Table of Contents

• Purpose
  
• Criteria for Users of Radioactive Materials
  
• Ordering, Receiving, and Transferring Radioactive Materials
  
• Inventory of Radioactive Materials
  
• Laboratory Controls to Minimize Radiation Exposures
  
• Disposal of Radioactive Waste
  
• Signs and Labels
  
• Reuse of Contaminated Equipment and Supplies
  
• Laboratory Inspection Criteria
  
• Radiobioassays
  
• Personnel Monitoring and Dose Restrictions
  
• FSU Radiation Control and Policy Committee
  
• Radiation Safety Officer (RSO)
  
• Radiological Emergency Procedures
  
• Reportable Incidents
  
• Use of the FSU Particle Accelerators
  
• References

Purpose

The purpose of this manual is to provide the necessary procedures, guidance and information for the safe use of radioactive materials and radiation producing machines at The Florida State University. While this manual does not include all radiation safety requirements, it does provide a detailed guide for users of radioactive materials and for those who work with radiation producing machines. Those interested in reviewing more complete code requirements are encouraged to access the references noted above. These references are available at the Radiation Safety Office, Department of Environmental Health and Safety, (850) 644-8801.

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Criteria for Users of Radioactive Materials

Basic Criteria

The following criteria are used as a Radiation Control and Policy Committee guide in approving qualified personnel for specific uses of radioactive materials obtained under the authority of license number 32-10. Guidelines are also included for "Maintenance and Janitorial Workers" performing their duties in radiation areas. A "user" referred to in these criteria means a qualified person performing experiments using radioactive materials.

• Each Principal Investigator and additional users of radioactive materials:
• Must read, be familiar with, and follow the procedures outlined in this safety manual.
• Shall submit a "Proposal for use of Radioactive Materials" which must be approved by the Radiation Control and Policy Committee before the experiments begin. The Principal Investigator must sign all proposals. The Radiation Safety Officer will assist in the completion of the form and will present the request to members of the Radiation Control and Policy Committee for evaluation and signature if approved. Approval will be granted if the Committee agrees that the proposed use satisfactorily meets adequate control and radiation safety requirements.
• The Principal Investigator must obtain an amendment to their proposal, approved by at least the Committee Chairman and the Radiation Safety Officer, before substantially deviating from the kinds of radioisotopes, the maximum activities, the areas of use, or the experiments described on the proposal. The Radiation Safety Officer may approve minor changes in the proposal, including the addition of up to one millicurie in the amount of activity authorized.
• Shall indicate on the proposal additional users of the radioactive materials and describe their experience, training, and capabilities to safely conduct experiments using radioactive materials.
• Must submit to the Radiation Safety Office a curriculum vitae (CV) that is no more than five years old. The CV should include practical hands-on experience working with radioactive materials.
• A proposal is issued for a period not to exceed five years, at which time the proposal may be resubmitted for another review by the Committee.
• The Committee will approve proposals only if convincing evidence is provided that the user is competent in performing all applicable phases of the proposed experiments. If, after reviewing the proposal and supporting information, the Committee members have questions about the safety of the proposed use, they may require:
• A personal interview with the user and/or the Principal Investigator for specific details of the experiment.
• That the users first make trial runs of the experiment using non-radioactive materials.
• Specific types of equipment and techniques to be used under certain conditions.

Use of Radioactive Materials on Seagoing Research Vessels

The use of radioactive materials on seagoing research vessels within the territorial boundaries of the State of Florida requires specific approval from the Bureau of Radiation Control (BRC). If the research vessel is to travel beyond the territorial boundaries of the State of Florida, prior approval must also be obtained from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Such vessels that may enter the territorial waters of other states or territories shall not do so without a reciprocity agreement from each state or territory affected. Therefore, personnel seeking approval for such activities must provide the FSU Radiation Safety Office details about the proposed operations well in advance of anticipated departure dates.

Duly approved Principal Investigators may depart with radioactive materials on seagoing research vessel, after regulatory approval has been obtained, on a vessel equipped to facilitate the use of radioactive materials for offshore research if the following criteria are met:

• The vessel has a "Health Physics Supply Kit" on board containing:
• If appropriate, a calibrated G-M survey meter and extra batteries
• Absorbent wipe test papers and envelopes
• Disposable gloves
• Plastic bags, tags and masking tape
• Color-coded rope and signs for a "Restricted Area" barricade
• Decontamination solutions
• Absorbent workbench paper with plastic backing
• Paper towels or other absorbent material
• Appropriate transport containers and labels
• "Caution - Radioactive Materials" tape and labels
• A copy of the FSU Radiation Safety Manual
• Papers identifying the quantity and type of radioactive materials onboard
• All radioactive materials (stock solutions, LLRW, contaminated equipment, etc.) are properly packaged, labeled and transported to the vessel and back to the Florida State University Radiation Safety Office in accordance with applicable international, federal and state regulations. Contact the Radiation Safety Office for guidance and assistance.

Classification of Users and Specific Criteria

• Principal Investigator

• To be designated as a Principal Investigator, an individual must have the approval of the Radiation Control and Policy Committee. In granting this approval the following criteria, in addition to those cited elsewhere in this section, shall be used as a guide in evaluating the person. A Principal Investigator:
• Shall be an experienced user of radioactive materials and considered competent in directing the proposed radiation program.
• Shall be assured that the necessary funds are available to cover the costs of safely conducting the proposed radioactive experiments.
• Is responsible for personnel within the program, ensuring that they have the ability to safely conduct their assigned duties.
• Is responsible for submitting a proposal for each proposed use of radioactive materials. Each proposal must be signed by the Principal Investigator and initialed by each user working under the proposal.
• Is responsible for ordering, maintaining security, maintaining inventories and keeping disposal records of all radioactive materials authorized by the approved proposal.
• The Specific Duties of Principal Investigators
• Shall have a current and complete proposal on file with the Radiation Safety Office.
• Shall observe all safety recommendations, rules and regulations of the University; the State of Florida and the federal government; and any special conditions required by the FSU Radiation Control and Policy Committee.
• Shall immediately, report to the Radiation Safety Officer any accident involving radioactive materials or equipment producing ionizing radiation.
• Shall notify the Radiation Safety Office of shipments of radioactive materials that are received directly by the laboratory. The Radiation Safety Office shall be notified of all shipments or transfers of radioactive materials to and from the University.
• Shall submit a quarterly inventory report for radioactive materials to the Radiation Safety Office. This report shall include the kind and amount of radioactive material on hand, receipts, and disposals, and shall indicate the method of disposal. The Radiation Safety Office provides forms for these reports.
• Shall ensure that all personnel who work with radioactive materials are listed on the proposal and have reviewed and are familiar with the applicable parts of this manual.

