NRRC Stakeholders Guidelines

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Application for Authorizing

Containers Security
Inspection by Using X-Ray
Systems Practice

NRRC-SG-012
2023
 NRRC-SG-012
Classification: Public

Stakeholder Guideline
Application for Authorizing Containers Security Inspection by Using
X-Ray Systems Practice
2023
NRRC-SG-012

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Stakeholder Guideline for Authorization
Containers Security Inspection by Using
X-ray systems Practices

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Preamble

In accordance with the provisions of the NRRC’s approved Regulations,

this stakeholder guideline describes criteria and/or techniques that are
considered appropriate for satisfying the requirements stipulated in the
NRRC’s regulations.
This stakeholder guideline has been prepared on the basis of Interna-
tional Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) standards, as well as the and the
international best practices and the experiences of similar international
regulatory bodies, and in accordance with the Kingdom’s international
commitments, and it has been approved by the NRRC’s CEO resolution
No. 1411, dated 23/07/2023.

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Stakeholder Guideline for Authorization
Containers Security Inspection by Using
X-ray systems Practices

Contents
1. Purpose 6
2. Scope 6
3. Definitions 7
4. Abbreviations 8
5. General and Administrative Information 8
6. Integrated Management System 8
6.1 Management structure and responsibilities 8
6.2 Description of regular assessment of protection,
safety and security 9
6.3 Confirmation of the procedures and programs 9
7. Technical Information 10
7.1 Information on radiation generators
(Inspection Imaging Device) 10
7.2 Description of the facility / facilities 12
7.3 Technical information of radiation monitoring equipment 13
8. Safety Assessment 14
8.1 The safety assessment consideration 14
8.2 The safety assessment basis for decision making 14
8.3 The safety assessment Revision 15
9. Radiation Protection Program 16
9.1 Protection of Workers 16

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9.2 Protection of the Public 20

10. Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan 20
10.1 The content of a basic emergency plan 20
10.2 Reporting 21
10.3 Development of Emergency Plans 22
11. Related Documents and Files 24

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Stakeholder Guideline for Authorization
Containers Security Inspection by Using
X-ray systems Practices

1. Purpose
Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission (NRRC) has
developed an effective regulatory framework for the safe and se-
cure authorization of Use of X-ray systems for cargo/container
screening Practice throughout its life cycle. Under the regulatory
framework, the prime responsibility for safety and security within
Use of X-ray systems for cargo/container screening Practice lies
with the authorized person.
The purpose of this guideline document is to give the applicant
and/or the authorized person a clear and specific guidance on
the submission for the purpose of authorization of Use of X-ray
systems for cargo/container screening practice that include the
following:
• Human non-medical radiation imaging
• Use of X-ray systems for cargo/container screening.
• Non-X-ray system for cargo/container screening.

2. Scope
This guideline addresses practice related to containers security in-
spection by using X-ray systems, in particular, address the man-
agement system, radiation protection, safety and security aspects
of Containers Security Inspection by Using X-ray systems Practice,
including use, storage and transport. This will include Containers
Security Inspection by Using X-ray systems work that uses radiation
sources, both in the authorized facility and outside facilities. How-
ever, it is considered appropriate that a graded approach in the ap-
plication of the requirements will be taken into account and should

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be adapted to the risks inherent to each facility.

This guideline includes the required information relating to radi-
ation safety and security by the NRRC in order to verify the ade-
quacy of the proposed safety and security measures as part of the
authorization process.
This guideline includes the required information relating to autho-
rization of new license, renewal as well as amendment of license.

3. Definitions
Assessment
The process, and the result, of analyzing systematically and
evaluating the hazards associated with sources and practices, and
associated protection and safety measures.
Inspection imaging device
An imaging device designed specifically for imaging persons or
cargo conveyances to detect concealed objects on or within the
human body or within cargo or a vehicle.
Radiation generator
A device capable of generating ionizing radiation, such as X rays ,
neutrons, electrons or other charged particles, that may be used for
scientific, industrial or medical purposes.
Controlled area
means a defined area in which specific protection measures and
safety provisions are or could be required for controlling exposures
or preventing the spread of contamination in normal working
conditions, and preventing or limiting the extent of potential
exposures.

