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TABLE OF CONTENTS
RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL LICENSE
PREFACE
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..
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POLICIES.AND PROCEDURES PERTAINING TO RADIATION SAFETY
TEXAS REGULATION FOR CONTROL OF RADIATION
I.
INTRODUCTION
A. Radiation Safety Program
..
II.
ORGANIZATION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
A. Radiation Safety Committee
1. Committee’s responsibilities
2. Committee’s membership
3. Committee’s Meetings
4. Committee’s Disciplinary Mechanisms
B. Radiation Safety Officer
1. Radiation Safety Officer Responsibilities
C.
Sublicensee (Principal Investigator/Project Director)
1. Sublicensee Responsibilities
D.
Individual Users
III.
UNIVERSITY REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE USE OF IONIZING
RADIATION
A. Distance, time & shielding
B. Location of use
C. Instrumentation and radiological safety equipment
D. Radioisotope procurement
E. Transfer of radionuclides
F. Use of radioactive materials in animals
III.
AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITIES
A. Radiation Safety Committee
B. Radiation Safety Officer
C. Sublicensee (Principal Investigator/Program Director and Authorized Users)
D. Individual users
2
IV.
GENERAL LABORATORY GUIDELINES
V.
TRAINING OF LABORATORY STAFF AND STUDENTS
VI.
REVIEW OF GRANT APPLICATION INVOLVING RADIOACTIVE USE
VII.
PROCEDURES FOR USE OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL IN ANIMALSA.
A. Animal Waste
VIII.
INSTRUCTIONS TO ANIMAL CARE TECHNICIANS
IX.
ACCIDENT PROCEDURES
A. Radioactive spills
B Decontamination
X
REFERENCE SECTION
A . Forms
B. Application for the Use of Radioactive Substances
(for Grant Proposal Application)
APPENDIX
A.
Notice to Employees
APPENDIX
B
Radiation Safety Training Guide
3
PREFACE
This manual has been prepared by the Radiation safety Committee of Texas
Southern University for the purpose of providing faculty and students with the
regulations and procedures for the safe use of radionuclides in research and
instruction on campus. Authorized users of these substances are listed in the
University’s “Radioactive material license.” Others who wish to use these
substances must do so under the supervision of an authorized user or to be
approved by the Texas Department of Health to be a user. Irrespective of the
circumstances, all faculty members and students must adhere to the regulations
stated in this manual which is the official guidebook for users of radioactive
materials at Texas Southern University.
Marian Hillar, M.D.,Ph.D.
Radiation Safety Officer
4
TEXAS REGULATIONS FOR CONTROL OF RADIATION
The State Board of Health in accordance with the Texas Radiation Control Act,
Chapter 401, revised Civil Statues, State of Texas, has adopted regulations
controlling radiation. These regulations apply to all ionizing radiation, whether
emitted from radioisotopes or devices. Licensing is required of all radioactive
material, including radium and accelerator produced radioisotopes, as well as
registration of all equipment designed to produce x-rays or other ionizing
radiation; microwaves or laser light is also required. These regulations are
compatible with those of the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission. This
act and associated regulations provided the following:
1. All radioactive materials not covered by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission
are included within the scope of the Texas Statutes and Regulations. All
radiation machines used by or radioactive materials in the possession of any
employee within the scope of his duties shall be considered to be in the
possession of the employer. All radioactive materials come under the policy of
the Texas Southern University Radiation Safety Committee.
2. Any person owning or operating any radiation machines or manufacturing,
using or handling any radioactive materials shall register with the Radiation
Safety Committee.
3. The user provides all information necessary to assure compliance with all
other sections of the regulations.
5
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES PERTAINING TO RADIATION SAFETY
I.
Introduction
This handbook outlines the Texas Southern University Radiation Safety program and sets
forth University, State, Federal and City regulations governing the use of sources of
ionizing radiation by University personnel and students.
The fundamental objective of this radiation safety program is to ensure the safety of
Texas Southern University faculty, staff, students, other employees, and for protecting
the general public and the environment from avoidable additional radiation exposure and
contamination as the result of licensed activities at Texas Southern University.
Texas Southern University Radiation Safety program is governed by a three-tier approach
The Radiation Safety Committee directs policy regarding the Radiation Safety programs.
Secondly, the Radiation Safety Officer is the authorized administrative representative of
the University who oversees the program to maintain compliance with University, State,
Federal and City regulations. An integral component of the "administrative chain" for a
radiation safety program is the ability to enforce safe practices and regulatory measures
when safety concerns are identified. Finally, and most important to this safety program, is
that authorized users and their laboratory personnel must take responsibility for their own
safety in daily activities, and must ensure that any personal actions do not contribute to
increased hazards to coworkers or to the environment.
This manual is not intended to replace the official regulations as enforced by the Texas
Department of State Health Services, Bureau of Radiation Control (BRC) in the form of
the Texas Administrative Code (TAC). It will, however, provide valuable guidance and
information related to Texas Southern University practices, policies, and procedures for
Authorized Users. All Authorized Users and their staff should become familiar with TAC
sections that may apply to their particular applications. As a State of Texas Licensee,
Texas Southern University shall comply with all applicable provisions of parts of Title 25
Texas Administrative Code § 289.201-203.
II.
