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Radiation Safety Manual

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Program Mission and Regulations

Description

California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) operates under a Broad Scope B radioactive materials license issued by the California State Department of Health Services, Radiologic Health Branch (RHB). All use of radioactive materials and radiation-producing machines is governed by the provisions of Title 17 (California Code of Regulations Title 17), 10 CFR 20 (Code of Federal Regulations, Title 10, Chapter 1 part 20) and any additional provisions given in this manual.

The campus program is implemented by the Radiation Safety Officer and the Radiation Safety Committee. The Radiation Safety Officer and the Radiation Safety Committee Chair(s) are named specifically on the university's license and approved by the RHB.

Radiation Safety Committee (RSC)

The Radiation Safety Committee, which is required for a Type B License, is composed of at least five members consisting of the Radiation Safety Officer and representatives from operating groups and administration. Except for administration, all members must be qualified as users. Additionally, at CSUF, the Director of the Student Health Center and an Environmental Health and Instructional Safety Officer are members of the committee. University administration is represented by the Associate Vice President for Administration.

The Committee shall hold meetings at least on a quarterly basis. Additional meetings can be called by the Chair or the Radiation Safety Officer at other times to consider special problems or applications which cannot await a consideration at the next regular meeting. A quorum for the purpose of conducting committee business should consist of at least a simple majority of the membership, and must include the Radiation Safety Officer or her designated alternate.

RSC Responsibilities

The Radiation Safety Committee (RSC) is responsible for the review and authorization of all radiation use on campus. The RSC interacts with the Radiation Safety Officer in establishing the policies governing the use of radiation and acts as the ultimate campus reviewing agent concerning all cases involving the use of radioactive material or radiation-producing machines and equipment. The RSC may screen and approve the hiring of all technical radiation safety personnel. The RSC shall keep and maintain a record of all of its transactions and reports.

RSC Member Responsibilities

Each member of the RSC is expected to make every effort to attend all meetings. Designated alternates may substitute when a member cannot make a meeting. The alternate may vote in Committee decisions.

If a committee member cannot attend meetings due to a long-term off-site project, illness, sabbatical leave or other duties which remove him or her from normal campus activities for an extended period of time (more than 2 calendar quarters), another person shall be temporarily placed on the committee until the regular committee member returns. The temporary member must meet the same criteria as permanent members and be approved by the RSC.

Radiation Safety Officer (RSO)

The Radiation Safety Officer has the responsibility of interacting with the RSC in the formulation of radiation policies and procedures, and acts as the administrative arm of the RSC in the implementation of those policies and applicable regulations. In an emergency, the RSO has the authority to initiate necessary actions without prior RSC review. RSO actions are subsequently open for review by the RSC.

RSO Duties and Responsibilities

The main responsibility of the Radiation Safety Officer is to provide leadership to the campus in the area of health physics, with guidance from the RSC, and ensure that the terms of the University radioactive materials license are strictly observed. The specific duties necessary to carry out these responsibilities include:

  • Evaluate prospective users of radionuclides and present findings to the RSC.
  • Conduct radiation surveys (environmental surveys), leak tests and regular inspections of radiation areas.
  • Responsible for all records and disposal of radioactive materials and radiation equipment received at CSUF.
  • Maintain an inventory of all radioactive materials and radiation equipment present at CSUF.
  • Distribute personnel monitoring devices and maintain a continuous record of personnel exposure.
  • Provide routine training for University faculty, staff and students in the safe use, storage and disposal of radioactive material and radiation equipment.
  • Process, store and dispose of radioactive waste.
  • Maintain an organized record of all correspondence, documents and records pertaining to the radiation safety program.
  • Respond to radiation emergencies and supervise decontamination procedures.
  • Ensure ALARA to all participants in the radiation program at CSUF (see next section for ALARA clarification).

Achieving ALARA

ALARA is an acronym for As Low As Reasonably Achievable, which is a 10 CFR 20 requirement for "making every reasonable effort to maintain exposure to radiation as far below the dose limits ... as is practical." This requirement obligates the RSO to conduct the safety program in such a way as to minimize radiation exposure to personnel. For current dose limits, see the Appendix section of this manual.

