Part 620: Individual User Responsibilities

• 620.10 Introduction
• 620.20 Responsibilities

620.10 Introduction

Each individual who uses radioactive materials or radiation-producing equipment at the University of Idaho has a responsibility to use the material and equipment in a safe manner that is consistent with the provisions of this manual. It is expected that proper safety practices will be followed when working with radioactive materials or radiation-producing equipment.

620.20 Responsibilities

The following safety practices are the responsibility of each user:

1. Complying with the concepts of ALARA.
2. Using personal dosimeters when required and in a proper manner.
3. Wearing the proper protective clothing when needed. The minimum protective clothing allowed when working with any radioactive materials will be gloves, a lab coat, and, where appropriate, eye/face protection.
   
   NOTE 1: The type of glove used must be appropriate for the chemical properties associated with the radioactive material.
   
   NOTE 2: Eye/face protection shall be consistent with both the chemical and physical hazards associated with the radioactive material, the way the radioactive material is used, and the location where the radioactive material is used.
4. Conducting the required contamination surveys.
5. Using shielding, lead aprons or gloves, or mechanical devices when necessary to reduce radiation exposure while handling radioactive materials.
6. Never exposing personnel to a direct beam from radiation-producing equipment, and maintaining a distance of one meter minimum from the radiation-producing equipment tube or irradiated target while the unit is operating unless unit is adequately shielded.
7. Never pipeting by mouth, always using a mechanical pipeting device to transfer radioactive materials.
8. Minimizing exposure to airborne radioactive materials by not exceeding the levels specified in Part 900 and/or conducting procedures that might release radioactive materials into the air within a proper containment system (e.g., a fume hood or glove box).
9. Washing hands and arms after handling radioactive materials.
10. Not placing fingers, hands, or other items in the mouth, on the lips, or around the mouth, in an area where radioactive materials are used or stored.
11. Not having food, drink or associated utensils in areas where radioactive materials are used or stored.
12. Following good laboratory practices. Keep areas free of equipment and materials not required for the immediate procedure. Areas should be protected with disposable absorbent material and/or trays or pans to contain any spillage in the event of an accident.
13. Marking all areas where radioactive materials are used, as required.
14. Marking and labeling all containers, instruments and other items that are being used with radioactive materials, as required.
15. Maintaining control of an area where radioactive materials are used or stored. Control can consist of locking or maintaining surveillance of an area where radioactive materials are used or stored and/or preventing access or entry by unauthorized individuals.
16. Reporting accidents and incidents involving radioactive materials or radiation-producing equipment, as required.
17. Ensuring that all areas, containers, instruments and other items that have been used with radioactive materials are below the limits of contamination as specified in Part 900 and/or by the radiation safety officer or designee before using them for non-radioactive applications (see Part 305).