SOP_NUMBER: 226.05
TITLE: Radiation Safety Program
DIVISION: Facilities Division
TOPIC_AREA: Entry/Search/Emergencies/Escapes
EFFECTIVE_DATE: 2023-03-16
WORD_COUNT: 2059
POWERDMS_URL: https://public.powerdms.com/GADOC/documents/185094
URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/226.05/
SUMMARY:
This policy establishes a Portal Entry Radiation Safety Program for facilities using X-ray security screening systems. It requires annual inspections, staff training, and coordination of radiation safety procedures. The policy designates a Facility Radiation Security Officer at each facility to manage the program, maintain documentation, ensure proper signage and caution postings, and report any safety concerns to prevent unsafe exposure.
KEY_TOPICS: radiation safety, X-ray screening systems, portal entry, radiation exposure, facility radiation security officer, inspection certificates, caution signs, radiation symbol, personnel screening, equipment inspection, safety training, DCH inspection, shielding, radiation hazards, entry security
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Quarterly Radiation Inspection Report
URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/226.05-att-1/
2. Statements Regarding Confidentiality of Images and Information Generated by Non-Medical X-Ray Devices and Rapid Identification Fingerprint Scanners
URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/226.05-att-2/
3. Radiation Equipment Shift Checklist
URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/226.05-att-3/
4. Attachment 4 - Radiation Symbol
URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/226.05-att-4/
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FULL TEXT:
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|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Radiation Safety Program|**Policy Name:**Radiation Safety Program|**Policy Name:**Radiation Safety Program|
|**Policy Number:** 226.05|**Effective Date:** 03/16/2023|**Page Number:** 1 of 8|
|**Authority:**
Commissioner|**Originating Division:**
Facilities Division|**Access Listing:**
Level I: All Access|
**I.** **Introduction and Summary:**
This Policy establishes a Portal Entry Radiation Safety Program that shall include
annual inspections, coordination, and training of Georgia Department of Corrections
(GDC) staff and outside personnel. Items described in this policy as X-ray Security
Screening Systems may not be moved for any purpose including for waxing or
painting without the explicit approval of the GDC Fire Services and Life Safety
Division.
**II.** **Authority:**
A. Board of Corrections Rules: 125-2-2-.03, 125-3-1-.04, 125-3-1-.06, 125-3-3-.02,
125-3-3-.06, and 125-3-4-.06;
B. GDC Standard Operating Procedure (SOP): 226.02, Entry Security Procedures;
C. ANSI Standard: N43.17-2009;
D. Department of Community Health (DCH) Rules: 290-5-22.03, 290-5-22.04, and
290-5-22.06; and
E. ACA Standard: 5-ACI-6E-05.
**III.** **Definitions:**
A. **Operator** - Any employee associated with the operation of the system whose
responsibilities include at least one of the following: initiating or stopping the
Scan, verifying the system is operating correctly, providing information and
instructions to the screened individuals, and controlling access to the inspection
zone. This does not include other employees, such as individuals who may be
remotely viewing the image results, but are not directly responsible for the
operating functions.
B. **Facility Radiation Security Officer** - Officer responsible for making sure that
Radiation Program materials will be maintained in specified locations and that
signs are posted as described in SOP. Additional duties are described in Section
|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Radiation Safety Program|**Policy Name:**Radiation Safety Program|**Policy Name:**Radiation Safety Program|
|**Policy Number:** 226.05|**Effective Date:** 03/16/2023|**Page Number:** 2 of 8|
|**Authority:**
Commissioner|**Originating Division:**
Facilities Division|**Access Listing:**
Level I: All Access|
IV. F., of this SOP. The responsibilities of Facility Radiation Security Officer are
additional job duties and shall not to be classified as a unique position. An officer
of rank lower than a Portal Sergeant may not be appointed these duties.
C. **X-ray Security Screening Systems** - X-ray Security Screening Systems used for
screening personnel, packages, and vehicles.
D. **Personnel Security Screening System** - X-ray Security Screening Systems that
are used to for the specific purpose of scanning people.
E. **Radiation Symbol** - The conventional three-bladed warning sign commonly used
by radiological professions with radiation caution colors (magenta or purple on
yellow background), Attachment 4 - Radiation Symbol.
F. **Scan** - The operation necessary to produce one image (e.g., front view) from one
radiation source.