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Stakeholder Guideline for Authorization
Containers Security Inspection by Using
X-ray systems Practices

Supervised area
means a defined area not designated as a controlled area but for
which occupational exposure conditions are kept under review,
even though specific protection measures or safety provisions are
not normally needed.

4. Abbreviations
ABBREVIATION DEFINITION
NRRC Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission.
RPP Radiation Protection Program.
RSO Radiation Safety Officer.
QS Quality Control.
SP Security Plan.

5. General and Administrative Information

The applicant should fill and sign the application form.

6. Integrated Management System

6.1 Management structure and responsibilities
The applicant should fill and sign the application form.
• Describe overall organizational system and integrated
management system assuring that protection and safety
and security are effectively incorporated into the overall
management system of the applicant.
• Describe and clearly define responsibilities for radiation
safety and security for the following parties as appropriate:
RSO(s), person responsible for security, workers, itinerant

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workers, radiation safety committee and clients including

responsibilities for cooperation and consultation.
• Positions with responsibility for regulatory matters, including
any positions such as the licensee, radiation safety officer,
security personnel, advisers, guards, and other security
related positions specifically required by regulation. Provide
an organization chart showing the staffing structure with lines
of authority and supervision to demonstrate how the security
organization and responsibilities fit within the overall site
organization.

6.2 Description of regular assessment of protection, safety and

security
The applicant should verify the compliance by Providing
description of regular assessment of protection and safety
and security such as Quality Assurance (QA) program and
plans for regular reviews.

6.3 Confirmation of the procedures and programs

The applicant should confirm by affirmation by the applicant
and/or submittal of the following procedures and programs
to the NRRC.
• Radiation source inventory, supply of sources, prior
assessment of the radioactive sources and radiation
generators and inventory of disused sources.
• Education, training and competence of the staff and
their training, retraining, and informing.

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Containers Security Inspection by Using
X-ray systems Practices

• Investigation of incidents and accidents.

• Emergency preparedness and response.
• Control of modification(s) of facilities, equipment,
and activity.
• Management of disused sources and depleted uranium
if applicable.
• Safe transport.
• Import and export of radioactive sources.
• Control of visitors.
• Program for the improvement of the integrated
management system.

7. Technical Information
7.1 Information on radiation generators (Inspection Imaging
Device)
• The applicant should provide details about X-ray generator(s):
o Type of the X-ray generator (X-ray tube or linear
accelerator).
o Manufacturer of the X-ray generator.
o Model of the X-ray generator.
o Serial number(s) of the X-ray generator housing and
panel.
o Supplier of the X-ray generator.
o Type, model, and serial number of the tube.
o Manufacturer of the tube.
o Maximum voltage.
o Maximum current intensity.

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o Supplier of the tube.

o Permanent filters.
o Use of collimators.
o Maximum leakage radiation by the manufacturer.
o X-ray generator equipment.
• If the baggage inspection units using X-ray equipment
typically operating in the range of 80–160 kVp are fixed
systems at the entrance to public buildings (including
airports), the applicant should provide the description of
interlocks and other safety features to prevent internal access
to the area where radiation is produced.
• If the maximum operating voltage of the X ray generator tube
is in the range of 80–160 kVp, the applicant should provide the
description of interlocks and other safety features to prevent
internal access to the area where radiation is produced.
• If the fixed cargo scanning devices utilizing the radiation
beams, typically with a photon energy of up to 9 MeV are used,
the applicant should provide the description of a purpose-
built facility with walls of sufficient thickness to provide
adequate shielding. The description of the interlocked doors
at entrances to the screening area facility should be provided,
if any.
• If the relocatable scanning devices typically operated at 6 MeV
are used, the applicant should provide the designation of a
controlled area during operation, from which all employees
and members of the public are excluded during the scanning
of conveyances.

