Guide for the certification of Industrial Radiation Radiography Radiation Safety Personnel (IRRSP): requirements and examination process

Introduction

Industrial radiography is a non-destructive testing (NDT) method of great application for ensuring the integrity and safety of structures and materials in various industries. This non-destructive testing method is based on the use of ionizing radiation to inspect welds, castings, and other components for hidden defects without causing damage. Because of the health risks associated with exposure to ionizing radiation, it is imperative that workers involved in radiographic inspections be well-trained and certified in the field of radiation safety.

The Industrial Radiography Radiation Safety Personnel (IRRSP) certification, administered by the American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT), is designed to ensure that individuals possess the knowledge and skills necessary to safely perform radiographic inspections. This guide provides a detailed overview of IRRSP certification, including requirements, examination processes and how to effectively prepare for examinations including the IRRSP practical examination for this certificate.

How is radiation safety personnel in industrial radiography defined?

According to ASNT-CP-IRRSP practice, this is defined as “Those persons who perform radiation safety-related tasks in industrial radiography work and those who are responsible for the safe handling and use of radiation-producing equipment or materials. Included in this definition are personnel who train others or supervise the administration of a radiation safety program¹“.

What is ASNT IRRSP certification?

The IRRSP certification issued by ASNT is a radiation safety credential intended for professionals involved in industrial radiography. A current ASNT IRRSP certificate indicates that the certificate holder has met all requirements of this program1 and has a thorough understanding of radiation safety principles, regulatory requirements, and practical applications necessary for the safe use of radiographic equipment. This includes the use of either radioactive materials (RAM) producing gamma radiation, electromagnetic radiation (X-Ray), or a combination of both (RAM/X-Ray).

An ASNT IRRSP certification demonstrates that the holder has completed the training and experience requirements, successfully passed a written examination for Radiographer and a practical IRRSP examination, and has agreed to comply with the ASNT IRRSP rules of conduct¹. Obtaining this certification demonstrates a commitment to maintaining high safety standards and protecting both radiological personnel and the public from radiation exposure.

Importance of ASNT IRRSP Certification

Due to the high risk associated with exposure to ionizing radiation emitted by industrial radiography equipment. It is required that personnel performing these tasks be properly qualified in radiation safety and that this be demonstrated through a certification issued by a recognized authority.

In the United States, the requirements for this qualification are found in Title 10, Part 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10CFR34) and the Suggested State Radiation Control Regulations (SSRCR: Part A, General Provisions; Part E, Radiation Safety Requirements for Industrial Radiographic Operations; Part H, Radiation Safety Requirements for Radiation Generating Devices for Non-Curative Arts; Part T, Transportation of Radioactive Material).

Since radiological safety is part of radiographic testing, and ASNT is a pioneer and worldwide recognized organization in the field of Non-Destructive Testing, IRRSP certifications issued by this organization also enjoy a great recognition. So, the personnel who have this certification. Demonstrates a high degree of knowledge, skill, and commitment in the execution of radiographic work safely with minimal risk of exposure to ionizing radiation, both for them and for the personnel outside these activities or public.

Requirements for IRRSP certification

To be eligible for IRRSP certification, candidates must meet certain prerequisites related to training and experience as outlined in the ASNT-CP-IRRSP practice. These requirements are designed to ensure that applicants have a solid foundation in radiation safety other than industrial radiography. Then the candidate must gather all documentation, complete and submit an ASNT IRRSP application accompanied by the required fee, and must acknowledge and agree to abide by the ASNT IRRSP rules of conduct. An IRRSP practical exam, described below, may be taken prior to application, and in such case must also be included in the documentation to be submitted with the ASNT IRRSP application.

Education requirements

There is really no specific requirement regarding the level of education of the candidate for ASNT – IRRSP certification. However, it is recommended that the candidate has at least a high school diploma or equivalent. This is to ensure an understanding of the physical principles of the generation of ionizing radiation, the interaction of radiation with matter, the effects of ionizing radiation, the various relevant calculations, among other topics of the discipline.

Training and experience

• Training: Candidates must complete a 40-hour training in radiation safety topics as described in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) document 10 CFR 34 34.43(g) for radioactive materials (RAM) or the RAM/X-ray combination. A 40-hour training in radiation safety topics as described in the Suggested State Radiation Control Regulations (SSRCR) Part E, item E.17(g) for X-rays only. These trainings may be classroom-based, computer-based or blended instructor-led, but in any case provided by an ASNT-recognized institute.
• Experience: Depending on the type of ionizing radiation generating source for which certification is sought, the candidate must have a minimum of three hundred and twenty hours (320 hours) for RAM and one hundred and sixty hours (160 hours) for X-Ray. Or a combination of both experiences (320 RAM + 160 X-Ray) for a combined certification. The experience must be acquired by a company that holds a license or registration granted by the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USNRC), by the state agreement for radioisotopes, or by a jurisdictional authority for X-rays.

