Health Physics Organization

            Ionizing radiation is recognized as both a useful tool in science and technology, and a potential health hazard.  It is important that we provide for the protection of ourselves and our environment from the harmful effects of radiation, thus providing for its utilization for the benefit of all.  The goal of our radiation safety program is to ensure that any use of radiation is justified, that all radiation doses are within limits, and as low as reasonably achievable. 

            To ensure the safe use of all sources of ionizing radiation on our campus, I have vested in the Health Physics Committee the authority to establish rules, to review applications, issue permits, and conduct inspections and audits.  The campus Radiation Safety Officer assists the committee in the performance of its duties and acts as its agent.

           The use of radioactive materials at San Jose State University (SJSU) is regulated by the Health Physics Committee (HPC) under a Type B Broad Scope Radioactive Material License issued by the California Department of Health Services (DHS).  The university president has also charged that committee to regulate all other campus sources of ionizing radiation. 

            The campus Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) implements the radiation safety program.  The RSO provides training and safety surveys, and assists the HPC in the performance of its duties. The RSO is located in Duncan Hall, room 182. The phone number is 408-924-4818. There are two Alternate Radiation Safety Officers. One is located at the main campus along with the RSO and the other is located at Moss Landing to support the program there.

The RSO is the custodian for all radiation safety program documents including:

            Permits  (including the name of the authorized user; location; completed CA 2050A Statement of Training and Experience; the application, which describes the nature and purpose of use, isotopes, per-use and total inventory activities, laboratory procedures, facilities and equipment; HPEC permit review worksheets; permit; and the RSO's field notes);

            Receipt, Transfer, Disposal records, Audits (dose rate and removable contamination surveys; interlock checks; postings; compliance with "General Guidance..."); 

            Survey instrument calibrations, Worker dose records;

            Agenda and Minutes of the HPC and HPEC meetings; 

            License, Regulations, Inspection Reports, and Correspondence; and

            Radiation Safety Manual.