Radiation Safety Training
Module 0 - Orientation
Instructor
Dennis Widner
Health Physicist – Training
542-0526
Why do we have to take a
course on Radiation Safety ?
Since UGA possesses and uses
RAMs, it is state law and a
requirement of UGAs RAM license
that training be provided and
documented as part of a Radiation
Protection Program and testing
conducted to assure that you are
trained! Annual requalification must
be performed.
Why do we have Radiation
Safety at UGA?
To instruct you how to protect yourself and others
from ionizing radiation.
What is Ionizing radiation and why is it dangerous?
Use of RAM in research at UGA has been documented since 1965
and in conjunction with this research, a radiation safety program
has co-existed for your protection.
What is Radiation Safety?
The science to limit health problems associated
with the internal and external exposure to
radiation or radioactive material to the individual
and potential offspring, through precautions and
procedures to minimize this exposure, and in the
purposes and functions of protective devices
employed.
Chp 1, “Radiation Safety Organization”
Chp 2, “Principles of Radiation Safety””
Chp 3, “Radiation Exposure Limits”
Chp 4, “Facilities and Equipment
Considerations”
Chp 5, “Procurement and Transfer
of Radioactive Materials”
Chp 6, “Radiological Surveys”
Chp 7, “Radiological Postings”
Chp 8, “Response to Radiological
Incidents”
Chp 9, “Laboratory Procedures”
Chp 10, “Radioactive Waste Handling and
Disposal”
Chp 11, “Radiological Improvement
Program”
2003
Chp 12, “Radiation Producing Equipment”
Chapter 1
Radiation Safety Organization
University of Georgia Radiation Safety Program Organization
NRC
Agreement
(Nuclear Regulatory Commission)
Licenses- UGA
State of Georgia
DNR/EPD
(Department of
Natural Resources
/Environmental
Protection Division)
PRESIDENT
VP BUS & FIN
Radiation
Safety
Committee
Approved Permit
ESD
Radiation Safety Officer
Radiation Safety Office
Rules
&
Regs
Authorized
User
Advanced Radiation Worker(s)
Radiation Workers
RESPONSIBILITY AND AUTHORITY OF
THE RADIATION SAFETY COMMITTEE
(RSC)
 The Committee is appointed by the President of the University
 The Committee will establish radiation safety policy
The policy will be designed to:
 Protect faculty, staff, students, visitors and the public from
hazardous radiological conditions
 Keep the University in compliance with state and federal
regulations and the conditions of the University’s license
 Maintain all radiation exposure as low as reasonably achievable
(ALARA)
The Radiation Safety Committee
The University of Georgia Radiation Safety Committee is
comprised of faculty, administrators and staff who have been
delegated responsibility for radiological health, safety and
compliance at the University. The RSC functions include;
Review of radiation safety policy
Review of campus radiation safety
Advisement to the university administration about radiation safety
issues and programs
Ensures that audits of the operations and activities of the UGA
Radiation Safety Office
Approvals and permits for use of radioactive and ionizing materials at
UGA
Radiation Safety Disciplinary Hearings
The Authorized User (AU)
The RSC will authorize faculty members for the use of
radioactive materials after submission of a written application if it is
determined that safety requirements will be met. Faculty members
and other individuals so authorized shall be referred to as
“Authorized Users”
The applicant must have adequate training and experience to safely
handle the types and quantities of radioactive materials requested.
The applicant must have adequate space, facilities, and equipment
to safely use and possess the radioactive materials requested.
The applicant must agree to comply with guidelines stipulated in the
UGA Radiation Safety Manual and with any other written directives
authorized by the RSC.
