Radiation Safety Manual

Form101	Application for Use of Ionizing Radiation
Form 103	Radioactive Material Transfer
Form 104	Radioactive Waste Pickup Request
Form 105	Radioactive Contamination Survey Record
Form 107	Radioactive Waste Label
Form 201	Statement of Training & Experience
Form 205	Prenatal Exposure Acknowledgment
Form 207	Refresher Training Record
Form 208	Drum Inventory - Decay in Storage

RADIATION SAFETY: A WORKERS GUIDE

POSTINGS

Form 301	Guidelines for the Usage of X-ray Producing Machines
RHB 2364	Notice to Employees

USNRC REGULATORY GUIDE 8.13,
"Instruction Concerning Prenatal Radiation Exposure", with Appendices

USNRC REGULATORY GUIDE 8.28,
"Instruction Concerning Risks from Radiation Exposure", with Appendix

1.0

Introduction:

•	BACKGROUND
	The State of California Department of Health Services (DOHS) has the responsibility imposed by the California Radiation Control Regulations, Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations (17 CCR), for evaluating and approving or disapproving each proposed use of radioactive materials subject to its specific licensure. Normally, the DOHS issues a separate license for each proposed use of radioactive materials. However, for the administrative convenience of both the DOHS and California State University, Northridge (CSUN), a "Broad Scope Authorization" license has been granted to CSUN. The DOHS has delegated the authority and responsibility to CSUN for "licensing" individual users of radioactive material. This responsibility is discharged by the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) in conjunction with the Radiation Safety Committee (RSC).

•	PURPOSE
	This Radiation Safety Manual has been established to inform users of ionizing radiation at CSUN, of the policies that govern its use, and the procedures required to obtain approvals. The purpose of the radiation safety program is to ensure that work with sources of ionizing radiation is conducted in such a manner as to protect health, minimize risk to life and property, and keep radiation exposures as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA). Fulfillment of this purpose should be to the greatest practicable extent consistent with the educational and research goals of the University.
•	SCOPE
	Except as provided in the following paragraph, the provisions contained in this Manual apply to all persons using sources of ionizing radiation at CSUN. Any persons, products, concentrations, and quantities of radioactive material are exempt from the requirements of this Manual as specified in 17 CCR 30180. The State of California's regulations will govern CSUN's statements in applications or letters unless the statements are more restrictive than the regulations. Each Authorized User (AU) will be assigned a copy of the Radiation Safety Manual when the Ionizing Radiation Use Authorization (IRUA) is approved. The Authorized User must make this official copy available as a reference to persons engaged in the project.

2.0

Radiation Safety Committee (RSC):

•	BASIS
	The State of California requires a radiation safety program and a committee to direct the program as a condition of the radiation license issued to the University. The President of the University is ultimately responsible for the efficacy of the program.
•	MEMBERSHIP
	The Radiation Safety Committee shall consist of at least five members, including representatives from administration, the radiation safety office and faculty. Members shall be knowledgeable and experienced in relevant radioactive materials use and in radiation safety. Members of the Committee shall be appointed by the President (or designee) and shall serve at the pleasure of the President.
•	RESPONSIBILITIES
	The Committee shall evaluate and maintain surveillance over all uses of radioactive material and other sources of ionizing radiation at the University The Committee shall be the organization at the University that ensures that the use of radioactive materials and ionizing radiation meets or exceeds the safety requirements contained in the CSUN Radioactive Materials License and the provisions of State and Federal regulations. This responsibility includes the authority to suspend or revoke permission to use radioactive materials or ionizing radiation at the University.
•	AUTHORITY
	The Committee's authority is derived from the obligation of the President to ensure a safe environment for students, staff and visitors in conformance with State and Federal radiation control regulations.
•	MEETINGS
	The Chair of the Committee shall convene the Committee as often as is necessary to consider all issues relevant to radiation safety, but not less than twice each year. A quorum (simple majority) must be present for a meeting to be official. No quorum shall exist in the absence of the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) or the RSO's designee. An action item shall pass or fail by the majority of those present (each member shall have one vote). The RSO (or RSO's designee) shall record the minutes of the meetings, and distribute these minutes to all members.

