Radiation Safety

Cal OSHA's Radiation and Radioactivity (Title 8, Sections 5075 - 5085 ) require that individuals who are working with radiation receive information regarding radiation and radioactivity.

The Radiation Safety Program ensures that individuals who operate radiation producing machines, or risk exposure to ionizing or non-ionizing radiation be in compliance with existing regulatory requirements. This is done to ensure that health and safety of personnel is protected, environmental and facility impacts are minimized, and to comply with the restrictions of the University's Radioactive Materials License and other relevant regulations. In an attempt to achieve this goal, USF subscribes to the ALARA philosophy to keep radiation exposure "As Low As Reasonably Achievable".

• Principal Investigator (PI): person responsible for ensuring that laboratory personnel follow user responsibilities.
• Standard Operating Procedure (SOP): details the safe conduct and operating procedures regarding radioactive exposure.

Those at risk of exposure are expected to:

• know the hazards and preemptive procedures for radioactive materials and x-ray machines in the work space.
• attend/fulfill required training(s) before using or exposing themselves to radioactive materials and x-ray materials.
• plan and conduct procedures in accordance with approved SOPs and good safety practices.
• use personnel protective equipment in accordance with prescribed training and SOPs.
• notify the PI and the Environmental Health & Safety Office of all accidents, of failure of control devices and procedures, and possible exposure to ionizing radiation.
• notify the PI if intending to get pregnant, or if pregnant, and act to minimize potential exposure to radiation.