Section 335.8060  Radiation Monitoring Device for Teletherapy Units and Gamma Stereotactic Radiosurgery Units

a)         A licensee shall have in each teletherapy or gamma stereotactic radiosurgery room a permanent radiation monitor capable of continuously monitoring the status of the beam.

b)         Each radiation monitor shall be capable of providing visible indication of a teletherapy or gamma stereotactic radiosurgery unit malfunction that results in an exposed or partially exposed source. The visible indicator of high radiation levels shall be observable by an individual entering the teletherapy or gamma stereotactic radiosurgery room.

c)         Each radiation monitor shall be equipped with an auxiliary power supply separate from the power supply to the teletherapy or gamma stereotactic radiosurgery unit. This auxiliary power supply may be a battery system.

d)         The radiation monitor shall be checked with a dedicated check source for proper operation each day before the teletherapy or gamma stereotactic radiosurgery unit is used for treatment of patients.

            AGENCY NOTE:  Exposing the source and remotely viewing the instrument response is an acceptable method for checking the monitor with a "dedicated check source".

e)         A licensee shall maintain a record of the check required by subsection (d) of this Section for 5 years. The record shall include the date of the check, a notation that the monitor indicated when the source was exposed and the identity of the individual who performed the check.

f)         If the radiation monitor is inoperable, the licensee shall require any individual entering the teletherapy or gamma stereotactic radiosurgery room to use either a survey instrument or a personal dosimeter with an audible alarm to monitor for any malfunction of the source exposure mechanism that may result in an exposed or partially exposed source. The instrument or dosimeter shall be checked with a dedicated check source for proper operation at the beginning of each day of use. The licensee shall keep a record as described in subsection (e) of this Section.

g)         If the radiation monitor is inoperable, the licensee shall take action within 24 hours to repair or replace the radiation monitor. At a minimum, such action shall include the scheduling for the repair or replacement of the inoperable monitor.

(Source:  Amended at 30 Ill. Reg. 9029, effective April 28, 2006)