2.1

Environmental Health & Safety Department:

EH&S is responsible for surveillance of all sources of ionizing radiation and providing consultation ad radiation safety services in conformance with policies and standards set forth in this Manual, governmental regulations, and license conditions.

•	DIRECTOR, ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH & SAFETY
	The Director of Environmental Health and Safety is responsible for the review of campus performance regarding radiation safety and serves as a member of the RSC.
•	RADIATION SAFETY OFFICER
	The Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) is responsible for all aspects of radiation safety on campus. The RSO is responsible for advising the CSUN President on all matters related to radiation protection, for reviewing and approving all proposed uses of ionizing radiation, and for advising and guiding Environmental Health and Safety in carrying out the campus radiation safety program.


2.2	Manager of Purchasing and Contract Administration:
	The Manager of Purchasing and Contract Administration is responsible for the acquisition, through established procedures, of all sources of ionizing radiation. The Manager is assisted by the RSO in determining that anyone requisitioning a source of ionizing radiation is authorized for its possession and use.


2.3	Deans, Department Chairs, and Administrative Officers:
	Deans, Department Chairs, and Administrative Officers are responsible for review and approval of proposed uses of sources of ionizing radiation within their jurisdiction. Such approval signifies that the Department will provide the resources necessary to control hazards and remediate any contamination or other damage caused by the use of sources of ionizing radiation. They will support the policies and procedures required to comply with pertinent CSUN and governmental standards and regulations.

2.4

Authorized Users:

The Authorized User (AU) is personally responsible for compliance with all CSUN and governmental regulations as they pertain to his/her authorized use of radioactive materials or radiation-producing machines. Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

•

Ensuring that all work with ionizing radiation is approved and listed on the Ionizing Radiation Use Authorization (IRUA).

•

Ensuring that only personnel that have been properly instructed and authorized for work involving sources of ionized radiation perform the work.

•

Ensuring that all personnel under his/her supervision have received adequate instruction in proper procedures for control of radiation hazards and assuring that radiation exposures are reduced to levels as low as reasonable achievable (ALARA). this instruction must include, but not be limited to, the following:

-	Reading and understanding the Ionizing Radiation Use Authorization Manual (IRUA).
-	Reading and understanding the CSUN Radiation Safety Manual.
-	Reading and understanding the State of California Department of health Services; Form RH 2364, "Notice to Employees." (Appendix D)
-	Reading and understanding other training materials as specified by the RSO or RSC.

•

Maintaining records to document the following:

-	An accurate inventory of all radioactive materials in possession, including receipt, usage, transfer, and disposal records.
-	Monitoring of laboratory and other workplaces to check for contamination levels and radiation levels.
-	Annual refresher training.
-	Annual calibration of radiation survey instruments used for monitoring.
-	Proper disposal of waste radioactive materials.
-	Any transfers of radioisotopes to and from campus.
-	Exposure histories or other dosimetry/bioassay records, if applicable.
-	Compliance with this Manual and applicable regulations.

•

Making the records listed above available for inspection at reasonable times by Environmental Health and Safety and authorized government agencies.

•

Notifying personnel under his/her supervision of any radiation exposure record data.

•

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

•

Providing materials and equipment required in the Ionizing Radiation Use Authorization (IRUA), and enforcing the use of these items (including protective clothing, personnel dosimeters, survey instruments, etc.) by personnel involved in work under his/her IRUA.

•

Conducting routine surveys of authorized workplaces to assure compliance with the Ionizing Radiation Use Authorization and general safety requirements.

•

Contacting the Radiation Safety Officer regarding any proposed changes in the use of radioactive materials, addition or deletion of authorized users, addition or deletion of locations of use or storage of radioactive materials, or proposed changes in facilities.

•

Providing the necessary staff required to comply with CSUN policies and procedures and governmental regulations, such as proper management of wastes, contamination surveys, and record keeping.

•

Maintaining the following documents available for inspection by the RSO and authorized government agencies:

-	Ionizing Radiation Use Authorization and all supporting documentation.
-	Statements of Training & Experience for Authorized User's staff listed on the IRUA.
-	CSUN Radiation Safety Manual
-	Form RH 2364, "Notice to Employees" (must be conspicuously posted).