**NOTE:** Several Scans may be required for a single screening of the subject.
**IV.** **Statement of Policy and Applicable Procedures:**
A. The Warden at each facility shall appoint a Facility Radiation Security Officer. It
shall be the responsibility of the Facility Radiation Security Officer to manage the
facility’s Radiation Safety Program by performing the following duties:
1. Accompany auditors as they conduct inspections of X-ray
Security Screening Systems, processes, and documentation;
2. Ensure that all signs concerning radiation are posted;
3. Maintain an inventory of radiation producing devices;
4. Maintain radiation safety records in accordance with applicable federal
regulations and agency policies;
|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Radiation Safety Program|**Policy Name:**Radiation Safety Program|**Policy Name:**Radiation Safety Program|
|**Policy Number:** 226.05|**Effective Date:** 03/16/2023|**Page Number:** 3 of 8|
|**Authority:**
Commissioner|**Originating Division:**
Facilities Division|**Access Listing:**
Level I: All Access|
5. Complete Attachment 1, Quarterly Radiation Inspection Report, and forward
to the Chief of Security;
6. Immediately terminate any unsafe activity involving X-ray
Security Screening Systems; and
7. Report any changes affecting safety to the facility’s Maintenance Engineer.
These include any changes in shielding, location of the machine(s), safety
operation, or occupancy of adjacent areas to the machine.
B. Radiation Safety Program: Each facility that uses X-ray Security Screening
Systems shall adhere to the following guidelines in managing the facility’s
Radiation Safety Program:
1. Inspection Certificates, Caution Signs, and Signals:
a. Certificate Locations:
i. The Department of Community Health (DCH) inspection certificate
shall be posted in a conspicuous location within 3-feet of X-ray
Security Screening Systems. A copy shall also be kept on file in the
Deputy Warden of Security’s Office;
ii. The GDC Fire Services and Life Safety Division semi-annual
inspection certificate shall be placed in a folder or notebook and
attached to X-ray Security Screening Systems. A copy shall also be
kept on file in the Deputy Warden of Security’s Office; and
iii. Private vendor annual inspection certificates shall be posted within 3
feet of X-ray Security Screening Systems. A copy shall also be kept in
the Deputy Warden of Security’s Office.
b. Caution Signs:
|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Radiation Safety Program|**Policy Name:**Radiation Safety Program|**Policy Name:**Radiation Safety Program|
|**Policy Number:** 226.05|**Effective Date:** 03/16/2023|**Page Number:** 4 of 8|
|**Authority:**
Commissioner|**Originating Division:**
Facilities Division|**Access Listing:**
Level I: All Access|
i. The Department’s sign advising persons of the use of X-ray Security
Screening Systems and safety precautions shall be posted at the front
entrance area (portal entrance);
ii. Radiation Symbol Signs (Attachment 4) shall be conspicuously
displayed in each radiation area; and
iii. Signs shall be posted on the Operator console of all Personnel Security
Screening Systems stating who is authorized to operate the screening
system.
c. Signals: Flashing or Indicator lights shall be utilized on all X-ray Security
Screening Systems while in use.
2. Equipment Inspections:
a. X-ray Security Screening Systems:
i. Upon initial installation, DCH will certify X-ray Security Screening
Systems;
ii. Each facility shall maintain an inventory of all X-ray Security Screening
Systems, which shall include the following information: location, year
with service date, and the DCH initial test date;
iii. Each facility shall be inspected annually by the authorized contractor.
The inspector shall record their initials on the X-ray Security Screening
Systems inspection tag;
iv. Each facility shall be visually inspected semi-annually by the GDC Fire
Services and Life Safety Division. The inspector shall record their initials
on the X-ray Security Screening Systems; and
v. Each facility shall be examined quarterly by the Facility Radiation
Security Officer and a report, Attachment 1, Quarterly Radiation
|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Radiation Safety Program|**Policy Name:**Radiation Safety Program|**Policy Name:**Radiation Safety Program|
|**Policy Number:** 226.05|**Effective Date:** 03/16/2023|**Page Number:** 5 of 8|
|**Authority:**
Commissioner|**Originating Division:**
Facilities Division|**Access Listing:**
Level I: All Access|
Inspection Report, shall be completed. This report shall be kept on file in
the Deputy Warden of Security’s Office.
C. Radiation Safety Requirements:
1. Operators shall adhere to the following procedures when using Personnel
Security Screening Systems:
a. Only authorized individuals who have been trained in Radiation Safety and
completed Operator’s Training shall be certified to operate Personnel
Security Screening Systems;
b. Operators shall follow the administrators guide for the particular system at
their facility;
c. Operators shall sign a Confidentiality Agreement (Attachment 2) annually
which shall be maintained in the official personnel file;
d. Operators shall complete the Radiation Equipment Checklist (Attachment
3);
e. Operators shall document the following information in the security post log
during each shift;
i. Date and time reported to Post;
ii. That the Radiation Equipment Checklist (Attachment 3) was completed;
iii. Any refusals that occurred during the Shift;
iv. Any equipment failures that occurred during shift; and
v. Time relieved from Post;
|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Radiation Safety Program|**Policy Name:**Radiation Safety Program|**Policy Name:**Radiation Safety Program|
|**Policy Number:** 226.05|**Effective Date:** 03/16/2023|**Page Number:** 6 of 8|
|**Authority:**
Commissioner|**Originating Division:**
Facilities Division|**Access Listing:**
Level I: All Access|
f. Operators shall immediately report any unsafe situation, damage to or
malfunction of the security screening system, violation of regulations or
radiation safety procedures to their supervisor and the GDC Fire Services
and Life Safety Division;
g. Operators shall report any changes affecting safety to the facility’s
Maintenance Engineer. These include any changes in shielding, location
of the machine(s), safety operation, or occupancy of adjacent areas to the
machine; and
h. The Facility’s Maintenance Engineer shall coordinate with the GDC Fire
Services and Life Safety Division when any changes in shielding, location
of the machine(s), safety operations, or occupancy of adjacent areas to the
machine occurs. The GDC Fire Services and Life Safety Division shall then
alert DCH, if deemed necessary.
