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.
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.