New PIs and Radioactive Materials Safety Guidelines

Authorization to Use Radioactive Materials

Signs and Labeling

Radiation and Contamination Surveys

Spills and Incidents

References and Publications

Authorization to Use Radioactive Materials

If an individual intends to use Radioactive Materials (RAM) in their laboratory at Auburn University, they must apply to become an Authorized User (i.e. RAM Principal Investigator) and obtain an internal RAM license. Authorized User applications will be reviewed and approved by the Radiation Safety Committee or they may be granted interim approval by the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO). The authorization review and approval process typically takes 3-4 weeks. Once approved, authorization is issued for a five-year term and is reviewed annually as part of the renewal process. If no significant changes to the license or protocol are requested, the renewal process is quick and straightforward. Any proposed amendments to an existing license must be submitted to the RSO for review and approval prior to implementation.

Radiation Safety Signs and Labeling

Radiation Safety requires proper signage and labeling for all laboratories and rooms where radioactive materials are used or stored. These spaces must be clearly labelled with a “Caution Radioactive Material” sign, an Authorized Personnel Notice, and an Auburn University Emergency Contacts Notice. Resources are provided in this section to assist with the signage and labeling requirements.

Any container used to hold radioactive material including lock boxes, cabinets, and refrigerators as well as any equipment used in radioactive material (RAM) work must be clearly labeled, regardless of the level of radioactivity. Labeling is typically accomplished using tape marked “Radioactive” or “Radioactive Material.” Each laboratory is responsible for maintaining its own supply of radioactive material labeling tape. Proper labeling of containers and contaminated items is a critical component of contamination control and serves as an important courtesy to other laboratory personnel.

Laboratories designated as radioisotope use or storage rooms are subject to a strict No Eating or Drinking policy. The presence of a “Caution Radioactive Material” sign indicates that eating or drinking is never permitted in that space. “Caution Radioactive Material” signs must be printed on yellow paper, and all posted contact information must be current and accurate. Room door signs for spaces where radiation is used should also display the radiation icon in the Regulatory Information section. Door signs may be generated through a user’s account using the instructions provided at the end of this section. The storage of food, beverages, or medications in refrigerators, freezers, or cold rooms where radioactive materials are used or stored is strictly prohibited. Personal items such as food, water bottles, medications, coffee mugs, and eating utensils must be stored in a closed area or in a location specifically designated by the Principal Investigator (PI). These items are not permitted on desks or laboratory work surfaces.

In addition, the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) has established radiation protection standards under the Alabama Administrative Code to protect individuals from radiation hazards. As part of these requirements, ADPH regulatory notices must be posted in areas where licensed or registered radiation activities are conducted, in accordance with Rule 420‑3‑26.

Frequency of Radiation and Containment Surveys

Users of radioactive materials are required to survey their work areas after each experiment and when there is reason to suspect a spill or contamination. These surveys do not have to be documented. Documented surveys recorded using the Radioactive Material Laboratory Contamination Survey Record must be performed monthly in any laboratory where unsealed radioactive materials are used or stored. The results of these documented surveys must be submitted to the Radiation Safety Office. The Radiation Safety Committee or the RSO may require more frequent documented surveys for certain laboratories based on risk or operational needs. In addition, Radiation Safety conducts documented audits of laboratories where unsealed radioactive materials are used or stored at least twice each year, which includes contamination surveys.

Contamination Levels

Any removable contamination (measuring greater than twice background) discovered in accessible areas or on items outside of a clearly marked radioactive use benchtop or fume hood must be decontaminated promptly. For detailed decontamination procedures and response guidance, refer to Appendix C of the Radiation Safety Manual or contact the Radiation Safety Office for assistance.