Responsibilities of the Authorized User
To ensure that the policies in the UGA/RSM are observed by all
personnel under their direction
To make available appropriate radiation safety procedures and
policies to be observed in the permitted use location
To see that radiological surveys are made and records kept as
required by the Radiation Safety Officer and the UGA/RSM
To keep an up-to-date inventory of radioactive materials under
control of the Authorized User. 6 month verification
To properly prepare and store radioactive waste material for
disposal as described in the UGA/RSM
To post proper radiation signs and labels as described in the
UGA/RSM
Responsibilities of the Authorized User
To treat all authorized use locations as radioactive materials
areas and comply with the associated safety requirements
To ensure that neither radioactive materials nor contaminated
equipment is removed from the radioactive materials area, unless
proper procedures are followed as described in the UGA/RSM
To ensure that no furniture or equipment is removed from an
permitted use location to an unrestricted area until the materials
have been surveyed, found to be free of contamination, and all
radioactive warning labels removed
To provide Radiation Safety with all required radiological
records prior to:
terminating employment with the University
terminating lease of space from the University
terminating radioisotope usage
AU Approval, Use and Change
Permit Application
RSO & RSC Approval
Permit
Maintenance
Operational Permit
Changes to Permit
Inventory
Amendments
Surveys
Records
Waste
Training
Chronological Approved
Amendments
•Possession limits
•Change of Location
•Inactive or termination
status
•ARW changes
•Sewer Discharge permit
Responsibilities of the Authorized User
To properly train and document on the RWC all new personnel
before allowing them to work with, or be exposed to ionizing
radiation from authorized sources. Training shall include:
Reading of the UGA/RSM
General rules of radiation safety
Specific rules for the authorized uses and use locations
Directions for contacting the Radiation Safety Officer and
Radiation Safety staff for assistance
Directions for notifying the proper authorities in the event of
an emergency or accident
Certification of at least one worker in the permitted use location as
an Advanced Radiation Worker (ARW) by successful completion of
required training as provided by Radiation Safety (6 months may be
allowed to complete this requirement)
Authorized Users
must initially train their employees
as Radiation Workers before allowing them to work
in a radiation laboratory.
Radiation Worker (RW)
Everyone who works under the permit of an Authorized User is a
Radiation Worker
It is the responsibility of the AU to properly train and document new
personnel before allowing them to work with, or be exposed to
ionizing radiation from authorized sources.
All Radiation Worker Training must be documented using form;
“UGA Radiation Worker Certification”
Available on line at
“FORMS”
http://www.esd.uga.edu/rad
Once completed a copy of this form must be returned to the RSO.
The original is for your labs training records
Advanced Radiation Worker(ARW)
UGA Advanced Radiation Worker is an individual who through
appropriate training and experience is qualified and authorized
to work independently with radiation sources and to supervise such
use by others, e.g., laboratory radiation technician. Certification is
by taking the training modules required by the Radiation Safety
Office.
After passing an exam for each required module will a person
become certified. A minimum score of 70 is required on each exam.
If an exam is failed then a retest will be performed. If the retest is
failed, then the module must be retaken.
A training certificate will be issued upon successful completion of
the
UGA required Radiation Safety Training.
UGA Radiation Safety Office
The Radiation Safety Officer and staff are available to
assist and advise Authorized Users of ionizing radiation on
the University campus, and to ensure that all ionizing
radiation is used in accordance with the policies approved
by the Radiation Safety Committee.
The RSO shall ensure that proper surveys are carried out in all
authorized locations where ionizing radiation is used, and that
appropriate records are kept
Radiation Safety maintains all records required by state and
federal regulations and rules of good practice
Radiation Safety Officer
Mr. Jody Jacobs
706-542-0107
Radiation Safety Office Staff
Call 542-5801
• Surveys
• Dosimetry
• Isotope receipt
Lauren Palmer
•
•
•
•
Inspections
Compliance
Dosimetry
X-Ray
706-542-0077
Dennis Widner
•
•
•
•
Training
Personnel records
Thyroid Bioassays
Sealed Sources
706-542-0526
John Pyle
•
•
•
•
•
Isotope receipt
B-numbers
Survey Meters
Rad Waste
Assistance
706-542-7628
UGA RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS
LICENSE
The University of Georgia Broad Scope License

The University of Georgia operates under the State of
Georgia, Department of Natural Resources, Environmental
Protection Division, Rules and Regulations for Radioactive
Materials, Chapter 391-3-17.

The State of Georgia is a Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Agreement state.

The University of Georgia has been issued license GA 103-1.
The University of Georgia Broad Scope License

This license is a large scale non-fuel cycle Type A broad
scope license.

The University of Georgia has the privilege of using large
varieties of radioactive materials. Large amounts of
activity are authorized and may then be used in many
locations, with many procedures and users that change
frequently.

The broad license confers authority upon the University to
approve, manage and control the receipt, use and disposal
or radioactive materials. In fact, the University acts to
“police” itself under the authority given in a broad license.
This license places significant
responsibility on each individual who uses
radioactive materials to conform with safe
work practices, and to conduct and
complete all required compliance duties,
however large or small they may be.
REQUIRED RULES, REGULATIONS,
AND REPORTS
Rules & Regulations
Complete copies of the Federal,
State, and UGA rules and regulations
concerning radiation safety, as well
as complete copies of our licenses
and registrations are available in the
Radiation Safety Office.
Georgia
Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division
•
•
•
•
Key Parts of the “Rules and
Regulations for Radioactive
Materials, Chapter 391-3-17”
Part .01: General Provisions
Part .03: Standards for
Protection Against Radiation
Part .07: Notices, Instructions
and Reports to Workers:
Inspections.
RADIATION USE AND STORAGE
LOCATIONS AT UGA
UGA Radiation
Usage at
Locations in Georgia
Athens – UGA Campus
Griffin – UGA College
of Agriculture and
Environmental Sciences
Sapelo Island – UGA
Marine Institute
Tifton – UGA College
of Agriculture and
Environmental Sciences
Locations of Use Main Campus
UGA Main Campus
Buildings with Radiation
Animal Science Complex
Barrow Hall
Biological Sciences
Boyd Grad
Center for Applied Isotopes
Studies
Complex Carbohydrate
Research Center
Chemistry
Dawson Hall
Driftmier Engineering Center
Ecology
Environmental Health
Sciences
Environmental Safety
Division
Coverdell
Forest Resources
Hazardous Materials
Treatment Facility
Life Sciences
Poultry Sciences
Marine Sciences
Miller Plant Sciences
Pharmacy
Poultry Disease Research
Center
Psychology
Riverbend North Research
Laboratories
Veterinary Medicine
AGTEC
Main Campus Sources
Dispersible Radioisotopes used for Research
Liquids, solids and powders
Dispersible Radioisotopes used for Biological and
Environmental Research are the Most Common Forms
of Radioactive Materials at the University of Georgia
Sum of Isotopes received in 2012
Other Main Campus Sources
Static
Eliminators
Cesium-137
Used for Meter
Calibrations
GC
ECDs
LSC Stds
(mixed)
Button
Source
Cabinet X-Ray
Machine
Rod Source
LSC
Instruments
Irradiators
GC ECDs
Veterinary Teaching Hospital
Sources
Large Animal
X-Ray
Nuclear Medicine
C-Arm
Radiology
Small Animal X-Ray
Fluoroscopy
Veterinary Teaching Hospital
UGA Rad Waste Facilities
Dry Active Waste
Storage and Decay Building
Liquid Rad Waste
Storage and Decay Building
Rad Lab
Riverbend North
Lab 120
542-7628
Landfill (closed)
Sealed Sources
Rule .03(6)
Leak testing of
sealed sources
in your lab
Every 6 Months!!!
Radioactive Waste
• .03(12) deal with proper
methods to dispose of
waste
•
•
•
•
Solid waste
Sewer discharge
Liquid Waste
Sealed Sources
• UGA has detailed and
specific instructions for
users generating
radioactive waste
• Waste Minimization !!!!
Radioactive Materials Security
• .03(10) lists SECURITY requirements
• Recent incidents in this country and other states
have prompted the NRC to increase security
requirements
• All sources of radiation must be secured against
theft or use by unauthorized individuals CHECK SECURITY IN YOUR LAB !!
Chapter 2
Principles of Radiation Safety
Fallout, Products, Air Travel, Nuclear operations; 12.2 mrem/yr
Nuclear Medicine
14 mrem/yr
Cosmic & External
Terrestrial
72 mrem/yr
Diagnostic X-ray
39 mrem/yr
Internal Terrestrial
40 mrem/yr
Radon in home
200 mrem/yr
Average Background Dose
in U.S. is ~360 mrem.
In Georgia it is ~ 377.2 mrem
Health Effects of Radiation
Ionizing Radiation can directly and indirectly damage DNA
DNA
Double
Helix
Radiation
Acute Exposure Effects
Radiation in large doses in a short time causes observable damage
….observable at >25 Rem
Chronic Exposure Effects
The effects from radiation exposure decrease as the dose rate is lowered.
Spreading the dose over a longer period reduces the effects. Much of
the controversy over radiation exposure centers on the question of
how much damage is done by radiation delivered at low doses or low
dose rates.
