Chapter II - Radiation Safety Organization at ASU

2.1 Arizona Radiation Regulatory Agency
Arizona State University procures and uses analytical x-ray equipment under regulations of the Arizona Radiation Regulatory Agency (ARRA). The regulations require that ASU personnel use ARRA approved procedures for the control of all analytical x-ray equipment. ARRA also requires that analytical x-ray equipment be registered with that agency.

ASU is subject to inspection by ARRA. If ARRA finds that ASU is not in compliance with state regulations, they may issue fines, or in the case of serious infractions, suspend or revoke analytical x-ray equipment use.

ARRA Rules and Regulations, and supporting documentation are on file in the Office of Radiation Safety for review by ASU personnel.

2.2 Radiation Safety Committee
ASU governs the use of analytical x-ray equipment through the Radiation Safety Committee. This committee is a group of professionals appointed by the president of ASU to establish policy and regulations for the use of radiation sources and to oversee all aspects of radiation safety. The committee meets at least quarterly to review the university's radiation safety program.

2.3 Radiation Safety Officer
The Radiation Safety Officer is responsible for implementing the radiation safety program as directed by the RSC. He is assisted by the staff of the Office of Radiation Safety.

Specific duties of the Radiation Safety Officer and his staff include:

1. Furnishing consulting services on all aspects of radiation safety and protection.

2. Conducting surveys and making hazard evaluations for analytical x-ray equipment.

3. Assuring that the prescribed control measures are in effect, recommending or approving substitute or alternate control measures when the primary ones are not feasible or practical, and periodically auditing the status of those control measures in use.

4. Approving standard operating procedures, alignment procedures, and other procedures that may be part of the requirements for administrative and procedural control measures.

5. Distributing and processing personnel monitoring devices, and maintaining personnel exposure records.

6. Insuring that personnel are properly instructed in the appropriate procedures for using analytical x-ray equipment.

7. Maintaining a current inventory of all analytical x-ray equipment at ASU.

The Radiation Safety Officer has the authority to restrict or terminate use of radiation producing equipment in cases where use is felt to be in violation of regulations or otherwise represents a radiological hazard. Such actions are reviewed by the Radiation Safety Committee.

2.4 Registration
All analytical x-ray equipment at ASU must be registered with the Office of Radiation Safety, which in turn registers these devices with ARRA (Appendix H). All analytical x-ray equipment must be registered to a faculty, academic professional, or staff member of ASU who maintains responsibility for all aspects of safety for the registered equipment. Specific responsibilities of the registrant include:
1. Registration of new equipment with the Office of Radiation Safety within 30 days of receipt and prior to operation.

2. Ensuring that operators are properly trained with respect to safe operation, and made aware of hazards associated with the equipment.

2.5 Operators and License Holders
Individuals who operate analytical x-ray equipment must obtain training from the Radiation Safety Officer prior to use of the equipment. They must also obtain instruction from the registrant on the operating procedures for the equipment.