•

Notifying the RSO in cases of personnel contamination, accidents, or other unusual events, that lead to contamination of work areas, personnel, or equipment or releases of radioactive materials or radiation beyond the confines of the authorized work areas.

•

Enforcing the use, by individuals under his/her supervision, of personnel dosimetry, survey meters, protective clothing and equipment, and other equipment specified in this Manual or by the RSO.

•

Disposal of all radioactive wastes using procedures approved by Environmental Health & Safety (See Section 8).

•

Enforcing submission of required bioassay samples or keeping appointments for required bioassay.

2.5

Authorized User's Staff:

An Authorized User's staff, for the purposes of this Manual, consists of all persons authorized to use ionizing radiation under an Authorized User's IRUA. An Authorized User's staff has the following responsibilities:

•	Maintaining all occupational radiation exposures as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA).
•	Informing the Radiation Safety Officer of any unsafe or questionable conditions known to exist.
•	Using protective equipment and dosimetry, as specified on the Ionizing Radiation Use Authorization.

3.0

CSUN's License:

Currently, CSUN holds a Broad Scope Authorization license (#0319-19) issued by the State of California, Department of Health Services (DOHS). Copies are available for inspection at the CSUN Environmental Health & Safety Department, Corporation Yard, Room 218, Northridge, California. This license describes the possession limits for each radioisotope, the locations for use, and provides for internal campus authorization procedures.

The Radiation Safety Officer must approve any requests for amendments to the campus radioactive materials license, subject to Radiation Safety Committee review.

Machines capable of producing ionizing radiation are not currently subject to licensing by federal or state regulatory agencies. However, the State of California requires registration of each operable radiation machine, except those exempted in 17 CCR. The Environmental Health & Safety department registers these machines biennially.

3.1

Obtaining Authorization to Use Ionizing Radiation:

•

PERSONS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR IONIZING RADIATION USE AUTHORIZATION (IRUA)

Anyone appointed to the CSUN faculty is eligible to become an Authorized User (AU). This includes appointments as active or emeritus professors, associate professors, assistant professors, instructors, adjunct faculty, and lecturers, whether serving under visiting, acting, research, clinical, or affiliate appointment, and whether part time or full time. Other persons who are not faculty members but have primary responsibility for a radiation program may be considered for Authorized User status. Normally this will happen only when a faculty member clearly cannot have responsibility for the radiation program.

An Authorized User must have at lease twenty (20) hours of training or practical experience in the characteristics of ionizing radiation, radiation dose quantities, radiation detection instrumentation, and the biological hazards of exposure to radiation.

•

IRUA APPLICATION PROCEDURE

A written proposal must be submitted to the Radiation Safety Officer for review by the Radiation Safety Committee to receive, possess, or use sources of ionizing radiation at CSUN, whether procured by purchase, loan, gift, or previous ownership. All proposals must include the following:

-	Completed "Application for Ionizing Radiation Use Authorization" (Form 101)
-	A "Statement of Training and Experience" (Form 201) for all persons who will use ionizing radiation as part of the IRUA.
-	Diagrams of each room where radioactive materials will be stored or used - indicate on the diagram all locations where radioactive materials (RAM) will be stored or used.
	Send completed application package to the Radiation Safety Officer at Mail Code 8284. The Radiation Safety Officer is available for consultation and assistance in developing the radiation safety aspects of any project and help in completing the Application forms. Authorized Users who have active IRUA's and wish to add a new protocol, need only to submit a completed "Application for Ionizing Radiation Use Authorization" (Form 101).

•

IRUA REVIEW AND APPROVAL PROCESS

The applicant may submit a preliminary copy of the application to the Radiation Safety Officer for unofficial review and suggestion. The Radiation Safety Officer can review the application, visit the facility, and make recommendations as necessary to ensure adequacy of the Application.