Organization and Responsibilities
The following Diagram shows the Organization of the Executive Management of
Radiation Protection Program at Texas Southern University:
6
Organization Chart for Executive Management of
Radiation Protection Program at Texas Southern
University
PRESIDENT
|
|
RADITION SAEETY
OFFICER
|
|
RADIATION SAFETY COMMITTEE
(Radiation Licensees)
|
|
Lab Technicians
A.
Radiation Safety Committee
Texas Southern University Radiation Safety Committee has obtained a broad institutional
license for handling radionuclides. Such a committee operates under the authority of the
President of Texas Southern University.
1.
Radiation Safety Committee's responsibilities:
a. The Radiation Safety Committee collectively assumes responsibility from the
standpoint of radiological safety for the University involving radioactivity or
radiation-producing devices.


Radioactivity refers to any material, solid, liquid or gas that emits radiation
spontaneously.
Radiation, as used herein, is x-rays, gamma rays, alpha and beta particles, high-speed
electron, neutrons, protons, and other nuclear particles and electromagnetic radiation.
7

Radiological safety refers to the safe use and handling of radioactivity or radiation in
any application.
b. The Committee reviews and approves applications for Radioactive Material License
(or License Renewal) to the Texas Department of State Health Services, Bureau of
Radiation Control.
c. The Committee reviews and approves amendments to the radioactive materials
license to be submitted to the Texas Bureau of Radiation Control.
d. The Committee reviews and grants permission or disapproves the use of radioactivity
or radiation producing devices within Texas Southern University.
e. The Committee reviews and prescribes special conditions, requirements and
restrictions that will be necessary to protect Texas Southern University personnel and
the general population from health hazards associated with radioactivity and radiation
producing devices located at Texas Southern University, including but not restricted
to accelerators, reactors and x-ray devices. Such condition requirements and
restrictions shall be made in accordance with State, Federal and City regulations. The
committee prepares and disseminates information on radiological protection and
provides training for the use and guidance of staff and students.
f. The Committee reviews and approves the Radiation Safety Manual. When and where
necessary the Committee has the authority to form a Radiation Subcommittee to
develop and propose amendments to the Radiation Safety Manual as deemed
required.
g. The Committee is required to keep a record of all actions taken in approving the use
of radioisotopes and other transactions, including minutes, communications and
reports involved in the work of this Committee.
h. The Chairperson of Texas Southern University’s Radiation Safety Committee is
authorized to promulgate interim policies between meetings and report his or her
actions to the committee at the next meeting for review and approval.
i. The Radiation Safety Committee is authorized to approve in advance the construction
of new structures or the remodeling of existing structures in which the use of
radioactive materials is contemplated. Written approval of proposed building or
remodeling plans for such facilities must be obtained from the Committee prior to
approval of those plans.
j. The Committee is authorized to prescribe special conditions and requirements that
will be necessary for safe use of radioactive isotopes such as, physical examination,
additional training, designation of limited area, location of use, disposal methods, etc.
k. The Committee has the authority to order immediate shutdown or cessation of work
in any facility where it is evident that health hazards exist to the extent that activities
are endangering is in violation of existing State, Federal and City regulations.
2.
Committee’s Membership:




A representative from the Office of Sponsored Research (ex-officio, nonvoting member).
The University’s Attorney (ex-officio, non-voting member).
The Radiation Safety Officer (ex-officio, non-voting member).
Licensed users of the radioactive materials
8
Because of usage of radiation in certain academic disciplines on campus, at least one exofficio member should represent each of the following area: Biology, Chemistry, Physics,
Engineering, and Pharmacy. All faculty members must have prior experience or training
in the use of radiation. The Committee will elect the chairperson. Any University faculty
member may appeal the actions of the University Radiation Safety Committee directly to
the President of the University, provided that the appellant has the knowledge and
consent of the Dean or chairperson of the department that is involved.
3.
Radiation Safety Committee Meetings:
The Committee will meet at least once a year and at the call of the chairperson of the
Radiation Safety Committee. A quorum shall exist when at least fifty percent of the
membership is present. In the absence of a meeting call from the Chair, and if pending
business before the Committee requires timely resolution, a meeting may be called by the
Radiation Safety Officer or by any three regularly appointed members of the Committee.
4.
Radiation Safety Committee's Disciplinary Mechanisms:
Investigation of safety violations may be initiated by the Committee or the Radiation
Safety Officer or by any faculty member where radiation sources are used. Promptly,
upon complaint, a report of the investigation shall be submitted to the Committee for
review and appropriate action.
After consideration of the violation report, the Committee may:
a. Make a recommendation for mandatory remedial action. Failure to comply with
Committee's remedial recommendation may result in withdrawal of the Committee's
approval of the investigator's radioactive material use authorization or
b. Revoke the authorization altogether if the violation significantly endangers the health
or safety of persons or property. In the event the Committee withdraws its approval, the
activity shall no longer be carried out within Texas Southern University until a new
authorization application has been submitted, reviewed and approved.
NOTE: The investigator involved has the right to be present at the Committee hearing
and to present his/her position.
B.
Radiation Safety Officer
Texas Southern University Radiation Safety Committee or authorized University
Administrator shall appoint a Radiation Safety Officer (RSO). The Committee and the
Sublicensees share the traditional responsibilities of the RSO in the area of training the
personnel/students for safe handling, monitoring, and use of radioisotopes. The ultimate
responsibility for safety of personnel/students using radioisotopes is that of the
Sublicensee/Principal Investigator/Project Director.
