6.3
DEFINITIONS AND TERMS
Secured position (shielded position)
Condition of the radiographic exposure device and source assembly, when the sealed source
is fully shielded and restricted to this position within the radiographic exposure device.
Note: When in the secured position during radiographic operations, the radiographic
exposure device may be unlocked.
Simulated source
A sealed source whose structure is such as that of the sealed radioactive source, but not
containing any radioactive material. Also known as: mock source, dummy source, phantom
source, dummy pill.
Source assembly
A source holder with a sealed source attached or included. In cases where the sealed source
is directly attached to the control cable without the use of a source holder, the source
assembly is the control cable with the sealed source attached. In cases where the sealed
source is not attached to the control cable nor included within the source holder, the sealed
source is the source assembly.
In the case where a simulated source is attached to or included with a source holder or
control cable, this becomes a simulated source assembly.
Flexible type source assemblies are also known as ‘pigtails’. The source assembly is most
commonly referred to as the ‘source’.
Rigid or chain link type source assemblies are also known as: source rods, source pencils,
source trains, source chains.
Source holder
A holder or attachment device, by means of which a sealed source or simulated source
can be:
Gdirectly included in the radiographic exposure device (category I apparatus - an exposure
device in which the source assembly is not removed for exposure).
Gfitted at the end of the control cable (category II apparatus - an exposure device from
which the source assembly is projected out through a projection sheath to the exposure
head for exposure. The exposure is remotely operated.)
Source holders may be an integral part of the source assembly or may be capable of being
dismantled for sealed source replacement.
Source changers
A lockable Type A or Type B transport container used to transport new sealed source
assemblies, exchange them and return depleted sealed source assemblies to the
manufacturer. Source changers are also utilized for storage of sealed source assemblies.
Also known as: source exchangers, storage containers.
Working position
Condition of the exposure container and source assembly when in the position intended for
the performance of industrial gamma radiography.