Radiological Safety

Radioactive Materials

 

The Radiological Safety program at Texas A&M University exists to protect employees, students, and visitors as well as the public and the environment from the harmful effects of exposure to ionizing and non-ionizing radiations. Radiological Safety is responsible for developing and implementing the policies and procedures of the radiological safety program. Radiological Safety Staff (RSS) manages all aspects of the safe use of radioactive material (RAM), radiation producing devices (RPD) and lasers. RSS accomplishes this by providing several types of training, inventory of sources and machines, radioactive waste pickups, calibration services, personnel dosimetry to monitor radiation exposure, as well as technical support for all radiation safety concerns. The program ensures that the sources of ionizing and non-radiation are used in compliance with applicable federal and state regulations and with institutional licenses.

The University is committed to meeting all applicable regulatory requirements imposed by the State of Texas or the United States government and to keeping doses from licensed sources of radiation As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) - social, technological and economic factors taken into account.

The RSS provides support to all TAMU campus facilities including the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Cyclotron Institute, and other radiation research laboratories where licensed material is used. The Radiological Safety staff responds to radioactive spills and/or radiological emergencies campus wide.

Core Functions and Essential Services:

  • RAM Licensing and Permitting
  • Radiation Producing Device (X-Ray) Inventory/Registration
  • Education/Training
  • RAM Laboratory set up and Inspections
  • Personnel Dose Monitoring
  • Radiation and Contamination Surveys
  • Radioactive Material Package Receipt and Delivery
  • Waste Management
  • Survey Meter Calibrations
  • Sealed Source Leak Testing
  • Decommission laboratories, facilities and equipment
  • Radiological Emergency Response

Contact Information

Radiological Safety Main Office

Radiological Safety Laboratory

  • 979-458-8522

Latha Vasudevan

Michael Martin

Daniel I. Menchaca (Cyclotron)

Radiation Safety Program Areas

General Radiation Safety Training

This training is required by state law for all Radioactive Material (RAM) users. All personnel who intend to handle radioactive materials in the laboratory must complete this classroom training prior to handling. This training covers the basics of radiation safety, state regulations, how to order radioactive materials, how to schedule waste pickup, etc. Registration is available through the Radiological Safety Program training portal.

Veterinary Hospital Radiation Safety

This training is required, by state law, for all Veterinary uses of radioactive Material (RAM). This training includes nuclear medicine diagnostic and therapy uses at VTH. This is offered every month and also at the request of VTH.

General Radiological Safety Refresher Training

This is an online course that is offered as a two-year refresher training for users of radioactive materials. All RAM users who completed the classroom training must complete the online refresher training every two years. To access this course, visit the EHS online training portal and enter your NetID and password. After successful completion of the course, the certificate of completion will be e-mailed to you.

General Radiation Producing Device Training

This training must be completed by all personnel who intend to use any radiation producing devices (devices which produce X-rays) in the laboratory. This is an online course that covers the general radiation safety for analytical X-ray units. This training is also offered as two year refresher training for RPD users. To access this course, visit the EHS online training portal and enter your NetID and password. After successful completion of the course, the certificate of completion will be e-mailed to you.

General Radiation Safety for the Electron Beam Facility

This training is offered specifically for users of electron beam accelerator used for research and development and industrial operations. To access this course, visit the EHS online training portal and enter your NetID and password. After successful completion of the course, the certificate of completion will be e-mailed to you.

Transportation Training for Moisture Gauge Users

This training is required by U.S Department of Transportation (DOT) 49CFR 172.704. This training is for TAMU employees transporting soil moisture/density gauges over public highways. To access this course, visit the EHS online training portal and enter your NetID and password.

Radiation Producing Device Training for Users at the Vet Hospital

This is an online course that covers the diagnostic radiography (X-ray) fluoroscopy (Fluoro), Computer aided Tomography (CT), Tomotherapy, and other hazards. To access this course, visit the EHS online training portal and enter your NetID and password.

Veterinary Hospital Radiation Safety refresher

This training is on train traq. All RAM users at the VTH who completed the classroom training must complete the online refresher training every year.

Laser Safety

This is an online course that covers the laser safety. This training must be completed by all personnel intending to use lasers in the laboratory. To access this course, visit the EHS online training portal and enter your NetID and password.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Safety

This training is intended for users of MRI for research and development. To access this course, visit the EHS online training portal and enter your NetID and password.

For steps to request a RAM requisition, visit our How Do I page.

For waste pickup, you will need a completed waste disposal form for each radioactive material in the containers.

Additional deals regarding waste types and additional instructions are available on our How Do I page.

Reference Links