Every encapsulated radioactive isotope has both a half life (property of the isotope) and a Recommended Working Life (RWL : characteristic of the encapsulation quality and testing).
The RWL allows users to use that isotope with confidence, that if used according to guidelines, that it won’t leak and so will be safe to use except for the normal expectations of the desired radiation.
After one RWL, most jurisdictions demand much tighter testing of the isotope gauge to ensure that it has not leaked. For example, it must be wipe tested annually or more frequently.(ARPANSA stipulates annual wipe tests at least)
After 2xRWL, most jurisdictions treat the capsule like an unsealed source. Now the cost of disposal is astronomically higher, sometimes the transport cost will be 10 to 100x more expensive.( ARPANSA require a written application in order to keep using the source also )
As a result it is critically important to economic management of a business licensed to use sealed sources that they legally dispose of any source in their control before it reaches 2xRWL. Failure to do so may , in extreme circumstances, result in prosecution of the managing director, radiation safety officer and the loss of the right to operate such sources. It would also be a public relations disaster and compromise the whole industry’s social license.
The Solution
zyXby is offering to collect all your nominated sources within a short interval( 6 months or less) and consolidate their fully documented and legal return to their manufacturer or a re-processor. This highly efficient disposal process will be a “one off” route to clear out old sources, round them up and safely deal with them. This is “Radiation Roundup”
The Process
- Contact zyXby and indicate your interest, and gain estimate of costs.
- Collect the radioactive source certificate for every isotope which is in need of disposal.
- Note any serial numbers and isotopes of sources without a manufacturers source certificate(zyXby will attempt to find a copy)
- Note any sources which are difficult to remove from gauge and the gauge manufacturers and product details.: zyXby can extract the source if required.
- zyXby will arrange safe disposal and provide itemised quotation for costs
- Agree on Date for zyXby to visit your site where RSO can assist with locating all required sources.
- zyXby will wipe test all agreed radioactive sources, consolidate, document their removal and take the source away safely.
- zyXby will provide any required evidence of safe and legal disposal of your old source for notification to your local jurisdiction.
- Your radiation problems solved for at least another RWL (5 to 15 years)
zyXby 