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Introduction

Arizona State University (ASU) uses radioactive materials in laboratories because they can be traced through the radiation they emit, making them powerful research tools in biological and physical research. Radiation producing equipment such as x-ray machines, accelerators and sealed sources can produce physical injury at high enough levels and if ingested or inhaled. Methods of protection are well understood. Strict exposure limits apply and as a result of controls which are in effect, the risk of work involving exposure to these sources of radiation is insignificant.

ASU policy for radiation protection is set by the ASU Radiation Safety Committee. No one may use, bring or remove from ASU, any radioisotopes or radiation producing devices without the approval of the Radiation Safety Officer or the Radiation Safety Committee. Every individual that works with radioisotopes, radiation producing devices or in radiation controlled areas must be approved/authorized by the Radiation Safety Officer and/or Radiation Safety Committee and must have appropriate radiation protection training for the material or equipment use.

Applicable ASU Policy

Applicable ASU Guideline

Applicable Regulation

Summary of Requirements

An Arizona Radiation Regulatory Agency (ARRA) regulation requires that ASU establish a radiation protection program to control the receipt, possession, use, transfer and disposal of radioactive material. The Radiation Safety Office implements and manages the program in accordance with policies set by the Radiation Safety Committee. The office functions include: authorizing and approving all uses of radioactive material and radiation producing devices; training; surveillance and monitoring; tracking and inventory control of radioactive materials; laboratory inspections; employee monitoring; and emergency response.

Training

Training is required for all individuals working with radiation materials or radiation producing materials. Individuals must be informed of health protection problems associated with exposure to radioactive materials and radiation producing equipment and with the applicable precautions and procedures required to minimize exposure, to operate the devices, applicable regulations and license conditions, responsibility of reporting promptly any condition which may lead to or cause a violation of regulations, or unnecessary exposure to radiation; appropriate response to warnings; and radiation exposure reports which are available.

ASU Radiation Safety Office should be called if there are questions on any situation involving radiation. People using material and equipment should:

• be familiar with Radiation Caution Signs and the precautions that must be followed where signs are displayed;
• handle only radioactive materials for which they have received authorization and appropriate training;
• notify the Radiation Safety Office if they notice radioactive materials in unsecured areas, where they can be inadvertently handled, thrown out or taken away.
• Radioactive materials must never be disposed of in regular trash. Custodial employees can be very helpful by being on the alert for containers in the regular trash carrying the radiation symbol to prevent their release.

1. Radiation producing equipment training

2. Radioactive Material Training

Reporting

The ARRA and ASU regulations require reports of theft or loss of licensed materials; of incidents; and of exposures, radiation levels and concentrations of radioactive material exceeding the limits in accordance with AAC Title 12 and ASU EH&S 113. Reports may be by telephone after occurrences become known, or written reports, depending on the severity of the occurrence as given in the regulations.

Inspections

In accordance with the requirements of ASU Radiation Safety Manual and the license conditions issued by the ARRA and ASU, the Radiation Safety Office conducts periodic radiation surveys of the areas where radioactive materials and equipment are used. The frequency of inspection depends on the specific radionuclide, amounts, laboratory records and other conditions. Laboratory spaces are normally monitored monthly, but depending on previous inspection violations, the frequency can be done weekly or daily. Radiation producing equipment facilities are inspected yearly

Recordkeeping

ARRA and ASU regulations require that the records of the radiation protection program, program content, implementation and effectiveness of the program be maintained. Also required are records of radiation surveys, analyses of doses to individuals as a result of exposures to radiation or intakes or radioactive material, and individual monitoring results. Most records are retained from three years up to termination of license, depending on the record. Some records must be kept only until the next inspection by the regulatory agency.

Updated 11/21/06

Mailing Address: PO Box 873804, Tempe, Arizona 85287-3804
Contact Email: EHS@asu.edu
Phone: (480) 965-1823
FAX:  (480) 965-0736