Achieving ALARA: Basic Principles

ALARA cannot be achieved by the actions of the RSO alone. This program requires that all participants use basic radiation safety principles (such as time, distance and shielding) and conduct frequent monitoring of all work areas to minimize exposure. Any questions about the ALARA program should be directed to the RSO.

ALARA Report

An ALARA Report is written annually by the RSO. It summarizes the previous year's activities and, if necessary, proposes changes in the program that could further the program's safety and efficiency.

Fetal Health Policy

In keeping with the regulations as set forth in 10 CFR 20, it shall be the policy of CSUF to limit radiation exposure of every pregnant student or employee to 0.5 rem or less during pregnancy (see the Appendix for units and conversions). During pregnancy, a woman working with radiation should wear a special fetal monitoring badge. To obtain this badge, a woman must sign a "Pregnancy Declaration" form and submit it to the Radiation Safety Officer as soon as she learns that she is pregnant. Although it is strongly encouraged, it is not required that a woman "declare" her pregnancy. See the Appendix for the complete text of the University's Fetal Health Policy.

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Authorizations (Radiation Use Authorization (RUA))

Who need's one?

Anyone who intends to work with ionizing material or ionizing-producing equipment must submit an RUA request. This form is to be completed and submitted to the Radiation Safety Officer, who will in turn present it to the Radiation Safety Committee along with recommendations.

Qualifications

The RHB requires the following qualifications for users of ionizing radiation:

Individuals who are proposed as independent users or who will supervise use of sources of radiation by others must have minimum qualification as follows:

a) A college degree or an equivalent in the physical or biological sciences or engineering.

b) At least 20 hours of training or practical experience in the characteristics of ionizing radiation and its radiation dose quantities, radiation detection instrumentation, and biological hazards of exposure to radiation appropriate to the types and forms of radiation sources to be used.

A Statement of Training and Experience must also be completed and submitted with the RUA Request.

RUA Approval

Approval of the RUA is contingent upon a review of the RUA Request, the Statement of Training and Experience and a safety review of the proposed use. Final approval comes from the RSC. The RSO will notify the applicant of the approval.

User's Responsibilities

Persons holding RUA's (the User) are expected to have read and understood the Radiation Safety Manual and specific terms of his or her RUA. All regulations concerning the use of ionizing radiation will be followed. Anyone working under the supervision of a User is the responsibility of the User and is required to follow the same rules as defined by the User's RUA, the University license and Radiation Safety manual. It is also the responsibility of the Users to keep their exposures, as well as those who work for them, as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA requirements) and below the permissible exposures listed in the Appendix.

Every year each User must complete some form of Continuing Education. Usually the RSO reviews the RUA with the User to complete this requirement. However, training received off-campus could apply to this annual requirement. Check with the RSO to see if training received off-campus can apply.

Starting Up

Before any radioactive material or radiation-producing equipment can be received by the User, the area where these items are used must be prepared by the Radiation Safety Officer. Signs, waste containers (where appropriate) and all protective equipment shall be in place before any radioactive materials enter the User's area(s).

All Users will receive copies of the Radiation Safety Manual and all pertinent forms for maintenance of their RUA. Copies of all forms can be found in the Appendix.

Surveys by the Radiation Safety Office (RS Office)

Wipe tests of work areas are conducted regularly by RS Office staff. The frequency of the surveys (weekly or quarterly) is dependent upon the type of work conducted in the area. The frequency will be determined by the RSO.

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Program Violations

Disciplinary Actions

In the event that a resolution cannot be achieved between the RSO and the User, the issue will be given to the RSC for review. Purposeful disregard for the policies set forth by the RSC could result in the revocation of an individual's Radiation Use Authorization and the confiscation of radioactive material or radiation-producing equipment.

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Training and Continuing Education

Basic Education

All persons using ionizing radiation shall receive basic training from the RSO. This includes all Users, faculty, staff and students.

Additional Training for Users

The RSO will explain particular aspects of the University's license as it applies to the User's work. The approved RUA will be reviewed in detail and all applicable forms will be disseminated.