Dose Response Model
Health Effect (cancer)
Known
Effects
Atomic Bomb Survivors
Uranium Miners
Radium Dial
Painters
Medical
Patients
1.
2.
3.
4.
4
1
2
0
3
Linear No Threshold Dose Curve
Decreased Health Effects Theory
Threshold Dose Theory
Increased Health Effects Theory
The NRC and The State of Georgia
Follow the Linear No Threshold Theory
50
Dose (rem)
100
Theo.
Debated
Effects
Radiation Dose in Perspective
•
Health effects are seen only when dose exceeds
25 rem and at a high dose rate
•
Occupational radiation doses are monitored and
limited by law to 5 rem
•
Based on the LNT model, a worker exposed to
1,000 millirem (one rem) per year for 30 years
would lose about 30 days of life expectancy due to
increased risk of cancer.
•
For 95% of the Radiation Users at UGA, doses are
too low to measure
ALARA
A
L
A
R
A
As
Low
As
Reasonably
Achievable
Philosophy
Radiation doses are
kept as low as
possible
Stems from LinearNo-Threshold dose
model
ALARA program
required by Federal
and State regulations
LNT Model
0
50
Keys to ALARA
TIME
DISTANCE
SHIELDING
Reduction of Exposure Time
Training
should include a full rehearsal of the procedures outside
of the radiation area to improve efficiency and
confidence
Power and automated equipment
Lab design
allows easy access to the equipment and components
Practice your procedures 5 times with colored water.
This will allow you to work faster, will save your lab
money, and reduce the chance of having an accident.
Distance from the Source
Basic principle:
Point Source without Shielding
Inverse square law applies:
D2 = D1 (d12/d22)
D1 and D2 = dose rates at distances d1 and d2
D1, d1, 10 rem
D2, d2, 2.5 rem
Okay if the distance between the source and point of
interest is at least five (5) times the greatest dimension
of the source.
Control of Distance
remote operation
manipulating devices, remote handling tools
moving away from sources
remain near a source only when it is necessary
Leave the radiation work area if you are not needed for
the procedure
Chapter 3
Radiation Exposure Limits
Occupational Dose Limits for
Radiation Workers
Source of Radiation
Whole Body Dose is not to exceed 5 rem/
Internal dose is added to WBD
yr
Occupational Exposure Limit to
the Extremities
The Dose Limit to the
Extremities may not
exceed 50
rem / yr
Occupational Dose to the
Lens of the Eye
Dose must not exceed 15
rem/ yr
Occupational Dose Limit for Declared
Pregnant Mothers and Occupational Minors
Dose must not exceed 0.5 rem or 500 mrem during
the gestation period for declared pregnant mothers.
Occupational minors must not exceed this dose in a year
long period
Radiation Effects for Embryo
Declaration of Pregnancy for Occupational Mothers
• Rapidly dividing and
non-specialized cells
are more sensitive
to radiation
• Birth defects have
been observed
• Dose limit to embryo
/ fetus is 500 mrem
for the gestation
period
Annual Dose Limit to a General
Member of the Population
X-ray room
Must not exceed 0.1 rem or
100 mrem
Chapter 4
Facilities and Equipment
Requirements
FUME HOODS
Prevent the inhalation of dispersible
Radioactive materials -- dusts, mists,
vapors, gasses, etc.
INTERLOCKS
Physical, mechanical, or electrical safety
Features built into machines to prevent the
Operator from exposing themselves and others
To radiation from the machine itself
Examples:
X-ray machines
Irradiators
Plan experimental procedures to take into account time,
distance, shielding and work on the ALARA principle.
