1. Purpose:The purpose of this SOP is to provide guidance for performing the required close out when the use of RAM is discontinued in a laboratory or room.

    

2. Scope: RAM users should use this SOP to review the requirements for performing a close out.

    

3. Definitions:
   1. Close Out Survey – A close out survey is a thorough evaluation of an area to identify any contamination that exceeds the release criteria.
   2. RAM – Radioactive Material
   3. RSM – Radiation Safety Manual

   4. RSS – Radiation Safety Staff

       

4. Procedure Details:
   1. Remove all RAM. This includes stock vials, research samples, waste, etc. If necessary, submit a request for a waste pick-up.
   2. Perform a visual survey of the space to ensure that all RAM has been removed.
   3. Perform a close out survey. An example of a close out survey checklist is included in Appendix A. Meter surveys should be performed at 1 cm from the surface and swipes should be taken over an area of 100 cm2. See Radiation Safety Manual (RSM) Section “Monitoring the Lab for Contamination and Using a Survey Instrument” for guidance on performing surveys and swipes.
   4. If any surveys or swipes are above the release criteria in RSM Section “Survey Requirements”, attempt decontamination, perform another survey and swipe, and document results. If decontamination is unsuccessful, the affected area or equipment must be clearly noted on the survey map as contaminated (include the radionuclide, if known). Notify RSS about the contamination when you submit your close out request. Contaminated equipment may be transferred to another AU, if feasible.
   5. All actions taken and analytical results obtained must be documented and saved.
   6. Submit a request for a final lab close out survey through Environmental Health & Safety Assistant (EHSA) using the “RAM Lab Close-Out” form under the EHS Assessment tab. Answer all questions and include a copy of your completed close out survey. Tutorials are available on the EHS website for submitting EHSA forms (ehs.missouri.edu – search for ‘EHSA tutorials’).

   7. Once the RSS receive the request for a final lab close out, the assigned Health Physicist will reach out and coordinate the close out as long as the initial surveys performed by the applicant are sufficient.

       

5. References:
   1. MU Radiation Safety Manual.
   2. NUREG-1556, Volume 11, Revision 1, Appendix L – Radiation Safety Survey Topics.

   3. NRC tie-down document.

       

6. Revisions
   1. Rev 00 – 2023-5-1
      1. New SOP.
   2. Rev 01 – 2024-7-10
      1. Removed references to Radiation Safety Manual section numbers and replaced with section titles.
   3. Rev 02 – 2025-1-17
      1. Added references to EHSA permit application

APPENDIX A: Sample Close Out Survey Checklist

1. PRELIMINARY REVIEW
   1. Determine if this close out means that the use of byproduct material has ceased in this building. If so, the building must be evaluated to meet release criteria within 24 months [10 CFR 30.36(d)(4)].
   2. Review historical RAM use to determine which radionuclides were used.
   3. Based on the review, determine the scope of the survey and select appropriate survey equipment.
2. SURVEY
   1. Measure and record background radiation levels.
   2. Survey and swipe all floors and floor drains, working surfaces, sinks and drains, equipment, hoods, and exhaust openings. Use a map of the space to document the swipe locations and survey results (in cpm).
   3. Analyze swipes in the appropriate counter (LSC, gamma counter, proportional counter, etc).  Ensure that all swiped areas and items are accounted for on the swipe results.
3. SURVEY REVIEW
   1. Review swipe results to ensure that removable contamination is below the release criteria in RSM Section “Survey Requirements” (i.e., 200 dpm/100 cm2 for gamma and beta emitters and less than 20 dpm/100 cm2 for alpha emitters).
   2. Review survey results to ensure that all readings are below release criteria (i.e., 0.3 mR/hr at 1 cm from the surface).
   3. Save a copy of the swipe and survey results.
4. RELEASE
   1. Based on the swipe results, completely deface or remove labels from equipment that is not contaminated. Any radiation symbols that are not defaced must be added to radioactive waste. Do not remove any radiation safety postings such as the emergency procedures, NRC Form 3, or door postings indicating a radiation space or area. The RSS will remove these postings once the final close out survey is complete.