• Associate Investigator (Supervisor)

An Associate Investigator is authorized to conduct individual experiments (working alone) within the guidelines of the PI's proposal, but they must have at least the following extent of experience working with radioactive materials:

• A course equivalent to Radiation Biology (APB 4403C) or Radiochemistry (CHS4100C), or
• At least six months work experience as a Radioisotope Worker.
  A visitor with adequate experience or training may work as an Associate Investigator, even though the individual is not employed by the University.

• Radioisotope Worker (Directly Supervised)

The position of Radioisotope Worker is established primarily for personnel who will be working with very low levels of radioactive materials involving minimal hazards. Direct supervision is required. Direct supervision means that the supervisor (Principal Investigator or Associate Investigator) must work closely with the individual, physically demonstrate the procedures, and give instruction on the hazards of the experiment. The supervisor should be physically present, unless convinced that the worker understands the procedures and can safely perform the assigned duties. The supervisor should be readily available for the worker to contact in case of need.

If the person has had no experience working with radioactive materials, that person, before conducting radioactive experiments, must work as a trainee for an initial period with the supervisor physically present. The trainee should make trial runs, when necessary, using non-radioactive materials until the worker can safely conduct or assist in conducting the radioactive experiments. Such a trainee should also take the Radiation Safety Short Course as soon as it is next offered. Since the short course is offered no more than once a semester, the trainee should be scheduled for one-on-one training with radiation safety personnel as soon as possible. This one-on-one training will usually consist of the trainee viewing radiation safety videotape and a question-and-answer session with the Radiation Safety person present. Refresher training is required of every individual at intervals not to exceed seven years.

• Radiation Safety Appointee (Responsible User)

The Principal Investigator may appoint a knowledgeable individual to promote radiation safety in the laboratory, to keep records (inventories, surveys, etc.), and to report incidents to the Radiation Safety Office. This individual will usually be the contact person for Radiation Safety personnel and will be responsible for the following functions:

• Requisitions - Review requisitions for ordering radioactive materials to ensure that the materials and the quantities are authorized by the proposal.
• Inventories - Submit quarterly inventories to the Radiation Safety Office, including the dates and amounts of all receipts, transfers and disposals.
• Waste - Be familiar with the radioactive waste segregation requirements for the various radionuclides, quantities and chemical and/or physical forms that are placed in the provided radioactive waste containers. Prior to pick up by Radiation Safety personnel, list the radioactive waste contents on the forms provided.
• Signs and labels - Any laboratory apparatus in which radioactive materials are used or stored; such as, freezers, refrigerators, centrifuges, cabinets, etc., must display the "Caution Radioactive Materials" sign or labeling tape, either of which can be obtained from the Radiation Safety Office. The Radiation Safety Office must be notified when these units are moved to a new location, disposed of, or otherwise withdrawn from use. Radiation Safety personnel must check these items for contamination prior to transfer or disposition.
• Laboratory Controls
• Report contamination incidents to the Radiation Safety Office.
• Maintain a clean lab with minimal clutter on the radioactive workbench and in hoods.
• Provide proper shielding, as necessary, in areas where radioactive materials are stored.
• Point out careless practices and poor techniques of other radioactive materials users and explain proper procedures.
• Report items of noncompliance to the Radiation Safety Office, persistent problems, and consistent lack of cooperation of users with the Radiation Control Appointee.

• Special Instructions for Maintenance and Janitorial Workers

• Maintenance Personnel

Maintenance personnel, who are required to work in laboratories where possible radiation hazards exist, must be informed of those hazards and be supervised when necessary. Radiation Safety personnel should be notified by the Principal Investigator, or their designee, before maintenance personnel start work on such projects, so that proper safety will be provided when necessary.

The following examples are types of projects that should be reported to the Radiation Safety Office before work is begun:

• Changing filters in hoods or glove boxes in which radioactive materials have been used.
• Working on drains of sinks that have been used for the disposal of radioactive materials.
• Working on laboratory equipment that is likely to be contaminated with radioactive material.
• Machining parts that may be radioactive by induced activity, e.g., bombarded with neutrons.

• Janitorial Personnel

Janitorial workers must be apprised of any radiation hazards present and as to the meaning of warning signs and labels. Radiation Safety personnel provide this training annually.

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Ordering, Receiving, and Transferring Radioactive Materials

Ordering and Receiving Radioactive Materials

Requisitions for radioactive materials shall not be submitted if such materials and quantities, plus the materials and quantities on hand, exceed those listed on the Principal Investigator's proposal as approved by the Radiation Control and Policy Committee.

All incoming packages of radioactive materials shall first be delivered to the Radiation Safety Office. Radiation Safety Office personnel will make verification of authorization. The package will be checked for integrity, monitored in accordance with Chapter 64E-5.327, FAC, and delivered to the appropriate laboratory.

Transfers of Radioactive Materials to Other Facilities

Transfers of radioactive materials to other facilities must be coordinated with the Radiation Safety Office. Such shipments must be properly packaged, labeled and wipe tested, as necessary. The Radiation Safety Office must have a copy of the recipient's license number as proof that the individual is authorized to receive the material.

