X‐Ray User Safety Training
University of Houston
Radiation Safety
713‐743‐5858
www.uh.edu/ehls
Why Do We Study Radiation Effects?
Safety
• Compliance
• Knowledge
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History
• November 8, 1895
• X Rays Discovered by W.K. Röntgen
• January, 1896
• First diagnostic x‐ray
• First x‐ray injury
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Types of Radiation
• Ionizing Radiation ‐ Radiation that interacts with matter to form ions
‐ Examples: x‐rays, gamma (), alpha (α), beta(β–), Positrons (β+), neutrons, protons, heavy nuclei
• Non‐Ionizing Radiation ‐ Radiation that does not form ions when interacting with matter
‐ Examples: microwaves, heat, light (lasers), UV, IR
Sources of Background Radiation
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Natural
~ 310 mrem
- Radon
- Cosmic ray
- Rocks and Soil
- Food and drink
~ 200 mrem
~ 35 mrem
~ 40 mrem
~ 35 mrem
Man‐made ‐ Medical
‐ Consumer products
‐ Research
~ 315 mrem
Total Background Radiation 625 mrem/year
~ 300 mrem ~ 13 mrem
~ 2 mrem
Radiation exposure comparison
• Medical
‐ CT (CAT Scan)
1,000 mrem
‐ Chest, Mammography
10 mrem
• Internal and External Background Radiation at Sea Level
‐ Internal (diet)
0.004 mrem per hour
‐ Internal (radon)
0.023 mrem per hour
‐ External
0.009 mrem per hour
• Airline Passenger Dose
‐ High Altitude Flight
0.5 mrem per hour
‐ Average 30,000 feet flight 0.003 mrem per hour
• Body Scanner
Typically 0.003 mrem per scan 2
X‐rays
• X‐rays are electromagnetic radiation
• Röntgen described x‐rays as a new form of light
• More penetrating than visible light
• Virtually unattenuated in air
• Shielded with higher atomic number materials, such as lead
Transmission X‐rays
• X‐rays are absorbed by dense materials, such as bone or metal, to create an image on a receptor Backscatter X‐rays
• Low energy x‐rays are scattered from low density material to create an image on receptor 3
Bremsstrahlung
• An electromagnetic radiation generated when negatively charged electrons in motion are deflected by positively charged atomic nuclei
• The deflection of the electrons involves loss of kinetic energy (velocity)
• This energy loss is promptly emitted as electromagnetic radiation (X‐rays) called bremsstrahlung, a German word meaning "braking radiation" (referring to the deceleration of electrons as the cause of the radiation)
• Bremsstrahlung is the main source of X‐rays produced by diagnostic X‐ray tubes.
Exposure
• Defined only for photons, not for other types of radiation
• Traditional unit ‐ röntgen or roentgen (R)
• SI unit ‐ C/kg
• Comparison
• 1 R = 2.54 x 10‐4 C/kg
• 1 C/kg = 3876 R
Absorbed Dose and Dose Equivalent
• Results from all types of radiation
• Absorbed Dose
Traditional unit ‐ rad
SI unit ‐ gray (Gy) Comparison
1 Gy = 100 rad
1 rad = 0.01 Gy
• Dose Equivalent
Traditional unit ‐ rem
SI unit ‐ sievert (Sv)
Comparison
1 Sv = 100 rem
1 rem = 0.01 Sv
Absorbed dose x Radiation Weighting Factor = Dose Equivalent
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Biological Effects
• Radiation causes damage in tissue
• No adverse effects have been found in humans from low level exposure
• Effects depend on many factors
‐ The dose
‐ The portion of body exposed
‐ The rate at which exposure was accumulated
‐ The health of the person
Biological Effects of Radiation
Biological Effects of Radiation
• Chronic Dose – Primary Concern is Later Stochastic Effects
• An individual receives a dose over an extended period
• Chronic dose may cause cancer or genetic defects
• Cataracts (a deterministic effect) resulting from doses to the lenses of the eyes
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Biological Effects of Radiation
• Acute Dose – Primarily Concern is Early Deterministic Effects
• Stochastic Effects Later in Life
• An individual receives a large, short‐term, dose. Early deterministic effects may be observed within a few minutes to days
• Acute primary doses from analytical x‐ray beams are limited to small areas. Whole body acute doses are not possible.
• Most common injuries are to skin or eyes
• Same long term hazard as equal chronic dose
Acute dose (continued)
• Acute Radiation Syndrome ‐ Deterministic Effect
• symptoms : nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, general malaise, loss of appetite, infections, fever, hemorrhage, and sometimes death
• These early effects only occur for massive doses, which are usually a result of industrial accidents or war‐related exposures
ALARA
• The guiding principle behind radiation protection is that radiation exposures should be kept “As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA)”
• Economic and social factors are taken into account
• Radiation doses for both workers and the public are typically kept lower than their regulatory limits 6
Protection From External Sources
• Achieving ALARA
• Time
• Distance
• Shielding
Time
• Decrease the amount of time you spend near the source of radiation, and decrease the amount of radiation exposure you receive
Distance
• The farther away you are from a radiation source, the less exposure you will receive
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Shielding
• Used when time and distance are not enough
X‐Ray Fluorescence
• Known as XRF
• Emission from secondary X‐ray from material that is being bombarded with high energy x‐rays or gamma rays
• Offers relatively low‐cost of sample preparation, stability and ease of use.
• Widely used for elemental or chemical analysis
‐ Investigation of metals
‐ Geochemistry research
‐ Forensics
‐ Archaeology
X‐ray Fluorescence ‐ Enclosed System
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X‐ray Diffraction System (XRD) • A common x‐ray technique used for analysis
• Measures average spacing between layers or rows of atoms
• Determines the orientation of a single crystal or grain
• Find the crystal structure of an unknown atom
• Can measure the size, shape and internal stress of small crystalline regions
X‐ray Diffraction (XRD) Enclosed Systems
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X‐Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy
• Known as XPS
• A quantitative spectroscopic technique
• Measuring the kinetic energy and number of electrons that escape from the top surface of the material • XPS requires ultra high vacuum conditions
• Widely used for elemental or chemical analysis
‐ Elemental composition of the surface
‐ Empirical formula of pure materials
‐ Chemical or electronic state
‐ Uniformity of elemental composition
X‐Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy
Electrical Hazard
• Electrocution
• Cooling unit‐ heat
• Power unit‐ electrical transformer‐ PCB contamination‐ disposal/ EPA regulations
before 1976
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Personnel Monitoring Devices
• If issued, dosimeters must be worn when working with sources of radiation
• The radiation badge should only be worn by the individual whose name is on the badge • Dosimeters are exchanged quarterly • Dosimetry records are kept by the Radiation Safety Officer for inspection
• A dose assessment is required for lost or damaged badges • Radiation workers receiving radiation badges must fill out a Radiation Badge Request Form and send it to Radiation Safety at EHLS‐1005 Personnel Monitoring Procedures and Guidelines
• The radiation badge should always be worn when working with X‐rays
• The radiation badges should be kept in a location free from radiation exposure when not in use
• DO not take badges out of the building/campus
• If a badge is lost or damaged, notify the Radiation Safety Officer immediately for a replacement badge
• Do not experiment with a radiation badge by exposing it deliberately to radiation or in an x‐ray beam
• The radiation badge is only for occupational exposure measurement
Personnel Monitoring Devices
• Whole Body Dosimeter
• Wear on your trunk between your waist and your collar
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Personnel Monitoring Devices
• Extremities Dosimeter
• Wear on the hand you use most often with the label side facing the x‐ray source
Maximum Permissible Exposure Limits
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Whole Body
Any individual organ or tissue Eye Skin or extremity
Minor (Under 18 years old) Individual member of public Embryo/Fetus (During pregnancy) 5 rem/year
50 rem/year
15 rem/year
50 rem/year
0.5 rem/year
0.1 rem/year
0.5 rem/10 months Personnel Monitoring Procedures and Guidelines