Fume Hoods
Seal Edges
Plug Sink
•
Shielding
• Place material between
the radiation and the user
Plastic
•
Examples
• Lead
• Plastic
• Steel
• Concrete
Concrete
Wall
Lead Bricks
“Secondary Containment”
Must be able to contain all the liquid
Containers with lids must be closed when not in use
Benchkote
Survey and change out
Benchkote frequently
LABORATORY
RAM
STORAGE
Recommended Survey Instrument
Ludlum model 3 instrument (Part No. 48-1605) with a
202-608 meter dial and extra cable
Personal Protective Equipment
Required for using Radioisotopes
Eye Protection • PPE is worn on the
Latex Gloves
Lab Coat
Complete
Coverage
Feet and Legs
Full Length Dresses or
Pants ONLY
- No Shorts
- No Half Shorts
- No Open-Toed
Shoes
- No Mini-Skirts
•
body
Primary purpose is to
provide a barrier to
radioactive materials
or radiation
Protective Devices - Summary
•
•
•
Authorized User must provide
Find out what PPE and other devices are
available in your lab
Learn how to properly use all protective
devices from your AU or another Advanced
Radiation Worker
Chapter 7
Radiological Postings
Radiation Postings / Labels
•
Rule .03 (11)
specifies
requirements for:
• posting or labeling
•
•
•

Rooms
Containers
Machines
exemptions to above
Standard
Radiation
Symbol
Laboratory Postings Required
“Notice to Workers” and Emergency Contact Information should be posted at the
entrance to your lab
Caution Sign and Hazards
Radioactive Materials Posting
Lab Emergency Phone Numbers
Georgia DNR Notice to Workers
RSO Emergency Phone Numbers

Door Sign
 Waste Containers
(every 180 o)
 Radioactive Materials
Use Hoods
 RAM Use and Storage
Areas
 Any location that
contains RAM
Standards, Solutions and
Sources
 Required posting when an
area exceeds 5 mrem/hr.
 or exceeds 100 mrem in 5
consecutive days
 containers are included, but
surveyed at 6 inches for
dose rate
Reach your yearly whole body limit of 5 rem in
~1000 hours (42 days)
 Required posting when
an area exceeds 100 mrem/hr.
 Area should be locked, have an
interlock, or be guarded at
all times.
 Any High Rad Area existing
for 30 days or more shall have
a visible or audible warning.
 Personnel accountability
required at lock up
Reach your yearly whole body
limit of 5 rem in ~50 hours
(2.1 days)
 RSO requires ALARA pre-briefing
and approved work plan before any
work is allowed.
 Posted when decontamination
of a large area is in progress.
 Usually posted on a barricade
 Authorized by RSO entry only
 PPE is required for entry
 Instructions accompany this
posting.
 Posted when airborne
contamination fills a large
contained area
 Usually posted on a barricade
 Authorized by RSO entry only
 Respiration equipment and PPE
is required for entry
 Instructions accompany this
posting.
 Conspicuously posted in
an area where an open
x-ray beam is present
 Usually applies to nonmedical open beam x-ray
equipment.
Emergency Warnings
(Barricades)
•
Temporary postings may
be placed to warn of
emergency procedures in
progress
DO NOT CROSS MARKED
BARRIERS or ENTER
POSTED AREAS
Follow Emergency Responder Instructions
Read the Posting !!
•
•
•
Radiation signs
contain important
information
If you don’t know
about the radiation or
radioactive materials
ASK !!
Be forewarned
RAD TAPE
Containers labeled
with rad tape
Rad use area
delineated with
rad tape
Sinks used for
sewer discharge
shall be delineated
using rad tape
It’s on the streets ...
Transportation Placards
And Labels
REPORTING RESPONSIBILITIES
Report What?
•
•
•
•
ANY EVENT, incident or
condition, real or
perceived, that may cause
an excessive radiation
dose to:
YOURSELF
OTHER WORKERS
THE PUBLIC or the
Environment
Report to Whom?
For ANY immediate emergency!
IMMEDIATELY
CALL
54(2-2200)
for Radiation Concerns...
• Take all radiation safety concerns, no matter
how inconsequential, to your Authorized User
• The matter should be discussed
• Often radiation concerns may be understood with
additional instruction, training, or education
• If your AU does not satisfy your concerns,
contact the Radiation Safety Officer
Rights / Responsibilities
• Not only do you have the RIGHT to
report unsafe conditions,
• protected under the Notice to Workers
• You have the RESPONSIBILITY to
report these same conditions
•
You have the right and the
responsibility to have all radiation
safety concerns addressed to your
satisfaction even if you have to take
them to the State or Federal authorities
Certification
•
•
•
•
Make sure you have signed
the Training Roster
Read and Understand the
Radiation Safety
Procedures
Return the Mod 0 Cert, and
the RWC to the RSO
through Campus Mail.
Forms required for Module
0 credit
Questions ???
If you have any questions while reading the Radiation Safety Manual
Please Feel Free to Contact:
The Radiation Safety Office
Environmental Safety Division
University of Georgia
240A Riverbend Road
Athens, Georgia 30602-8002
Radiation Safety Office
542-5801