Radiation Safety for Ancillary Personnel

INTRODUCTION
The Radiation Protection Office (RPO) of the Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) has developed this guide to provide basic radiation safety information to ancillary personnel who occasionally work in areas posted for radioactive material use. Ancillary personnel are not permitted to use or handle any material or equipment labeled as ‘radioactive’.

THE RADIATION SYMBOL
All radioactive materials and radiation-producing devices must be labeled with this universal symbol for radiation. Additionally, the doors to rooms that use radioactive materials and equipment that may contain radioactive materials (e.g. refrigerators, centrifuges, radioactive waste containers, etc.) will bear the words "CAUTION RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS" on this sign. On radiation producing machines, the sign will be accompanied by the words "CAUTION THIS EQUIPMENT PRODUCES RADIATION WHEN ENERGIZED".

Only personnel properly trained by the RPO may handle materials or devices labeled with this symbol.

WHAT IS RADIATION?
Radiation is the emission of energy from matter. There are two main types of radiation: ionizing and non-ionizing. Non-ionizing radiation includes visible, ultraviolet and infrared light, radio waves and microwaves; it may or may not deposit thermal energy in matter.

Ionizing radiation includes alpha, beta, gamma and neutrons, and has sufficient energy to cause chemical changes to biological matter. A large exposure to ionizing radiation may damage cells and tissues. Radionuclides and x-ray machines are sources of ionizing radiation at Penn State University.

Radiation has always been present on Earth and is part of our natural environment. Background radiation is the term used for the natural radiation that surrounds us. Sources of natural radiation include cosmic rays, terrestrial radiation from the ground (including radon), and the human body itself.

Besides being a valuable research tool, radiation is also used in the medical field to diagnose and treat many illnesses. Radioactive material is also found in consumer products such as smoke detectors, tobacco, cosmetics and self-illuminating devices, including some exit signs, gun sites, and watches.

WHAT IS A RADIATION DOSE?
A radiation dose is an amount of ionizing radiation that is absorbed by your body. University, state and federal regulations limit the radiation dose to a member of the general public – including non-radiation workers – to 100 mrem per year from University operations.

In comparison, the average background radiation dose to a person living in Pennsylvania is about 360 mrem per year. A typical chest or dental x-ray exam delivers a radiation dose of 10 mrem to the patient.

RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL USE AREAS
There are many laboratories at PSU that use radiation for research. Having the radiation symbol on the entryway, or on the radiation-producing machine, identifies them. Before performing any tasks in these areas, ancillary personnel should contact the laboratory personnel or the RPO.

RULES TO FOLLOW
There are minimal risks associated with using ionizing radiation. These risks are no greater than other common activities such as using power tools, climbing a ladder, using electricity, or getting sunburn. By following these basic rules, you can ensure your safety while working in areas posted with the radiation symbol.

1. Check with the Radiation Protection Office if there are any questions about the proper procedures or any potential radiation hazard.
2. Eating and/or storage of food or beverages is not permitted in radionuclides laboratories; personnel may not bring food into these areas.
3. Do not handle any items labeled as radioactive or attemptto move containers labeled as containing radioactive material.
4. Do not remove "radioactive" labels from boxes or other items.
5. Do not empty radioactive waste containers.
6. All equipment and furniture from radionuclide laboratories must be checked for contamination by the Radiation Protection Office before being discarded, moved to another lab or transferred to Salvage.
7. Ask laboratory personnel to identify areas that should be avoided.
8. Federal regulations require that radioactive material be secured when unattended. If any door is locked when you enter a room to perform your duties, lock the door behind you while you are in the room, and lock it when you leave. Do not prop doors open.
9. In addition to radioactive materials, radionuclide laboratories may contain other hazardous material or equipment. All the normal safety precautions used in other areas also apply to radionuclide laboratories.
10. Call the Radiation Protection Office at 865-6391 at any time if you have questions or concerns.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF…

There is an emergency?
If there is a personal injury, fire or other major emergency follow the normal emergency procedures and disregard any concern about radiation exposure. The potential of receiving any measurable radiation dose is minimal. After the emergency is over, evacuate the area and contact the Radiation Protection Office for assistance.

There is a spill?
If the spill is in a radioactive material use laboratory or involves radioactive material, do not attempt to clean up the spill yourself. Secure the area, notify the laboratory supervisor and any personnel in adjacent labs, and contact the Radiation Protection Office for assistance.

I have to repair equipment?
You should never attempt to repair equipment with a radiation symbol unless it has been surveyed by the Radiation Protection Office and declared free of radioactive contamination. Equipment should be green-tagged by the Radiation Protection Office before any repairs are to be made.

I have to repair facilities?

If the work involves being inside the ductwork of a hood used for radionuclides, the work area must be surveyed by the RPO before work begins. If the work only involves the outside of the ductwork, a survey is not required. Hoods may be labeled at the hood face in the laboratory, at the exhaust duct on the roof, or both.
The traps of sinks used with radioactive materials are tagged by the Radiation Protection Office and should not be opened until checked for contamination by the Radiation Protection Office.
If you are unsure whether a facility is potentially contaminated with radioactive materials, contact the RPO at 865-6391 before performing any work in that area.

I need assistance after hours, or on weekends?

To contact the Radiation Protection Office after hours or on weekends, dial 865-6391. Your call will be transferred to Police Services. Police Services has a list of who to contact in case of an emergency.

Common Radioactive Materials Signs and Labels