Refresher Training

Refresher training shall be provided at the RSO's discretion.

Visiting Researcher Training

Visiting researchers who will be working with radioactive material must receive Basic Training from the RSO. Visitors must be listed on an approved RUA. These individuals will be listed on the RUA's approved personnel list.

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CHANGING/TERMINATING RUA'S

Changing the RUA

Changes to the RUA must be documented and approved by the RSO before they take place. These changes include the addition of a radionuclide, or the quantity ordered, or the addition of personnel. Major changes, as determined by the RSO, must also be approved by the RSC. These changes include room changes, considerable changes in an experiment, or the addition of radionuclides that have extraordinary hazards associated with them.

Inactivation of the RUA

If work with radioactive material temporarily ceases, the RUA can be inactivated. If no radioactive material remains on the inventory, the area can be decommissioned by a wipe test (for liquid and solid radioactive sources). If radioactive material is still stored in the area, a wipe test will be performed on the area, then the radioactive material will be placed in a secure, designated location. Quarterly wipe tests will be performed in the storage area. No use of radioactive material can resume until the RSO has been notified and the re-activation of the RUA has been approved by the RSO and/or Radiation Safety Committee. Radiation-producing equipment will be locked while not in use.

Termination of the RUA

RUA's must be terminated when work with radiation ceases. Disposal of all radioactive material or equipment must be coordinated by the RSO. Wipe tests (if appropriate) must be conducted and the area declared "clean." All signs and waste containers with the Radioactive word or symbol will be removed by the RSO.

Leaving the University

It is the User's responsibility that all issues concerning radioactive materials, radiation-producing equipment, their use and disposal must be cleared by the User before leaving the University. Additionally, the RSO must be notified IN ADVANCE so that all equipment and areas on that person's RUA can be tested and decontaminated, if necessary, before the User has left the University.

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Personnel Monitoring

Who is Monitored?

Any person who is working in areas where ionizing radiation is above 170 keV must wear a personnel monitoring badge (see the Appendix for units and conversions). The term "badge" indicates a body badge and a finger ring-badge. The type of badge worn will be determined by the type of ionizing radiation present. The RSO will help one decide which is best for the situation. Additionally, pregnant women working in areas where ionizing radiation is used are monitored with a special fetal monitoring badge. (See the Appendix for the Fetal Health Policy and sections on Pregnant Workers.)

Exposure - Regulatory Limits

The annual limit for an individual is a total effective dose equivalent of 5 rem (0.05 Sv). The annual limits to the lens of the eye is a dose equivalent of 15 rem (0.15 Sv), and a shallow dose equivalent of 50 rem to the skin and any extremity (see the Appendix for units and conversions).

Any one under the age of 18 has an annual limit of 10% of those exposures described above.

How to wear a badge

Personnel monitoring badges should be worn at the position on the body where the exposure is potentially the most critical. Therefore, body badges should be worn on the torso at belt level. Finger badges should be worn on the hand closest to the radioactive source, tag facing in. Do not expose badges to direct sunlight or moisture. Report lost or damaged badges immediately to the RSO.

How to order a badge

Requests for personnel monitoring badges are made at the Radiation Safety Office. A Radiation Training/Badge Request must be filled out to order a badge. Usually this is completed at the time the person completes the Radiation Safety Training course. It takes several days to receive the badge after the request has been received, so allow at least two weeks for delivery. When ready, the badge will be placed on the Badge Rack in the appropriate work area.

Requests for exposure history

Records of exposure are confidential information. However, it is the right of the individual to review their exposure history at any time. To ensure that the records for the limits of exposure are kept, CSUF will request a previous exposure history from previous employers. Similarly, future employers may request exposure histories for personnel who were badged while at CSUF.

Pregnant workers

It is the policy at CSUF to limit radiation exposure to every pregnant student or employee and her fetus. The limits of exposure and the exact policy is given in the Appendix.

Women are monitored during pregnancy with a special fetal monitoring badge. However, in order for a pregnant woman to be monitored, she must declare her pregnancy in writing. While this is not required, it is strongly encouraged for the health and safety of both the woman and her fetus.

