Survey on Cesium and X-ray irradiators - Details and Instructions
Dear Colleagues,
In the 2005 Energy Policy Act, Congress required that the National Academies of Science (NAS) issue a report on Cesium chloride (Cs-137). That report was published in 2008 and recommended the replacement of Cesium. One possibility for replacing Cesium was to use non-radioactive replacements. The Energy Policy Act also set up an interagency Task Force that is responsible for submitting a Radiation Source Protection and Security Task Force Report (“Task Force Report”) every four years. The next report is due in 2014. Since it has been 5 years since the NAS report, AAPM in conjunction with the HPS RSO and Medical Sections is conducting research on the current state of alternative non-radioactive technology. In general, trying to find out what the current state of technology is (e.g., are people actively switching?). We know from colleagues in other countries that there has been a shift towards non-radioactive alternatives in general and we have been reaching out to foreign counterparts to learn more.
As you may know, commercial disposition has opened up in the past year for most sources under 30 Ci. However, despite the Conference of Radiation Control Directors’ (CRCPD’s) financial incentives and assistance navigating the disposal process, some sites are still holding onto their eligible disused sources. Some of the survey questions will also focus on this issue.
The survey is being distributed to all AAPM Members, two Sections of the Health Physics Society, the RSO and Medical Sections. Please confer with colleagues within your organization who might also be receiving this request to ensure only one survey is completed per institution.
The survey cannot be stopped and restarted at a later time. You will need to complete the survey in one session and will not be able to go back and change an answer once selected. Prior to initiating this survey it is strongly suggested that you assemble some key pieces of information that you may need to adequately answer the questions.
Before taking the survey it is recommended that you open the PDF version of the survey, print it, and review all the questions in advance of taking the survey. This will allow you to determine the necessary information that you will need to assemble and prepare prior to completing the on-line survey.
The following information about your irradiators should be available at the time the survey is initiated.
Irradiator device manufacture(s)/model(s)/serial numbers(s)
Financial information about
Start Up/Purchase/Acquisition costs
Annualized operational and maintenance costs
Security enhancements costs
Security system maintenance costs
Facility modification costs
T&R program costs
Part 37 implementation costs
LLE/transportation/licensing costs
Irradiator down-time/costs
Disposal options/costsOperational information about:
Irradiator usage (materials/cycles/loads/times)
Materials irradiated
Types of facilities
Licensing
Service contracts
Please assemble and review this information in advance of taking the survey to ensure the accuracy of the information being provided.
We would like to have the survey completed on or before October 31st. We have extended the closing date for the survey to December 5th November 8th November 15th. We know this is only a few weeks but the information is important and your timely submission will ensure we can assemble and present the results prior to the 2014 Task Force review.
If you have any questions please contact either of the following individuals.
AAPM – Lynne Fairobent – lynne@aapm.org
HPS – Rusty Lorenzen - William.Lorenzen@childrens.harvard.edu
Thank you,
Melissa Carol Martin
AAPM Administrative Council Chair
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