Radioactive Materials

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 usage includes sources found in analytical equipment, such as electron capture devices, radiation detector check sources, and static eliminators.
Safety Requirements: Sealed sources require routine inventory checks and regular leak testing to ensure the integrity of their containment.

Radiological Safety Program Manual

Part One: Procedures for the Use of Radioactive Materials

Radionuclide Lab Procedures Manual

Process to Request a RAM Requisition

Please read the following instructions carefully, and then click the button below to begin the process.

1. Ensure that all training and instrument calibrations are up to date.
2. If you are approaching your permitted limit, be sure to submit a waste requisition before placing any orders.
3. When placing an order with the outside company, please include “ATTN: (Your PI’s name)” in the order details.
   
   

START THE PROCESS

Process to Request a 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 Started

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: Usually managed by the Principal Investigator (PI).
• 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.

• Exception: H-3 (Tritium) and C-14 (Carbon-14) may be combined in solid and vial waste.
• Preference: Whenever possible, keep H-3 and C-14 separated in liquid waste, as this helps EHS process your materials more efficiently. However, they can be combined if separating them is not practical for your laboratory workflow.

Submission Instructions

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

1. Log In to the System: Enter the login credentials you received from the Principal Investigator (PI).
   
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 Radioactive Safety Officers (RSOs) 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