• A pregnant radiation worker is required by law to voluntarily declare, in writing, to her employer of her pregnancy and give the estimated date of conception • This is accomplished via the Radiation Safety Officer • A monthly fetal badge will be issued to be worn at the waist and the dose will be monitored during the entire pregnancy as stipulated in the State Radiation Regulations • A pregnant radiation worker may undeclare the declaration, in writing, to her employer any time during the pregnancy without explanation
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Survey Meters
• G‐M Portable Survey Meter
• Responds to the radiation from a radionuclide source or a machine source
• Usually has a meter display and an audible tone
• Two types of probes
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Pancake Probe
• A pancake probe is used to locate defects in shielding
• Measurements are qualitative
• Do no use a pancake probe to measure exposure rate
Survey Techniques
• Surveys for Shielding Defects and Leaks
‐ Check the background ‐ Proceed slowly ‐ Hold the probe close to the surface ‐ Survey in all directions, on and off the beam path
‐ If count rate is more than twice background, contact the Radiation Safety Officer immediately
Energy Compensated Probe
• Use an energy compensated probe to measure exposure rate
• Not effective for locating small shielding defects
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Survey Techniques
• Surveys for Exposure Rate
‐ Check the background ‐ Proceed slowly toward source of radiation ‐ If exposure rate is more than 2 mR/h in an accessible area, contact the Radiation Safety Officer immediately
Calibration
• Instruments must be calibrated at least once every calendar year
• Do not use if past calibration date
• Contact the RSO if your instrument is not functioning properly or out of calibration
Preventing Unnecessary Exposure
• Know location and/or presence of primary and diffracted beams AT ALL TIMES
• Do not perform maintenance without confirming that the tube is not energized
• Do not attempt to modify devices
• Follow written instructions
• Perform a safety device check at least monthly
• Survey unit whenever relocated or reconfigured
• Don’t put your body parts in the beam
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X‐rays and Injuries
• Close beam x‐ray units have almost no potential injuries.
• Analytical x‐ray diffraction equipment has the potential to generate high intensity ionizing radiation
• Most frequently reported injuries, in cases of accidental exposure, are severe injury to the upper extremities (hands and fingers)
Main Causes of Accidents
• Poor equipment configuration
‐ unused beam ports not covered
• Manipulation of equipment when energized
‐ adjustments or realignments when x‐ray beam is on
• Equipment failure
‐ shutter failure, warning light failure
• Inadequate training or failure to follow procedures
‐ incorrect use of equipment, overriding interlocks
Basic X‐ray Safety Guidelines
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Designated Responsible Operator
Authorized User Training
Operational Procedures Records Engineering Protection Systems
Surveillance Program
Signage 16
Basic X‐ray Safety Guidelines
Equipment Safety Practices • Ports ‐ All unused ports must be securely closed to prevent accidental opening.
• Interlocks ‐ All interlocks on the x‐ray machine must be functional and in operation. Bypassing should only be performed by the designated responsible operator and only during alignments and equipment changes as required. • Alignments ‐ Alignments should be performed at minimal settings and only by the designated responsible operator. Only specially trained personnel should perform alignments.
• Maintenance ‐ Maintenance should only be performed by trained qualified individuals or by the manufacturer’s designated personnel. • Lights ‐ Analytical x‐ray machine warning lights must have failsafe characteristics.
• Beam Stops ‐ The x‐ray beam must be terminated within the enclosure at all times.
Emergency Procedures
• In the event of an emergency, if possible:
‐ Turn the unit off.
‐ Remove the key.
• Report the emergency to your PI.
• If the unit cannot be turned off, warn others in the area to leave, evacuate the area, and notify, public safety, and RSO in accordance with your emergency plan.
Incident Notification
• Individuals working with radiation must assume the responsibility for their own safety and must ensure that their actions do not result in a hazard to others.
• In the event of a suspected or known exposure, immediately stop work and notify your Principal Investigator and the Radiation Safety Officer. • If it is determined that there is an acute localized exposure, seek medical attention as soon as possible. 17
Emergency Information
• EHLS office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. ‐ 5:00 p.m.
