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News and training for radiation workers at Northwestern University           Number 77        January 2007

 

 

ISIS: Integrated Safety Information System

 

 Over the past two years the Office for Research Safety (ORS) and the Office for Research Information Systems have been developing an on-line database program to store all laboratory safety information in a digital format.  The Integrated Safety Information System (ISIS) is designed to be a one-stop shop for safety information so researchers and laboratory workers can always know the hazards in their workplace.  Phase I of ISIS will roll out beginning in February 2007 and some aspects of the system affect the authorizations to use radioactive materials.

 

During the first 12 months of the roll-out, each Principle Investigator (PI) will be asked to go through several software wizards in order to describe the research and list all of the hazards in the laboratory.   Those investigators who supervise the use of radioactive material in their labs will need to complete the radioactive materials wizard, identifying rooms and workers involved in research with radioactive material.  Once this information is entered, any applications for increased possession limit, additional radionuclide, or other action requiring approval by the Radiation Safety Committee (RSC) can be generated by ISIS for the PI to print, sign and send to ORS.

 

Approximately one fifth of the 170 authorized investigators will be due in the first year for what used to be called a five-year review of the authorization to use radioactive material.  In ISIS this is now called a five-year renewal.  When your authorization is due for renewal, ORS will send an email notice asking the PI to first complete the radiation application wizard, if he or she hasn’t already done so, and then complete the five-year renewal wizard.  After that is done, the PI must then print a five-year renewal report, sign it and send it to ORS for approval by the Radiation Safety Committee. 

 

Please be aware that the radiation application wizard cannot be completed until each laboratory worker enters his or her basic information, training and experience.  The wizard is also a way for the worker to learn the hazards present in the lab.  By reviewing what the PI or designate has entered, the worker can make informed decisions related to risks present in the lab.

 

Future versions of ISIS are already being discussed.  The next phase is planned for February 2008.  By that time we hope for the applications to be forwarded electronically to ORS and then to the RSC, thus requiring no hard copy to be produced.  We also intend to make improvements based on feedback from our customers: the investigators and workers in the lab.  Therefore, if you encounter a problem while navigating ISIS, please let us know so we can avoid a recurrence of the problem.

 

 

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