9
1.
Radiation Safety Officer Responsibilities:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
k.
l.
m.
Radiation Safety Officer will serve as a sole liaison with the Texas
Department of Health, Division of Occupational Health and Bureau
Radiation Control in matters of registration, licensing, and radiological
control.
The Radiation Safety Officer is responsible for investigating incidents,
monitoring and implementing established policies on matters relating to
radiation safety.
The Radiation Safety Officer may designate a candidate with appropriate
qualifications pertaining to these assigned duties.
The Radiation Safety Officer shall have the responsibility and authority
during a suspected or confirmed emergency to take prompt remedial
action without prior approval of the Radiation Safety Committee or the
University Associate Provost for Research. Should such an independent
action be required, the Radiation Safety Officer shall promptly report
details of the situation to both the University Associate Provost for
Research and to the Radiation Safety Committee.
The Radiation Safety Officer shall establish and oversee operating, safety,
and emergency procedures, and review them at least annually to ensure
that the procedures are current and conform to Title 25 TAC Chapter 289
rules.
The radiation Safety Officer shall oversee and approve all phases of the
training program for operations and/or personnel so that appropriate and
effective protection practices are taught.
The Radiation Safety Officer shall ensure that the required radiation
surveys and leaks are performed and documented in accordance with the
rule of Title 25 TAC Chapter 289, including corrective measures when
problems are uncovered.
The radiation Safety Officer shall ensure that personnel monitoring are
used properly by occupationally-exposed personnel, that records are kept
of the monitoring of results, and that timely notifications are made as
required by Title 25 TAC Chapter 289. .
The Radiation Safety Officer shall generate and retain radiation safety
records required for compliance with Title 25 TAC Chapter 289.
The Radiation Safety Officer shall assume control and have the authority
to institute correcting actions, including shutdown of operations when
necessary in emergency situations or unsafe conditions.
The Radiation Safety Officer shall ensure that records are maintained as
required by Title 25 TAC Chapter 289.
The Radiation Safety Officer shall ensure that inventories are performed in
accordance with the activities for which the license application is
submitted.
The Radiation Safety Officer shall ensure that all persons using the
radioactive material on campus comply with the rules of safe handling of
10
radioactive material, the condition of the license, and the operating, safety,
and emergency procedures of the license.
C.
Sublicensee (Principal Investigator/Project Director)
A Sublicensee user is an individual whose name is designated on the radiation
materials license. This authorization permits the procurement and use of radioactive
material within a defined protocol or work activity provided that the materials are used
within the guidelines of safe practice, and within the rules, regulations, and
recommendations of the Radiation Safety Committee and Texas Southern University
policy.
The fundamental precept of radiation safety is that the Sublicensee must assume
the responsibility not only for his/her own safety, but must ensure that his/her actions do
not result in a hazard to others.
1.
Sublicensee's Responsibilities:
a. The Sublicensee shall establish and maintain an awareness of the need for
the radiation safety in the workplace. This shall include control of
radiation exposure and to the lowest reasonable level.
b. The Sublicensees shall ensure the following services for laboratory areas
and radiation workers under their supervision:




Appropriate personnel surveys if he/she decides to use monitoring devices
Personal protective equipment
Availability of appropriate and calibrated survey instruments
Facility maintenance
c. The Sublicensee shall provide detailed procedures of any work related to
activity utilizing radioactive materials.
d. The Sublicensee shall submit application or procurement of radioactive
materials and radiation producing devices. The application must state what
kind and quantity of radioactive material are requested, the proposed
experimental use, the applicant's training and experience, and a complete
drawing of the facility where the radioactive material will be used.
e. The Sublicensee ensures correct and current posting of laboratory areas,
radioactive material containers, and radiation producing equipment.
f. The Sublicensee ensures maintenance of accurate and current inventory of
records for all radioactive materials under his/her responsibility.
g. The Sublicensee follows established procedures for handling and disposal
of radioactive materials.
h. The Sublicensee reports immediately to the Radiation Safety Officer any
potentially hazardous spills, suspected radiation overexposure, loss or theft
of radioactive materials, or other incidents having possible radiation safety
implication.
11
i. The Sublicensee performs radiation and contamination monitoring as
required by applicable regulations, procedures in this manual, and
commitments to the Radiation Safety Committee. He/She maintains
accurate records of such monitoring results.
j. The Sublicensee provides adequate use-specific safety training for all
radiation workers under his/her supervision. This supplements the general
employee radiation safety training provided by the Radiation Safety
Officer.
k. The Sublicensee notifies the Radiation Safety Officer of any need for
changes in the authorized use of licensed materials or registered
equipment. This includes changes in use as well as for a need for larger
quantities. As determined by the Radiation Safety Officer, such changes
may require the review and approval of the full Radiation Safety
Committee.
l. The Sublicensee shall maintain all records required by the Radiation
Safety Committee and submit them to the Radiation Safety Officer when
required. These records include a copy of the individual license
application, and a logbook to record inventory and waste disposal records.
An example of the logbook format can be found in the Reference Section
A.
D.
Individual Users:
An individual user is any authorized personnel or student of the TSU system who,
by virtue of training and experience, is designated by the Radiation Safety Committee as
a user of radioactive material under the Texas Southern University broad radioactive
material license. The individual user is subject to all regulations as established by the
University Radiation Safety Committee and the Texas Department of Health.