• For assistance with a radiation emergency or incident during normal office hours call EHLS. • In the event of an after hours radiation emergency, contact the UHDPS. EHLS maintains an on‐call mechanism to provide expertise in the event of an after hours situation requiring assistance.
• emergency information is available in the Radiation Safety Manual at http://www.uh.edu/ehls • If you call after normal office hours about a non‐emergency incident, you may leave pertinent information on EHLS’s telephone voicemail system.
Emergency Telephone Numbers
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EHLS
(713) 743‐5858
RSO (713) 743‐5867
ARSO
(713) 743‐5870
HP
(713) 743‐5860
Health Center
(713) 743‐5151
DPS (Emergency) 911
DPS (Non‐Emergency) (713) 743‐3333
Protection & Regulations
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Regulatory Agencies
• Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)
• Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) (Agreement State)
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)
• Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
X‐ray Regulations
• 25 TEXAS ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
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289.226 Radiation Machine registration
289.227 Radiation Machine Registration in healing arts
289.228 Radiation safety for Radiation Machines
289.229 Safety for Accelerator, and Therapeutic radiation machines
‐ 289.231 Standard protection for machine produced radiation
‐ 289.233 Radiation Machines used in Vet Medicine
Radiation Safety Training Requirements
• All PIs and AUs of radioactive material, Class IIIb and IV lasers, X‐ray machines, must attend and pass the applicable radiation safety training course
• There is a test with each course which requires at least 70% to pass. If you do not pass, you can retake the test after additional study. This test is used to fulfill the requirement for users to demonstrate competence.
• Completion is not enough to become an Authorized User and start radiation work. You must be specifically added by your Principal Investigator to the sublicense or subregistration.
• Online Annual Refresher Training is required for all PIs and AUs of Radioactive material, Class IIIb and IV lasers, X‐ray machines. There is a test with each course which requires at least 80% to pass. 19
Signs and Postings
Posting Requirements
Notice to Employee
Emergency Contact
Caution X‐ray Sign
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Personnel Requirements
• No person shall be permitted to operate or maintain radiation machines unless such person has received instruction in general x‐ray safety • All Authorized Users including the Principal Investigator must attend and pass the UH X‐ray Safety Course. (Annual refresher course)
• The Principal Investigator must provide specific training for the use of the x‐ray machine and associated radiation hazards. Security
• Radiation Machines shall be secured from unauthorized removal. Devices and/or administrative procedures shall be used to prevent unauthorized use of radiation machines.
Break
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• UH Radiation Safety Policies/Procedures • Applicable Regulations
Radiation Safety Training
Conditional Approval
• Conditional approval as an Authorized User may be granted by the RSO to an applicant, prior to completing the full course due to working demands, if they:
• provide documentation of adequate radiation safety training and experience and, • successfully complete the applicable radiation safety refresher training course.
• That helps to be familiar with UH policies
• Conditional approval, is temporary until the full course is completed. Approval will be revoked if the full course is not completed as scheduled. Radiation Safety Manual
• Purpose ‐ The purpose of the Radiation Safety Manual is to assist personnel, students, and management in complying with the State Radiation Regulations and the Radiation Safety Program.
• Intent ‐ This Radiation Safety Manual is not intended to be an exhaustive or fully comprehensive reference, but rather a guide for Principal Investigators and Authorized Users.
• Authority ‐ The Radiation Safety Manual is an enforceable component of the Radioactive Material Broad Scope License and Radiation Producing Devices Registrations under which the University of Houston is authorized.
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Radiation Safety Program
• Objective ‐ The objective of the Radiation Safety Program is to assist all levels of management in fulfilling the commitment at the University of Houston to provide a place of employment and learning which is as free as possible from recognized radiation hazards. • Safety ‐ The Radiation Safety Program safeguards the health and well being of the University of Houston community and the community‐at‐large from the potentially harmful effects of radiation. Radiation Safety Program
• Practice ‐ This is accomplished by maintaining compliance with applicable Federal, State, and University regulations and through the establishment of good health physics work practices at the University of Houston.
