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RSO COLUMN - Bob Wilson One of the most common (and most serious) safety citations currently issued is failure to conduct or record radiation safety surveys. Individual Authorized Users (AU) are specifically approved to use radiation sources only in discrete, identified spaces (with rare exceptions). Each AU is responsible for conducting radiation safety surveys of each space on a regular schedule, usually monthly (See the Radiation Safety Manual, page 15, AUTHORIZED USER SURVEYS). A record of the survey and results must be made and maintained. This is the only way we can mutually assure that safe occupancy and work conditions are being maintained in each radiation use space. Each AU is solely and individually responsible for her or his approved spaces, regardless of which or how many other AUs also have use approval for the same space. A group of AUs having common use space may, however, work out a system by which somebody conducts the space survey and pro-vides each AU with a copy of the record. A frequent cause of survey breakdown seems to be the absence of a key person (turnover, marriage, vacation, etc.) who normally does the survey. When this happens, unexpectedly or by plan, adjustments must be made to assure the safety plan continues intact. Timely surveys are a basic health and safety requirement. Please help UK maintain and improve its safety record. RADIATION SURVEY METER INFORMATION We are occasionally asked to recommend GM survey meters for use in campus laboratories. We do not recommend one vendor over another, but we do recommend including the audio option. The audio response is faster than the scale indicator or needle, and it allows you to watch the area you are monitoring rather than watching the meter. When planning to purchase a meter, you are welcome to look through our catalogues, or if you prefer to call, the companies' numbers are listed below. When ordering, be sure that you have a current price list and that you are ordering the entire meter (scaler cable and detector). Some companies sell detectors, cables, etc. separately. Some companies will calibrate your new meter, but only if you specify this when ordering. If the company calibrates your meter, ask for a certificate of calibration and send a copy to the Radiation Safety Office. If your new meter is not calibrated, call the Radiation Safety Office to arrange for free calibration.
SO YOU WANT TO SHIP RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS... by Jerry Schlenker, Sr. HP Researchers often call the Radiation Safety Office asking if there is anything they need to do to send radioactive materials to another institution. There most certainly is. The State, the DOT and the NRC control the proper shipment of radioactive materials, with some of the most convoluted and confusing regulations a person is likely to find. Call us when you need to ship! Let's take a look at a couple of different types of shipments and see what is needed: TYPE A: Many of the radioactive materials that are shipped TO the UK AUs are TYPE A. This means that the type and amount of radioactivity requires specification packaging, loading and paper work. Specification labels (the diamond shaped White Radioactive I and Yellow Radioactive II labels you often see on your incoming shipments) are required. LIMITED QUANTITY: Most shipments can go as Limited Quantity. This type of shipment is exempt from many of these regulations, but not all. To meet Limited Quantity requirements, a package must: 1) Be below a certain total activity (based on the particular nuclide), and 2) Have an external surface (contact) radiation level less than 0.5 mrem/hr. In addition, we must: 1) Label the material as "radioactive", radionuclide, activity and date. 2) Place the material in a strong, tight container that won't leak during shipment (a used TYPE A container is good, with plenty of absorbent material). 3) Provide a notice in the package with the name of the sender or receiver and an exactly worded statement (we provide this) which states that the package conforms to all applicable regulations. For all shipments: 1) The UK Radiation Safety Office must have in its possession a copy of the receiving institution's Radioactive Materials License prior to shipment. 2) Shipping papers (specification or otherwise) as required. 3) A radiation (meter) and contamination (swipe) survey will have to be performed and documented for the package prior to transport. 4) Receiving institution’s telephone number and shipping address. 5) Fed-Ex account number or credit card number (yours or the receiving institution’s). When shipping radioactive material is necessary, contact the Radiation Safety Office. We will help, and possibly save the University (or your department) from a large fine. RADIATION SAFETY OFFICE PERSONNEL Radiation Safety Office, 102 Animal Pathology 0076 UK Campus, 3-6777, bmwils2@pop.uky.edu
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