Rad. Safety Training
Overview:
The Radiation Safety Office provides radiation safety training as part of the university's As Low as Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) program and to meet regulatory requirements.
Regulatory Requirements:
Training is required for all individuals who in the course of employment are likely to receive in a year an occupational dose in excess of 100 mrem (1 mSv). The training must keep those individuals informed of the storage, transfer, or use of radiation and/or radioactive material. The training must also instruct them in the health protection problems associated with exposure to radiation and/or radioactive material, in precautions or procedures to minimize exposure, and in the purposes and functions of protective devices employed.
The training must also instruct the individuals in, and require them to observe to the extent within the workers control, the applicable provisions of the state regulations for the protection of personnel from exposure to radiation and/or radioactive material and the ETSU radioactive materials license conditions. They are to be instructed of their responsibility to report promptly to ETSU any condition, which may lead to or cause a violation of state regulations and/or the ETSU radioactive materials license or lead to an unnecessary exposure to radiation and/or radioactive material. They are also required to be instructed in the appropriate response to warnings made in the event of any unusual occurrence or malfunction that may involve exposure to radiation and/or radioactive material and advised as to the radiation exposure reports which they may request.
In determining those individuals subject to the requirements of the first paragraph of this section, ETSU must take into consideration assigned activities during normal and abnormal situations involving exposure to radiation and/or radioactive material which can reasonably be expected to occur during the life of ETSU's licensed facilities. The extent of these instructions must be commensurate with potential radiological health protection problems present in the work place.
Radiation Safety Policies and Procedures Orientation:
All new radiation workers at ETSU should take the training regardless of prior experience. The training is designed to meet minimum regulatory requirements as described earlier. The training is conducted online and is available only by registering with the Radiation Safety Office (use the registration form listed under office forms). The training material covers the following topics:
- Purpose of Radiation Safety Training
- Regulatory Oversight
- Radiation
- Units of Radioactivity
- Minimizing Radioactive Exposure
- Radiation Laboratory Rules
- Warning Label & Sign Requirements
- Testing for Contamination
- Spill & Emergency Response Plan
- Proper Disposal of Radioactive Waste
- Radioactive Materials Records
- Radiation Safety Contacts
To successfully complete the training course, users must make at least a grade of
70. The user will have up to three attempts to pass the training exam. All users are
required to be retrained every two years.
Radiation Safety Principles:
The Responsible User is responsible for assuring that his/her radiation workers have received adequate instruction in radiation safety principles by successfully completing the Radiation Safety Training course provided by the Radiation Safety Office.
On the Job Training (OJT):
All personnel who work with radioactive materials must be instructed in safe handling methods and basic radiation safety principles. The Responsible User or designee shall instruct employees in procedures applicable to the specific operations employed in the laboratory including any necessary on-the-job training.
Radiation Safety Training for Ancillary Personnel:
Radiation safety training for ancillary personnel is conducted online and is designed for personnel who do not work with radiation producing equipment or radioactive materials but by virtue of their duties may need to work near or around these areas. The information is recommended for ancillary personnel such as custodians, public safety officers, central receiving personnel and contractors. Training is required annually.
Radiation Safety Training for X-Ray Users:
All x-ray producing devices at East Tennessee State University must be registered with the RSO and the Tennessee Division of Radiological Health and all devices must be inspected according to State regulations. All users of x-ray producing devices are required to participate in Radiation Safety Training. Training is available online. Please contact the RSO to register for the training. To successfully complete the training course, users must make at least a grade of 70. The user will have up to three attempts to pass the training exam. All users are required to be retrained every two years.