Transporting Radioactive Materials Between Laboratories

When transporting radioactive material, particularly radioactive liquids in glass containers from one laboratory to another, a secondary container; such as, Styrofoam, cardboard, rubber, or metal must be used.

When millicurie amounts of radioactive solutions are transported, enough absorbent packing material shall be used to ensure that all the liquid is absorbed in case of breakage or leakage.

Vehicles used for transporting these radioactive materials should be checked for contamination after use and decontaminated, if necessary. The practice of using private vehicles for transporting radioactive materials is discouraged by the Radiation Safety Office.

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Inventory of Radioactive Materials

Each Principal Investigator that uses licensed radioactive material is required to keep an inventory of radioactive materials in their possession. Inventory reports are due at least quarterly. These reports, or the information required in order to prepare these reports, should be received by the Radiation Safety Office within 10 working days following the end of the period covered. Serious delinquencies may result in punitive action by the Radiation Control and Policy Committee.

The Radiation Safety Office provides radioactive material inventory forms. The inventory forms are for reporting the amounts of each radionuclide received, transferred and disposed of during the reporting period, plus the amount of each radionuclide "on hand" at the end of the reporting period. Alternate methods of reporting equivalent information may also be used.

The decay formula is as follows: A = Ao x e^{(-0.693t/T1/2)}

Where: A = Activity now
Ao = Activity at some previous time
e = Base of natural logarithm
t = Elapsed time
T1/2 = Half-life of the radionuclide (must be in same time units as t)

The radioactive material inventory form will be revised by the Radiation Safety Office, as needed.

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Laboratory Controls to Minimize Radiation Exposures

Controls within facilities where radioactive materials are used or stored are established to minimize radiation exposure and radioactive contamination. High standards of cleanliness and good housekeeping, proper supervision, and well-instructed personnel are significant elements in the control of radiation exposures and radioactive contamination. The Principal Investigator is responsible for seeing that these conditions are met on a day-to-day basis in their laboratory.

Personnel Protective Measures

Eating and drinking are prohibited when working with radioactive material or with contaminated equipment.

Smoking is prohibited in all laboratories.

Wearing protective gloves is required when working with activity that is loose; e.g., powder or liquid.

Surveying (when appropriate) and washing hands is required after working with loose radioactive material.

Handling radioactive material should not be done if there are significant breaks in the skin (cuts or abrasions) that would permit entry of radioactive material or hinder the effective decontamination by vigorous washing.

Pipetting radioactive solutions by mouth is prohibited.

Laboratory Procedures and Facilities

Each person working in the laboratory shall clean up their work area and apparatus, and properly dispose of or store the radioactive material.

No person or object subject to radioactive contamination is to leave a laboratory without being monitored for radioactivity. Suitable monitoring techniques are required; such as, using a G-M survey meter or conducting wipe tests. Consult with Radiation Safety personnel if specific instructions are needed as to the proper technique for radiation monitoring.

When working with radioactive material that may be dispersed into the air, such as; ashing, boiling, evaporating, or distilling, the work must be done in a fume hood. The airflow shall be no less than 100 linear feet per minute when averaged over the plane of the sash with the sash opened at least 10 inches. Work with fine particulate radioactive material must be done in a glove box. Any exceptions must be approved by the FSU Radiation Control and Policy Committee.

Tables and bench tops on which radioactive material is used shall be made of, or lined with, a nonporous and chemical resistant material. Such surfaces are to be covered with a disposable material such as absorbent plastic-backed paper. When working under conditions that a spill or incident would not be confined to a small area, the work shall be done over a tray, or other provisions should be made to minimize the extent of a contamination incident.

The extent of work areas and storage places for radioactive material within a laboratory are to be kept to a minimum. Radioactive material is to be stored as far as practical from other work areas and behind sufficient shielding, when needed, to minimize the exposure of personnel. Additional radioactive storage facilities are available on campus. For use of these facilities, contact the Radiation Safety Office at 644-8801.

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Disposal of Radioactive Wastes

Radioactive waste is not to be discarded by regular means of disposal. Specific rules, regulations, and guidelines must be followed for the disposal of radioactive waste. Emphasis is placed on the segregation of different types of waste according to radionuclide, half-life, chemical form, physical form, or combinations thereof. All radioactive waste disposals must be reflected on the inventory. When radioactive wastes need to be picked up, such as when the containers are full, contact the Radiation Safety Office.

The following procedures and guidelines are to be used in the disposal of radioactive waste:

Liquids

• Sewer Disposal of Aqueous, Readily Soluble, or Readily Dispersible Biological Material

• Radionuclides in Microcurie Amounts

Most aqueous liquid wastes and biodegradable scintillation cocktails can be discarded down designated sink drains, if disposal records are maintained. Such liquids must be aqueous, readily soluble in water, or readily dispersible biological material in water. Records of all sewer disposals must be indicated on the monthly inventory form. The chemical constituents of the radioactive waste must also be considered prior to sewer disposal. For assistance in determining which chemical forms are permissible for sewer disposal, contact the FSU Department of Environmental Health and Safety, Hazardous Materials Section at 644-8800.

• Radionuclides in Millicurie Amounts

Aqueous and readily dispersible biological material containing millicurie amounts of radionuclides shall be collected in five-gallon safety containers (or other suitable collection containers) provided by the Radiation Safety Office. Such waste should only be disposed of by Radiation Safety Office personnel.

• Organic

Five-gallon safety containers are provided to each laboratory that generates radioactive organic liquid waste, which usually consists of xylene, benzene, or toluene based scintillation fluid.

• Exempt Concentrations of Tritium and Carbon-14

Separate containers are provided for exempt concentrations of less than 0.05 microcurie per gram of tritium and carbon-14.

• Nonexempt Concentrations and Other Radionuclides

Additional containers will be provided by the Radiation Safety Office commensurate with the particular variety of radionuclides used in a lab. All containers must be labeled as to which specific radionuclides should be discarded therein; strict compliance with these labels is essential.

