Radiation Safety
Table of Contents
- Radiation Safety Resources
- Radiation Safety and Training at Virginia Tech
- Additional Resources
- Analytical X-Ray Equipment Training
- Ancillary Nuclear Medicine Initial Training
- Ancillary Nuclear Medicine - Maintain Certification
- Training for Operators of Equipment Using Sealed Sources
- Diagnostic X-Ray Equipment Training
- Laboratory Radiation Safety Refresher
- Nuclear Medicine Initial Principal User Training - EMC
- Nuclear Medicine Initial Principal User Training - VTH
- Principle User Refresher Training
- Radiation Safety Awareness Training
- Radioactive Material Safety Training
- Sealed Source Initial Radiation Safety Training
- Survey Meters
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Documents
- Contact Information
Virginia Tech Environmental Health and Safety's Radiation Safety team is responsible for ensuring the safe use of all radioactive material and radiation-producing equipment at the university.
Anyone working with radioisotopes, diagnostic or analytical x-ray systems, or other related potentially radioactive material and equipment is expected to familiarize themselves with the program materials noted below. This is in addition to specific instrument, location, and/or procedure training related to the indivdual project or site.
Survey meter details: A graphic explanation of some of the important points of a Geiger-Muller Survey Instrument, including how to change batteries. To activate a text pane, hover the mouse over the numbered areas of the image. For additional information, click on the numbered area. If you have any questions, please call 540-231-5364.
Survey meter response: Survey meter response should be verified for instruments in use. The Radiation Safety Office prepared check sources using small quantities of uranyl acetate to simplify this step. The material is encapsulated in heavy tape and affixed to the side of the meters with labeling. If the meter does not show a response to the source and/or if you suspect the protective tape has been compromised, please contact the radiation safety officer at 540-231-5364.
Analytical X-Ray Equipment Training
All users of analytical X-ray equipment must complete this training prior to working with the equipment.
Refresher training is required every 5 years.
Training for Operators of Equipment Using Sealed Sources
Those working with devices that have sealed sources, such as moisture/density gauges and electron capture detectors for gas chromatographs, must obtain training from the manufacturer of the instrumentation in addition to lab-specific instruction from the supervisor. Consult the radiation safety officer for support as needed.
Diagnostic X-Ray Equipment Training
All users of diagnostic X-ray equipment must take training based on their role, either operator or holder. This training must be taken prior to working with the equipment. Please designate the location as either Veterinary Teaching Hospital or Equine Medical Center. If you are functioning both as an operator and holder, you need only enroll in the operator training.
Refresher training is required every 5 years.
Nuclear Medicine Initial Principal User Training - EMC
Those assisting operators of diagnostic X-ray equipment must take the 'Diagnostic X-ray Operator training'. Please designate the location as either Veterinary Teaching Hospital or Equine Medical Center.
Refresher training is required every 5 years.
Sealed Source Initial Radiation Safety Training
Survey meter details: A graphic explanation of some of the important points of a Geiger-Muller Survey Instrument. To activate a text pane, hover the mouse over the numbered areas of the image. For additional information, click on the numbered area. If you have any questions, please call 540-231-5364.
Survey meter response: Survey meter response should be verified for instruments in use. The Radiation Safety Office prepared check sources using small quantities of uranyl acetate to simplify this step. The material is encapsulated in heavy tape and affixed to the side of the meters with labeling. If the meter does not show a response to the source and/or if you suspect the protective tape has been compromised, please contact the radiation safety officer at 540-231-5364.
Changing batteries: Click here for more information.
Survey Meters
Surveying a Radioisotope Laboratory for Contamination Control
This video goes over how to survey radioisotopes in a lab/work space.
Radiation Survey Meter Basics
More information about Survey Meters
Any questions should be directed to Donald Conner or Cynthia Strader at (540) 231 - 3600
Frequently Asked Questions
Is radiation safety training mandatory?
Yes. All users of radiation sources and radioisotopes must attend the appropriate training for the work involved. Refer to the training manual for additional information.
What are the precautions needed when traveling with a radiation dosimeter?
Occasionally personal dosimeter readings have been reported that were higher than expected. Usually the cause is related to air travel. Remember to keep dosimetry badges in carry on items as the exposure levels from X-ray scanners are much lower for them than checked luggage.
Documents
Radiation Safety Documents
Accidental Exposure Report Form
Chemical Registration Information and Q&A
Closeout Procedures for Laboratories/Work Areas
Contamination Survey Record (doc)
Contamination Survey Record Example
Equipment Decontamination Form
Guidelines Educational and Research Activities (pdf)
Laboratory Relocation Guidelines
NRC IN 90-58 Strontium-90 Applicators
Pregnancy Declaration Form (PDF)
Radiation Safety Training Manual (doc)
Radiation Safety Training Manual (PDF)
Radioactive Material Decontamination
Radioactive Material Safety Program (doc)
Radioactive Material Safety Program (PDF)
Radioactive Material Spill Report (doc)
Radioisotope Laboratory Inspection Checklist
Using the Safety Management System
Contact Information
Donald Conner, Radiation Safety Officer
Phone: 540-231-5364
Email: dcon@vt.edu
Cynthia Strader, Assistant Radiation Safety Officer
Phone: 540-231-2699
Email: cynth@vt.edu