Texas A&M University Environmental Health & Safety

Overview

Radioactive Materials (RAM) are substances containing radioisotopes, which are unstable atoms that undergo spontaneous nuclear decay. The Radiological Safety staff is responsible for managing RAM and addressing the unique safety, health, and regulatory challenges it presents.

Why Are They a Hazard?

Ionizing radiation has sufficient energy to dislodge electrons from atoms, forming ion pairs. When this interaction occurs within living tissues, it can cause significant cellular damage, leading to potential health risks. Consequently, the use and possession of radioactive materials are strictly regulated at both federal and state levels to protect public health and safety.

Categories of Radioactive Materials

Radioactive materials are generally divided into two categories based on their physical characteristics and potential for dispersal:

Unsealed (Open-Form) Radioactive Materials

Description: These materials can easily disperse, mix, or be aliquoted with other substances (e.g., liquids, powders) and pose a higher risk of accidental release and contamination.
Examples: Common isotopes in research and medicine include Phosphorus-32 (P-32), Sulfur-35 (S-35), Iodine-125 (I-125), and Tritium (H-3).
Safety Requirements: The use of unsealed radioactive materials requires rigorous monitoring, thorough laboratory surveys, and stringent contamination control protocols.

Sealed Sources of Radioactive Material

Description: These are radioactive substances encased in robust containers (e.g., metal or hard plastic) designed to prevent the escape of radioactivity. The primary risk associated with sealed sources is external radiation exposure rather than contamination.
Examples: Common uses include sources in analytical equipment, such as Mössbauer spectroscopy, large calibration sources, and moisture gauges. 
Safety Requirements: Sealed sources require routine inventory checks and regular leak testing to ensure the integrity of their containment.

Radiological Safety Program Manual

Veterinary Use of Radioactive Material

Radionuclide Lab Procedures Manual

Requesting Radioactive Materials and Waste Pickup

 

Requesting Radioactive Materials

Permit holders and their alternates can submit a RAM requisition via the “RAM Procure/RAM Inventory” app on the EHSA homepage. To enter a new requisition, select “RAM Requisition Entry.”

For additional guidance, please email us by clicking below:

Email Rad Safety

 

Requesting Radiological Waste Pickup

Maintaining a safe campus environment requires diligent management of radioactive materials. To support our research community, EHS offers specialized disposal services that ensure all radiological waste is handled, transported, and processed in full compliance with state and federal safety regulations.
Getting Credentials

Before submitting a request, make sure your lab is ready for pickup.

To request a pickup, access the Radiological Management System (RAM) and have the following items ready:

  • Login Credentials: Please use your NetID and password to log in to the system.

  • Waste Disposal Forms: Complete a separate form for each radioactive material in your containers.
Identifying Your Waste Type

Properly identifying your waste is the first step to ensuring safe handling and regulatory compliance.

Radiological waste must be segregated into specific categories. Understanding these classifications allows EHS to process your request efficiently:

Solid Waste
Consists of dry laboratory materials contaminated during research.

  • Contents: Gloves, plastic pipette tips, and paper towels used to clean minor spills.

  • Requirements: Must contain less than 1% liquid by volume.

  • Containment: Place in yellow drums or plexiglass shields lined with plastic bags.

Liquid Waste
Liquids generated during laboratory processes must be contained properly to prevent leaks.

  • Contents: Usually consists of glassware washings.

  • Requirements: Use the carboys provided by Radiological Safety. If your waste is organic (non-aqueous) or contains additional hazards (e.g., flammable or acidic), please note this in your request or contact Radiological Safety directly.

Vial Waste
Follow specific protocols for samples stored in small glass or plastic vials.

  • Contents: Discarded Liquid Scintillation Counting (LSC) samples.

  • Requirements: Vials must be sealed and contain a measurable amount of liquid.

  • Note: If vials are completely empty, they may be disposed of as Solid Waste.

Segregation & Preparation

Maintaining the separation of isotopes is critical for downstream processing.

Keep all waste types and isotopes separate.

Submission Instructions

Follow these steps in the RAM system to ensure your request is logged correctly:

  1. Login Credentials: Please use your NetID and password to log in to the system.

  2. Create Pick-Up History:  For each container of waste, create a new pick-up history:

    1. Example: Two drums of solid waste with different isotopes and one carboy of liquid waste require three separate pick-up histories.

    2. Note: Multiple drums containing the same isotope can be combined into a single entry.

  3. Calculate Activities:  Accumulate the total activities of all waste relevant to the container(s) for the respective pick-up history.

  4. Provide Submission Details: In the "Return Requested" section, please specify the number of carboys and bags of waste you are submitting.

  5. Allow Processing Time: Once you have completed your request, please allow us 1 week to arrange pickup.

Start the Process

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any additional questions about Radioactive Materials and Waste Pickup requisitions, please visit our FAQ page or email the Rad Safety team.

Visit our FAQ page