| Table of Contents |
| 36.1 Introduction |
| 36.2 Forms |
| 36.3 Customized Training |
36.1 Introduction #
This CHP does not address in detail work with radioactive material and radiation-producing machines. Procedures for work with radioactive material and radiation-producing machines are addressed via the EHS website.
Radiation safety begins with Authorized Users (i.e., Principal Investigators) providing lab-specific training to their personnel regarding occupational risks associated with their specific radionuclides, radiation-producing machines, and procedures. You are required to comply with the appropriate regulations, complete contamination surveys, verify personnel who must wear radiation dosimetry, and, if applicable, inform women of childbearing potential about the Declared Pregnant Worker (DPW) Program.
Radiation Safety Services (RSS) provides you with the following support when working with radioactive material and radiation-producing machines:
- Evaluate safety of facilities and procedures
- Monitor radiation exposures, and assess occupational doses and environmental releases
- Respond to radiological emergencies and radioactive spills
- Recommend monitoring equipment appropriate for the source(s) of radiation
- Apply for regulatory licenses and registrations
- Monitor radon
- Evaluate laser safety and compliance
- Provide safety training on general safety procedures, occupational dose reduction, contamination control, risk assessment, and instrumentation use
36.2 Forms #
To help Authorized Users comply with the rules and regulations governing the use of radioactive material, RSS coordinates a program to approve and document authorization to use radioactive material or radiation-generating machines, record contamination surveys, distribute dosimeters, track radionuclides ordered and used, and ensure users have completed the required and appropriate training.
Application for Authorization (Form RSS-101) #
Individuals who want to become Authorized Users of radioactive material must complete the following application, which is available on the EHS website.
Individuals wanting to use radioactive materials in animal research must also complete the Form RSS-101 Section 9, be approved by RSS, and adhere to the SOP for Use of Radioactive Material in Animals.
Contamination Survey (Form RSS-110) #
Authorized Users and their lab personnel are responsible for conducting contamination surveys to verify the laboratory is free of radioactive contamination, documenting and maintaining contamination survey results, and having the survey results available to RSS and other inspectors. Use the following documents to conduct and record contamination surveys.
NOTE: Authorized Users may record the results of the contamination survey on the Radioactive Contamination Survey Record or in their own log book.
Radionuclide Procurement and Inventory Tracking #
Authorized Users and their lab personnel are required to track each radionuclide purchased from time of purchase through the time of disposal. The Radionuclide Receipt, Utilization and Disposal Record Form can be used to track this information. All procurements of radioactive material require prior approval by RSS via issuance of a clearance code.
36.3 Customized Training #
Training is required by state and federal regulations, as well as institutional policy. Users of radioactive material must complete the Radiation Safety Orientation (EHS_RSS103w) to learn about the hazards associated with ionizing radiation and the safety requirements of working with radioactive material.
In addition, radioactive material users must complete annual refresher training to review radiological safety protocols and requirements. After completing annual refresher training, users must document completion by signing the Annual Refresher Training Acknowledgment Form and filing it in their Authorized User’s Radiation Safety Manual and Records binder.
- Radiation Safety Orientation
- Dosimetry Compliance and Occupational Radiation Safety (RADI-10115 on Cornerstone)
- Annual Refresher Training
NOTE: Radioactive material users must sign the Annual Refresher Training Acknowledgment Form after completing annual refresher training. Authorized Users of radioactive material must retain a copy of the signed acknowledgement form for inspection by RSS during routine audits.
RSS offers special or specialized training on an as-needed basis, to meet initial or refresher training obligations. These include:
- Analytical X-ray Safety
- Fluoroscopy Safety
- Sealed Source Safety
- Radiation Safety for Animal Handlers
Specifically-required protocols for those individuals using radioactive materials or radiation-generating machinesTo schedule special or specialized training specific to your protocol, contact RSS at (734) 647-1143.
