The Petroleum and Fertilizer industries commonly encounter Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) as a byproduct of processing raw materials and utilize manmade Radiation Devices to measure material characteristics like flow rates, fill levels, and density. ALARA provides NORM consulting services in accordance with the Canadian Guidelines for the Management of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM) and radiation device management services in accordance with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) Nuclear Safety & Control Act and Regulations.
NORM
Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) includes radioactive elements found in geological formations. The petroleum & fertilizer industries process raw materials containing NORM, which often concentrates the material, and poses an radiation hazard to the public, workers, and the environment. According to The Canadian Guidelines for the Management of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM), special precautions are required for handling, storing, transporting, and disposing of NORM.
ALARA provides a range of NORM services including
- Site surveys & onsite turnaround support
- Sample analysis & disposal consultation
- Policy & procedure development
- Radiation survey meter (e.g., Geiger counters) sales, calibration, & repair
- In-person & online NORM training
- NORM management consultation
Radiation Device Management Services
The most common use of radioactive material in the petroleum & fertilizer industries is fixed radiation devices (also called fixed nuclear gauges). These devices are used to measure and collect data like material flow rates, fill levels, and density. To acquire and use these devices, organizations must first have a nuclear substances and radiation devices (NSRD) licence form the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC). Maintaining a NSRD licence requires a radiation safety program and compliance with conditions and regulations.
ALARA provides a range of services related to fixed nuclear gauges including
- Licence application/renewal assistance & regulatory compliance consultation
- Radiation Safety Officer (RSO), Authorized User, & TDG Class 7 training
- Radiation survey meter (e.g., Geiger counters) sales, calibration, & repair
- Sealed source leak testing
- Install, dismount, & servicing
- Disposal & storage
- Emergency response