Radiation Detection Instrumentation

Principal Investigators are responsible for providing appropriate radiation survey meters or counting instruments in laboratories where radioactive materials are used. Radiation Safety will calibrate portable survey meters annually. During these calibrations, Radiation Safety will replace weak or defective batteries and attempt to perform minor repairs as needed. It is the Principal Investigator’s responsibility to ensure survey meters are made available for annual calibration and to arrange for any additional service or repairs necessary to maintain the instruments in proper working condition. Recommended survey instruments are required based on the type of radioactive material used in the laboratory. For guidance on appropriate instrumentation, please contact the Radiation Safety Office.

Security of Radioactive Materials

Radioactive materials in their original shipping vials or in any individual container with an activity level that requires labeling must be kept under direct supervision, in locked storage (e.g. a locked cabinet or refrigerator), or in a locked laboratory. Low-activity materials, such as contaminated waste, are not subject to these specific security requirements; however, reasonable measures still must be taken to prevent unauthorized access and secure safe handling.

Decommissioning of Radioactive Material-Use Laboratories

If a PI anticipates a laboratory move or discontinued use of radioactive materials, they must contact the Radiation Safety Office as soon as possible to coordinate a closeout survey of radioactive material-use areas. Completion of a closeout survey by the Radiation Safety Office is a requirement before any radioactive materials signage may be removed and before the space may be released for other purposes. This comprehensive decommissioning survey is documented by the Radiation Safety Team and a regulatory requirement set by the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH); therefore, it is critical that researchers contact the RSO upon moving or discontinuing radioactive materials use.

Problems involving radioactive materials, such as spills or personal contamination, do not typically constitute emergencies. In most cases, these incidents can be safely and effectively managed using laboratory procedures and University resources, rather than by contacting external emergency responders. An incident involving radioactive materials should be considered an emergency only if it is accompanied by fire, explosion, or serious injury.

Minor Spills

A minor spill is an incident that meets all the following criteria:

  • Less than 10 microcuries of radioactive material is spilled.
  • Contamination is confined to a small area (no more than 2-3 square feet).
  • There is no contamination of skin or clothing.
  • Lab personnel can confidently complete the required surveys and decontamination safely without assistance.

Major Spills

A major spill is any incident that is not a minor spill and/or includes the discovery of contamination in unexpected places or in many places. Consider the following steps in the event of a major spill incident:

  1. Notification
    1. Notify everyone in the lab or immediately in the vicinity of the spill. Please call Radiation Safety or Campus Safety and Security.
  2. Personnel Protection
    1. Assess physical condition immediately following a spill and determine whether personal contamination may have occurred.
    2. If contamination is suspected, take appropriate action to prevent the spread of radioactive material and notify the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) for guidance.
    3. Detailed spill response and decontamination procedures are provided in the Radiation Safety Manual.
  3. Access Control and Containment
    1. Block off the area to prevent other personnel from entering.
    2. Gather those involved in the incident in a nearby location that is close enough to minimize the spread of contamination, but far enough away to prevent further exposure.
  4. Decontamination
    1. Decontamination of the area is the responsibility of the Authorized User and laboratory staff.
    2. Radiation Safety can assist with planning and may provide support during the cleanup as needed.
  5. Loss or Damage to Radioactive Material
    1. Any loss of any radioactive materials or damage to a sealed source must be reported to the Radiation Safety Officer immediately upon discovery.
    2. The RSO will determine the appropriate corrective actions.

Emergency Information

In an emergency (an emergency exists only if there’s fire, explosion or the risk of serious injury):

  • Call 911
  • Call Campus Safety and Security by dialing (334)-844-8888 from a campus phone.
  • During normal business hours, call Risk Management and Safety Radiation Safety Office at 334-844-4870 and ask to speak to Radiation Safey staff.
  • Notify any Laboratory or Departmental Emergency contacts listed on the Emergency Information poster located on or near the laboratory entrance.

The Safety Manual is Auburn University’s official policy document for the use of radioactive materials and radiation-producing machines. It is submitted to the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) as part of the University’s application for a license to possess and use radioactive materials and reflects applicable federal and state regulatory requirements The Safety Manual is made available to radioactive materials users as a reference and is intended to supplement radiation safety knowledge but does not replace the required radiation safety training that all radiation workers must complete.