D. Emergency Movement Procedures: X-ray Security Screening Systems shall not be
relocated unless there are exigent circumstances. Many factors, such as radiation
safety, electrical safety, traffic flow, floor loading, etc., need to be considered when
relocating. If any X-ray Security Screening Systems are to be relocated in an
emergency, the Director of Field Operations and GDC Fire Services and Life
Safety Division must both approve the relocation. This may be done verbally, but
shall be followed up in a written report. The GDC Fire Services and Life Safety
Division must inspect and approve before any relocated X-ray Security Screening
Systems are brought back into operation.
E. Permanent Removal of Equipment: The GDC Fire Services and Life Safety
Division shall be contacted prior to the permanent removal of any X-ray Security
Screening Systems. The GDC Fire Services and Life Safety Division may only
clear removal of a machine after first contacting DCH.
F. Responsibilities of GDC Fire Services and Life Safety Division:
|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Radiation Safety Program|**Policy Name:**Radiation Safety Program|**Policy Name:**Radiation Safety Program|
|**Policy Number:** 226.05|**Effective Date:** 03/16/2023|**Page Number:** 7 of 8|
|**Authority:**
Commissioner|**Originating Division:**
Facilities Division|**Access Listing:**
Level I: All Access|
1. The GDC Fire Services and Life Safety Division has been designated as the
Unit responsible for radiation safety within the department. The GDC Fire
Services and Life Safety Division shall ensure initial and annual refresher
radiation safety training is provided to system operators and other personnel
concerning X-ray Security Screening Systems. The following are additional
responsibilities of the GDC Fire Services and Life Safety Division:
a. Formulate, implement, and exercise staff supervision over the Radiation
Safety Program;
b. Formulate, implement, and supervise an active, documented program to
keep ionizing radiation doses to levels that are at a safe rate;
c. Advise and assist the agency management and personnel in all matters
regarding radiation safety;
d. Review current and proposed uses of the system for compliance with
applicable regulatory requirements and guidance;
e. Ensure radiation safety considerations are incorporated into system
operating procedures;
f. Review and approve the location and relocation of X-ray Security
Screening Systems to ensure compliance with radiation safety criteria, and
the manufacturer’s recommendations, and specifications. This must then
be signed off on by the Director of Field Operations;
g. Maintain an inventory of radiation producing devices;
h. Maintain radiation safety records in accordance with applicable federal and
state regulations and agency policies;
i. Coordinate investigations of radiation safety related system defects,
damages, malfunctions, and violations of radiation safety procedures;
|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Radiation Safety Program|**Policy Name:**Radiation Safety Program|**Policy Name:**Radiation Safety Program|
|**Policy Number:** 226.05|**Effective Date:** 03/16/2023|**Page Number:** 8 of 8|
|**Authority:**
Commissioner|**Originating Division:**
Facilities Division|**Access Listing:**
Level I: All Access|
j. Immediately terminate any unsafe activity involving X-ray Security
Screening Systems; and
k. Review the radiation safety program at least annually. This review shall
ensure that the program is being followed for the safety of personnel and
visitors.
**V.** **Attachments:**
Attachment 1: Quarterly Radiation Inspection Report
Attachment 2: Confidentiality Agreement
Attachment 3: Radiation Equipment Shift Checklist
Attachment 4: Radiation Symbol
**VI.** **Record Retention of Forms Relevant to this Policy:**
Upon completion, Attachment 1 shall be maintained for seven (7) years after the last
annual audit in the office of the Deputy Warden of Security and then destroyed.
Attachment 2 shall be maintained permanently in the official personnel file.
Attachment 3 shall be maintained for one (1) year in the Deputy Warden of Security’s
office. After one (1) year the form shall be stored in the Facility’s File Retention Area
for six (6) years for a total of seven (7) years retention. All other forms shall be utilized
per the SOP until such time the SOP is revised or becomes obsolete.