Before the container is 3/4 full, contact Radiation Safety for pick up. Ensure that an accurate record is kept detailing the isotope, activity and hazardous chemical constituents for each container.

Solids

• Sharps

Sharps contaminated with radionuclides should be placed into cardboard boxes or otherwise segregated from non-sharps and clearly identified, in order to prevent injury to personnel handling these wastes. Otherwise, segregation and disposal of this material is done exactly as it is for similar non-sharp radioactive wastes.

• Other Solid Waste

Containers for discarding solid radioactive waste in the laboratories are provided by the Radiation Safety Office. Such waste shall be segregated by category; 90 day half-life,>90 day half-life, etc. If more than one waste category exists in a laboratory, the containers will be marked as to which radionuclides are to be placed into the specific containers. Compliance with such markings is essential.

Animal Carcasses

• All animal carcasses containing radioactive waste shall be segregated in the laboratory prior to pick up by Radiation Safety personnel for disposal in accordance with the following criteria:

• Carcasses containing tritium or carbon-14 in quantities less than 0.05 microcurie per gram, when averaged over the initial weight of the animal, should be disposed of as non-radioactive. Records of these disposals must be reflected on the inventory and include the radionuclide, original live animal weight and activity.
• Carcasses containing 90 day half-life radioisotopes will be picked up by Radiation Safety personnel for decay before disposal.
• Carcasses containing other radioisotopes and concentrations will ultimately be shipped by the Radiation Safety Office to a disposal site and must be stored in a freezer until picked up by Radiation Safety personnel. Precautions should be taken to prevent carcasses from freezing into a large mass. Laboratory personnel are responsible for seeing that large animal carcasses are reduced in size to fit into a 30-gallon drum.

• Animal Excrement and Bedding

  All radioactive animal excrement and bedding should be kept separate from other waste. Separate animal excrement or bedding according to radionuclide concentration averaged over the net weight of the bag and/or according to the half-life as follows:

  • Tritium or carbon-14, less than 0.05 microcurie per gram in one container and greater than 0.05 microcurie per gram in another.
  • All radionuclides, other than tritium and carbon- 14, with a half-life 90 days in one container and those with a half-life of>90 days in another.

Mixed Waste

The Radiation Safety Office discourages mixing radioactive material with other hazardous material. Whenever this is unavoidable, the following criteria applies:

• Mixed waste containing radionuclides with a half-life of 90 days will be held for decay by the Radiation Safety Office and disposed of in accordance with the hazardous material disposal requirements.
• Mixed waste containing radionuclides with a half-life of>90 days must be kept separate from all other mixed waste. Disposal of such waste is difficult and expensive and the Radiation Safety Officer should be notified prior to the generation of long-lived, mixed waste.

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Signs and Labels

Radiation warning signs bearing the standard radiation symbol and proper wording must be posted in areas subject to radiation hazards when required by state regulations.

Containers of radioactive materials must bear labels with the radiation symbol and words "Caution (or Danger) Radioactive Materials", and when appropriate list the radioisotope, the amount of activity and the activity date. Additional information on or near the containers may be provided if it will help minimize radiation hazards. Containers that are used temporarily during laboratory radioactivity work are not required to be so labeled, unless left unattended. Items left in a designated radioactive workplace will be assumed to be radioactive.

For advice as to proper signs and posting in restricted areas, consult with Radiation Safety personnel.

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Reuse of Contaminated Equipment and Supplies

Containers, glassware and equipment that have become contaminated with radioactive materials, including those items that have become radioactive from induced activity, must be labeled as "Radioactive" and shall not be returned to the University stock room or redistributed for general use without specific approval of the Radiation Safety Officer. Contaminated items no longer needed in a program will generally be disposed of as solid radioactive waste, or may be decontaminated and reused.

Refrigerators and other costly laboratory equipment that once contained radioactive materials may be reused only after being checked and cleared by Radiation Safety personnel and after removal of all radiation warning signs and labels. It is the policy of the FSU Radiation Control and Policy Committee that such refrigerator and freezer units shall not be sold to the general public.

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Laboratory Inspection Criteria

Laboratory Inspection Policies

Radiation Safety Office personnel inspect all areas where radioactive materials are used or stored to ensure that safety requirements are being met; that the posting of signs and the labeling of containers is proper; that exposure levels are not exceeding prescribed limits; and that radioactive material is being used in accordance with the license, the proposal and/or directives of the FSU Radiation Control and Policy Committee. Laboratories actively engaged in the use of radioactive material will be surveyed by Radiation Safety Office personnel at least monthly, as appropriate, and wipe tested in places where contamination may be suspected. More frequent wipes and/or surveys will be performed when:

• The laboratory has a recent history of being contaminated; e.g., contamination is found in the laboratory for several consecutive months or contamination levels exceed 1,000 dpm per 100 cm2.
• The laboratory has a high potential of being contaminated; e.g., frequent handling of solutions of multi-millicurie amounts or the user is inexperienced and using multi-millicurie amounts.
• The nature of a multi-millicurie procedure is unusual or inherently risky.
• The Radiation Safety Officer has determined that it should be done based on professional judgment.

Laboratory personnel shall perform additional surveys during procedures that could cause contamination or exposure concerns in addition to their routine in-process and post work surveys.

Radiation Safety should be contacted when any technical assistance is needed such as, during non-routine decontamination procedures.

Action Levels

Except for hoods, glove boxes and other enclosed areas not susceptible to the transfer of removable activity, Radiation Safety personnel will take action to have laboratory areas decontaminated if a wipe test exceeds 100 disintegrations per minute beta/gamma or alpha activity averaged over 100 cm2.

Any contamination exceeding this limit will be highlighted on the lab map and delivered to the Principal Investigator as soon as practicable. Lab wipes that indicate levels of contamination 10 times the limit stated above are immediately made known to the Principal Investigator and the areas are rewiped by Radiation Safety personnel within seven working days. Radiation Safety personnel will provide technical assistance during any laboratory or personnel decontamination procedure, as necessary.

