Chapter 15 RADIATION SAFETY
Radiation safety is not only the concern of those handling such materials. Being the diverse College that we are, EMS personnel have the responsibility to at least be aware of the exposure hazards of their neighboring labs, offices, and buildings. Hence, some understanding of the rules and protocol governing radioactive materials and radiation producing equipment is recommended for everyone. •
All offices and laboratories containing radioactive materials or equipment which produces radiation must be posted with the international radiation caution symbol shown above.
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Radioisotope laboratories are to be locked whenever unoccupied outside of normal University business hours.
15.1 General Radiation Safety See EHS Radiation Protection section at: http://www.ehs.psu.edu/rad.html Penn State has a strict policy on the procurement, registration, tracking, possession, use, and disposal of radioactive materials. In all instances, defer to the most recently posted PSU policy for answers to questions related to radioactive materials. The following guidelines are highlights of the PSU policy on radioactive materials. •
Receive the appropriate training before handling any radioactive materials.
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Always wear the designated protective and monitoring devices.
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Radioisotope laboratories are to be locked whenever unoccupied
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No purchase, transport, or possession of radioactive materials is permitted without prior authorization from EHS. 15 - 1 Revision Number 1.0-2000
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NO orders for radioactive materials may be shipped directly to the purchaser. Deliveries MUST be made to and inspected by: Radiation Protection Office 288 Academic Projects Building University Park Campus
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If you suspect that radioactive materials have been shipped directly to you, do not open the package. Contact the Radiation Protection Office immediately.
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Follow ALL University regulations regarding opening, inspecting, and dosimeter monitoring of ALL radioactive materials received and or stored on University property. 15.1.1 Transportation of Radioactive Material The transportation of radioactive material is stringently regulated by the federal and state departments of transportation and by other agencies involved in transportation by highway, rail, air, or water. •
All shipments of radioactive material from the University are to be checked and approved by the EHS, including shipments using the U.S. Postal Service, common carriers, and University vehicles.
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The EHS will provide the necessary labels, shipping papers, and placards.
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University personnel must not use private vehicles for the transportation of licensed radioactive material.
15.1.2 Storage Conditions •
All containers of radioactive material are to be labeled with a radiation caution symbol, the type of radioisotope, the rated activity level, and the date.
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Lead shields, cabinets, refrigerators and other storage areas for radioactive material must be conspicuously labeled.
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Radioactive material is to be stored in a manner that will minimize the risk of breakage, leakage, theft, or exposure.
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Radioisotope laboratories are to be locked whenever unoccupied.
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Radioactive material shall be secured against unauthorized removal whenever the room is unoccupied.
15.1.3 Disposal Requirements See Rules and Procedures for the Use of Radioactive Material http://www.ehs.psu.edu/rad/rules.html The University provides for the disposal of radioactive waste in a variety of ways. Always consult Radiation Protection Office for questions regarding the disposition of your radioactive waste. • No radioactive material is to be released to the hood exhaust or sink drain expressly for disposal purposes without prior approval of the Radiation Protection Office. • Solid and liquid waste must be kept appropriately separated, properly sealed, shielded and sufficiently monitored, in accordance with Rules and Procedures for the Use of Radioactive Material Section 14. • Non-radioactive waste may NOT be put into containers designated for radioactive waste.
15.2: X-ray Equipment NOTICE: Contact EHS regarding all possession, use, training and inspection of Xray Equipment
See PSU Safety Policy SY15 Radiation-Producing Instruments Equipment and devices which produce ionizing radiation are regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Radiation Protection. This includes analytical x-ray diffraction and fluorescence systems, industrial radiography units, electron microscopes and x-ray vacuum spectroscopy systems. State laws require the University to register with the State all radiation producing equipment in its possession, including systems which are not in operation. Before purchasing, accepting, transferring or possessing any x-ray producing device, contact EHS for registration and training guidelines. The University is also required to provide safety training to users and supervisors of these systems, perform safety inspections, surveys, and monitor workers exposures to radiation. Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that users of their systems have completed the x-ray safety training provided by EHS. These responsibilities are coordinated through the Environmental Health and Safety group. 15 - 3 Revision Number 1.0-2000
Penn State requires that all users of analytical and industrial x-ray systems wear personnel dosimetry to monitor the users exposure to ionizing radiation. To obtain a dosimeter an individual must first complete the x-ray safety orientation class. X-ray producing equipment has been in use since the 1896. Many early users of x-ray systems suffered injuries as a result of exposure to radiation due to poor design, no shielding and lack of understanding of the potential for harm. Modern systems incorporate improved design, appropriate shielding and safety features which systems which minimize exposures to users of these systems, and reduce the potential of exposure to the primary beam of radiation. X-ray radiation is a form of ionization radiation that is potentially very dangerous. The most dangerous part of an instrument is the incident X-ray beam. Xray radiation cannot be sensed by a human! Care should always be exercised to know the exact path of the incident beam. X-ray radiation is complexly hazardous because it can "bounce" off surfaces and "bend" around corners. Electron microscopes and x-ray vacuum spectroscopy systems operate at energies much lower than that of analytical and industrial x-ray systems. Also, their design typically provides more than adequate shielding of the radiation generated by these systems. Users of these systems are not required to wear a dosimeter. The Radiation Safety Officer for Penn State is Mr. Eric Boeldt. Any questions or concerns that you may have regarding the use radioactive material or radiation producing equipment at Penn State can be discussed with the Radiation Safety Officer at any time. He maintains an office at 6 Eisenhower Parking Deck and 201 Academic Projects Building. He can also be reached by calling Environmental Health and Safety office at 865 - 6391. To reduce your exposure to any type of ionizing radiation: •
Reduce the length of time you are exposed to the radiation source;
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Increase the distance between yourself and the radiation source; and
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Increase shielding between yourself and the radiation source.
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It is recommended that glasses be worn in an X-ray lab.
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Women that are pregnant or suspect that they are pregnant, should take special care to protect the developing fetus.
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The X-ray generator, typically operates at high voltages (40 to 60 kV). These power supplies should only be serviced by trained electrical engineers. 15 - 4 Revision Number 1.0-2000
15.3 High Magnetic Field Equipment The magnets used in high-magnetic-field equipment produce strong magnetic fields, sometimes in excess of 10 gauss. Ideally, colored lines should be drawn on the floor surrounding such equipment in order to identify the various zones of field strength. For instance, a blue line on the floor would indicate the 10gauss level, whereas a white line would identify the 100-gauss level. Credit cards should not be brought inside the 10-gauss line. Steel and other magnetic objects should not be brought within the 100-gauss line. The electrical hazards of high-magnetic-field equipment must also be respected. The magnets typically require high currents at moderately high voltages (~20,000 amps at 500 volts). Such electricity is sufficient to kill a person instantly. Although the power lines are well insulated and grounded, any contact with the magnet housing should be avoided. Additionally, be aware that electrical conductors may be exposed inside the working section of a magnetic apparatus. Make sure that neither you nor your tools come in contact with any power sources.
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