Radiation Safety
The Radiation Safety Program is responsible for the following:
- Radiation Use Authorizations
- Personnel Dosimetry
- Radioactive Waste Management
- Radiation and Contamination Surveys
- Radiation Safety Training
- Instrument calibrations
- Radioactive Materials License
- X-Ray Machine Registration/Leak Testing
The Radiation Safety Manual outlines the purpose, scope, and safety measures of radiation use on SDSU campus.
X-Ray Machines
X-Ray machines for medical, industrial, and research use are regulated through the California Department of Public Health.
Forms and Guidelines
- X-Ray Registration Form (AdobeSign form used for all machines that produce x-rays, including electron microscopes)
- X-Ray Machine Transfer Form
- X-Ray Use Log
- X-Ray Practical Exam Outline
- X-Ray Machine General Standard Operating Procedure
- Certification of Practical Training for X-Ray Machine Use
Training Requirements
The California Department of Public Health- Radiologic Branch requires that each x-ray machine operator take the 50-question written exam (which can be taken in BioRAFT) as well as a 25-question practical exam tailored to the machine they are utilizing. The practical questionnaire is only required once.
X-Rays for medical (non-research) use are required to adhere to more stringent training and inspection requirements.
Signage Requirements
Each room that contains X-Rays must display:
- Notice to Employees
- Notice of Registration (provided by EH&S)
- X-Ray Sign on the Door (this is provided by EH&S)
- Emergency Contact Info on Door (provided by EH&S)
- X-Ray Standard Operating Procedure
Please contact us via email at [email protected] for more information and support to fulfill these requirements.
Radioactive Materials
Radioactive materials cannot be brought onto campus without a Radiation Use Authorization approved by the Radiation Safety Committee. Materials must be shipped directly to the RSO to check for contamination before being brought into the lab.
- Request for Radiation Use Authorization (RUA) (AdobeSign Form)
- Request for Radioactive Materials Shipment (to campus)
- Request for RUA Amendment (AdobeSign Form)
- Radioactive Material Inventory Use Form
- Lost or Damaged Dosimeter Report
- California Statement of Training and Experience
Training Requirements
All radioactive materials users are required to take the Rad Lab Training in BioRAFT. PIs will need to assign the “Works with Radioactive Materials” Job Activity and the training will be sent automatically.
Dosimetry Requirements
Dosimetry is administered by the RSO in accordance with regulations. Individuals using radioactive materials must be registered with their lab in BioRAFT/SciShield in order to receive proper training and dosimetry.
Radioactive waste pickup can be requested through BioRAFT/SciShield or by emailing [email protected]. Please allow 7 business days for pickup.
Radioactive Sources and Source-Containing Equipment
Must be approved by the radiation safety officer and Radiation Safety Committee as well as the department (for future disposal plans).
Examples of source-containing equipment include:
- Liquid Scintillation Counters
- Moisture Gauges
- Irradiators
- Calibration Sources
- Check sources/planchettes
- Gas chromatographic units with electron capture detectors
- Radioactive static eliminators
- Gamma counters
