform industrial radiography, and the licensee's or registrant's operating and emergency procedures;

2. Has demonstrated an understanding of items in subdivision 1 of this subsection by successful completion of a written examination;

3. Under the personal supervision of a radiographer, has received training in the use of the registrant's radiation machines, or the licensee's radiographic exposure devices and sealed sources, in the daily inspection of devices and associated equipment, and in the use of radiation survey instruments; and

4. Has demonstrated understanding of the use of the equipment described in subdivision 3 of this subsection by successful completion of a practical examination.

D. The licensee or registrant shall provide annual refresher safety training for each radiographer and radiographer's assistant at intervals not to exceed 12 months.

E. Except as provided in subdivision 4 of this subsection, the RSO or designee shall conduct an inspection program of the job performance of each radiographer and radiographer's assistant to ensure that the agency's regulations, license or registration requirements, and 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 industrial radiographic operation, at intervals not to exceed six months;

2. Provide that, if a radiographer or a radiographer's assistant has not participated in an industrial radiographic operation for more than six months since the last inspection, the radiographer must demonstrate knowledge of the training requirements of subdivision B 3 of this section and the radiographer's assistant must demonstrate knowledge of the training requirements of subdivision C 3 of this section by a practical examination before these individuals can next participate in a radiographic operation;

3. The agency may consider alternatives in those situations where the individual serves as both radiographer and radiation safety officer; and

4. In those operations where a single individual serves as both radiographer and radiation safety officer, and performs all radiography operations, an inspection program is not required;

F. The licensee or registrant shall maintain records of the above training to include certification documents, writtenand practical examinations, refresher safety training and inspections of job performance in accordance with 12VAC5-481-1470.

G. The licensee or registrant shall include the following subjects required in subsection A of this section:

1. Fundamentals of radiation safety including:

a. Characteristics of gamma and x-radiation;

b. Units of radiation dose and quantity of radioactivity;

c. Hazards of exposure to radiation;

d. Levels of radiation from sources of radiation; and

e. Methods of controlling radiation dose (time, distance, and shielding);

2. Radiation detection instruments including:

a. Use, operation, calibration, and limitations of radiation survey instruments;

b. Survey techniques; and

c. Use of personnel monitoring equipment;

3. Equipment to be used including:

a. Operation and control of radiographic exposure equipment, remote handling equipment, and storage containers, including pictures or models of source assemblies (pigtails);

b. Operation and control of radiation machines;

c. Storage, control, and disposal of sources of radiation; and

d. Inspection and maintenance of equipment.

4. The requirements of pertinent state and federal regulations; and

5. Case histories of accidents in radiography.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 22, Issue 25, eff. September 20, 2006; amended, Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 18, eff. June 12, 2008.

Statutory Authority

§ 32.1-229 of the Code of Virginia.