During laboratory surveys conducted by Radiation Safety personnel, any elevated radiation levels found that are not considered as low as reasonably achievable, will be discussed with laboratory personnel and an attempt will be made to resolve the matter before leaving the laboratory.

Laboratory Surveillance by Wipe Criteria

Disposable gloves should be worn by any person taking wipes where contamination is suspected.

The wipe medium should consist of an absorbent paper measuring approximately 2.5 x 3.0 cm.

All wipe papers should be moistened with ethanol just prior to being used.

Each wipe should represent a surface area as close to 100 cm2 as possible, but typically should be made in a random pattern over the general areas of interest.

Laboratory Surveillance with Portable Instrumentation

Survey in and around areas where the radioactive materials are stored and/or used. Laboratories that use only tritium will not be surveyed due to the inability of survey meters to detect this low energy beta emitter. Radiation Safety personnel will provide technical assistance, as needed.

• Since alpha emitters' daughters emit betas, gammas and/or characteristic x-rays, a G-M survey meter with a suitable detector may be used for alpha surveys; however, a properly calibrated alpha survey meter should always be available, if needed.
• A properly operating survey meter with a current calibration shall be used for surveys. Radiation Safety Office personnel calibrate survey instruments at least annually and will arrange for prompt repair or replacement of inoperable or contaminated instruments.
• The survey instrument's audible switch should be turned "on" and "fast" response selected, if provided.
• A close distance must be maintained between the probe and the surface being surveyed, about one centimeter, while avoiding potential probe contamination from contact with the surface.
• While surveying, the detector must be moved slowly so that the instrument will have time to respond.
• If any elevated radiation levels are found that are not considered normal, an attempt should be made to resolve the matter before leaving the laboratory.
• After the survey, the instrument should be turned off, including the "audible" switch, if independently powered.

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Radiobioassays

Bioassay Policy

• Thyroid Radioiodine Bioassays

U.S. NRC Regulatory Guide 8.20 specifies that thyroid bioassays be performed on persons working with 10 mCi (37 MBq) or more of radioiodine in a three month period (when in a volatile form and used in a fume hood). The bioassay is a procedure for determining the amount of radioiodine body burden by in-vivo measurements of the thyroid. It is the responsibility of the Principle Investigator to assure that radioiodine users, of quantities listed above, have their thyroids checked accordingly.

• Tritium Bioassays

U.S. NRC Regulatory Guide 8.32 specifies that tritium bioassays be performed on persons working with 10 mCi (37 MBq) or more of tritium in a three month period (on an open laboratory bench top). The bioassay is a procedure for determining the amount of tritium body burden by in-vitro measurements of a urine sample. It is the responsibility of the Principle Investigator to assure that tritium users, of quantities listed above, submit urine specimens to the Radiation Safety Office.

Corrective Actions

• Radioiodine

If the calculated concentration of the subject's thyroid exceeds 0.121 microcuries of 125I or 0.04 microcuries of 131I, action must be taken to reduce the subject's uptake; such as, investigating the operations involved to determine the cause of the dose and the potential for further dose and restricting the subject from further exposure to radioiodine until a new procedure is established to reduce the exposure. Also, follow-up bioassays will be performed to confirm that the thyroid burden is decreasing. If excessive levels persist, medical advice must be sought.

• Tritium

If the calculated concentration of tritium exceeds the calculated minimum detectable concentration determined prior to sample analysis, take the corrective action outlined in the "FSU STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE for TRITIUM BIOASSAYS".

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Personnel Monitoring and Dose Restrictions

The University is committed to the concept of personnel radiation exposures being as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) and the following guidelines shall be observed:

Dose Restrictions for Radiation Workers

• The radiation dose to minors and an embryo/fetus shall not exceed 10 percent of the limits stated below. The radiation dose to all other radiation workers shall not exceed an annual total effective dose equivalent of:
• 5 rem (0.05 Sievert) to the body; or
• 15 rem (0.15 Sievert) to the eye; or
• 50 rem (0.5 Sievert) shallow dose to the skin or any extremity.
• In keeping with the ALARA policy, the Radiation Control and Policy Committee recommends that doses to radiation workers be limited to 10 percent of the dose limits described above, adjusted to a quarterly criteria. Any monitored individual exceeding these quarterly dose limits will be notified by Radiation Safety personnel so that they may be able to modify their techniques to reduce their radiation exposure.
• Declared pregnant workers may be occupational radiation workers provided that they follow all applicable personnel monitoring and dose restrictions outlined above, and ensure that assigned whole body dosimetry is worn at waist level at all times while at work (per 64E-5.311(5), F.A.C.).

Dose Restrictions to Individual Members of the Public

All operations involving the use of radiation shall be conducted in such a way to restrict the total effective dose equivalent to individual members of the public (non-radiation workers) as follows:

• 0.05 rem (0.5 millisievert) per year; or
• 2 mrem (0.02 millisievert) in any one hour.
• Concentrations of radioactive materials in gaseous and liquid effluents not exceeding 10 percent of the values specified in Table 2 of 64E5.313 (2) (b) 1, Florida Administrative Code.

Personnel Monitoring Policies

• All personnel entering areas where a whole-body personnel dosimeter has been deemed to be appropriate shall wear the device in the position that will likely indicate the highest whole body dose (e.g., between chest and waist level, outside of clothing).
• Personnel working with radioactive materials, that are issued an extremity dosimeter (ring TLD), shall wear the dosimeter on a finger with the sensitive portion of the dosimeter toward the palm of their hand; i.e., closest to the source of radiation, so that the finger does not shield the dosimeter from the radiation. Those working with other sources of radiation; e.g., x-ray diffraction units, shall wear the ring dosimeter with the sensitive portion on their finger facing the radiation source.
• Ring dosimeters shall be worn under gloves when necessary to prevent device contamination.
• Radiation workers issued any type of personnel monitoring device, extremity or whole-body, shall not allow their assigned device to be worn by any other person.
• Radiation workers will be issued a ring dosimeter on the following basis:
• If the individual regularly handles millicurie amounts of energetic beta emitters or gamma/x-ray emitters (e.g., iodine-131); or
• If the PI or radiation worker requests that a ring dosimeter be assigned, as long as the radiation source is detectable by the dosimeter; or
• If the Radiation Safety Officer feels that extremity monitoring is warranted.

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FSU Radiation Control and Policy Committee

Role of the Committee

• The Purpose of the Committee

The Radiation Control and Policy Committee was established to act as an advising and counseling panel for the radiation safety program. The program is designed to control the receipt, possession, use, disposal and transfer of radioactive materials to, from, and on campus, and to control the hazards associated with ionizing radiation and radiation producing machines. The Committee also establishes policies for the program and evaluates procedures, proposals, and records.

• The Scope of the Committee

The Committee's jurisdiction includes the FSU campus, remote FSU facilities and offshore research vessels. The Committee has the overall responsibility of ensuring that the FSU radiation safety program is in compliance with all internal and external rules and regulations, without placing undue burdens on the Principal Investigators and their research program.

• The Authority of the Committee

The Radiation Control and Policy Committee was established by university administration and functions in accordance with 64E-5.209, Florida Administrative Code.

Organization of the Committee

The Radiation Control and Policy Committee is made up of six members; the Radiation Safety Officer (ex-officio, voting), four Principal Investigators experienced in the safe use of radioactive materials, and a representative appointed by the Vice President for Finance and Administration (ex-officio, non-voting). Since there are few qualified candidates, there is no routine rotation of members.

When there is a membership vacancy on the committee, the Radiation Safety Officer makes the vacancy known to the committee chairman. A replacement committee member is then selected, with his/her consent, from a department that is heavily involved in radiation related research and does not have a current representative on the committee. Upon acceptance by the new member, a letter of appointment is prepared for the signature of the Vice President for Finance and Administration.

The Chairperson is appointed from one of the Principal Investigator members who have served on the Committee for at least two years immediately prior to their appointment as Chairperson. A committee quorum of at least three voting members is required to conduct business, at least three committee members' signatures are required for the approval of each proposed use of radioactive material and at least three voting members must agree to suspend a proposal or establish radiation safety policies.

Specific Duties of the Committee

• Determine policy for the radiation safety program.
• Select the Radiation Safety Officer.
• Advise the Radiation Safety Officer on technical matters.
• Conduct periodic or discretionary reviews or evaluations of the radiation safety program.
• Review and approve the proposed Radiation Safety Office budget.
• Approve applications for radioactive materials licenses prior to submission to the BRC.
• Revoke user privileges if the Committee perceives the situation to be severe enough to so warrant.
• Review and approve or disapprove the use of radioactive materials or any ionizing or non-ionizing radiation producing Equipment under the jurisdiction of the University.
• Prescribe special conditions, as may be necessary; such as, additional training and/or instructions, designated or limited areas of use, disposal methods, etc.
• Review all reports that are submitted to the Committee by the Radiation Safety Officer.
• Hold a Committee meeting at least once every six months. Meetings may be called by any member at any time.

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Radiation Safety Officer (RSO)

Specific Duties of the RSO

• Directs the radiation safety program.
• Submits applications and related correspondence for the licensing and registration requirements of the radiation safety program.
• Reviews receipts of radioactive materials to assure that the procurement of such materials is not in violation of the radioactive materials license, that the material and user have been approved by the FSU Radiation Control and Policy Committee and that suitable and secure storage and use areas exist.
• Reviews all plans for the proposed use of radioisotopes and ionizing radiation producing equipment from the standpoint of radiation safety, outlines any additional requirements to the Principal Investigator, and makes recommendations to the Radiation Control and Policy Committee.
• Assures that the monitoring, as required, and the opening of incoming shipments of radioactive materials is carried out properly and supervises the storage and delivery of such shipments.
• Supervises the packaging of radioactive materials to be shipped from the University to other authorized recipients to assure compliance with packaging, shipping and labeling requirements.
• Ensures a physical inspection is made of each room or area where ionizing radiations producing equipment or radioactive materials are used to assure that the proper radiation warning signs are posted and/or containers are labeled.
• Assures the issuance and wearing of personnel monitoring devices, when needed, their timely exchange, and the proper instructions on their use.
• Supervises the wipe tests and surveys of storage and work areas in the laboratories where radioactive materials are located. Surveys all areas where radiation hazards are suspected and any other special surveys that may be required.
• Determines exposure potential under actual or proposed working conditions and recommends time limits for personnel exposure and minimal working distances.
• Investigates radiation incidents (spills or other mishaps), supervises the decontamination of major spills, and reports such incidents to the Committee and to BRC, as required.
• Arranges for the collection of radioactive waste for proper storage and disposal and supervises the management of such waste.
• Establishes proper calibration procedures for survey instruments that are currently in use or in a standby status and assures that qualified personnel perform these procedures in a timely manner. Also, arranges for prompt repair of survey instruments, as necessary.
• Ensures that all required health physics activities are conducted; e.g., leak tests, wipe tests, survey records, dose records, receipt records, inventory records, etc., and that records of such are all properly maintained.
• Submits an annual report to the FSU Radiation Control and Policy Committee describing the accomplishments of the radiation safety program, the goals of the program, unmet needs, any non-compliance items found during recent inspections, and any unusual events or circumstances.
• Develops and provides instruction for research personnel in proper radiation safety practices and procedures and ensures that all users have read and understand the FSU Radiation Safety Manual, which includes emergency procedures.
• Possesses the authority to suspend any use of radiation that is judged to be a potentially serious radiation safety hazard or a flagrant violation of applicable rules.