A fundamental precept of radiation safety is that the individual must assume the
responsibility not only for his/her own safety, but must ensure that his actions do not
result in hazards to others.
III.
UNIVERSITY REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE USE OF IONIZING RADIATION
A.
Distance, Time and Shielding:
Three principles of protection from external radiation hazards can be utilized in a
research laboratory. The first, distance, is very effective and easy to apply. Since beta
particles have a definite range in air relative to the specific energy, the use of a
remote-handling tool may provide significant protection. For gamma rays the inverse
square law for the reduction of radiation intensity is applied.
12
B.
Location of Use
1. Radioactive materials are to be used only in those facilities, which have
been approved by the Radiation Safety Committee.
2. Workers who desire to use radioactive materials in an area which has not
been approved by the Radiation Safety Committee must submit a complete
description of equipment, fixtures and facilities together with proposed
uses of the activity. The committee or a designed member and the
Sublicensee will examine such facilities and either approve or make
recommendations relative to the establishment of desirable facilities.
3. Pursuant to Texas regulations for control of radiation, Title 25 Chapter
289.203 copies of Notice to Employees (BRC Form 203-1, Appendix A),
and Radiation Emergency Procedures, will be posted in each approved
radioisotope laboratory.
4. Each Sublicensee on a semiannual basis conducts radioisotope Laboratory
surveys with the assistance of the subcontractor (e.g., Atomic Energy
Industrial Laboratories of the Southwest). The survey consists of a visual
inspection, wipe testing and exposure evaluations using a survey meter.
During the visual inspection, the Sublicensee checks the proper use of
shielding, protective clothing, remote handling tools, trays and absorbent
covers, hoods and radioactive containers. The proper labeling of
equipment and the posting of appropriate radiation warning signs is also
verified. Labs are then surveyed with a Geiger counter to ascertain
whether exposure limits are being exceeded, and a smear survey is
performed.
4 a. Sublicensee needs to submit a copy of the personal monitoring record
annually to the Chair of the Radiation Safety Committee if he/she decides
to use it..
4b. Sublicensee needs to submit a copy of the wipe test record annually to the
Chair of the Radiation Safety Committee.
If the laboratory is found to be contaminated, (twice the background exposure rate as
measured by the survey meter for unremovable contamination or 100 dpm for
removable radiation) the Sublicensee is responsible for the prompt decontamination
of the specified area. Following decontamination the area is rewiped and assayed.
Any other items of non-compliance will be reported.
Note: Any new location for radioactive use must be registered with the Radiation
Safety Committee. Submit a map of the location (building name, room number,
and areas in the room).
13
C.
Instrumentation and Radiological Safety Equipment
Individuals who assume the responsibility of radiation safety within a department or
laboratory (Sublicensee/Principal Investigator/Project Director) shall ascertain that
suitable survey instruments, personnel monitoring devices, and shielding materials
and equipment are available to assure radiological safety.
1. Survey instruments must be available which are appropriate to the type
and level of ionizing radiation used.
2. Personnel monitoring devices appropriate to the type and level of radiation
used may be available and used if required by all personnel involved with
ionizing radiation. State regulations require the use of such equipment by
each individual who enters a restricted radiation area under such
circumstances that he or she is likely to receive a dose in any calendar
quarter in excess of 10 percent of the maximum permissible dose, or 5
percent in the case of individuals under the age of 18-years-old.
2.1 If sublicensee deems necessary or advisable to use the personal
monitoring devices, he/she must supply appropriate personnel
monitoring equipment to, and shall require the use of such equipment
by:
1) Each person who enters a restricted area.
2) Each individual who enters a high radiation area.
Since personal dosimeters are not effective in measuring weak beta radiation, persons
working only with C-14 and H-3 are not required to wear such dosimeters.
2.2 Personnel should also wear pocket dosimeters in instances where
exposures in excess of 10 percent of the daily Maximum Permissible
Dose (M.P.D.) are anticipated.
D.
Radioisotope Procurement
1. All radioactive materials and radiation devices must be procured through
the Radiation Safety Office. The completed purchase order should be sent
to the Chair of the Radiation Safety Committee for approval or in
his/her absence to the Radiation Safety Officer for approval.
2. Upon receipt of the purchase order, the Chair of the Radiation Safety
Committee or Radiation Safety Officer reviews the records to make
certain that the individual is licensed and the licensee’s inventory will not
exceed the limit. Upon approval, the order is immediately sent for
processing.
3. The Sublicensee will examine all packages containing radioactive
materials. A package survey will be performed as soon as practicable, but
no later than three hours after the package is received. The survey
procedure is as follows:
14
a. The surveyor shall wear protective gloves.
b. The package is visually inspected for any sign of damage.
c. The exposure rate is measured at three feet from the package center
and recorded.
d. The exposure rate at the package surface is measured and recorded.
e. The outer container is wiped with moistened filter paper, assayed and
recorded. If no removable contamination is present (22 dpm/ 100 cm2
for alpha; 229 dpm\100 cm2 for beta, gamma) the package is opened.
This step may be repeated for each successive layer of packing.
f. The packing material is surveyed with a survey meter.
g. The final source container is inspected for breakage of seals or vials,
loss of liquid, or discoloration of packaging materials. The bottle label
is compared to the packing slip and the original requisition to verify
the contents.
E.
Transfer of Radionuclides
1. Radioactive materials shall not be transferred from one licensee,
department or laboratory to another without prior approval by the
Radiation Safety Officer, since approval for use of such materials is given
only for the original working area and licensee.