The RSO may also issue an interim approval for routine applications until formal review and approval by the RSC. Upon formal approval by the Radiation Safety Committee, the Radiation Safety Officer will issue an "Ionizing Radiation Use Authorization" (IRUA)

3.2

Radiation Safety Review:

•

HAZARD ASSESSMENT OF PROJECTS

Each project that uses ionizing radiation will be reviewed for hazard potential. Upon receipt of the completed Application for IRUA, the Radiation Safety Officer conducts a detailed review of the radiation safety aspects of the proposed project. This review usually includes an interview with the applicant and a visit to the proposed use location(s). All applications must be reviewed and approved by a quorum of the RSC, including the RSO.

•

AUDITS OF IRUA's

-	Inspection of the laboratories and work areas.
-	Personal interview with the Authorize User.
-	Safety evaluation regarding the activities authorized on the IRUA.
-	Evaluation of compliance by the Authorized User with campus and governmental regulations and special requirements of the IRUA.
-	Review of records for accuracy and completeness.

A report of the audit findings and requirements (if any) for corrective action will be sent to the Authorized User and a copy placed in the Authorized User's IRUA file. Copies will also be sent to the AU's department Chair and College Dean. These reports are reviewed by the Radiation Safety Committee and can influence future approvals of an Authorized User's requests for IRUA.

3.3

Period of Issuance for IRUA's:

•	RESEARCH PROJECTS
	IRUA's will be issued for a nominal period of one (1) year. For bookkeeping purposes, not more than six moths may be added to the above time period, to allow the expiration date to fit into a schedule established for administrative efficiency. The Radiation Safety Officer or the Radiation Safety Committee may establish a shorter period in any case deemed appropriate or necessary for radiation control purposes.
•	ACADEMIC COURSES
	IRUA's for academic courses will usually be issued for one academic year. However, at the option of the Radiation Safety Officer, IRUA's for academic courses that will be repeated or continued under the same Authorized User in subsequent semesters may be used for two to four semesters, as appropriate.

3.4

Administrative Actions on IRUA's:

•

RENEWAL AND AMENDMENT OF EXISTING IRUA's

The Radiation Safety Committee, including the Radiation Safety Officer, must approve renewals and amendments of original IRUA's.

•

TERMINATION/SUSPENSION OF AN IRUA

Upon termination or suspension of an IRUA, all radioactive material must be accounted for. Unused amounts must be transferred to another active IRUA, placed in approved radiation storage, or disposed of as radioactive waste.

-	Termination by Authorized User
	When an Authorized User for sees termination of his/her use of ionizing radiation, the Radiation Safety Officer must be notified promptly. Prior to termination of the IRUA, all radioisotopes listed on the IRUA must be accounted for, and an acceptable plan for removing the radioisotopes must be determined and approved by the Radiation Safety Officer. Unused amounts of radioisotopes must be transferred to another active IRUA or to EH&S for storage or disposal.
-	Termination/Suspension by Radiation Safety Committee
	The Committee has the duty to take action against an Authorized User whose actions are a threat to human health or the environment or a serious violation of safety regulations. The Radiation Safety Committee may terminate or suspend the use of ionizing radiation at any time under certain conditions (see section 2.0(c)). To reinstate an IRUA following suspension or revocation requires approval by a quorum of the Radiation Safety Committee.

•

INTERNAL ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS

In order to ensure compliance with Ionizing Radiation Use Authorization (IRUA) conditions, the Radiation Safety Officer annually conducts audits of all Authorized Users (AU's). Audit results, including regulatory or license condition violations, are conveyed to the Authorized Users, Department Chair, Dean of College and the Radiation Safety Committee. Audit findings that may result in regulatory violations will be addressed as follows:

-	Serious Findings
	Any finding of a present or imminent threat to human health or the environment will be corrected immediately. The Radiation Safety Committee may suspend or terminate the use of ionizing radiation at any tie under these conditions.
-	Minor Findings
	"Minor Findings" are findings that are not imminent hazards but nonetheless may result in a regulatory violation if not corrected. Examples include failure to provide refresher training or to conduct required wipe testing.
-	1st Minor Finding
	Audit results (violations) are provided to parties specified above and the user is informed, in writing, of any areas that need improvement.
-	Repeat (2nd) Minor Finding
	A repeat violation is a violation of the same regulation or license condition, found at the time of the next scheduled audit. Audit results will be provided, as before, to the parties specified above, but in addition, the repeat violation will elicit a written warning that the authorized users license will be suspended if that violation is not corrected. The Authorized User will be re-inspected within 30 days.
-	Repeat (3rd) Minor Finding
	If the next audit or inspection reveals continuing noncompliance on the same issue(s) the Authorized User's radiation license will be automatically suspended. All work with radioactive materials will be prohibited until, 1) the authorized user provides a written compliance plan to the Radiation Safety Committee, 2) The Radiation Safety Committee approves the compliance plan.
-	Repeat (4th) Minor Finding
	If the next audit or inspection reveals continuing noncompliance, the Authorized User's license will be terminated. All work with radioactive materials will be prohibited. The RSO will take possession of the users radioactive materials inventory. Reauthorization for the use of radioactive materials may not be approved; in any case reauthorization would require a new application, the approval of the Radiation Safety Committee, and presumably more restrictive and cumbersome license conditions. The Department Chair, and the appropriate College Dean, as always, will be informed regarding the process.


4.0	ALARA Policy:
	To achieve radiation exposures as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA), CSUN maintains an ALARA program. This program includes elements in training, audits, dosimetry and license review. Exposure limits are routinely maintained at less than ten percent (10%) of allowable limits prescribed by 10 CFR Sections 20.1301-20.1302. The RSO will investigate, and mitigate when possible, any any occupational exposure in excess of ten percent (10%) of the prescribed exposure limits. All users are encouraged to mitigate any exposure by reasonably achievable means.

4.1

External Dosimetry:

The AU is required to ensure that appropriate dosimetry is used by all persons listed on their IRUA who use ionizing radiation in a manner that presents a reasonable likelihood of the following doses:

ADULTS:

Likely to receive, in one year from sources external to the body, a dose in excess of 10% of the occupational limit (10 CFR 20.1201a).

MINORS AND DECLARED PREGNANT WOMEN:

Likely to receive, in one year from sources external to the body, a dose in excess of any of the applicable limits (10 CFR 20.1207 or 20.1208).

Dosimetry records are legally presumptive evidence of personal exposures. Therefore, it is an imperative to use dosimeters only as prescribed.

The RSO or RSC may require the use of dosimetry in situations that would not ordinarily justify their use when it appears to be in the best interests of CSUN.

It is the responsibility of each individual anticipating use of ionizing radiation to provide the RSO with a copy of his occupational exposure record for all radiation exposures received before coming to CSUN.

Personnel working with radioisotopes may be required to wear protective garments to prevent contamination The minimum fulfillment of this requirement is the standard laboratory coat. Subject to the discretion of the RSO and the RSC. Additional protective equipment and garments, appropriate to the hazard potential will be prescribed in the IRUA.

•

EXCHANGE AND REPLACEMENT OF DOSIMETERS

The date printed on the dosimeter is the start of the "wear period" for that dosimeter. If the date if the dosimeter is older than the exchange frequency for that type of dosimeter, immediately contact the CSUN Radiation Safety before continuing contact the CSUN Radiation Safety Officer before continuing work with ionizing radiation. External radiation dosimeters will be exchanged with the following frequency:

-	FILM BADGE	WHOLE BODY	Monthly
-	FILM BADGE	EXTREMITY	Monthly
-	TLD	WHOLE BODY	Quarterly
-	TLD	EXTREMITY	Monthly

Persons who loose a dosimeter must immediately contact the CSUN Radiation Safety Officer before continuing work with ionizing radiation.

