Number 33 September, 2000

This issue of NUtrino is of interest primarily to authorized investigators. Radiation workers are encouraged to read it, as it contains information about rights and responsibilities important to them.

What You Told Us You Will Do

The "Us" in the headline is the Radiation Safety Committee, which issued your authorization to use radioactive materials. An authorization is a "sub-license" of the University's broad-scope license issued by the state authority. As such, it is a binding document committing you to compliance with the rules and regulations of the University's Radiation Safety Handbook (pdf), the statements you made on your application and any special conditions written into your authorization document. As we anticipate a visit by state inspectors in the near future, now is a good time for you to review not only your applications and authorizations, but also the handbook. The Office for Research Safety (ORS) can provide copies of your applications and authorizations on request.

Training: Picking Up Where ORS Leaves Off

When you send prospective workers to ORS, we hand them the registration form, the handbook, and reprints concerning risks from exposure to radiation. We show them a 30-minute training video and answer any questions. Such training is general in nature, covering the fundamental radiation safety and compliance issues. Now it becomes your turn to pick up where ORS leaves off. The registration form you sign commits you to train and supervise the worker. You must provide the training in radionuclide-specific work practices, operational and engineering controls necessary to perform the work safely and in compliance with the rules and regulations. Your supervision is essential to ensure that the training is effective. While you may delegate the training and supervising functions, the final responsibility for making sure they happen is yours. This is not to say you're on your own! If you want ORS to review a specific project, meet with or train your workers for an hour, give us a call.

Cutting Through the Safety and Regulatory Thickets

Radiation safety may seem to be a bewildering thicket of complex science and changing rules. In reality, a few general safety practices apply to work with most of the unsealed materials typically used, and a few specific practices—based mostly on the type of emission—apply to individual radionuclides. Regulations and University policies have changed little in the past several years. The handbook (pdf) is your best reference. ORS staff are available to answer your questions. Give them a call or talk to them during lab visits.

Unlocked doors and unattended labs spell Trouble.
Lock up your radioactive materials or lock the door when you leave.