Areas Where Radionuclides are Used at ISURadiation Area ProceduresRadiation Emergency ProceduresTransportation of radioactive materialRadiation Safety Training for Public Safety OfficersISU Technical Safety Office, TSOOffice of Radiation Safety282-2311 or 282-2310Course Objective: Upon completion of this course, the participant will have a briefintroductory knowledge of the health-risks associated with radiation, proceduresto maintain ALARA exposure, purposes and functions of warning signs anddevices, observation of NRC Form 3 material, areas where radionuclides areused at ISU, obligation to report unsafe conditions to the RSO, and emergencyprocedures.Health Risks Associated with Exposure to Radiation or RadioactiveMaterialsRadiation is the transfer of energy through space. This implies that thereexists a space around any radiation emitter that is full of energy. This energymay be hazardous to your health. The degree of the hazard depends upon thetype, quantity, and time of radiation exposure.- Chronic radiation exposure involves low levels of ionizing radiationover a long period of time. Among the possible effects of chronicexposure are the increased risk of developing cancer and cataracts.Also, research indicates possible genetic effects in humans fromradiation damage to sperm and egg cells. Genetic damage may resultin birth defects; furthermore, an exposed worker’s genetic effects maybe passed along to future generations.- Acute radiation exposure is the result of a large dose in a shortperiod of time. An acute exposure, where recovery is probable,includes the following possible effects: lowering of the white blood cellcount, nausea, bacterial infections, vomiting, loss of appetite,reddening of the skin, diarrhea, fatigue, hair loss, and possible sterility.In a more severe exposure, the victim may suffer fever, abdominalpains, explosive diarrhea, internal bleeding, infection, shock,convulsions, coma, and ultimately death.Note: Any type of radiation that is used on the ISU campus that isstrong enough to cause this type of exposure is kept inaccessible andis always in a well-marked area. Procedures to Maintain Exposure As Low As Reasonably Achievable(ALARA)ALARA is an acronym that stands for the concept of reducing both internaland external exposure to ionizing radiation to a level that is As Low AsReasonably Achievable. The ALARA concept requires that tasks to be performedin a restricted area must be reviewed to ensure that all pertinent controls areapplied. This concept is integrated into all site activities involving radioactivematerials and is the responsibility of all individuals involved.1Time: The less time spent exposed to a radioactive source, the less exposurethere is. Keep in mind that exposures to radiation are additive in their effect.- Preplan the task.- Use only the number of people required for the job.- Have all the necessary tools prior to entering the area.- Work efficiently but swiftly.- Do the job right the first time.- Perform as much work outside the area as possible.Distance: The farther away from the source the smaller the amount ofexposure. Staying away from a radiation source, even a few feet, will greatlyreduce worker exposure.- Be familiar with radiological conditions in the area.- During work delays, move to lower dose rate areas.Shielding: Shielding places protective materials between the worker and thesource; for example: walls, barriers, or protective clothing. Warning Signs and Devices Employed at ISU Many warning signs and devices are employed at ISU to alert of possibleexposure to radiation or radioactive materials.Radioactive materials are kept in an inaccessible area in containers designed forproper shielding.Signage:Basic Radiation Symbol- Yellow and magenta/black tape on the floors. This marks off the areawhere radiation exposure is likely to occur.- Yellow and magenta/black rope. This is used to restrain people fromentering a radiation area.- Most importantly locks…if an area, room, or container is locked there isa reason for it!Observation of Nuclear Regulatory Commission Regulations for theProtection of Personnel from Exposure to Radiation or RadioactiveMaterials (NRC Form 3 material) This material comes in the form of a poster that is posted at the entry ofevery radiation area. It discusses the NRC, responsibilities of employers,inspections, discrimination, and scope of NRC’s power.2Areas Where Radionuclides are Used at ISURadionuclides and radiation producing machines are most commonlyused in the following buildings: Gale Life Sciences, Lillibridge Engineering,Physical Sciences (Chemistry), Leonard Hall, Physical Sciences (Garrison Hall),Student Health, Roy F. Christiansen, and at the Idaho Accelerator Center.Obligation to Report Unsafe Conditions to the Radiation Safety Officeand/or Applicable AuthoritiesThe Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) is the individual appointed by the VicePresident for Academic Affairs and approved by the Nuclear RegulatoryCommission to administer the radiation protection program and to providetechnical guidance to the Radiation Safety Committee and to radiation users.The RSO is responsible for investigating spills, losses, thefts, unauthorizedreceipts, uses, transfers, disposals, and other deviations from approved radiationsafety practice and implement corrective actions as necessary. The RSO reportsto the Vice President for Academic Affairs on administrative matters and to theRadiation Safety Committee on technical matters. The RSO receives directionfrom the RSC with regard to policy and provides technical advice to theCommittee, radiation users and the administration. The current RSO is TomGesell. Your obligation to report unsafe conditions to the RSO and/or applicableauthorities will be discussed at further length during training.Radiation Area Procedures- Do not introduce any object into a restricted area without first notifying theresponsible user (this is often the lab supervisor).- Do not remove any object from a restricted area without first