•

PRECAUTIONS

-	DO store dosimeters away from radiation sources when not in use.
-	DO protect dosimeters against contamination (e.g. wear finger rings under gloves, etc.)
-	DO NOT use any dosimeter without an appropriate badge holder.
-	DO NOT wear a dosimeter without the printed information facing away from the part of the body where the highest does is expected.
-	DO NOT wear a CSUN-issued dosimeter at any facility other than CSUN.
-	DO NOT wear a CSUN-issued dosimeter to any location where you may be exposed to X-rays (e.g. dentist or doctor office, airport security screening).
-	DO NOT intentionally expose your dosimeter to radiation, just "test" it.
-	DO NOT dispose of a dosimeter. If a dosimeter is no longer needed, return it to the CSUN Radiation Safety Officer.
-	DO NOT puncture or cut a dosimeter with staples, scissors, tacks, etc.
-	DO NOT expose the dosimeter to hazardous chemicals, liquids, or excessive heat.
-	DO NOT loan a dosimeter to anyone. DO NOT borrow anyone else's badge.

If you have any doubts whether your dosimeter has been lost, damaged, or compromised in any way, immediately contact the CSUN Radiation Safety Officer before continuing work with ionizing radiation.

4.2

Internal Radiation Dosimetry:

All uses of radioactive materials will be evaluated for potential internal exposure as part of the IRUA review and renewal process. Isotope possession limits, work practices and/or engineering controls may be implemented or modified to prevent the need for bioassay. Bioassay will be available in the event of an emergency release.

•

RADIOACTIVITY LEVELS FOR PARTICIPATION IN BIOASSAY

Individuals will be monitored for intake of radioactive material when the following doses or exposures are likely:

ADULTS:

Likely to receive, in one year an intake in excess of 10% of the applicable Annual Limit on Intake (ALI) (10 CFR 20 Appendix B)

MINORS AND DECLARED PREGNANT WOMEN

Likely to receive, in one year, a committed effective dose equivalent in excess of 0.05 rem.

Radioactive materials users handling unsealed I-125 or H-3 will participate in a bioassay program when the activities handled exceed the following (based on USNRC regulatory guides 8.20 and 8.32):
Note: For declared pregnant workers these values are divided by 10.

*Radioactivity Levels for Iodine - 125 Requiring Bioassay*
Process Area	Volatile	Bound
Open room or bench top	1 mCi	10 mCi
Fume Hood	10 mCi	100 mCi
Glove Box	100 mCi	1000 mCi

*Radioactivity Levels for H3 Requiring Bioassay*
Process Area	Condition A	Condition B	Condition C
Open room or bench top	0.1 Ci	100 Ci	10 mCi/kg
Fume Hood	1 Ci	1000 Ci	100 mCi/kg
Glove Box	10 Ci	10 kCi	1 Ci/kg

Condition A: HTO and triated organics including DNA precursors

Condition B: Tritium gas in sealed process vessels

Condition C: HTO mixed with more than 10kg of inert H2O or other material

Campus use of H-3 and I-125 will be compared to these values on a case-by-case basis during license review.

•

INTERNAL DOSE CALCULATION

Internal dose calculations will be performed when necessary, using the results of the bioassays. Estimates of dose from internal exposure will be added to the individual's total effective dose equivalent (TEDE) in accordance with applicable regulations.

•

BIOASSAY THRESHOLD CALCULATION

For isotopes other than H-3 and I-125, a radioactivity reference level is calculated for determining the necessity for participation in bioassay. This reference level is the minimum activity used by an individual which is likely to result in intake in excess of the standards, thus requiring participation in a bioassay program.

The reference level is calculated for each isotope based on the Annual Limit on Intake (ALI) and modified by factors that credit users for safety controls and account for procedures that increase the potential for intake. A safety factor is included to provide for a margin of safety and account for uncertainty. The calculation is conducted as follows:

Q=ALI(inh)(0.1)(C)(R)/(50)(10-6)(F)

Where:

Q = the minimum quantity of radioactivity used by an individual which requires participation in bioassay.

ALI(inh) = the lower of SALI or NALI for inhalation

0.1= factor to account for 10% of ALI

C = containment factor
0.1 for open bench top work
1.0 for fume hoods
10 for glove boxes

R = release fraction
1 for volatile and gaseous materials
10 for nonvolatile powders
100 for nonvolatile liquids
1000 for nonvolatile solids

50 = number of working weeks in a year

1X10 (-6) = probability factor for intake (NUREG-1400)

F = safety factor, usually given a value of 10 or 100

•

EMERGENCY BIOASSAY

Emergency bioassay will be conducted in the event of an accident in which a worker has likely received an intake in excess of 10% of the ALI or a minor or declared pregnant woman is likely to receive a committed effective dose equivalent in excess of 0.05 rem. Emergency bioassays will be conducted using off Campus resources.

