Service manual

STP 11-25R13-SM-TG
T - 21
T-32. Maintenance.
a. Defective radioactive items are generally nonrepairable; however, if maintenance is authorized
for a specific item, the technical manual covering the equipment end item will contain instructions for the
designated maintenance procedure.
b. When defective radioactive items are replaced, the defective radioactive item is to be disposed
of as radioactive waste in accordance with the instructions contained in (7)(d) below.
c. TB MED 522 and TB 700-3 provide radiological guidance for maintenance operations involving
self-luminous devices that constitute a great portion of the radioactive items.
d. Installations and facilities authorized to perform maintenance functions on radioactive
commodities, as designated in the technical manuals for the end item equipment, should establish
procedures covering the following:
(1) Notification of the local RPO before commencement of work. The RPO will approve the
standing operating procedures for the performance of the maintenance function.
(2) Establish radiation-controlled areas in accordance with the recommendations of the local RPO
must conform to the requirements and procedures given in paragraph 30 above.
(3) Provide adequate ventilation to assure that the concentration of airborne radioactive
contamination is less than 2 x 10
-7
uCi/ml of Tritium and 2 x 10
-12
uCi/ml for other radiation sources.
(4) Local SOP will be posted at each operation in which radioactive materiel is handled. The SOP
will outline those procedures that would minimize personnel exposure to radiation and provide the safety
precautions to be observed while handling radioactive materiel. Each SOP must be reviewed and
approved by the local RPO.
(5) The following criteria should be followed to adequately provide protection from external
radiation sources.
(a) Distance and Time. Operating personnel should maintain the furthest distance from the source
whenever possible. The intensity from a point source of radiation diminishes as the distance increases.
The hazards of radiation exposure are minimized by not working in a radiation area any longer than
necessary.
(b) Shielding. Placing a suitable shield between the personnel and the source of radiation provides
shielding. Reference should be made to the US Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
Radiological Health Handbook, the National Bureau of Standards Handbooks Numbers 92, 111, and 114,
WARNING
If an item is broken or becomes unsealed, immediately notify the local RPO.
Avoid personal contact with the damaged or defective item. The RPO shall
advise and assist personnel of the procedures for safe decontamination and
disposal of the radioactive material. If the RPO is unavailable and cannot be
reached, use rubber or polyethylene gloves or forceps to pick up the radioactive
materials to permeate the atmosphere. Place the damaged item or pieces of the
item and the rubber gloves in sealed bag. Dispose of it as radioactive waste in
accordance with AR 385-11 and TM 3-261. Decontamination of the area should
be in accordance with TM 3-220 and AR 700-64.