Ionizing Radiation
301. Ionizing Radiation
The objective of The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) Radiation Safety Program is to assist all levels of management in fulfilling the UTA commitment to furnish a place of employment and learning that is as free as possible from recognized ionizing radiation hazards that cause, or are likely to cause, harm to UTA personnel or the surrounding community.Radiation Safety is the responsibility of all faculty, staff, and students who are involved in the use of ionizing radiation. The use of ionizing radiation in a university setting, where a large number of people may be unaware of their exposure to radiation hazards, makes strict adherence to procedures established by federal and state authorities of paramount importance.
The University is authorized by the State of Texas to use radioactive materials and radiation-producing machines in research and education. This authorization is granted with the requirement that the University establish and pursue an effective Radiation Safety Program.
Users of ionizing radiation have a responsibility to protect themselves and members of the campus community from the hazards related to their use.
All users of radioactive material and radiation‐producing machines must be familiar with UTA’s requirements and applicable regulations of the TDSHS, Radiation Control Program and must conduct their operations accordingly.
BMP
Knowledge of Standards, Regulations, and Practice Guidelines
-
The Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS), Radiation Control Program Radioactive Material License and Certificate of X-ray Registration authorizes the use of radioactive materials and x-ray devices at UTA.
-
The TDSHS, Radiation Control Program has established standards for your protection against radiation hazards, in accordance with the Texas Radiation Control Act, Health and Safety Code, Chapter 401. Texas Regulations for Control of Radiation (TRCR) consists of Title 25 Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Chapter 289.
Equipment Registration/Licensing
Federal and state regulatory agencies require most types of radiation-producing equipment and radioactive materials to be registered or licensed by manufacturers and/or users.
Registration or licensing requirements apply to many specific radiation sources and occupational settings. Equipment registration or licensing helps ensure that radiation sources emitting ionizing radiation do not pose radiation hazards for workers (and the public).
Most radiation sources, including most x-ray equipment, must be registered with a state agency (e.g., state radiation control agency, state health department) or local agency (e.g., health department) and different registration requirements may apply, depending on the agency. Registrants may be required to perform equipment tests or allow state or local inspectors to perform equipment tests. In some states, equipment registration requirements may include regular inspections, shielding, or signage.
Radiation Protection Program
Developing and implementing a radiation protection program is a best practice for protecting workers from ionizing radiation.
The Environmental Health & Safety Office (EH&S) has the responsibility for establishing and pursuing an effective Radiation Safety Program for the University. The radiation protection program is managed by the radiation safety officer (RSO) and is assisted by additional radiation safety personnel, when available.
Another best practice is designating a radiation safety committee, The Radiation Safety Committee (RSC) is appointed by the President of UTA and will consist of a minimum of seven (7) members. The President shall appoint to the committee, one (1) member from administration and minimum of five (5) members from the faculty of the College of Science and/or Engineering. The RSO will be appointed from the EH&S Office. A faculty member will be appointed as chair. A simple majority shall constitute a quorum.
A radiation protection program should include, at a minimum:
-
Qualified staff (e.g., RSO, safety specialist) to provide oversight and responsibility for radiation protection policies and procedures.
-
An ALARA program which eliminates or minimizes any exposure to ionizing radiation. As defined in Title 10, Section 20.1003, of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR 20.1003), ALARA is an acronym for "as low as (is) reasonably achievable," which means making every reasonable effort to maintain exposures to ionizing radiation as far below the dose limits as practical, consistent with the purpose for which the licensed activity is undertaken, taking into account the state of technology, the economics of improvements in relation to state of technology, the economics of improvements in relation to benefits to the public health and safety, and other societal and socioeconomic considerations, and in relation to utilization of nuclear energy and licensed materials in the public interest.
-
A dosimetry program in which personal exposure monitoring is conducted, as required by federal or state regulations, for external dose and, as needed, for internal dose.
-
Surveys and area monitoring to document radiation levels, contamination with radioactive materials, and potential worker exposures.
-
Radiological controls, including entry and exit controls, receiving, inventory control, storage, and disposal.
-
Worker training on radiation protection, including health effects associated with ionizing radiation dose, and radiation protection procedures and controls to minimize dose and prevent contamination.
-
Emergency procedures to identify and respond to radiological emergency situations.
-
Record keeping and reporting programs to maintain all records and provide dosimetry reports and notifications, as required by federal or state regulations.
-
Internal audit procedures to annually audit all aspects of the radiation protection program.
Special efforts to ensure the safety of faculty, staff, students, and the public are essential.