Calibration of survey instruments:
Hand-held survey instruments that have a CPM read-out are calibrated in-house.
This minimizes the cost to the researcher.
Radiation Safety Training:
Initial training for individuals who need to work independently and have little
to no experience can take the Radiation Safety course. This is a two unit course
offered each semester.
Refresher training is developed to the needs of the group. The regulatory
requirement is one or more hours each year.
How to perform surveys and maintain records.
Laboratory surveys:
Laboratories where internal surveys are required weekly by the user group will
be surveyed monthly by Radiation Safety.
Laboratories where internal surveys are required monthly by the user group will
be surveyed quarterly by Radiation Safety.
The Nuclear Science Facility is surveyed monthly by Radiation Safety. Most
academic work with radioactive materials are performed in the Nuclear Science
Facility. This minimizes the impact on the academic part of the University.
There are three teaching laboratories in the Nuclear Science Facility. In
general, approximately 900 undergraduate students are provided academic
instruction in the Nuclear Science Facility.
Fume hood measurements for verify the face velocity.
Waste disposal:
All radioactive materials are processed by the Radiation Safety Officer or
his/her Alternate through the Nuclear Science Facility. The most common isotopes
used are those with very short half-lives. These are stored until they are no
longer radioactive and then disposed as non radioactive waste.
Incoming packages:
All radioactive materials received (purchased, transferred to or from) are
processed through the Nuclear Science Facility. A survey is performed to
identify and mitigate any contamination found before it goes to the user groups.
Package opening procedures are performed within three hours of receipt.
Health Physics consultation:
The Radiation Safety Officer provides the University community with subject
matter expertise in Radiation Safety (Health Physics).
Processing for a Radiological Use Permit:
To use radiation sources (material or x-ray) a permit must be obtained from the
Health Physics Committee through the Radiation Safety Officer. The Radiation
Safety Officer will review and process request. He/she will help prepare you for
approval.
Exposure monitoring:
Monitoring of personnel exposures is maintained and managed by the Radiation
Safety Officer. This will include monitoring badges and bioassays.