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Radiological Emergency Procedures

Major Incidents (Spill of millicurie amounts of a short-lived radioisotope, microcurie or greater amounts of a long-lived radioisotope, spill in an uncontrolled area, or a bodily injury)

• Notification

During normal business hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. work days) call the Radiation Safety Office at 644-8801. After normal working hours, weekends or holidays, call the FSU Police at 644-1234, 911, or use an emergency telephone. Provide the following minimal information:

• Your name;
• Building and location;
• Estimated seriousness of incident/injury.

Stay on the line until all necessary information has been provided. If you called FSU Police, they will notify the FSU Department of Environmental Health and Safety and the appropriate emergency response personnel.

If the Radiation Safety Officer cannot be reached, other Radiation Safety personnel or a member of the Radiation Control and Policy Committee must be notified.

• Care of the Injured

• Apply first aid, if necessary, using caution not to further aggravate the injury. Do not totally disregard the radioactive contamination, but it should be secondary to caring for the injured person; the contamination can be dealt with at a later time.
• Stay with the accident victim until emergency personnel arrive and advise them as to the extent of the injury, the victim's condition, and the extent of contamination, if known.
• Accompany the victim to the hospital, if possible, and take along a G-M survey meter, if available, whenever radioactive contamination is suspected (other than tritium).

• Contamination/Exposure Control for Localized, Non-volatile liquid Spills

When liquid radioactive material is spilled, specific action must be taken. Listed below, in order of priority, are steps to be taken in handling a spill of this nature:

• Request help from lab workers, if available.
• Make a quick evaluation of the extent of the airborne potential -
• If there is potential for an airborne problem, shut off the air handling system and leave the immediate area, keep involved personnel in the general area, prevent the entry of non-essential personnel, and contact the Radiation Safety Office at 644-8801.
• If there is no airborne potential, proceed to monitor personnel and the area to establish the extent of the contamination. If the radiation levels in the area exceed two millirem per hour, shield the source or leave the area.
• Control the area. Avoid the spread of contamination. If your shoes are contaminated and you must leave the area, go to the outer perimeter of the contaminated area and remove your shoes, rope off the area, and post signs warning of the radiation incident. Avoid leaving the area unattended or unlocked.
• Notify the Radiation Safety Office of the spill, 644-8801. Provide general details and the location of the incident. Maintain control of the area.
• Decontaminate the workers involved under the supervision of Radiation Safety personnel, if possible. Skin should be decontaminated immediately and contaminated clothing should be promptly removed. Skin and clothing contamination shall be reported to the Radiation Safety Officer so a determination can be made if the quantities exceed one-tenth of the quantities listed in Schedule B of Chapter 64E-5, Part 2, FAC. Decontamination supplies and waste containers are provided by the Radiation Safety Office.
• Decontamination of the area should begin as soon as possible, but after personal injuries are taken care of. The decontamination procedure for a spill is to start at the perimeter (the least concentrated area), absorbing the radioactive liquid while working toward the center of the spill area (the most concentrated area). After the major portion of the liquid is absorbed, further decontaminate the area using a decontamination agent. Repeated decontamination efforts of the area will be performed until wipe tests (counted by Radiation Safety personnel) indicate the activity to be within the permissible limits.
• Assist in preparing a final report by later giving detailed information of the incident to Radiation Safety personnel.

• Contamination/Exposure Control for Powdered, Volatile Liquid or Gaseous Spills

• Turn off ignition sources and air handling equipment, if possible.
• Evacuate the area immediately.
• Assemble personnel immediately outside the room and instruct them to stay in one location, to prevent the spread of contamination.
• Close and lock the room doors to prevent re-entry.
• Attempt to seal accessible openings into the laboratory to prevent further escape of airborne activity to outside areas.

• Care of a Contaminated/Exposed Personnel

Radiation Safety personnel will evaluate the extent of all potential personnel exposures. If necessary, arrangements will be made for the exposed person to go to an appropriate facility for examination to determine the extent of any radiation dose and/or treatment.

Minor Incidents (Spill of microcurie amounts of radioactivity and no personal injury)

Spills of a few microcuries of radioactive materials with no personnel contamination or damaged equipment are not required to be reported to the Radiation Safety Officer. Laboratory personnel should be well enough trained to decontaminate and monitor minor spills. Any time the required reporting of an incident is questionable, call the Radiation Safety Office for guidance, 644-8801.

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Reportable Incidents

Chapter 64E-5.343-349, FAC, outlines reporting requirements. When the seriousness of an incident requires that it be reported to Bureau of Radiation Control, the Radiation Safety Officer will appropriately report the incident to BRC and to the FSU Radiation Control and Policy Committee.

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Use of the FSU Particle Accelerators

Florida State University has three Van de Graaff accelerators, a 20 MeV tandem accelerator coupled to a 10 MeV linear accelerator, a 3 MeV horizontal accelerator and a 4 MeV vertical accelerator. The 20 MeV tandem accelerator is located in the east end of the basement of the Nuclear Research Building and the other two accelerators are located in the west end of the basement.

Each accelerator must have available, at or near the control console, a copy of the "Operating Procedures" for that particular accelerator as well as the applicable requirements outlined in 64E-5.804(1)(b), FAC. Personnel working in radiation areas and visitors to those areas must wear a personal radiation monitoring device, which can be self-assigned at the entrance to the 20 MeV accelerator control room.

A TLD area monitor is positioned near the entrance to each accelerator target room to monitor radiation exposure to members of the public. These TLD devices are exchanged and read quarterly.

20 MeV Van de Graaff (tandem)/10 MeV Linear Accelerator

• Principal Investigator

Dr. Sam Tabor, Accelerator Physicist, is the Principal Investigator of the tandem accelerator and is responsible for the overall operation of the accelerator facility, including the training and experience of the accelerator operators.