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Stakeholder Guideline for Authorization
Containers Security Inspection by Using
X-ray systems Practices

• If the mobile scanning devices typically operate at 3–6 MeV

are used, the applicant should provide the description of the
controlled area during operation that should be determined
on a case by case basis.
• The applicant should provide Information on the radioactive
sources (on all non-exempt sources, including sources for
checking equipment and calibration sources): (if applicable)
o Radionuclide.
o Manufacturer of the source.
o Model.
o Source serial number.
o Source activity and reference date.
o Design, manufacturing and testing of the source.
o Leak test.
o Working life of the source.
o Certificate for sealed radioactive source.

7.2 Description of the facility / facilities

7.2.1 Description of use on site
• The applicant should specify in detail how a work with
container scanner is going to be prepared.
• The applicant should specify in detail how work with container
scanner is going to be conducted, e.g. establishment of
controlled areas, use of temporary shielding, use of warning
signals and notices in a language understood by person at
the location, establishment of all other precautions before,
during and after a use of a scanner

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• The applicant should specify use of all sources and equipment

to be available at the site, such as monitoring equipment,
personal dosimeters and alarm dosimeters, warning signals
and notices, and emergency kit.
• The applicant should describe what and how radiation
monitors are used.
• The applicant should demonstrate that arrangements are in
place for the transport of container scanner and specify the
safety training provided to drivers as well as data related to
vehicle to be used to transport the scanner.

7.3 Technical information of radiation monitoring equipment

7.3.1 The applicant should provide and demonstrate the
following equipment:
Portable survey meters.
• The applicant should demonstrate suitability and
calibration of portable survey meters.
• The applicant should specify their use and number,
e.g., specify that survey meter(s) used for this practice
are suitable and the applicant has sufficient number of
portable meters.

7.3.2 Personnel monitoring devices are provided to all workers.

• The applicant should demonstrate that following
functions are in place: personal dosimetry, direct
reading, and alarming. Specify all technical
information.

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Stakeholder Guideline for Authorization
Containers Security Inspection by Using
X-ray systems Practices

8. Safety Assessment
8.1 The safety assessment consideration
• The dose rates from shielded and unshielded
radioactive sources and from radiation generators
(X-Ray), as appropriate.
• The exposure of workers and the public from normal
operation of container scanner, and potential exposures
from reasonably foreseeable incidents
• Limits and technical conditions for operation of the
radiation scanner(s).
• Ways in which structures, systems, and components,
as well as procedures relating to protection and
safety, might fail or might otherwise lead to potential
exposures, and the consequences of such failures or
potential exposures.
• Ways in which external factors, operating errors and
human factors could affect protection and safety.
• The implications of any proposed modifications for
protection and safety.
• Any uncertainties or assumptions, and their
implications for protection and safety.

8.2 The safety assessment basis for decision making

• The engineered control measures that are necessary
for safety, for example to prevent access to the primary
beam of a container scanner.
• The administrative controls that are necessary for

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safety, for example the procedures required to control

entry scanner gate, particularly when the beam is
operational.
• The development of safe working procedures (local
rules) for storage, operation, maintenance of a
source inventory, servicing and maintenance, and
management of disused sources.
• Procedures for designating controlled areas and
supervised areas (permanent and temporary).
• Any measures necessary for the protection of the
public.
• The assessment of occupational exposures.
• The training program for container scanner operators
and other persons.
• An effective emergency preparedness and response
program to manage reasonably foreseeable events
(including very low probability events). This should
include: information on reasonably foreseeable
incidents, the measures necessary to prevent or
minimize the likelihood of occurrence of such
incidents, and the necessary emergency response
arrangements (including emergency plans and
procedures, and emergency equipment).

8.3 The safety assessment Revision

The safety assessment should be reviewed annually and
whenever any of the following factors apply:

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Containers Security Inspection by Using
X-ray systems Practices

• When safety might be compromised or affected as a

result of modifications to facilities or to activities.
• When the acquisition of a new radiation source or a
source with different characteristics is planned.
• When operating experience or the investigation of
incidents, failures or errors indicates that current
safety measures are invalid or are not fully effective.
• When significant changes to relevant standards,
regulations or guidance have been made or are
envisaged.
The licensee should ensure that the safety assessment reflects
current working practices and that no changes have been
overlooked.