Scans and Bioassays

Scans of the thyroid are performed for iodinizations. Scans are done before and after each experiment with unbound Iodine and recorded in the Radiation Safety Office.

Bioassays are performed in the case where large amounts (>1 millicurie) of tritium (H-3) are used, or in cases of suspected accidental exposure. Urine analysis will be conducted under the guidance of the RSO and recorded in the Radiation Safety Office.

Any other types of bioassays will be determined by the RSO.

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Participation of Minors (Persons Under 18 Years)

Regulations concerning minors require that annual exposure levels be kept to a maximum of 10% of an adult's limits. Therefore, the access of minors in radiation areas must be restricted. Additionally, a "Consent to Participate" form must be signed by the parent or guardian.

Receipt of Materials and Machines

Ordering

All orders of radioactive material or radiation-producing equipment must be approved by the Radiation Safety Officer, or designated representative, before any order can be placed. Approvals are marked with a stamp and signature from the RSO (or designated representative) on the Purchase Requisition.

The Radiation Safety staff must be notified of the arrival date of the material to ensure that personnel are available to receive and check in the material. This is especially critical because all shipments of radioactive material are no longer delivered to the Radiation Safety Office.

Check-in and receipt

All radioactive material shipments are picked up directly by RSO staff from the Shipping and Receiving Department and processed.

The RSO staff will check the packaging and material for leaks, record the receipt of the material and deliver the material to the User with its respective Inventory Sheet. Each vial of material will have its own Inventory Sheet and unique inventory number.

X-ray equipment shall be tested for leaks during the highest energy level of expected operation before that equipment is used for experiments.

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Transfer, Transportation of Materials or Machines

Around campus

Liquid radioactive materials are of the greatest concern when moving them from one location to another. Transportation must include a stable cart (if the item is large), and a double containment system. Placing a vial inside a sealed plastic container is a good example.

To and from campus

Items can only be delivered to campus via a regulated carrier. Some situations allow Users to transport small quantities of radioactive material. Users must notify and get approval from the RSO before any transportation of material takes place.

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Storge and Security

These guidelines shall be followed when choosing a place to store radioactive materials:

  • Areas must be locked when unattended.
  • Refrigerators, cabinets and freezer must have a Radioactive Materials sticker on the outside.
  • A Radioactive Materials or Ionizing Radiation sticker or sign must be posted on the outside of each room where radioactive material is stored or used.
  • No food or drink may be stored or consumed where radioactive materials are stored or used.

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Waste

Procedures

The RHB requires that the University keep track of all of their radioactive waste. This requires a concerted, conscientious effort. The RSO must keep accurate records, but this also depends upon Users and their students providing accurate waste information. All waste must be labeled with the nuclide, quantity, date disposed and name of generator. A copy of the Waste Flow sheet is found in the Appendix.

Transportation of Radioactive waste on campus is done only by the RSO or RSO staff. To order a waste pick-up, call RS Office to report the nature of the waste and its location. A waste flow sheet MUST be attached to the container, otherwise it will not be picked up.

Liquid (Aqueous) waste

Liquid radioactive waste must be placed in carboys (10 to 20 liter plastic containers) provided by the RSO. No organic compounds can be placed in these carboys. Any biological waste which is mixed in with the radioactive waste must be inactivated with bleach (sodium hypochlorite) before being placed in the carboys.

Solid waste

All solid waste must be placed in plastic containers supplied by the RSO. NO LIQUID can go into the solid waste containers. Make every effort to extract as much liquid from the bottom of tubes before disposal of the tubes. Any extraordinary or unusual items (other than the usual gloves, paper and pipet tips) must be noted on the Waste Flow Sheet.

Sharps waste

Sharps waste are special solid waste. All sharps (syringes, Pasteur pipets, scalpels, etc.) must be placed in special cardboard containers supplied by the RSO. It is not necessary to classify plastic pipet tips as sharps waste. DO NOT PUT SHARPS IN WITH THE REGULAR SOLID WASTE.

Liquid Scintillation Cocktail, or any organic liquid waste

Vials containing Liquid Scintillation Cocktail must be placed in the drum in the SLC-161D fume hood for disposal. The vials are placed in the drum still capped. DO NOT OPEN THEM. Make sure that the Flow Sheet on the drum is filled out and the name or type of scintillation cocktail is noted.

All other organic waste must be dealt with on a case by case basis by the RSO. Call the RSO for specific instructions.

Animal carcasses

Animal carcasses as well as smaller pieces of animal tissue are placed in plastic bags for disposal. Clearly label the outside of the bag with the nuclide, amount, date and User's name. Call RSO for pick-up of the carcasses.

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Radioactive Material Inventory

Individual users must maintain records of receipt and disposal of their materials and equipment at all times. The records of these materials are kept by the Radiation Safety Officer and are sent to the Users twice a year to update inventories. It is the responsibility of the User to ensure that the records are correct and kept up to date.

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Naturally Occuring Radioactive Materials (NORM)

Definition and Use

NORM is a term used to define naturally occurring radioactive materials that may have experienced some kind of technological enhancement. Human activity can enhance NORM so that its composition, concentration, availability or proximity to people is altered. The term NORM is used when the naturally occurring radionuclide present is in sufficient quantities to require radiological protection to the public or the environment. The depleted uranium present in uranyl acetate is an example of NORM.

Disposal

NORM waste is considered radioactive waste and is subject to the same regulations as all other types of radioactive waste. Containers must be clearly labeled with the chemical name, lab room number and person generating the waste. Call RSO for pick up.

Animal Use Guidelines

Work Area

Work with animals must be conducted in a secure area. The entrance to the work area must be clearly posted with a Radioactive Materials sign and locked at all times. The area must be lined with absorbent paper where practical, and monitored upon exit from each phase of an experiment.

Upon completion of the experiment, the area will be wipe-tested by the RSO or RSO staff and certified as "clean" or, non-contaminated, before the area can be released for other work.

Waste Handling

All waste will be handled as described in the Waste Procedures.

Prior approval

Work with animals must be a part of the User's RUA, as approved by the RSC. Additional approval must be granted by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.

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Radiation Work Areas

Designation

All areas where ionizing radioactivity or radiation is present must be marked with signs bearing the Radioactive symbol and the specific hazard (i.e., Radioactive Materials, X-rays, etc.)

Inspections

The RSO shall inspect areas used for ionizing radiation and radiation-producing machines on an on-going basis. Problems or concerns will be discussed immediately with the Users. Formal annual inspections will be performed by the RSO and subsequently reviewed by the Users.

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Lab Safety Rules

General Guidelines

It is important to maintain good work habits and safe laboratory techniques. Good science comes from controlled, well-managed procedures. The following procedures should apply to any area where hazardous materials are used or stored, but they especially apply to work with radioactive material or sources:

  • All work areas and equipment must be clearly labeled with radiation warning signs.
  • If required, always wear the personnel monitoring badge while working with or around radioactive material or radiation-producing devices.
  • No eating, drinking or applying cosmetics (especially lip or eye products) in the work areas.

Specific rules for unsealed sources (liquids, solids)
  • No mouth-pipetting of any liquid is permitted - no exceptions.
  • Equipment used in radiation work areas shall not leave that area until wipe-tested and determined to be free of contamination.
  • Bench paper must be placed (absorbent side up) in the work areas.
  • Use mechanical devices or remote handling devices when appropriate to reduce exposure to extremities.
  • Practice new techniques without radioactive material before conducting the actual experiment.
  • Use trays under work areas where liquids could spill beyond the absorbent paper.
  • Move materials between areas in sealed containers to prevent spillage.
  • Survey work areas and hands often while working with radioactive material, but especially before leaving the work area.
  • Always wear a lab coat, impermeable gloves and eye protection when working with radioactive material. Dispose of used gloves in the appropriate radioactive solid waste container.
  • Work with volatile substances, such as isotopes of Iodine, must be performed in an approved fume hood.
  • Wash hands before leaving the work area.

Specific rules for sealed sources
  • Store sources in clearly marked containers.
  • Sources must be accounted for after each use and returned to their storage containers.
  • Some sources require periodic leak testing. Check with RSO to see which sources must be tested.

Specific rules for x-ray units
  • Enter the Start and Stop times in the machine's User's Log every time you operate the x-ray unit.
  • Check for stray x-rays any time adjustments are made to the unit. Document the results in the User's Log.
  • X-ray units must be clearly marked with radiation warning signs.
  • The safety override key must be stored in a secure location and must not be left in the unit.

Appropriate Apparel; Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Persons working with removable (liquid) radioactive material must wear lab coats, gloves and eye protection. Shoes must cover the entire foot and preferably made of non-permeable fabric (i.e., leather). Shorts can be worn provided the lab coat is sufficiently long enough to cover the leg down to the knee and buttons down to the bottom button.

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Labeling

Description

Areas where ionizing radiation or radiation-producing equipment is present must have warning placards on all the entrances to the areas.

All work areas, equipment, containers, storage units and any other devices that could potentially be contaminated with or contain radioactive material must be labeled with the standard yellow and magenta signs or labels.

All radioactive material that is transferred from the original shipping container must be placed in a secondary container with radioactive tape and the radionuclide, quantity and date marked on it.

Restrictions

It is unlawful to place radiation warning signs where radiation does not exist.

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Routine Surveys

Types

There are two basic types of surveys that are conducted to detect the presence of radioactive contamination. One is performed by the Survey Meter, which is commonly called a Geiger Counter (see the Appendix for "How a Geiger Counter Works"). This type of survey is used for gamma-emitting and middle-to-high energy Beta-emitting nuclides (150 keV or greater) and X-rays. Surveys with Survey Meters must be employed with very slow movements close to the areas or items being tested.

The second type of survey is the wipe test that is analyzed in a Liquid Scintillation Counter (LSC). It is the ONLY method used to survey for H-3, but it can be used for any nuclide (see the Appendix for Conducting Surveys).

Requirements of the Principal Investigator (PI)

It is the responsibility of the PI that surveys of radiation work areas are conducted weekly, or at the end of the experiment, whichever is more frequent. These surveys must be documented in the User's Log. It is good lab practice to survey frequently during the day, especially when leaving the work area. Surveys that are "more frequent" do not have to be recorded, but are a good practice.

Surveys by RSO Staff

Wipe tests of work areas are conducted regularly by the RSO staff. The frequency of the surveys (weekly or quarterly) is dependent upon the type of work conducted in the area. The frequency will be determined by the RSO.

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Equipment

Types

When possible, survey meters will be issued to PI's. They are the property of the RSO, but are loaned out to Users. Any cost incurred because of damage to the meters is the responsibility of the PI. Regular maintenance and repair is the responsibility of the RSO.

Calibration

Regardless of ownership, the RSO staff will calibrate all meters annually. Calibration data will be clearly marked on stickers on the meter and, where applicable, the probe. Meters that cannot be adjusted within acceptable response ranges will be taken out of service and repaired.

Emergencies: Spills and Exposures

Emergencies

In an emergency, stop and assess the situation. Know what the emergency procedures are for your work area, and decide what you are capable of doing. Always notify your supervisor, the RSO and (after hours) the University Police.

Injuries

In situations involving injury with removable (liquid) radioactive material, the injury should take priority. Isolate the area to prevent the spread of contamination, keep the injured person in the work area, and make sure that emergency personnel know that radioactive materials are present. All injuries must be documented, no matter how minor. If the injured person is taken to the University's Student Health Center, the paperwork will automatically be filled out. If the injured person does not go to the Health Center, it is the responsibility of the supervisor to make sure that the Injury Form is completed. Forms are available from the RSO or the Environmental Health & Safety Office in T-14.

Spills

Spills of radioactive liquids or solids must be cleaned up immediately. Small spills are often absorbed onto the absorbent bench paper. The contaminated bench paper can then be cut out and placed into the solid radioactive waste container. Larger spills must be handled with more care. Large volumes of liquid can splash great distances away from the spill and easily seep into cracks between benches or tiles. If a spill involves splashing onto an individual, keep the contaminated person inside the work area. All spills, however, regardless of size, are taken seriously and are treated the same way:

  • Isolate the spill area. Do not allow traffic through the spill area until the area has been thoroughly decontaminated. Post signs to alert others of the spill.
  • Ask for assistance, if necessary. Ask others to help you isolate the area and seek help if you need it. If you are alone, carefully leave the spill area to minimize spreading contamination then call the RSO for assistance. After hours, or the RSO cannot be immediately reached, call the University Police and report the situation. They will contact the RSO.
  • If equipment has been contaminated during a spill, make sure the equipment is clearly labeled to alert others that contamination is present.
  • Spills with appreciable amount of liquid should be cleaned up with paper towels. Wring out the moisture from the towels as much as possible into the liquid radioactive waste carboy, then put the towels into the solid radioactive waste containers. DO NOT PLACE DRIPPING-WET PAPER TOWELS INTO THE SOLID RADIOACTIVE WASTE CONTAINERS. Drain all access moisture into the liquid waste carboys, if possible.
  • IN ALL SITUATIONS, notify the RSO of the spill. The RSO will assist in assessing the situation and will perform a final survey of the area to verify that it has been thoroughly decontaminated.

Exposures

Accidental exposures can occur in several ways: inhalation, ingestion, direct skin contact and by X-rays. Make sure you are familiar with all of the radioactive materials and the other hazardous materials with which you are working so that you can best describe your injury and potential exposure to emergency personnel.

For external skin exposures (such as a splash from a liquid), immediately rinse the affected area with copious amounts of water. Rinse for several minutes, then wash thoroughly with soap. Notify your supervisor and the RSO to assess the treatment. A contamination assessment of the sink that was used to rinse the exposed area will also be performed.

Exposure from inhalation, ingestion and X-rays are all handled differently. Contact your supervisor and the RSO, then seek medical attention immediately.

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Phone Numbers (Area Code 714)

  • Radiation Safety Officer: 278-2507
  • Radiation Safety Officer (Cell): 366-2446
  • Radiation Safety Office in MH-557: 278-2687
  • Public Safety: 278-2515
  • Emergencies (from campus phones): 911 (*see note)
  • Environmental Health & Instructional Safety (EH&IS): 278-7233
  • Regional Radiologic Health Branch, Brea: 257-2025

*NOTE: Use campus phones for all emergencies on campus. "911" calls from campus phones will go directly to the University Police. Using a cell phone for 911 will connect you to the Orange County 911 emergency response line, who will then need to contact CSUF University Police. Please avoid using cell phones for campus emergency 911 calls unless absolutely necessary.

Appendix

DEFINITIONS

10 CFR 20
Title 10 (Energy) of the Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 1 (Nuclear Regulatory Commission), Part 20 (Standards for Protection Against Radiation). Its purpose is to establish standards for protection against ionizing radiation resulting from activities conducted under licenses issued by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. It guides the receipt, possession, use transfer and disposal of licensed material. These regulations are the "heart" of any radiation safety program.

Title 17
Title 17 (Public Health) of the California Code of Regulations, Division 1 (Dept of Health Services), Subchapter 4 (Radiation). These state regulations define the licensing requirements with which institutions must comply to receive a Radioactive Material License.

NRC
Nuclear Regulatory Commission

DOHS
Dept. of Health Services

RHB
Radiologic Health Branch

Broad Scope B License
The type of license issued to California State University Fullerton by the State of California DOHS-RHB. It describes the types, amounts, locations and uses allowed on campus, as well as the person(s) responsible for administering the license.

Agreement State
California is an Agreement State, which means that the NRC has designated the California DOHS-RHB as the agency to issue licenses to institutions or individuals in the state, under NRC guidelines.

ALARA
As Low As Reasonably Achievable. This is the hallmark of our program that guides all of our actions with radioactive material or equipment.