Procedures:

The exposed individual will be decontaminated as close as practicable to the release site to prevent the spread of contamination. The RSO will supervise this decontamination with the assistance of the Campus Chemical Emergency Response Team.

Resources:

Samples will be taken at an on-site Student Health Center or alternatively at Northridge Hospital Medical Center. Sample counting and a dose assessment will be done using off-site resources. Possible resources are listed below:

-	UCLA radiation safety program and associated consulting health physicists
-	Mutual aid within the California State University system
-	National laboratories consulting services

•

PRECAUTIONS

No person shall eat, drink, smoke, apply cosmetics, or otherwise make possible the ingestion of radioactive materials in areas authorized for use of unsealed radioactive materials. Upon completing their work with radioactive materials, persons should thoroughly wash their hands before eating, drinking, smoking, etc.

Reduce the possibility of work surface contamination with good laboratory work practices and frequent monitoring of hands and work areas.

Reduce the possibility of exposure to airborne radioactivity by:

-	Using a fume hood whenever possible
-	Minimizing the volatility of solutions
-	Sealing containers whenever possible
-	Not conducting activities which tend to aerosolize radionuclides (e.g. grinding, pouring powders, heating or disturbing liquids mechanically)

4.3

Investigations of Overexposures:

The RSO is responsible for notification of the DOHS in cases of known or suspected exposure above the legally permitted limits. When an exposure reaches or exceeds legal limits, depending on the extent of the overexposure, personnel may be required to avoid future work with ionizing radiation for an extended time.

4.4

Records:

Federal and state regulations (10 CFR and 17 CCR) specify the radiation dosimetry records, reports, and notifications required for institutions using radioactive materials. The Radiation Safety Officer is responsible for maintaining a permanent record of the occupational radiation exposures for all persons who participate in the dosimetry program at CSUN.

•	REQUESTS FOR EXPOSURE REPORTS
	Individuals who have participated in the dosimetry program at CSUN may request a copy of their occupational radiation exposure history, in writing, from:
		Radiation Safety Officer, EH&S
		California State University, Northridge
		18111 Nordhoff Street
		Northridge, CA 91330-8284
		(818) 677-2401
	In the written request, please specify: the dates when you participated in the dosimetry program, whom you worked for/with, your social security number, your birth date, and the address to which the report is to be forwarded. Occupational exposure records are confidential, so none may be forwarded without a written request.

5.0

Requirement for Training:

Authorized Users are responsible for ensuring that all individuals who may be exposed to ionizing radiation by an activity listed on their IRUA be instructed in the precautions to minimize exposure and prevent the spread of radioactive contamination. The Radiation Safety Officer will assist with this training as required.

5.1

Formal Training of New Users:

The Authorized User is responsible for ensuring all individuals listed on their IRUA receive adequate radiation safety training. The RSO will conduct general introductory training for new users at the AU's request. The Authorized User must conduct training that is specific to projects. The topics covered by these types of training are:

•

TRAINING TO BE PROVIDED BY THE RSO

-	Radiation and its interactions with matter.
-	Definitions of unit dose, quantity, etc., and methods of calculating and measuring radiation levels for an appropriate variety of sources.
-	Biological effects of chronic and acute doses of radiation.
-	Personnel dosimetry and bioassay procedures.
-	Standards set by regulations and license conditions.

•

TRAINING TO BE PROVIDED BY AUTHORIZED USER

-	Methods to control surface contamination.
-	Contamination survey procedures.
-	Proper sue of projective clothing and equipment.
-	Emergency procedures.
-	Exposure minimization fundamentals (ALARA).
-	Operating and emergency procedures specific to the Authorized User's staff.
-	Proper maintenance of records of receipt, use, transfer, and disposal.

After training, all new users are required to complete a test and certification of training. Student using ionizing radiation as part of a classroom IRUA may satisfy the training requirements by their classroom training.