• Application ‐ The Radiation Safety Program applies to all persons who purchase, possess, transfer, store, use, or handle radioactive material in any amount, licensed or unlicensed, and/or radiation producing devices, registered or unregistered, at the University of Houston.
Radiation Safety Program
• Requirements ‐ The University of Houston requires that all users of radioactive material or radiation producing devices on the campus receive radiation safety training, be approved by the Radiation Safety Officer and authorized by the Radiation Safety Committee, and comply with UH policies & applicable regulatory requirements in order to ensure that all radiation exposure levels are maintained “As Low As Reasonably Achievable”.
• Staff ‐ Radiation Safety is staffed by the Radiation Safety Manager/Radiation Safety Officer, the Assistant Radiation Safety Officer, a Health Physicists and other support personnel
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Radiation Safety Program
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Broad Scope Radioactive Material License
X‐ray Registration
Laser Registration – Class IIIb & IV Lasers
The Radiation Safety Officer, the Radiation Safety Committee, and the Vice President of Research, together, are required by regulatory authority to oversee and administer all aspects of the Radiation Safety Program at UH
Radiation Safety Responsibilities
• Radiation Safety Committee ‐ Technical Expertise, Approve Facilities and Usage, Review Radiation Safety Program, Support RSO
• Radiation Safety Officer and Staff ‐ Radiation Safety Manuals, Audits and Lab Reviews, Incident Investigations, Health Physics Services and operations, PI Consultations and Technical Support
• Principal Investigators – Compliance, AUs Safety and Instruction
• Authorized Users‐ Work Safely, Follow the Rules
General X‐ray and Radiation Produced Devices 24
Guide to Permitting at UH
Preliminary Project Plan [Research activity, equipment, laboratory…]
Declaration of Intent to RSO/ RSC
Facility Design Review and Permits‐ EHLS Dept
/ Institutional Committees.
Lab renovation/ build‐
out, Equipment procurement/ Applicable safety Equipment
Site ready for installation, Research proposal developed. Training for PI/ AU
Initial Application submitted to RSC via RSO
Equipment Installation, Testing/ Training (manufacturer) and Calibration
Final Proposal approval by RSC, unit registration with State agency
Operation and Monitoring Equipment Requirements
• A safety device shall be provided on all open‐beam configurations.
• Open‐beam configurations shall be provided with a visible indication of: x‐
ray tube status (ON‐OFF) located near the radiation source housing, if the primary beam is controlled in this manner; and/or shutter status (OPEN‐
CLOSED) located near each port on the radiation source housing, if the primary beam is controlled in this manner.
• The x‐ray control shall provide indication whenever x‐rays are produced.
• Warning devices shall be labeled so that their purpose is easily identified and shall have fail‐safe characteristics.
• Bypassing Interlocks/Fail‐safe Lighting
• Unused ports on radiation machine source housings shall be secured in the closed position in a manner which will prevent inadvertent opening. Equipment Requirements
• Each registrant shall ensure that each radiation machine is labeled in a conspicuous manner to caution individuals that radiation is produced when energized. • The label shall be affixed in a clearly visible location on the face of the control unit.
• On open‐beam configurations, each port on the radiation source housing shall be equipped with a shutter that cannot be opened unless a collimator or a coupling has been connected to the port.
• Each x‐ray tube housing shall be equipped with an interlock that shuts off the tube if it is removed from the radiation source housing or if the housing is disassembled.
• Each x‐ray generator shall be supplied with a protective cabinet that limits leakage radiation measured at a distance of 5 centimeters from its surface such that it is not capable of producing a dose in excess of 0.5 millirem in any one hour.
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Area Requirements
• The local components of an analytical x‐ray system shall be located and arranged, and shall include sufficient shielding or access control such that no radiation levels exist in any area surrounding the local component group which could result in a dose to an individual present in the area in excess of the dose limits. • Each area or room containing radiation machines shall be conspicuously posted with a sign or signs bearing the radiation symbol and the words “CAUTION ‐ X‐RAY EQUIPMENT,” or words having a similar intent.
• Rooms containing x‐ray machines should be RESTRICTED AREAS.
Area Requirements
• Radiation surveys of all analytical x‐ray systems sufficient to show compliance shall be performed upon;
‐ installation of the equipment; ‐ following any change in the initial arrangement; ‐ following any maintenance requiring the disassembly or removal of a local component in the system; ‐ during the performance of maintenance and alignment procedures, if the procedures require the presence of a primary x‐ray beam when any local component in the system is disassembled or removed; ‐ any time a visual inspection of the local components in the system reveals an abnormal condition; ‐ or whenever personnel monitoring devices show a significant increase over the previous monitoring period or the readings are approaching the radiation dose limits.
Subregistration Application and Amendment Guidelines
• All x‐ray machines and other ionizing radiation devices use at the University of Houston must be approved by the Radiation Safety Officer and authorized by the Radiation Safety Committee • New Principal Investigators must fill out an Application for X‐ray Machine Subregistration and send it to Radiation Safety at EHS‐1005, for review by the Radiation Safety Officer • This subregistration application must include all machines, x‐ray users, and equipment locations
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Subregistration Application and Amendment Guidelines
• Anyone not listed on the subregistration permit must not be allowed to work with the x‐ray machines for any reason
• The information provided on the application will enable Radiation Safety to formulate necessary safety measures and assist the Principal Investigator in implementation
• Radiation Safety Personnel will perform a compliance inspection prior to allowing x‐ray machine use
Subregistration Application and Amendment Guidelines
• Authorized Principal Investigators planning to make a change to their subregistration must fill out a X‐ray Machine Subregistration Amendment Form and send it to Radiation Safety at EHS‐1005, for review by the Radiation Safety Officer • This includes additions or deletions to the subregistration
• The Radiation Safety Officer submits all applications to the Radiation Safety Committee for approval Subregistration Application and Amendment Guidelines
• The Radiation Safety Officer may give interim approvals for the Radiation Safety Committee • Approved Principal Investigators will receive an Authorization Permit to work with x‐ray machines, which is proof of radiation authorization at the University of Houston and may be submitted with Grant Proposals • Once authorized, the Principal Investigator will remain so until subregistration termination by the Principal Investigator or revoked by the Radiation Safety Committee for noncompliance
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Procurement Procedures
• X‐ray machines and other ionizing radiation devices must be ordered on a Purchase Requisition that goes through Purchasing per the University of Houston Manual Of Policies and Procedures (MAPP) • All Purchase Requisitions for x‐ray machines and other ionizing radiation devices must be approved in advance by the Radiation Safety Officer
• Transferred equipment and donations must also be notified and approved. • The Radiation Safety Officer will verify that Principal Investigators are authorized for the x‐ray machines and other ionizing radiation devices Procurement Procedures
• Purchase Requisitions may be brought to Environmental Health and Safety located in the General Services Building, Room 183; faxed to 713‐743‐5859; or mailed to EHLS‐1005
• Purchasing will reject orders without the Radiation Safety Officer’s approval • Purchase Requisitions that lack the necessary information, are improperly filled out, or outside the Principal Investigator’s authorization will be returned Procurement Procedures
• X‐ray safety devices should be purchased with the x‐ray machine if necessary and installed with the x‐ray machine when received
• Failure to plan and install safety devices as required will delay the final approval for use of the x‐ray machine
• Purchase Order information must include:
‐ X‐ray Machine, Type, Model and pertinent information
‐ (One X‐ray Machine allowed per Purchase Requisition)
‐ Brief Description or Copy of Brochure
‐ Name of the Principal Investigator
‐ Directions to deliver shipment
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Receipt, Setup, Documents, and Use
• The Radiation Safety Officer must be notified when an x‐ray machine arrives and when it is set up • The Radiation Safety Officer will request an amendment to the State Registration to add the x‐ray machine within 30 days of installation • The Radiation Safety Officer will provide assistance to any Principal Investigator who has special situations
• The Radiation Safety Officer will require specific documentation for review • All records should be clearly identified, neatly organized, and kept together in one location in the lab. Receipt, Setup, Documents, and Use
Documentation
Equipment Manuals
Purchase records*
Receipt/Installation records* (Includes transfers or donations)
Written stand alone operational procedures for each machine including start‐up, shut‐down, safety device by‐pass, alignment, and emergency *
• Calibration, maintenance, and modification records
• Safety devices (interlocks, warning lights, etc.)
