Introduction
The objective of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UA Little Rock) Radiation Safety Program is to assist all levels of management in fulfilling the UA Little Rock commitment to furnish a place of employment and learning which is as free as possible from recognized radiation hazards that cause or are likely to cause harm or death to personnel and the surrounding community. It is vital that faculty, staff, and students have sufficient information available to aid them in the safe conduct of their day-to-day work activities while working with radioactive materials and/or devices.
Radiation Safety Office
Office Location: Facilities Management 217
Radiation Safety Officer (RSO): Shawn Bayouth – 501-916-6351
Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
After Hours Emergency Contact: Department of Public Safety – 501-916-3400
Committee
The purpose of the Radiation Safety Committee (RSC) is to promote the best practice in safe handling and use of radiation sources. The RSC is also established to assure compliance with state regulations and the conditions set forth by the license.
The license held by UA Little Rock is an academic institution license and includes a number of radionuclides and sealed sources. One license is held by the entire university, and any individual or action, which jeopardizes the license, endangers the permission of all researchers to utilize radioactive materials at UA Little Rock.
All contact should be via the radiation safety office (RSO). The RSO/RSC’s services are available to all users, department heads, and the administrative officials of the university.
Responsibilities
The Radiation Safety Committee has obtained in the name of UA Little Rock an academic institution license from the Arkansas Department of Health for the use of radioactive materials. The Radiation Safety Office/Committee approves internal permits for responsible and qualified individuals to use radioactive materials within UA Little Rock after the permission has been approved by the Health Department.
The permits are approved for the purchase, transfer, use, and disposal of specific amounts of a particular nuclide within the educational and research facilities of UA Little Rock.
The Committee and RSO requires the completion and approval of the appropriate application forms before permission can be granted. Contact the RSO for more information.
Meetings
The Radiation Safety Committee shall meet a minimum of one time per year, upon due notice by the radiation safety officer, who shall advise the Committee members of the time and place of the meetings.
The proceedings of each meeting shall be recorded, published, and circulated to committee members and may be made available to interested persons upon request.
Emergency Procedures
In any radiation emergency, personnel protection and emergency medical care have priority over radioactive decontamination of the building and equipment.
For all cases, the radiation safety officer (501-916-6351 or after hours 501-916-3400 – DPS) must be notified as soon as possible.
Training
Radiation Users
Radiation training for users is done by using the program set up through the CDC called “Radiation Basics Made Simple”. This is an eight segment video lecture series covering all aspects of basic radiation safety. The link to this training series is found here. To complete the training, please go here, and sign into our online safety training software. Choose the Radiation Safety-Authorized User modules 1-8, and complete each associated quiz. The RSO will be notified when the quizzes is complete. Refresher training will be required annually.
Ancillary Personnel
The radiation safety office offers training to all ancillary personnel on a yearly basis. Please contact the office for the schedule.
Application Forms
Please submit all applications to the radiation safety office for consideration. Bring applications to FM 217, or email them to EHS@ualr.edu. Applications will be reviewed by the radiation safety officer who will then meet with consultants. Finally, a meeting will be held with the prospective users and the radiation safety officer.
Application for Radionuclide Use
Application for Radionuclide Safety Training (This must accompany Use of Radionuclide form.)