2. Radioactive material shall not be shipped or transferred to or from the
University without the approval of the Radiation Safety Officer. Approved
shipments must be in accordance with State and Federal Department of
Transportation Regulations.
F.
Use of Radioactive Materials in Animals
All proposals to use radioisotopes in animals must be submitted to both the Radiation
Safety Committee and the Animal Care Committee for approval.
To obtain approval, the following prerequisites must be met:
1. Cages must be labeled “Caution-Radioactive Material”, and lined with
absorbent material.
2. Radioactive animals must be segregated from non-radioactive animals and
placed in locked rooms to ensure access to authorized users only.
3. Animal carcasses, excreta and bedding shall be treated as radioactive
waste and disposed of by methods described in Part VIl of this manual.
15
IV.
GENERAL LABORATORY GUIDELINES
A.
General Laboratory Rules
Smoking, eating or storing of foods in isotope laboratories is strictly prohibited. To
maintain good personal hygiene, it is strongly recommended that users:
1. Keep fingernails short and clean.
2. Do not work with radioactive materials if there is a break in the skin below the
wrist without adequate protection with gloves or other aids.
3. Wash hands and arms thoroughly before handling objects, which go to the
mouth, nose or eyes.
4. Check the immediate area, i.e., hoods, benches, etc., where radioactive
materials are being used at least once daily for contamination.
5. Keep the laboratory neat and clean. The work area should be free from
equipment and materials not required for the immediate procedure. Keep or
transport materials in such a manner as to prevent breakage (double
container), and to ensure adequate shielding.
6. Keep work surfaces covered with absorbent materials, and use trays or pans to
limit and collect spillage in case of an accident.
7. Label and isolate radioactive waste and equipment such as, glassware used in
laboratories for radioactive materials, until notified that the waste and
equipment are free of contamination. This should be done when radioactive
waste and equipment have been used for other activities, removed from the
area to cleaning facilities, repair shoes or to surplus.
8. Request radiation safety supervision of any emergency repair of contaminated
equipment in the laboratory by shop personnel or by commercial service
contractors. At no time should servicing personnel be permitted to work on
equipment in radiation areas without the presence of a member of the
laboratory staff to provide specific information.
9. Report accidental inhalation, ingestion or injury involving radioactive material
to the Program Director and the Radiation Safety Officer, and carry out their
recommended corrective measures. The individual shall cooperate in any and
all attempts to evaluate his exposure.
10. Institute decontamination procedures when necessary, and take necessary
steps to prevent the spread of contamination to other areas.
11. Notify the Radiation Safety Office at least one week before terminating
employment or association with the University.
12. Assure that acquisitions and transfers of radioactive materials are made in
accordance with the provisions of this manual.
B. General Protocol for Handling Hazardous Substances
1. Laboratory personnel will work under the supervision of faculty licensed
to use radioactivity and will be required to attend lectures on the safe
16
handling of radioactive materials given by designated radiation safety
personnel at Texas Southern University.
2. Radioactive materials (liquid form of radioisotopes) to be used shall be
kept in a freezer and a log of the date and amount used in each experiment
shall be kept.
3. Labels indicating the presence of radioactive materials and chemical
carcinogens shall be displayed at the entrances to all work and storage
areas.
4. Instructions on the steps to be taken in the event of accidental exposure
(e.g. spills) shall be posted in appropriate areas.
5. Wipe test will be performed on a weekly basis to survey radiation.
6. Film badges shall be used to monitor exposure of personnel to radiation if
warranted by the type and intensity of radioactivity used.
7. Biologic contamination shall be prevented by the use of masks, gloves,
hood and protective garments.
8. Contaminated materials (e.g., vials, syringes, and gloves) shall be placed
in leak proof, puncture-proof containers, which will be appropriately
marked as hazardous waste containers.
9. Radioactive waste and contaminated materials shall be handled and
disposed of according to the rules and regulations set forth in the
institution’s Radioactive Material License.
10. Animals administered radioactive substances or chemical carcinogens
shall be housed in cages that confine feces, urine, feed, and bedding within
the enclosure.
11. Corpses of animals that have been fed or injected with radioactive
substances or chemical carcinogens shall be placed in plastic bags and
kept in a freezer until they can be either disposed of or incinerated. A
general protocol is attached describing use of radioactive materials in
animals.
V.
TRAINING OF LABORATORY STAFF AND STUDENTS
A. The Principal Investigator (PI) shall ensure that laboratory staff and students
will attend the Radiation Safety Training Course, which is required by the
Radiation Safety Committee to train all laboratory personnel, including the PI,
in the safe handling of radioactive material.
B. The training course shall be offered on the campus of Texas Southern
University at a date and time that will be periodically determined and
announced by the Radiation Safety Committee. The training will scheduled in
October or November.
C. The subject matter of the training course will include (but will not be limited
to) the following:
1. Background Sources of Radioactivity
2. Fundamentals of Radioactivity
3. Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation
17
4. Declared Pregnant Worker Information
5. Radiation Dose Limits
6. Personnel Monitoring Devices
7. Radiation Detection and Measurement
8. Radioactive Material Laboratory Procedures
9. Emergency Procedures
10. Rights and Responsibilities of Radiation Workers
11. A concise definition/description of radioactivity and radioactive decay
12. Radiation and its interaction with matter
13. Radiation quantities and units
14. Principles of radiation protection
15. Radiation protection techniques
16. Risks in individual actions
D. The frequency of retraining (if needed) of laboratory personnel will be left to
the discretion of the PI.