• Other requested information
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* Copies of these documents are required to be sent to Radiation Safety at EHLS‐1005
Receipt, Setup, Documents, and Use
• Radiation Safety will inspect the x‐ray machine setup before operation begins • The Principal Investigator may only turn on the x‐ray machine for test procedures in the initial setup • All safety devices must be installed and operational • The Radiation Safety Officer will communicate final approval for use upon full compliance.
• X‐ray machines must be inspected by Radiation Safety at initial installation, after a move, and every time maintenance or modifications affect the beam quality • It is the responsibility of the Principal Investigator to promptly notify Radiation Safety • Door signage will always be supplied and posted by Radiation Safety
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Radiation Facilities Changes and Services
• All obsolete x‐ray machines, lasers, and radiation labeled equipment should also be disposed in consultation with Radiation Safety
• The Labor Crew will not move and Property Management will not accept or dispose of any radiation or radioactive labeled equipment without the prior authorization of Radiation Safety Radiation Facilities Changes and Services
• X‐ray machines cannot be moved, transferred, disposed or scrapped for parts without prior notification and approval of Radiation Safety. • The Principal Investigator must submit an amendment form to delete listed equipment from their subregistration. • Principal Investigators may not transfer x‐ray machines to another researcher unless that individual is authorized. • X‐ray machines must be rendered nonfunctional prior to disposal. • X‐ray tubes must be removed and power cords cut. • Verification by Radiation Safety may be required.
• X‐ray machines must be inspected and approved by Radiation Safety prior to startup after the move. • Appropriate safety devices must be in place and functional as required. Radiation Facilities Changes and Services
• Radiation Safety will verify that the labs are completely cleared of radiation labeled equipment prior to close out
• Radiation Safety will perform a final survey and then remove all signage
• New faculty may not take over and move into the old labs until they are released by Radiation Safety 30
Radiation Facilities Changes and Services
• Principal Investigators leaving the University must read and follow the Checkout Procedures found in the Safety Manual located via the Internet at http://www.uh.edu/ehls • There is a checklist to assist the Principal Investigator and a formal written notice to be completed and sent in to Radiation Safety 30 days prior to departing at EHLS‐1005 • There is a process and correct way to leaving research facilities.
Radiation Facilities Changes and Services
• It is the responsibility of the Principal Investigator to assure that the area in the lab to be modified or receive maintenance presents a minimal radiation exposure hazard • All work with x‐ray machines should cease while the modification or maintenance is being conducted • Direct support and supervision by lab personnel should be provided as needed for Physical Plant personnel or contractors • Personnel performing housekeeping or routine maintenance must also be protected and given specific instructions on how and when work can be performed
Radiation Facilities Changes and Services
• Radiation Safety is not responsible for transferring or disposing of equipment
• Radiation Safety is responsible for assisting with procedures and associated paperwork and assuring that good health physics practices are followed 31
Radiation Safety Violations
• Radiation Safety performs routine internal audits/inspections
• These help assure compliance with the UH X‐ray Registration and prevent a Notice of Violation (NOV) as a result of a state inspection
• If a violation is found by a state inspector during the inspection, the person committing the violation will be named on the NOV and not the RSO
• At UH, a Principal Investigator will be cited by Radiation Safety for violations which include any aspect of their subregistration conditions • Chronic violations of subregistration conditions can jeopardize a Principal Investigator’s authorization to use x‐ray machines
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