Number 25, January 2000

Use this checklist to gauge your lab's performance in some of the practices that make work with radioactive materials safer. The notation (RSH...) refers to the section of the Radiation Safety Handbook where you can find more information about each item. The handbook is available in .pdf format from the ORS home page, http://nuinfo.northwestern.edu/research-safety/. Click on the PDF Forms and Documents button for a pull-down list. Alternatively, go to the radiation safety page at http://nuinfo.northwestern.edu/research-safety/rad/index.htm.

Good Practices
___ Workers check the survey meter for good batteries and proper operation each time they use it. (RSH 17.5)
___ Plastic shielding is used for beta emitters, especially P-32. (RSH 12.4)
___ Radiation work areas are clearly defined and labeled, and equipment is confined to them. (RSH 16.2)
___ Volatile products are controlled when using S-35 methionine or I-125 sodium iodide. (RSH App.A)
___ Workers know how to get help in an emergency. (RSH 18.0)
___ Radiation workers know how to calculate radioactive decay. (RSH 9.4) ___ Tritium users perform contamination surveys using wipe tests counted in liquid scintillation. (RSH 17.4)
___ Workers wash their hands after using radioactive material and before leaving the laboratory. (RSH 16.3)

Required by Regulation
___ Packages delivered by courier directly to the lab are brought immediately to ORS for check-in. (RSH 20.10)
___ The lab keeps a written record of the radionuclides and activity placed into each waste container. (RSH 22.4)
___ Each waste container has a "radioactive material" label and the radionuclide
is identified. (RSH 22.9)
___ All sources are safeguarded against loss or theft; doors to unattended labs are locked. (RSH 7.0)
___ Each worker receives annual refresher training in radiation safety policies and practices. (RSH 2.3, 6.2)
___ Each container of radioactive materials is labeled--also refrigerators, freezers, cabinets. (RSH 16.2)
___ Radiation workers know where to see the University's license and the state regulations. (RSH 1.2)

Required by University Policy
___ Waste cards have realistic estimates of activity in liquid scintillation vials, based on actual counts. (RSH 22.14)
___ A list of current radiation workers is posted in the laboratory. (RSH 5.5) ___ Each radiation worker registers before the worker starts using any source of ionizing radiation. (RSH 2.4, 5.1)
___ Workers wear appropriate protective gloves when handling anything that may be contaminated. (RSH 16.2)
___ Radiation workers know and abide by the bioassay and thyroid count schedules. (RSH 19.0)
___ Lab policy prohibits storing, preparing or consuming food or beverages in the laboratory. (RSH 16.3)
___ Each use of radioactive materials is promptly recorded on the radionuclide inventory form. (RSH 20.8)
___ Radiation workers know about the enforcement policy and understand its implications. (RSH 8.0)

Required by Your Laboratory Authorization
___ Radiation workers have read the lab's authorization form and application, and any conditions attached to it.