9. Radiation Protection Program

The applicant should provide radiation protection program as
follow:
9.1 Protection of Workers
9.1.1 Personal dosimetry
• The applicant should specify and provide the personnel
dosimetry service and arrangements related to monitoring of
personal doses.
• The applicant should provide the results of the review on past
occupational doses. Provide workers’ (including itinerant)
records of past occupational exposure if not already recorded
in the registry of occupational doses.

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9.1.2 Education and training of workers.

• The applicant should specify names, qualification, education,
training, and retraining.
• The applicant should describe how staff (including assistants
and trainees) are trained and qualified.

9.1.3 Workers’ health surveillance.

• The applicant should specify programs for health surveillance.

9.1.4 Itinerant workers (if applicable).

• The applicant should describe the allocation and
documentation of the responsibilities of the employer and
the applicant for safety and protection of itinerant workers.

9.1.5 Female workers

• The applicant should describe the procedure for the employer
notification on pregnancy for female worker.

9.1.6 Persons under 18

• The applicant should guarantee that no person under the age
of 16 years is or could be subject to occupational exposure.
While probably unlikely, a trainee operator aged 16 to 18
years could commence training under supervision to become
an operator of an inspection device.

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Containers Security Inspection by Using
X-ray systems Practices

9.1.7 Arrangements for the Radiation Protection Program

(RPP).
• The applicant should demonstrate that all elements of the
RPP are in place, e.g., provide a copy of a RPP:
• Assignment of responsibilities for the RPP.
• Designation of controlled areas or supervised areas.
• The applicant should specify designation of controlled and
supervised area using safety assessment and measured dose
rates at working room(s)/area(s), storages(s).
• The applicant should demonstrate appropriate managing of
labels, marks, and notices.

9.1.8 Practice specific local rules.

• The applicant should demonstrate that local rules applicable
for workers are prepared for all processes of the applicant
and that an adequate number of workers is involved in the
practice.
• The applicant should specify roles and responsibilities as well
as demonstrate that supervision of processes is taking place.
• The applicant should demonstrate that rules, labels, and
marks are in a language understood by those for whom they
are intended.
• The applicant should demonstrate that the necessary
amount of radiation monitoring equipment is available and
specify their technical specification, selection, calibration,
maintenance, testing and use of radiation monitoring
equipment. Demonstrate that monitoring program takes

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into account all processes of the applicant, e.g., use and

maintenance of radiation equipment, accepting packages
with new radioactive sources and preparing packages for
transport.

9.1.9 Personal protective equipment.

• The applicant should demonstrate that need to rely on
administrative control and personal protective equipment
for protection and safety is minimized giving the priority to
engineering controls.
• The applicant should demonstrate that appropriate personal
protective equipment is provided, and arrangements are
made for its proper use, testing and maintenance.

9.1.10 Record and reporting of information.

• The applicant should describe the system for recording and
reporting all information related to exposure control, decisions
regarding measures for occupational radiation protection
and safety as well as individual radiation monitoring.

9.1.11 Audit and review of the RPP

• The applicant should specify the methods for periodic
auditing and review of implementation of the RPP.

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Containers Security Inspection by Using
X-ray systems Practices

9.2 Protection of the Public

9.2.1 Procedures of protection and safety to protect members of
the public:
• The applicant should describe the procedure of protection
and safety to protect members of the public.
• The applicant should demonstrate that optimization of
radiation protection of public is in place.
• The applicant should demonstrate that assessment, control,
and surveillance of external exposure of public are in place,
i.e., use of dose constraints for the member of the public.
Provide assumptions used to assess external exposure of
public.
• The applicant should describe training of personnel having
functions relevant to protection and safety of members of
the public. Demonstrate that monitoring program and
management of records are in place.
• The applicant should describe the use of signs, labels, marks,
and notices to be noticed by members of the public. Confirm
that they are in a language to be understood by members of
the public.

10. Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan

10.1 The content of a basic emergency plan
• Advice on when to implement the emergency plan.
• Prior training as necessary for workers who will be
implementing the procedures.
• Description of, and information on, the availability of

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emergency response equipment.

• Technical data and data relevant to radiological protection
for each situation.
• Procedures to be followed at various stages, specific to each
type of emergency identified:
1. Initial stage, to contain the situation.
2. Planning stage, to plan and rehearse the recovery
stage.
3. Recovery stage, to regain control of the situation.
4. Post-emergency stage, to return the situation to
normal.
5. Reporting stage: preparation of a report, including an
assessment of doses.
6. Referral to medical experts following overexposure, if
indicated.
• Identification of persons authorized to implement the various
stages of the plan.
• Identification of all persons and organizations who should
be contacted as necessary at the various stages of the plan,
as well as the relevant telephone numbers, fax numbers and
email addresses.

10.2 Reporting
A report of an incident or an emergency should include the
following:
• A description of the incident or emergency, with as much
detail as possible of the specific equipment involved. The

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Containers Security Inspection by Using
X-ray systems Practices

details should include model numbers and serial numbers

wherever possible.
• Environmental conditions at the time of the incident or
emergency, with particular reference to whether or not
these conditions played any significant part in causing the
emergency or incident or affecting the outcome.
• The specific cause of the incident or emergency.
• Details of actions taken to regain control of the situation and
to restore conditions to normal, with special reference to any
actions that were notably beneficial or detrimental.
• The training and experience of the personnel involved.
• An assessment and summary of the doses received by all
affected persons.
• Recommendations made with the aim of preventing similar
incidents and emergencies in the future and mitigating the
consequences if a similar or related incident or emergency
were to occur.

10.3 Development of Emergency Plans

The applicant should develop the emergency plan and each of
which should be addressed by the licensee:
• Identification of potential incidents during the
operation of a container scanner, followed by an
evaluation of the associated risks.
• Development of emergency plans and procedures for
dealing with the risks identified.

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• Specification and acquisition of emergency equipment.

• Training in implementing the emergency plan and
procedures, including training as necessary in the use
of emergency equipment.
• Exercises at appropriate intervals to test and evaluate
the implementation of the emergency plan.
• Periodic reviews and updates of emergency plans.
• Reports and notifications of incidents and emergencies.

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Containers Security Inspection by Using
X-ray systems Practices

11. Related Documents and Files

Document Document Document
Relation to the guideline
Name Type Number
This Regulation set out the
general safety requirements
in ensuring protection of
people and the environment
against the harmful effects of
ionizing radiation and for the
safety of radiation sources.
Radiation Technical in addition, this regulation
NRRC-R-01
Safety Regulation harmonize the requirements
applicable in the Kingdom
with the international best
practices in order to achieve
the highest standards of
safety in activities and
facilities that give rise to
radiation risks

Prescribes the general

Notification
requirements for notification
on and
on and authorization of
Authorization
Technical activities, facilities and
of Facilities NRRC-R-02
Regulation practices with radiation
and Activities
source, nuclear material and/
with Radiation
or ore containing uranium
Sources
and thorium in the Kingdom

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This regulation is to
prescribe requirements that
shall be fulfilled to ensure
Safe safety, security and to
Transport of Technical protect persons, property,
NRRC-R-15
Radioactive Regulation and the environment from
Materials any harmful effects of
radiation on the transport
of radioactive materials or
nuclear material.
This regulation sets out the
safety objectives, criteria
and requirements for the
Management protection of human health
of Technical and the environment
NRRC-R-16
Radioactive Regulation that shall be applied to
Waste the activities and the
requirements that shall be
met to ensure the safety of
such activities and facilities.
This regulation that
addressed security of
radioactive material,
associated activity, and
Security of
Technical associated facility against
Radioactive NRRC-R-17
Regulation unauthorized removal of
Material
radioactive material and
sabotage performed with
the intent to cause harmful
radiological consequences

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Containers Security Inspection by Using
X-ray systems Practices

©Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission , 2023

King Fahd National Library Cataloging-in-Publication Data
L.D. no. 1445/250
ISBN:978-603-92074-2-9

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Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
@saudinrrc
nrrc.gov.sa