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News and training for radiation workers at Northwestern University Number 73 January, 2005
Bruce Sanza Appointed Radiation Safety Officer
Bruce J. Sanza, who joined Research Safety in June, 2004, has been appointed Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) for Northwestern University. He replaces Todd Leasia, director of the Office for Research Safety, who had been RSO since 1988. Bruce now oversees all aspects of the University’s radiation safety program. As we mentioned in the July, 2004, NUtrino, Bruce is a Certified Health Physicist with extensive experience in the regulatory arena as well as practical experience in a variety of non-governmental settings. Bruce’s goals are to improve the technical underpinnings of the radiation safety program while continuing to provide a high level of service and support to PIs and radiation workers. Bruce is also the University’s Laser Safety Officer.
Bruce is aided on the Evanston campus by health physics assistant Sage Devereaux and hazardous waste technician Don Stephani. Assistant RSO Joe Princewill continues to manage the Chicago campus program under Bruce’s general direction. Joe is aided by health physics assistant TJ Whittenhall and hazardous waste technician John Burt. Secretary Sharon Talarek supports the program from her Chicago office.
Prepare for IEMA Inspection
Inspectors from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency/Division of Nuclear Safety (IEMA) are due to visit the University for their annual inspection of the radiation safety program. The inspection includes not only audits of records but also visits to laboratories and interviews with investigators and radiation workers. The inspectors decide whom to visit based on the records audit and the results of previous visits. They will perform field surveys for contamination, ask to see your inventory records, observe work practices and security, and assess accountability with respect to your inventory of radioactive materials. We suggest that you do the following:
· ensure that your inventory forms exactly match the stock materials in the laboratory, 1-for-1,
· ensure that there is an entry on the inventory form for each use of radioactive materials,
· maintain a written record of all material placed into radwaste containers,
· carefully survey all radiation work areas (and trash cans) and clean any contamination,
· eliminate even the impression that food or beverages could have been consumed in the lab,
· label designated work areas, tools, containers and storage locations,
· close doors, secure or maintain surveillance of radioactive materials at all times, and
· provide documentation of regular refresher training for all radiation workers in the lab.
Use this NUtrino as a training tool for new workers and required annual refresher training for current workers. 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 at http://www.northwestern.edu/research-safety/rad/nutrino/index.htm.
Office for Research Safety - Office for Research - Radiation Safety Committee
Ward B-106 Chicago Campus, phone 3-8300 Tech NG71 Evanston Campus, phone 1-5581