Safety and Health Program- Radiation Upgrade Chapter

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Radiation Safety Policy

Regulations:

Applicable regulations are incorporated in this chapter, along with procedures for handling radioactive material. This chapter is a practical reference, but users must also have technical knowledge of radiation and some experience in handling radioactive materials. The safety requirements provided in this chapter form the basic program. The Safety and Health Manager will provide radioisotope users with required safety procedures on the use of radioactive materials in the laboratory setting and on general laboratory practices.

Naturally occurring radionuclides, like radium or cyclotron-produced isotopes, are not under the jurisdiction of the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). However, since the NRC is authorized to review all radiation safety procedures in any facility that uses by-product materials, its safety standards are also required for natural radionuclides and for x-ray equipment.

Standards for protection from radiation are published in the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Rules and Regulations, Title 10, Chapter 1, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 19, titled "Notices, Instructions, and Reports to Workers; Inspections," and Part 20, titled "Standards for Protection Against Radiation." Additional requirements are included in the NRC licenses issued to the Company governing the possession and use of radioisotopes. Employees are encouraged to refer to these standards and the current licenses.

Radiation Safety Program Administration:

The Safety and Health Manager has overall responsibility for occupational safety and health at the Company, including the radiation safety program. The Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) is a member of, and serves on, the Radiation Safety Committee (RSC). Any member of the Radiation Safety Committee may act when necessary to control or prevent an incident involving radioactive materials, including ordering cessation of laboratory operations or withholding authority to purchase or use radioisotopes.

Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) -- The RSO is a professional health physicist who provides day-to-day management, oversees the radiation safety program, and assures compliance with policies formulated by the RSC and the Company President.

Duties of the RSO include:

1.Consulting with members of the RSC and users of radioactive materials on all matters relating to the use of radionuclides.

2.Assuring compliance with regulations of the NRC and the requirements of the Company license to procure, use, store, and dispose of radioactive materials.

3.Developing and implementing procedures for periodic radiological surveys of laboratories, monitoring of personnel, handling and disposal of radioactive wastes, and the ordering, receiving, and distribution of radioactive materials.

4.Reviewing protocols for the use of radioactive material submitted by Authorized Users before submission to the RSC.

5.Approving requests to purchase radioactive materials.

6.Maintaining records of procurement, personnel monitoring, accidents and incidents, inventories, and other documents required by the program.

7.Responding to all emergencies involving radioactive materials, providing expert advice and assistance as required to resolve problems.

8.Providing liaison between the Company and Medical Professionals in matters relating to employee exposure to radiation, monitoring results, etc.

9.Interacting with the NRC on issues related to the Company 's NRC Licenses, License amendments, applications renewals, and inspections.

Radiation Safety Committee -- The RSC, as required by NRC regulations and the conditions of the Company 's NRC license, oversees all operations involving radioactive materials and advises members of management and all Authorized Users on matters of radiological safety. Members of the RSC are appointed by the Company President.

Duties of the committee include: