Nutrino 28 - April 2000

Number 28, April, 2000

Census Time for Radiation Workers

Radiation worker registration may be compared to the United States census with which we now are cooperating. It must be done, there are benefits to be gained, and if we don't comply someone may come knock, knock, knocking at our front door. Registration prior to working with sources of ionizing radiation is required by a University policy serving to ensure compliance with state regulations that mandate training of new workers. Registration provides the opportunity for workers to ask questions of the radiation safety staff, receive the University's written policies and guidelines and view the radiation safety videotapes. Research Safety takes care of the basic training requirements and authorized investigators train their workers in laboratory-specific safety policies and procedures.

We currently are engaged in a project comparing our list of radiation workers with names provided by investigators. We have mailed survey forms containing lists of registered radiation workers to each authorized investigator on the Chicago campus. If you have not returned your form please do so as soon as possible. We will survey Evanston investigators as soon as we finish the Chicago survey.

Register each radiation worker before that person handles any radioactive material or other source of ionizing radiation (it's the law!). Keep a written record of your registered workers.
Re-register each radiation worker who transfers into your laboratory from another laboratory.
Return the registered radiation worker survey form as soon as possible. Evanston investigators will receive their forms in the next couple of weeks. Chicago investigators should call Beth Hurst at 3-8300 if they don't have a survey form.

Are Your Radiation Workers Wearing Their Dosimeters?

From time to time workers return body badges to us that are still sealed in their plastic envelopes. There is a disconnect between the professed need for dosimetry and the unworn dosimeter, implying one of three conditions:

The radiation worker did not use any sources of radiation for which dosimetry was required. Action: Confirm that a dosimeter was not required for the work performed. Your usage records for radionuclides or radiation-producing equipment should document and support the decision.
The radiation worker no longer works in your laboratory. Action: If the radiation worker has left your laboratory, please notify ORS on your respective campus (Chicago phone 3-8300, Evanston phone 1-5581).
The radiation worker neglected to use dosimetry although it was required. Action: If the radiation worker used sources of radiation for which dosimetry is required but neglected to wear the dosimeter, please initiate and document remedial training and ensure that all radiation workers adhere to the requirement. See the back of the radiation worker registration form for guidance on appropriate dosimetry.

Use this NUtrino as a training tool. Circulate it among the radiation workers in your group and have them sign and date the training form on the back. File it with your authorization and other radiation safety documents for review during regulatory inspections. Discuss it during laboratory meetings. We have back issues, or you can print them off the Web.