Radiation Safety Laboratory Rules

Policy 303.23

1 Introduction

Reseach at Appalachian State University is of great importance, however, it is the responsibility of those working with radioactive materials to protect themselves and others from radioactive hazards arising from their work. Poor examples and careless working habits can unnecessarily expose others or contaminate facilities.

2 Scope

This applies to all Appalachian State University faculty, staff and students involved in the use of radiation.

3 Definitions

3.1 ASU

Appalachian State University

3.2 RSO

Radiation Safety Officer

3.3 ALARA

As Low As Reasonably Achievable

3.4 NCDENR

North Carolina Department of the Environment and Natural Resources DEH Division of Environmental Health; The division of NC DENR that administers radiation protection

3.5 RPS

Radiation Protection Section; The section of the DEH that administers radiation protection

3.6 ASU RUA

Radiation Use Authorization; Permission to use radioisotopes issued by the RSO

3.7 ORP

Office of Research Protections

3.8 Exposure

Amount of radiation deposited in any material measured in ROENTGEN (R) SI Unit is 1 Coulomb of charge deposited per kilogram of mass

3.9 Dose

Amount of energy deposited in any material. Measured in GRAYS (Gy). The older unit is RADS (Radiation Adsorbed Dose) 1 RAD = 10 mGy

3.10 Radiation Rate

Number of disintegrations detected per second. Usually measured in milliroentgens/hr (mR/hr), (counts/min) or microSieverts/hr)

3.11 Exposure Rate

Amount of radiation being deposited in any material. For humans this rate is measured in rems per unit of time.

3.12 REM (Roentgen Equivalent Man)

An old unit for the amount of radiation dose absorbed by an individual that does actual biological damage. New unit is Sieverts (Sv). 1 Sv = 0.01 rem.

3.13 Specific License

Approval issued by the State of North Carolina to possess and use certain radioisotopes

3.14 Registration Approval

Issued by the State of North Carolina to possess and use x-ray generating equipment

North Carolina Regulations for Protection Against Radiation

4 Policy and Procedure Statements

4.1 Responsibility of Those Working With Radioactive Materials

The following safety rules should be posted in every radiation use area and should be observed at all times:

1. Eating, drinking, smoking, and the application of cosmetics are prohibited except in areas that have been specifically designated and posted as food items areas.
2. Working with radioactive materials when open wounds are present on exposed surfaces of the body is prohibited unless wounds are properly dressed and protected.
3. Pipetting or any similar operation by mouth suction is prohibited.
4. Protective gloves shall be worn when handling contaminated or potenially contaminated items.
5. Disposable absorbent pads and remote handling devices shall be utilized when possible.
6. Hands should be washed thoroughly after handling radioactive materials, especially before eating.
7. Food items shall not be stored in areas designated for radioactive materials or chemicals.
8. Personnel monitoring badges shall be worn in controlled areas, as applicable.
9. Radioactive waste shall be disposed of only in the containers are provided. Nonstandard containers are prohibited.
10. Stock shipments shall be handled and stored in specially designated locations.
11. Good housekeeping shall be maintained at all times.
12. Spillage should be preventable, but in the event of such an accident, follow the established emergency procedures.
13. Conduct radiation meter and wipe test surveys frequently. When measurements are abnormal, find the cause and correct.

9 Revision Dates

Date of this Version: 10/26/2010