Radiation Safety
The purpose of the Radiation Safety Program at UT Dallas is to provide consultation and guidance to ensure a safe working environment. Radiation policies and procedures are in place to maintain compliance with the Texas Regulations for Control of Radiation and the University’s Radioactive Materials License, and to ensure the protection of all personnel. These procedures include guidance for keeping personal exposure to radiation AS LOW AS REASONABLY ACHIEVABLE (ALARA), wearing personnel dosimeters when deemed necessary by the Radiation Safety Office, and utilizing all appropriate protective measures. Please review the Radiation Safety Manual for detailed guidance.
Radioactive Material Usage
The use of radioactive materials at the University of Texas Dallas requires researchers to submit a radioactive materials usage application to the Radiation Safety Officer. The application and approval process, require the researcher to specify where and how the isotope will be used, stored and disposed of. All staff must be trained in radiation safety. All application materials and training requirements are to be submitted for review and submission to the Radiation Safety Committee for approval. The application materials will then be submitted to the State of Texas Bureau of Radiation Control for final approval.
Film Badge Dosimetry
A film badge is used to monitor exposure when working with radioactive materials. Any person using or working with radioactive material may need to participate in film badge monitoring. Talk to your principal investigator if you think a badge is necessary.
Radioactive Waste Disposal
Please follow the below guidelines when dealing with radioactive waste:
- Storage: If possible, store radioactive waste in a remote area of the laboratory.
- Disposal: Solid & LS Vials – Segregate by half-life, place in black opaque bag, complete and attach radioactive material waste tag, and close securely with a plastic tie wrap.
- Biological (Animal): Segregate by half-life; place in two black opaque bags; complete and attach radioactive material waste tag.
- Liquid: Collect in a plastic one gallon jug; complete and attach hazardous materials tag.
Contact our team to request radioactive material waste tags or a waste pick-up.
Radioactive waste pick-ups CANNOT be scheduled/submitted using the online waste pick-up request.
Radiation Safety Committee
The Radiation Safety Committee (RSC) is a University-wide, Standing Committee appointed by the President to assure the safe use of any hazardous radiations in the University. The Committee provides technical expertise and oversight of University operations involving these radiations to protect personnel, students, and the public from injury and to comply with requirements of the law and the Texas Department of State Health Services regulations.
The RSC is charged with:
- Assisting the Radiation Safety Officer in overseeing all use of radiation that poses a hazard because of its ionizing, photochemical, or thermal action as well as the possession, handling and storage of sources and source materials, and of any special nuclear materials in quantities not sufficient to form a critical mass.
- The Committee will recommend policies, procedures and practices it considers advisable for safely working with these materials and devices to the University Safety and Security Council and to the President. The Committee will also see to the updating, as necessary, of this approved relevant safety material.
- Assure that the University’s use of ionizing radiations is in compliance with 25 TAC Chapter 289 Radiation Control in all respects, including licensing and registration, purchase, shipment, training, use, monitoring, disposal and transfer of radiation sources or source materials and radiation producing machinery, and maintenance of adequate records. The Committee will recommend qualified persons individually for inclusion in the University’s license to use ionizing radiation.
- Recommend a Radiation Safety Manual for approval by the Texas Department of State Health Services and subsequent issue by the University, recommending timely revisions to keep its provisions appropriate for the University’s use of radiations.
- Respond to any safety issues involving the use of radiations which may be communicated to the Committee by the University Safety and Security Council or by academic or administrative authorities.
- Perform all functions required of an RSC by statutes and regulations. Should the RSC duties under applicable statutes and regulations conflict with any RSC duties outlined in this Policy Memorandum, then such statutes and regulations will control.
The Committee will meet annually in September to organize and to determine a meeting schedule that includes at least one meeting in each of the following Spring and Summer semesters. Additional meetings will be called by the Chair, the Responsible University Official (RUO), or the Chair of the University Safety and Security Council. Please review the full charter in UTDPP1032.
Training
Available Courses
All training courses are accessible through the BioRAFT Laboratory Management System. A NetID and registration with a UTD research laboratory is required for access. If you are visiting a campus lab or do not have a NetID, please contact safety@utdallas.edu for a temporary account.
| Course | Requirements | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Radiation Safety (initial) | Required for individuals who will be exposed to radioactive materials | Online |
| Radiation Safety (refresher) | Required annually for individuals who have received initial hands-on training | Online |
| X-ray Safety | Required for individuals who will use x-ray equipment | Online |
Information And Links
- Texas Department of State Health Services
- Environmental Protection Agency
- OSHA Radiation Information
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Support
For general questions, please contact the Safety office at (972) 883-7200. Please contact us with questions regarding safety training requirements or offerings at Safety@utdallas.edu.