Proper Storage, Recycling, And Disposal of Radioisotopic Sources in Radiographic Testing
Radiographic testing (RT) allows inspectors to “see” inside materials—like welds, castings, and structural components—without damaging them. And at the heart of this method are radioisotopic sources: small, powerful bits of radioactive material that emit radiation used to capture detailed internal images.
But working with radioactive materials comes with a serious responsibility to handle, store, recycle, and eventually dispose of them safely. That’s because mishandling these sources can pose a threat not only to workers, but also to the general public and the environment.
In this tutorial, we’ll explore the best practices and regulatory requirements around the storage, recycling, and disposal of these materials, drawing on guidance from the Nondestructive Testing Handbook, Vol. 3: Radiographic Testing, fourth edition, published by ASNT. This overview will give you a clear picture of what’s involved in managing radioisotopic sources responsibly.
Ahead of the 2025 Globe40 around-the-world sailing race, Canadian nondestructive testing (NDT) firm UTComp conducted its first mechanical integrity inspection of a Class 40 racing sail-boat. In this photo, engineering analyst Rob Kohli applies the company’s proprietary ultrasonic technology to assess the carbon fiber mast, boom, and bowsprit of the Whiskey Jack, skippered by Melodie Schaffer. Composite marine structures like masts endure extreme forces, including compression, bending, and shear, making NDT critical for safety and performance. Ultrasonic testing was used to evaluate the fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) components by measuring wall thickness and identifying internal flaws like voids or delamination.
Without detailed layup data, engineers used a conservative, fitness-for-service–based approach to ensure the mast’s structural integrity. The successful inspection confirmed the Whiskey Jack was fit for service and ready for the 30 000-nautical-mile challenge. UTComp donated the inspection, marking a milestone in applying NDT to high-performance marine composites.
Submitted by Jo Anne Watton, CEO, UTComp, Cambridge, Ontario, Canada
Improve your inspection skills with a comprehensive training program integrating ultrasonic testing (UT) and advanced drone operations for confined space inspections. Whether you are a new or experienced UT technician or a skilled drone pilot, this program is designed to enhance your expertise.
Learn the general theory and operation of 11 different NDT methods outlined in SNT-TC-1A. The course also covers various types of materials processing, fabrication, and product technology.
In construction, precision and bias statements are not just technical details, they are foundational for quality, safety, compliance, and cost-efficiency. They assure that the measurements and tests guiding construction decisions are accurate, repeatable, and trustworthy. These statements help avoid significant safety hazards and major headaches in construction from wasted materials, increased labor costs, and extended guidelines. ASTM C670-24ae1: Standard Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements for Test Methods for Construction Materials outlines how to properly describe and quantify the accuracy and reliability of test methods used in the construction industry.
In this episode of Quality Magazine’s podcast, Q-Cast, Michelle Bangert speaks with Eddie Pompa, a legend in the NDT industry, an NDT advocate and educator, and mentor to many in the field.
Grow Your NDT Career
Career opportunities in NDT are vast. To get a head start finding
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