E. The PI will be responsible for making available to and supervising the
adherence of the laboratory personnel to the stipulations of the Texas
Southern University Radiation Safety Manual.
1. Videos
2. Training-live course
VI. REVIEW OF GRANT APPLICATION INVOLVING RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL USE
Principal investigators submitting the application for new proposals involving
the use of radioactive materials to any agency are required to submit to the
Radiation Safety Committee the detail information regarding list of radioactive
materials and amounts to be used; specific application procedures; safety
procedures and waste disposal protocols before sending the proposal.
If the Principal Investigator is an authorized user (licensee) of radioactive
material and the amounts were within the present licenses, and if application
and safety procedures satisfied the requirements, Radiation Safety Officer can
approve the application without consulting the Committee.
If the Principal Investigator is authorized to use radioactive material for the first
time at Texas Southern University, he/she is required to submit the application
for authorization by filing the required supporting documents to the Committee
before sending in the proposal. The application should include the statement
that the Principal Investigator and his associates will take the training before
starting to use radioactive material. Upon completion of the application the
committee will review it and if the recommendation is positive and the proposal
is funded, the application will be processed by request for the amendment from
the Texas Department of Health by the Radiation Safety Officer.
18
VII. PROCEDURES FOR USE OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS IN ANIMALS
All proposals to use radioisotopes in animals will be submitted to the Radiation
Safety Committee, Campus Safety Committee and the Animal Care and Use
Committee for approval.
In chronic studies, cages will be labeled “Caution Radioactive Material” and lined
with absorbent material. Radioactive animals will be segregated from non-radioactive
animals and placed in locked rooms to ensure access to authorized users only. All
animal carcasses, excreta and bedding shall be treated as radioactive waste and
disposed of by the following methods:
1. Special containers for dry wastes, (e.g., adsorbent paper, bedding and empty
scintillation vials) will be available in all laboratories and in the animal care facility
as appropriate.
2. Containers will be conspicuously labeled with radioactive caution signs in
accordance with the requirements of State Code, Title 25 Chapter 289.202
3. When the bag has been filled to 75% capacity, it will be handled and disposed of
as described in the PI’s protocol approved by the Radiation Safety Committee.
Animal Waste
Contact the Radiation Safety Officer concerning special problems that may arise in
the disposal of laboratory animals containing radionuclides.
1. Animals should be placed in two refrigerator polyethylene bags. The
following information should be attached to a “Caution Radioactive Material”
restrung tag and attached to the bag. The tag should contain the following
information:
a. User’s name and department
b. Radionuclide(s)
c. Approximate quantity of activity of each.
d. Date
2. The bag should be placed in a storage freezer that is properly labeled. When
sufficient quantities of animal radioactive waste have accumulated, a
“Radiation Waste Disposal Form” should be completed and the disposal
contractor called for waste pickup.
3. Containers of active biological waste should be labeled in a manner similar to
that for dry and liquid waste.
VIII. INSTRUCTIONS TO ANIMAL CARE TECHNICIANS
1. Review procedures for minimizing exposure and contamination (Section IV-A,
B).
2. Mark radioactive animals or their cages with labels indicating the nature and the
amount of radioisotopes used and the time of administration.
3. Wear appropriate protective clothing gear such as laboratory coats; face masks,
goggles and rubber gloves. They should be worn to prevent the possibility of
personal contamination as well as contaminated wounds produced by handling the
19
animals and the contamination from radioactive aerosols or splashing produced by
animals’ movements, coughing or other activities.
4. Segregate radioactive animals from non-radioactive animals and place in locked
rooms. Only authorized users should be allowed access to these areas.
5. Package all radioactive waste, including carcasses of dead animals, in two
separately sealed polyethylene bags and then carefully transport to the temporary
storage site in the freezer labeled “Radioactive Materials” to await suitable
transport.
6. Deposit solid waste in clearly labeled radioactive receptacle operated lids. Line
bins with disposal polyethylene bags to facilitate removal of waste without
contamination.
7. Label containers for active biological waste in a manner similar to that for dry and
liquid waste.
8. Clean all contaminated surfaces such as working areas, cages and benches by a
wet method using decontamination solution RadCon and water.
9. Clean glassware with chromic acid solution, concentrated nitric acid, ammonium
citrate, sodium triphosphate, or ammonium bifluorite.
10. Decontaminate metal tools and similar equipment by washing with a detergent
combined with brisk brushing to dislodge trapped contamination.
11. Decontaminate plastic animal cages by washing with soap or detergent followed
by a wash using scouring powder and a thorough rinse in running tap water.
12. Decontaminate stainless steel cages in use by treating with sulfuric acid followed
by thorough finishing in running tap water.
IX.
ACCIDENT PROCEDURES
It is the ultimate responsibility of the primary user of the radioisotope (Faculty, PI) to
assure that following procedures are implemented in the event of an accident
involving radionucleides.