5.2

Periodic Refresher Training:

The Authorized User shall present periodic refresher training at least annually. Training should include the following:

•	Changes in regulations and IRUA conditions affecting the Authorized User's operations.
•	Changes in operating procedures.
•	Emergency procedures .
•	Control and measurement methods specific to laboratory.
•	Maintenance of records of training, dosimetry, contamination surveys, and records of receipt, use, transfer and disposal of radioactive materials.

This training must be documented and maintained for inspection by the RSO - use Form 207, "Refresher Training Record". EH&S can provide guidelines for the design of refresher training programs.

5.3

Special Training Requirements for Animal Use:

Authorized Users are responsible for assuring that animal caretakers and custodians are aware of potential hazards and are adequately trained in necessary precautions when radioactive materials are administered to live animals.

5.4

Documentation of Training:

All radiation-safety related training or education that students or employees receive, whether from EH&S or within the laboratory, must be properly documented and maintained on file for review by EH&S and state regulatory agencies.

6.0

Acquisition:

A valid IRUA must exist to receive, possess, or use sources of ionizing radiation at CSUN, regardless of the funding source. Also, any acquisition of radioactive materials must be within the limits established in the IRUA.

6.1

Procedures for Ordering Radioactive Materials:

When ordering radioactive materials (RAM), the Authorized User must ensure that the purchase is within the limits of their Ionizing Radiation Use Authorization (IRUA) and that the package is inspected immediately on arrival by EH&S. The procedures for ordering RAM are:

•

Ensure that the material(s) you are purchasing does not exceed the limits specified in your Ionizing Radiation Use Authorization (IRUA). Make sure that existing inventory is considered when determining if additional RAM may be purchased.

•

Notify the RSO PRIOR to ordering the material (email is acceptable). Provide the following information:

-	Isotope and activity
-	RAM vendor
-	anticipated arrival date

•

When placing the RAM order, the "Ship To" address must be:

California State University, Northridge

Central Receiving (RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL)

18111 Nordhoff Street

Northridge, CA 91330-8293

•

Once the RAM has been ordered and a shipping date has been determined, contact the EH&S Office (Ext. 2401) with the order/reference number so that we can coordinate the delivery with Central Receiving.

Inspection and monitoring of all RAM packages will take place within three(3) hours of receipt (or within 3 hours of the beginning of the next work day for late arrivals). Once the package has been inspected, it will be delivered to the Authorized User by EH&S. Upon receipt, all incoming radioactive material shipments will be inspected by EH&S for:

•	Conformity with the approved requisition specification
•	Damage/contamination of the contents or shipping containers
•	Conformity with applicable regulations (DOHS, USDOT, etc.)
•	Other safety considerations

If the shipment passes inspection, it is released to the Authorized User and the RSO adds the material received to the AU's radioactive material inventory.

6.2

Custody:

The Authorized User is continuously responsible for the custody of any source of ionizing radiation possessed, used, or stored under his/her IRUA. The AU is also responsible for the proper storage, labeling, use, and disposal of the material or machines, and for maintaining proper records.

6.3

Inventory Procedures:

Records of the receipts, transfers, and disposal of authorized radioactive materials or radiation producing machines must be maintained at all times. It is the responsibility of the Authorized User to keep the inventory up-to-date.

6.4

Transfer:

All transfers of radioactive materials must have specific prior approval from the RSO.

•	FROM OFF-CAMPUS FACILITY
	In addition to receiving approval from the RSO, the AU must present a copy of the receiving institution's radioactive materials license (if applicable) to the CSUN RSO before the transfer occurs.
•	TO OFF-CAMPUS FACILITY
	All transfers of radioactive materials to off-campus facilities must have specific prior approval of the CSUN Radiation Safety Officer and the receiving institution's RSO. When a short half-lived radioactive material is to be transferred, prior approval of the CSUN RSO may be accomplished by a verbal notification, followed within ten(10) calendar days by a written transfer record to the CSUN RSO The CSUN Authorized User will be responsible for ensuring the prior notification to the CSUN RSO. Packaging, monitoring, and labeling of radioactive materials must be approved by the CSUN RSO.