ANNUAL REFRESHER TRAINING FOR RADIOISOTOPE USERS

THE PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

The Principal Investigator (PI) is personally responsible for compliance with University and governmental regulations as they pertain to his/her authorized use of radioisotopes. Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

1. Ensuring that only work authorized by the license and the Radioisotope Use Registration (RUR) is carried out.

2. Ensuring that operations involving radioisotopes are performed only by personnel who have been properly instructed and authorized for such work.

3. Ensuring that adequate instruction has been given to all personnel under his/her supervision in the proper procedures for control of ionizing radiation hazards and assuring that ionizing radiation exposures are reduced to levels as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA).

4. Maintaining records to document:

   1. An accurate inventory showing all radioisotopes in possession.

   2. Monitoring of laboratory and other workplaces as required by the RUR.

   3. Calibration of survey instruments as required by the Radiation Safety procedure.

   4. Any transfers of isotopes.

5. Making records available for inspection by RSO and authorized government agencies.

6. Notifying personnel under his/her supervision of ionizing radiation exposure record data as provided by the RSO.

7. Posting any required hazard warning signs, labels on radioisotope containers, storage locations and use areas.

8. Provision of materials and equipment required in the RUR and enforcing the use of these items (including protective clothing, personnel dosimeters, survey instruments, etc.) by personnel involved in work under his/her supervision.

9. Conducting periodic surveys of authorized workplaces to assure compliance with RUR guidelines and general safety requirements. Maintaining documentation of such surveys as required.

10. Assuring that radioactive waste is disposed of properly and transferred for disposal. Monitoring regular trash containers in laboratories as necessary to assure they are free from radioactive waste.

11. Notifying the RSO immediately in cases of personnel contamination or suspected excessive radiation exposure, accidents or other unusual events that result in contamination of work area or releases of radioisotopes beyond the confines of the authorized work areas.

12. Instituting emergency action if the RSO is not immediately available.

13. Notifying the RSO promptly of changes in personnel, location and/or procedures.

INDIVIDUAL USERS

Each person who has any contact with sources of ionizing radiation has a responsibility to:

1. Keep his/her exposure to ionizing radiation as low as reasonably achievable.

2. Wear assigned radiation monitors such as film badges and finger rings and exchange these dosimeters monthly.

3. Survey hands, shoes, body and clothing for radioactivity if indicated, and remove contamination before leaving the laboratory.

4. Use recommended protective clothing, respiratory protection, remote pipetting devices, fume hoods and shielding.

5. Not smoke, eat or drink in radioisotope laboratories and not store food in refrigerators used for radioisotopes.

6. Maintain good housekeeping habits in the laboratory.

7. Check work areas for contamination after procedures in which unsealed radioisotopes are used.

8. Label, segregate and secure radiation sources, equipment and waste.

9. Minimize time spent near radioisotopes.

10. Report immediately to The PI and the RSO the details of a spill or other accident involving radioactivity.

11. In the case of known or likely contamination to a person, both the person and clothing should be monitored, and contamination removed as soon as possible. Clothing and equipment which give radiation readings less than two times background are not considered contaminated.

12. Radioisotopes requiring a "Radioactive Materials" label must be transported or stored in unbreakable shielded containers.

Date of distribution of Refresher training: