The commercial nuclear power industry is replete with incidences involving radiography sources, some of which have resulted in substantial exposures to individuals. In addition, commercial radiographers are constantly receiving exposures in the rem per year category, making them one of the most highly exposed groups in the commercial nuclear power industry. These facilities and the observations at each are detailed below. Personnel can only enter the facility with approval of the Radiography Operator and they must sign in upon entry. Equipment used in preparing a specimen for examination and the experimental material is moved into the Bay through a double wide, double door equipment airlock.
Personnel gain access through a separate double door airlock.
Entry through either access is controlled by the Radiographic Operator who has the only key to the access door locks. It is the Radiographic Operator's responsibility to ensure the Bay is clear of all personnel prior to start-up of the accelerator. While this check uses a lighted board system, it entails actual sounding of the alarming devices and physical opening and shutting the doors to test the alarming systems. An additional safeguard is the requirement that start-up requires the simultaneous insertion of two keys into the control panel. One key is assigned to the Operator and the other to the Assistant Operator.