REHS performs quarterly or semi-annual inspections of all radioactive material locations and provides a copy of the inspection results to the PI. This document explains the inspection checklist used by REHS.
Items marked with an X for “unsatisfactory” should be corrected immediately. Should you receive a Notice of Violation (NOV) as a result of this inspection, you are required to respond, in writing, within 2 weeks.
Lab(s): The labs listed under your authorization that are approved for radioactive material (RAM) work and subject to inspection.
Security
All RAM must be secured. Per the security policy, if there is more than one entrance into or out of the lab, stock material must be locked when it is not in use or under direct surveillance. This can be accomplished by locking the refrigerator or freezer where RAM is stored or storing RAM in a lock box. If the lab only has one entrance/exit, security can be accomplished by locking the door when no one is present and challenging anyone who walks into the lab.
Caution Sign
All doors must be posted with a sign that has the radioactive warning symbol and the words “Caution – Radioactive Materials”. Additionally, it lists other hazards the lab may possess and emergency contact information.
Postings
REHS will check for the presence of the two required postings in the lab and replace any that are missing, torn, or out of date.
These include:
- The NJDEP Notice to Employees
- REHS Radioactive Material Laboratory Safety Rules which lists our NJDEP License Numbers and applicable regulations.
Monthly Wipes
All labs must perform a wipe test for contamination in any month that radioisotopes are used. All wipes must be expressed in units of dpm, not cpm. The counter printout sheet (including the date) should be attached to the monthly wipes along with a detailed map of wipe areas. Areas of contamination greater than 100 dpm above background must be cleaned, re-wiped, and documented in the monthly wipe book. Please note, if your lab does a wipe test in a common lab, you must wipe test that lab every month.
MDA / Efficiency
Calculations of minimum detectable activity (MDA) and efficiency must be performed and documented monthly. MDA should be less than 100 dpm. An excel spreadsheet that will auto-calculate these numbers can be downloaded from the REHS web site.
Daily Surveys
Both a personal survey and a survey of the work area must be performed with a survey meter after every use of radioactive material. These surveys must be documented a minimum of once per day. The personal survey should include hands, shoes, clothing etc. A work area survey should include floors, equipment used, and the regular trash container.
Survey Meter
Survey meters are evaluated to make sure the lab’s survey instrument is appropriate for the radioisotopes used (i.e. a pancake GM or NaI probe). REHS will verify the survey meter is in working order and that it responds to a known source of radiation. The lab is responsible for replacing batteries and/or repairing the meter if it is out of order.
Waste Labeled
All radioactive waste containers must be labeled with a radioactive sticker and must have a yellow waste card associated with them indicating the isotope and approximate activity. A temporary waste container should be labeled with a radioactive sticker and either emptied at the end of the day or have a yellow waste card associated with it. If the lab supplies their own containers, appropriate containers must be utilized.
Secondary Containment
All liquid radioactive waste containers must be placed in secondary containers capable of containing the entire volume of radioactive liquid in the event of a leak. Proper storage of the container with the lid tightly closed is important. Funnels should not be left in the opening of the waste container.
Proper Segregation
Radioactive waste must be segregated according to the isotope’s half life. See our website for segregation schemes. Drain disposal of liquid radioactive waste is prohibited.
Yellow Waste Card
All radioactive waste containers must have a yellow waste card associated with them, with all sections completely filled out. Section I lists the Authoree information such as name, 4 digit PI number, the building and room number where waste is located. Section II is filled out each time RAM is placed into the container. Section III is filled out for liquid waste. List the ingredients of the liquid waste so that the total volume equals 100%. For LSV waste, the brand name of scintillation cocktail must be filled out in this section. The card must be signed by an authorized radiation worker.
Eat / Drink / Smoke / Cosmetics
Eating, drinking, smoking, and applying cosmetics in the labs are prohibited. Food shall not be stored in RAM labs. Evidence of food or drink consumption, such as food wrappers in trash cans, coffee cups, water bottles, etc. will result in a NOV.
RAM Practices
The lab should have dedicated RAM work areas that are clearly labeled. Lab personnel should ensure the safety of visitors and non-rad workers by avoiding contamination using general lab safety practices. Personal protective equipment must be worn when handling RAM. This includes double gloves, buttoned lab coats and safety glasses. Shorts, skirts, and open-toed shoes should not be worn when working in the lab or handling RAM.
Shielding should be used if necessary. Radiation badges, if issued, must be properly worn when working with radioactive materials. Badges must not be lent to others or stored near sources of radiation. After RAM is delivered, the package and inner vial should be checked for contamination (the SOP for package receipt is posted on our website). Before boxes are put in regular trash, any radioactive symbols should be defaced. Lead should be wipe-tested and meter-surveyed for contamination. Please see our web site for lead disposal guidance.
Training
All individuals, who work with radioisotopes, including Authorees, must attend an initial radiation safety class and refresher training every calendar year thereafter. If an Authoree receives a NOV, the Authoree and all radiation workers must attend in-person refresher training. Visit the REHS website to complete the online refresher training or to find dates and register for in-person training sessions.
Inventory
Each lab shall keep a written inventory of radioisotopes received and disposed. Inventory log sheets are provided with each RAM package delivered. These forms are pre-printed with the vial information. Blank copies of the inventory-tracking sheet can be found on the REHS web site. Additionally, Inventory Verification Reports (IVRs) are emailed to each Authoree every 6 months for confirmation that receipt and disposal amounts are correct. If the IVR is not returned within 2 weeks, the Authoree could be subject to suspension of RAM delivery.
Radiation Survey
REHS will perform a thorough meter survey of the lab in order to detect contamination. Lab personnel and/or the Authoree will be notified immediately if contamination is found.
