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THE
ORCBS > Radiation
Safety
> Radiation
Safety Manual
>
 Responsibilities
of the Worker
Individuals who
use radioactive materials assume certain responsibilities in their
work. The individual worker is the "first line of defense"
in protection of people and the environment against undue risks of
radiation exposure and/or contamination. Since the workers, themselves,
are the direct handlers of the radioactive material, the final responsibility
lies with them for safety and compliance with laws and regulations.
For this reason, it is critical that they be aware of the risks, safe
practices and requirements for use of radioactive materials.
The term "worker"
is used by the university to identify an individual who uses radioactive
material in the course of his/her employment or study with the university.
Workers may be principal investigators, graduate students, undergraduate
students, technicians, post-doctorates, visitors, or any other individual
who will handle radioactive material. The following items are to
be adhered to at all times by radiation workers.
- Each worker
must attend the entire ORCBS training class, including radiation
and chemical safety. Workers are prohibited from handling radioactive
materials until this class has been completed. Radiation workers
must attend a refresher session each year.
- The worker
must complete the radiation safety examination and pass with a
score of 75% or better. Workers are prohibited from handling radioactive
materials until this has occurred.
- Workers are
responsible for adhering to all laws, rules, regulations, license
conditions and guidelines pertaining to the use of radioactive
materials.
- Workers must
wear their assigned radiation dosimeter during uses of radioactive
materials. (See Personnel Monitoring for details on dosimeter
requirements.)
- Workers must
practice ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) in their work,
and minimize the potential for exposures, contamination or release
of radioactive materials.
- Radiation
work areas must be monitored by the user after each use of radioactive
material. If contamination is found, it must be cleaned up.
- No changes
in experimental procedures using radioactive materials are to
occur without the approval of the principal investigator. Do not
take short cuts. Changes in experimental procedures impacting
upon safety (higher quantities, higher risk, use in animals, etc.)
must be approved by the MSU Radiation Safety Committee.
- Any abnormal
occurrence must be reported immediately to the principal investigator,
such as spills, significant contamination, equipment failure,
loss of radiation dosimeters and unplanned release. If the principal
investigator cannot be reached, contact the ORCBS Health Physics
staff.
- It is the
responsibility of the worker to clean any contamination or spills
that occur in their work area. DO NOT LEAVE IT FOR ANOTHER PERSON
TO CLEAN UP.
- Workers are
responsible for returning the radiation dosimeter on time and
reporting any loss or contamination of the dosimeter to the ORCBS.
- Workers are
responsible for informing the ORCBS of any exposures which have
occurred at a previous employer when beginning employment at MSU.
They are also responsible for notifying the ORCBS of termination
of employment and returning the radiation dosimeter at the end
of their employment.
- Workers are
responsible for maintaining security of radioactive materials.
(See section on Security of Radioactive Materials).
Sanctions
for Non-Compliance
Radiation
Safety Manual Table of Contents
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