In the event of an accident (spills, failure of equipment, ingestion, over exposure, or
rupture of a sealed source, etc.) immediately notify the Radiation Safety Officer at
(713) 313-7990 or Safety Committee Chair (713) 313-1896 or TSU Campus Police,
(713) 313-7000 or (713) 313-7001. Because of the numerous complicating factors,
which may arise, and because of the wide range and variety of hazards, set rules, or
emergency procedures cannot be made to cover all possible situations. The actions,
which may be appropriate to prevent wide-spread contamination and exposure of
personnel in such cases and the order in which such actions should be taken will
depend upon the circumstances involved. In any emergency, the primary concern
must always be the protection of personnel from radiation hazards. The second
concern is the confinement of contamination to the local area of the accident, if
possible.
A. Spills Involving Radiation Hazards to Personnel:
1. Immediately notify all other persons in the room who are vulnerable to
external or internal contamination.
20
2. Limit the number of persons to those necessary to contain and clean up the
spill in the area.
3. Confine the spill immediately.
a. For liquid spills, ware protective gloves and drop absorbent paper on
spills.
b. For dry spills, dampen thoroughly, taking care not to spread the
contamination. Water may be used except when chemical reaction
with water would generate an air contaminant; oil should then be used.
4. Notify the Radiation Safety Officer as soon as possible at (713) 313-7990
the nature and extent of the spill. The Radiation Safety Officer will
monitor all personnel involved for bodily contamination and will
recommend further steps necessary for final cleanup of the spill.
5. Do not permit personnel to resume work in the area until approval of the
Radiation Safety Officer is secured.
Injuries to Personnel Involving Radiation Hazard
A. Wash minor wounds immediately, under running water, while
spreading the edges of the gash.
B. Report all radiation accidents (wounds, overexposure, ingestion, and
inhalation) to Radiation Safety Office as soon as possible.
C. Call the campus physician.
D. Permit no person involved in a radiation injury to return to work
without the approval of the Radiation Safety Officer and the attending
physician.
Fire Involving Radioactivity
A. Notify all persons in the room and building at once.
B. Attempt to put out fires if radiation hazard is not immediately present.
C. Notify the Radiation Safety Officer at (713) 313-7990 or Radiation
Safety Committee Chair (713) 313-1896
D. Notify the Chief Safety Officer at (713) 313-7000.
E. Govern fire fighting or other emergency activities by the restrictions
of the Radiation Safety Officer.
Personnel Contamination Should Be Treated As Follows:
A. Remove all contaminated clothing.
B. Attempt to wash off any contamination of the skin.
C. Contact the Environmental Safety office if radioactive material has
been ingested.
If Area Contamination Exists the Following Steps Should Be Taken:
A. To limit spread of contamination:
1. The area should be immediately closed to all personnel except those
necessary to cope with the contamination.
21
2. No one should be allowed to leave the area with contaminated
footwear unless removal of footwear will involve an even greater
hazard.
3. Immediate steps should be taken to prevent the spread of
contamination by absorbing or restraining the flow of liquid
contaminants, taking steps to decrease the spread of dust, etc. Be sure
you know the pertinent chemical and physical properties (solubility,
volatility, etc.) of the contaminant before attempting to remove it, as
unnecessary spreading of contamination may otherwise occur.
B. Decontamination
The person responsible for the incident shall, where possible, perform the major
portion of decontamination under the supervision of the respective sublicensee.
22
X. REFERENCE SECTION
A. Forms
Radioisotope users are required to submit copies of following three forms
semiannually (January 2 and July 1) if radioactive material is currently used to
the Sponsored Research Programs Office, Hannah Hall, room 205
1. Radioisotope Purchase Request Form (for each isotope)
2. Package Inspection Report
3. Current List of Radioisotopes in Possession
4. Radioactive Waste Disposal
5. Radioisotope users are required to submit the Record of Wipe Tests
on their own form.
In addition to the above four forms the radioisotope users who use the personal
monitoring devices should submit a copy of following two forms annually (July1)
to the Sponsored Research Programs Office, Hannah Hall, room 205:
6. Occupational Exposure Record
7. Cumulative Occupational Exposure History
B. Application for the Use of Radioactive Substances (for Grant
Proposal)
1. Submit the completed Registration of Experimentation Involving Radioisotope
form to the Radiation Safety Officer for approval.
23
A
FORMS
24
TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY
R
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ALL P
PU
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EQ
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RM
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Submit to the Chair of Radiation Safety Committee. In the absence of the Chair, submit to the Radiation Safety Officer.
USER NAME:
_______________________________________________________________________________
DEPARTMENT:_____________________________________________________________
LOCATION (Building and Room No.) : ________________________________________________
RADIATION SAFETY COMMITTEE MUST APPROVE ALL RADIOISOTOPES BEFORE ORDERING.
ITEM
ISOTOPE(S)
FORM
QUANTITY
(Physical and
Chemical)
(mci and µci)
MANUFACTURER
PROPOSED USE AND PLAN OF INVESTIGATION:
PERSONAL MONITORING PLAN:
WASTE DISPOSAL PLAN:
SIGNATURE OF USER: ____________________________
DATE: _____________________
SIGNATURE: _______________________________
DATE: ____________________
(Chair
or the Radiation Safety Officer)
25
TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY
PACKAGE INSPECTION REPORT
A copy of this form should be submitted to the Chair of Radiation Safety Committee semiannually
until this isotope has been completely used (January 2 and July 1). In the absence of the Chair,
submit to Radiation Safety Officer.
