How to become an authorized Principal Investigator (PI) to procure/purchase radiation

Faculty who need to procure radiation sources for research and/or teaching purposes must be formally approved by the Radiation Safety Committee (RSC). Approval will be granted if the applicant has had previous on-the-job experience handling radionuclides of a similar nature and quantity. Applicants who are deficient in experience must work under an authorized investigator's approval for at least 6 months.

The RSC's approval of authorization allows the investigator to procure and store a maximum quantity (called the "possession limit") of a specific radionuclide. The authorization may later be amended to increase the possession limit or to use other radionuclides.

The document, Procedure for Approval of Investigators, has more detailed information on this approval process.

Authorized to handle radiation

All persons who handle radiation for research or teaching purposes must meet the requirements set by the RSC. The requirements also apply to temporary employees such as work-study students and visiting scientists.

Authorization for radiation use:

  • Unsealed Radiation Sources Authorization
    • Persons seeking approval to handle unsealed radiation sources must complete a written multiple choice examination based on the contents of the RSO Radiation Safety Handbook. The RSO has radiation safety videos and various handouts to help you prepare for the examination. The RSO staff is also available for private or group meetings to discuss general and personal safety.
    • A personal information form must be completed by each person wanting to be authorized to handle unsealed radiation sources.
  • Iodinations

Application forms are available in the RSO - 004 Rowell Building

How to become authorized to handle radiation - secondary user

All persons who handle radiation for research or teaching purposes must meet the requirements set by the Radiation Safety Committee (RSC). The requirements also apply to temporary employees such as work-study students and visiting scientists.

For Unsealed Radiation Source Use

  1. Print and fill out the "Application for Secondary Radiation Users" (PDF)
  2. Read the require training materials listed here:
  3. Go to the RSO, 004 Rowell building, to take a 44-mulitple choice exam.
  4. Please bring your completed application signed by your authorized principle investigator with you.
  5. The 44-mulitchoice exam will be given.The RSO staff will correct the exam and review any incorrect anwers with you.
  6. A 30-minute meeting will be scheduled with the RSO staff to personally meet you and answer any further questions you may have.
  7. Temporay personal radiation dosimeters will be issued to you, as needed.

You are now certified! You may start using unsealed radiation sources.

Lastly, a personal radiation safety meeting will be setup with you in your lab to cover additional radiation safety topics in greater depth.

Iodination

Persons wanting to use the Iodination facility must first become a certified unsealed radiation user, than meet with the RSO, review the Iodination S.O.P., and pass a multiple choice exam.

Radiation producing machine or analytical X-ray device users

Persons seeking to use x-ray producing machines or analytical x-ray devices must meet with the RSO, fill out an application (PDF) and then attend a training session presented by the RSO. Come to the Radiation Safety Office to get the appropriate application and training handouts.

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