Number 46 November, 2001

Think You Could Stand the Heat?

Security of radioactive materials is more important than ever. Earlier this year (NUtrino 37, February) we wrote about the need to lock up your sources and lock your door when your laboratory is unattended. Now it is almost certain that some of you are thinking, "What's that all about? All I've got here is a little bit of P-32 --that's hardly a juicy target," or, "C'mon, no one's going to mess around in my lab while I'm out for a few minutes." Well, consider this. The FBI became involved the last time someone caused mischief with a little bit of P-32, and that was before 9/11. Do you want to be the one on what would be a really hot seat this time?

The Illinois Department of Nuclear safety takes it seriously, as indicated by statements in their October 18 mailing:

• "We concur with NRC's recommendation that all licensees establish and maintain a high level of alertness concerning the security of their radioactive material,"
• "Take steps to limit the potential for theft.of licensed material,"
• "Ensure that licensed material is adequately secured from unauthorized removal or access," and
• "Due consideration should be given to the possibility of an insider threat."

Don't learn the hard way. Take that prudent extra step to safeguard your radioactive materials.

Warm Up to the Idea of Accountability

You have to be able to account at all times for all of the activity of each radionuclide you possess in storage, use, or waste. Here is the simple way to correlate your inventory forms with your stock vials:

1. Use a marker pen to write the control number on the outer shipping container (the plastic cylinder in which your stock vial was shipped). The control number is printed near the top center of each inventory form.
2. Return your inventory form to ORS as soon as the material has been used or consigned to waste.
3. Do a periodic inventory and make sure you have an inventory form for each stock vial.

Attitude Matters

Confidential to the person who nonchalantly drank coffee in the presence of ORS personnel surveying your radiation laboratory, including bringing your cup back into the lab and taking a swig after you were told it was prohibited: See "Think You Could Stand the Heat?," above. We are pretty sure you do not want to be the one who causes your investigator to lose his authorization. Take it seriously.