• Safety Features

Due to the nature of many of the operational experiments involved with this accelerator and the associated low levels of radiation, interlocks on the two steel doors, control target room door and the accelerator target vault room door, are not always necessary. The documented low radiation exposures to accelerator personnel and the placement of an area monitor at the shielding door are our means of determining that this procedure is adequate. Accelerator personnel entering these areas during operations when radiation fields may be present shall wear dosimetry and use appropriate portable survey instrumentation.

• Radiation Safety Operating Procedures

• Accelerator Operator Duties
• The "on duty" operator's name must be entered in the accelerator logbook, or otherwise posted at the control console.
• The operator is responsible for seeing that the radiation lights, interlocks and warning devices are operating properly and must become familiar with the radiation protection panel (at the control console) where panel lights and meters indicate the proper functioning of these devices.
• The operator is also responsible to control unauthorized personnel in the area.
• Report any failure of radiation detection instruments to the Radiation Safety Office.
• Radiation Warning Indicators
• If the control power is on at the control desk and the charging system is running, the following "radiation area" lights are on:
• At entrance to the target room;
• At the entrance to the accelerator vault;
• In accelerator vault;
• In corridor leading to the control room;
• "Accelerator operating" light outside entrance door.
  Before beam is put into accelerator, announce the intent to do so over the lab's intercom system is required.
• If charging system is running and the beam stop is open, these additional lights are on:
• "Beam on" light in target room;
• Rotating flashing beacon in target room.
• Any radiation warning light failures shall be recorded in the daily log and all lights shall be checked during maintenance each week.
• Control of Entrances to the Accelerator Facility
• The Radiation Safety Office must be informed prior to making any changes in the entrance controls or procedures.
• The door from the gas handling room to the accelerator should be kept closed at all times when the accelerator is in operation and kept locked when "hot" runs are in progress.
• The door from gas handling room to the outside should be kept locked at all times when the accelerator is in operation.
• Due to the limited use of maze entrances (maze #1 and maze #2), entrances are presently controlled by radiation color-coded ropes.
• The hall door to target room II is equipped with a combination lock.
• Control of Radiation Areas
• There are three potential "radiation areas" associated with the 20 MeV accelerator complex; target room I, target room II (including the linac vault) and the tandem vault. Whenever the room lighting is off in any of these areas, do not enter the area; this is an indirect warning that radiation may be present.
• When the accelerator is in operation, entry will be permitted into areas where the radiation is minimal and near background. To prevent an increase in radiation due to the beam being switched into these areas, two key switches will be provided in the control room. One will prevent the beam stop into target room #1 from being opened until the key is turned and its switch activated. The other will similarly control the beam stop into the linac vault and target room II.

3 MeV Van de Graaff Accelerator

• Principal Investigator

Dr. Sam Tabor is the Principal Investigator of the 3 MeV accelerator and is responsible for the overall operation of the accelerator facility, including the training and experience of the operators.

• Use of Accelerator

This accelerator is used primarily for x-ray production and electron bombardments. The accelerator is occasionally used for neutron production, usually a few times per year. Surveys around and above the 3 MeV vault, which are on file in the Radiation Safety Office, are indicative that the shielding is adequate.

• Safety Features

The shielding door between the control room and the target room (accelerator vault) is interlocked to de-energize the accelerator when the door is opened. On the vault side of the shielding door is an exit override switch. There is a large sign at this switch, which reads "SHIELD DOOR SWITCH" with an arrow pointing to the switch. Additional wording at the sign reads, "To Stop Machine Open Door."

• Radiation Safety Operating Procedures

• Make sure that the area monitor is in place and an appropriate survey meter is available.
• After turning on and adjusting the volume of the intercom, give a command for all personnel to clear the vault.
• Physically enter the vault, reset the fail-safe switch, make a visual check for personnel, and repeat the command for personnel to clear the vault.
• Close the vault shield door immediately after leaving the vault, and assure personnel do not reenter the area. Additional visual checks may be made with the TV camera.
• Acquire the console key from the secured location and proceed with the accelerator startup and run procedures as outlined in "3 MeV Accelerator Operating Check List."
• After procedural shut down, open the shielding door, remove the console key, and place it in secure location.
• Perform surveys, as necessary; to assure that radiation levels permit vault reentry.
• With an appropriate survey meter, check for possible induced radioactivity.

4 MeV Van de Graaff Accelerator

• Principal Investigator

Dr. Sam Tabor is the Principal Investigator of the 4 MeV Van de Graaff accelerator and is responsible for the overall operation of the accelerator facility, including the training and experience of the operators.

• Use of the Accelerator

This accelerator is used primarily for proton induced x-ray emission (PIXE) analyses with typical beams of 20-30 nA on target. Currently, 3.2 MV on the terminal has been obtained, although the maximum voltage rating by the manufacturer, High Voltage Engineering Corp., is 3.75 MV.

• Radiation Produced

During the usual mode of operation, only low levels of X-rays and gamma rays are produced. In the target room, a sensitive x-ray detector, Si(Li), is in constant operation for analyses purposes, but it also serves as an x-radiation monitor. Hydrogen, helium, and argon are contained in the terminal to produce beams of protons, alpha particles and argon ions, respectively. Deuterium is not used since deuteron beams would present a neutron radiation problem.

• Radiation Safety Operating Procedures

The operator shall not leave the control console unattended without first removing the accelerator key. It is the operator's responsibility to control access of personnel to accelerator restricted areas. The bar-gate and the tower door must be closed and locked when the machine is in operation. The radiation levels outside the accelerator tower must not exceed 2.0 mR/hr in areas normally accessible to the general public. A fence is in place to exclude unauthorized personnel from the tower area. When the radiation levels in areas of the target room normally accessible to personnel exceed 2.0 mR/hr, the double doors to room 51 NRB and the double doors to the corridor will be closed and locked. The locks on these doors have been taken off the building master key system to control target room access of workers in the building who have building master keys.

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References

1. Chapter 64E-5, Florida Administrative Code.
2. State of Florida Radioactive Materials Licenses 32-10 and 32-18

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