IRRSP practical exam and written exam

The IRRSP certification process includes a comprehensive examination designed to evaluate the candidate’s knowledge and competence in radiation safety. The exam consists of two parts as follows:

• Written Exam: This covers the principles, regulations, basic equipment operation, and safety procedures applicable to the type of radiation-producing equipment or material for which ASNT IRRSP certification is sought. The written exam can be administered in hard copy (paper and pencil) or through a secure web-based computer system. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and a minimum passing score of 70% is required.
• Practical Examination: A practical IRRSP examination administered by a current Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) or his/her designated representative from an ASNT-recognized institution licensed or registered by a regulatory authority to perform industrial radiography. The candidate must adequately demonstrate his/her ability to safely operate radiation-producing equipment in at least one technique (RAM or X-Ray) for which ASNT IRRSP certification is sought.

The RSO is a figure within an organization responsible for the safe use of radiation and radioactive materials, as well as for compliance with current radiation safety regulations2. An organization authorized by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to use radioactive materials must designate an RSO in writing. The RSO must comply with the requirements of 10 CFR 34 34.42 and the training requirements described in 10 CFR 34 34.43(a)³.

Both the written examination and the IRRSP practical examination, the latter administered by the RSO, must be successfully completed to be considered for ASNT1 certification.

The completed IRRSP practical exam form must be submitted six (6) months prior to or after successful completion of the written exam1. The form to be used should be the one shown in Appendix 1 of the ASNT-CP-IRRSP practice (IRRSP Candidate Performance Review – Appendix 1).

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Program content of the training

The topics covered in the training for IRRSP certification are as follows:

1. Fundamentals of radiological safety:

• Characteristics of gamma radiation.
• Units of radiation dose and amount of radioactivity.
• Radiation exposure hazards.
• Radiation levels of licensed material.
• 
  Methods to control radiation dose (time, distance and shielding).

2. Radiation detection instruments:

• Use, operation, calibration, and limitations of radiation measuring instruments.
• Survey techniques.
• Use of personnel monitoring equipment.

3. Equipment to be used:

• Operation and control of radiographic exposure equipment, remote handling equipment and storage containers, including photographs or models of source assemblies (pigtails).
• Storage, control, and disposal of licensed material.
• Inspection and maintenance of equipment.

4. The requirements of applicable federal regulations.

5. Case histories of radiography accidents.

Preparation for the examinations

To ensure the successful passing of the ASNT IRRSP certification exams, it is advisable to previously study all the topics of the programmatic content of the training through self-study, and then take advantage of the development of the course to clarify doubts in those complex or difficult to understand points, and on the other hand, to capture the valuable information that has not been seen previously.

Regarding the IRRSP practical exam, it is recommended to simulate previously all the points contained in Appendix 1 of the ASNT-CP-IRRSP practice (IRRSP Candidate Performance Review – Appendix 1), in order to obtain the necessary skills and ensure passing the exam. An example of a scintigraphy (RAM) kit is shown in figure.

The IRRSP⁴ exam preparation subsection on the ASNT website provides the reference bibliography needed to prepare through self-study for the written and practical exams.

Conclusions

IRRSP certification is an essential credential for workers performing industrial radiography work, ensuring that they possess the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their tasks safely and effectively, minimizing the risks from exposure to ionizing radiation for both occupationally exposed workers and non-workers or members of the public.

By meeting the training and experience requirements, passing the ASNT IRRSP certification examinations, and agreeing to comply with the ASNT IRRSP rules of conduct, individuals can demonstrate their commitment to radiation safety and competence in industrial radiography.

Preparing for the certification exam, including taking the IRRSP practical exam, is an important step in achieving this credential. With continued dedication to maintaining and renewing their certification, ASNT IRRSP-certified professionals can continue to maintain the highest standards of safety and excellence in their field.

By following this guide, aspiring candidates can begin the process of obtaining ASNT IRRSP certification with confidence and achieve their goal of becoming certified Industrial Radiography Radiation Safety Personnel.

References

1. AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR NON-DESTRUCTE TESTING. ASNT Practice No. ASNT-CP-IRRSP 2020 Edition.
2. WIKIPEDIA. Radiation Safety Officer; Accessed on August 05, 2024. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radiation_Safety_Officer
3. CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS (CFR). 10CFR34: Licenses for industrial radiography and radiation safety requirements for industrial radiographic operations; Accessed August 06, 2024. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-10/chapter-I/part-34/subpart-D#:~:text=%C2%A7%2034.42%20Radiation%20Safety,radiation%20protection%20program.
4. AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR NON-DESTRUCTE TESTING. IRRSP Exam Preparation; Accessed August 06, 2024. https://certification.asnt.org/Get_Certified/IRRSP-Exam-Preparation.aspx