RSC
Radiation Safety Committee

RSO
Radiation Safety Officer

RUA
Radiation Use Authorization

REM
Radiation or Roentgen Exposure Man (REM). It is the special unit of any of the quantities expressed as dose equivalent. The dose equivalent in rems is equal to the absorbed dose in rads multiplied by the quality factor (1 rem = 0.01 sievert).

Rad
It is the special unit of absorbed dose. One rad is equal to an absorbed dose of 100 ergs/gram or 0.01 joule/kilogram. (1 rad = 0.01 gray)

Sievert
Symbol Sv; it is the SI unit of any of the quantities expressed as dose equivalent. The dose equivalent in sieverts is equal to the absorbed dose in grays multiplied by the qualify factor (1Sv = 100 rems). The quality factors are listed in 10CFR20, tables 1004(b).l and 1004(b).2 of Section 20.1004.

Gray
Symbol Gy; it is the SI unit of absorbed dose. One gray is equal to an absorbed dose of 1 Joule/kilogram (100 rads).

PPE
Personal Protective Equipment. Refers to lab coats, eye protection, gloves and covered footwear.

LSC
Liquid Scintillation Counter

Radionuclide
Any species of radioactive atoms without reference to a particular element. Examples are C-14, H-3, P-32, etc.

Isotope
Atoms of a single element, but having different numbers of neutrons. Hydrogen, for example, has 2 isotopes: H-2 (deuterium) that is not radioactive and H-3 (tritium) that is radioactive (a radioisotope).

Radioisotope
Radioactive atoms of a single element that have different numbers of neutrons. P-32 and P-33 are radioactive isotopes of Phosphorous.

CPM
Count per minute. The amount of radioactivity, as measured by some instrument. CPM’s cannot be directly calculated to a Unit of measure (such as a Curie or Becquerel) without knowing the efficiency of the instrument.

DPM
Disintegrations per minute. The amount of radioactivity that can be calculated into a Unit of measure (such as a Curie or Becquerel).

1 DPM = 4.505 x 10-7 microcuries. See INFORMATION page for more conversions.

INFORMATION

Conversions from Curies to Becquerels
Becquerels are the SI units of radioactivity.

1 Becquerel = 1 disintegration per second (dps).

Curies are the historical unit of measure for radioactivity, and still more commonly used.

1 Curie = 3.7 x 1010 dps (or becquerels), or

2.22 x 1012 disintegrations per minute (dpm)

Conversions from cpm’s to millicuries
cpm's are Counts per minute and are dependent upon the counting efficiency of the instrument. For example, if the counting efficiency of the meter is 20% for P-32 and it reads 100 cpm, it means that you are really measuring 500 dpm.

Once you know how many dpm’s there are in your sample, you can use the conversion above to convert to Curies (or microcuries, etc.)

More helpful units
1 millicurie (mCi) = 2.22 x 109 dpm

1 microcurie (uCi) = 2.22 x 106 dpm

1 dpm = 4.505 x 10-10 mCi

1 dpm = 4.505 x 10-7 uCi

Occupational Dose Limits (10CFR20) (Annual Limits)
For Adults:

Whole body: total effective dose equivalent: 5 rems (0.05 Sv)

Lens of the eye: 15 rems

Skin or any extremity: 50 rems

For Minors:

1/10 of an adult’s limits

The ABG’s (Alpha, Beta, Gamma’s) of Radioactivity
The nucleus of a radioactive atom disintegrates, or decays, by various methods. The three most encountered in research labs at CSUF are alpha particles, beta particles and gamma rays or photons.

Alpha particles: Large (2 protons and 2 neutrons) particles, with a large amount of discrete energy, in MeV. A gamma ray is usually emitted at the same time.

Beta particles: Small electron-sized particles, with a range of energies, in keV to MeV. Gamma rays may or may not be emitted.

Gamma rays: Electromagnetic radiation whose discrete energies range from 0.2 to 1.5 MeV. They are emitted from the nucleus during radioactive decay.

X-rays: Electromagnetic radiation has a similar energy range to that of gamma rays. Their difference lies in the fact that X-rays are emitted from outside the nucleus and they can have several energies.

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March 2002
Sue Fisher
Radiation Safety Officer
T-14P; PH: 714-278-2507