USER NAME:
CONTACT:
NUCLIDE:
# OF VIALS:
VENDOR:
DATE:
DATE APPROVED:
PHONE:
COMPOUND:
ACTIVITY/VIAL (mCi):
INSPECTED BY:
MR/hr (SURFACE)
____________
INSTRUMENT S/N
________________
VISUAL INSPECTION
WIPE TEST (DPM)
_______________
_______________
♦♦ ♦♦ ♦♦ A
ATTTTE
EN
NTTIIO
ON
NN
NU
UC
CLLIID
DE
EU
US
SE
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RS
S ♦♦ ♦♦ ♦♦
Please return this form to the Chair of the Radiation Safety Committee when this isotope has
been used.
DATE
* * * RADIONUCLIDE INVENTORY FORM * * *
AMOUNT DECAY
AMOUNT
DISPOSAL
USED
AMOUNT DISPOSED
LOCATION AND
SIGNATURE
(mCi)
(mCi)
(mCi)
FORM
AMOUNT
REMAINING
(mCi)
Picked up by: ______________________________________ Date: ___________________
UPON COMPLETION RETURN TO THE RADIATION SAFETY OFFICER
AND A COPY TO THE CHAIR OF RADIATION SAFETY COMMITTEE
26
TTE
EX
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RN
NU
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SIITTY
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TL
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OF
FR
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SO
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TO
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S IIN
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N
NOTE: A copy of this form should be submitted to the Chair of Radiation Safety Committee
semiannually
(January 2 and July 1). In the absence of the Chair, submit to Radiation Safety Officer.
USER NAME: ____________________________________________ DATE: ___________________
DEPARTMENT:
____________________________________________________________________
LOCATION (Building & Room No.) :_______________________________________________
ITEM
ISOTOPES
DATE
PURCHASED
FORM
QUANTITY
(Physical &
Chemical)
(mCi & µCi)
USE
METHOD OF
WASTE
DISPOSAL
27
TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY
R
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RIIA
ALL W
WA
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SP
PO
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SA
ALL R
RE
EP
PO
OR
RTT
TYPES OF WASTE
AMOUNTS OF
(AMOUNT)
RADIOACTIVITY (µCI)
DATE
VIALS
(NO. #)
LIQUID
(ML.)
SOLIDS
(BAG)
VIALS
(NO. #)
LIQUID
SIGNATURE
OF THE DISPOSER
SOLIDS
(BAG)
(ML.)
PICKED UP BY: ___________________________________ DATE: _______________________
28
29
30
31
32
B. Application for the use of Radioactive Substances
(for Grant Application)
33
TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY
A
AP
PP
PLLIIC
CA
ATTIIO
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N FFO
OR
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OFF R
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CTTIIV
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S
SU
UB
BS
STTA
AN
NC
CE
ES
S
NAME
CAMPUS ADDRESS
TITLE:
BUILDING/ OFFICE #
CITY
DO YOU HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH RADIATION?
 YES
STATE
ZIP CODE
DURATION OF EXPERIENCE
 NO
TYPE OF RADIONUCLIDE AND MAXIMUM AMOUNT USED:
DESCRIBE THE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING WITH RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS:
RADIOISOTOPES DESIRED TO BE USED AT TSU AND THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT TO BE ON HAND AT ONE TIME:
CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL USE:
PROPOSED USE:
DETECTION APPARATUS:
STORAGE FACILITIES:
DISPOSAL PROTOCOL:
MONITORING PROCEDURES (Include information on personnel monitoring and monitoring of laboratory
contamination, i.e., detection apparatus and procedures):
LABORATORY LOCATION (Name of the building, room number, and attach the sketch of the laboratory and work
area):
DESCRIPTION OF THE PROTOCOL FOR RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL USE AND HANDLING OF WASTE AND DISPOSAL:
CURRICULUM VITA (Please Attach):Please return the completed form to Dr. Marian Hillar,
Radiation Safety Officer of Texas Southern University and submit a copy of the application
to Dr. Amruthesh Shivaachar, Chair of the Radiation Safety Committee.
34
Texas Southern University
3100 Cleburne Avenue-Houston, Texas 77004
RADIAOCTIVE MATERIAL /EQUIPMENT TRANSFER
AUTHORIZATION
Name _________________________________________
Radiation License #______________________________
Department_____________________________________
Lab location_____________________________________
I/We, hereby request authorization to transfer of the following:
Radioactive material (please specify amount) ____________
Equipment _____________________from
Room number_______________ building______________ to
Room number____________________ building____________
Signature________________________ Date: _____________
Approved______________________ Disapproved__________
Reason______________________________________
Signature _________________________________Date______
Radiation Safety Officer/Chair
35
Texas Southern University
3100 Cleburne Avenue-Houston, Texas 77004
CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE
Name _________________________________________
Radiation License #_______________________________
Department_____________________________________
Lab location_____________________________________
1. I/We, hereby signing this form, duly acknowledge and certify that I/We will
comply with :1) all applicable regulations (those specified in License Conditions
1 through 20); 2) the requirements specified in other conditions of the license;
and 3) those requirements that are stipulated in the TSU approved Radiation
Safety Manual.
2. I/We also agree to submit my/our lab (s) to inspection by Radiation Safety
Officer/Chair of Radiation Safety Committee twice a year one in February and a
second in September.
3. I/we accept full responsibility for compliance with these stipulations.
Signature_____________________________
36
Appendix A
Notice to Employees, BRC § 289.203 Form 203-1
37
38
Appendix B
Radiation Safety Training Guide
39