UAB - Occupational Health & Safety - Programs Education & Training Manuals, Forms & Guides Inventory Ordering Signage Last Updated on April 07, 2014 Robert Heath, Jr. - Director of In a comparatively short period of time, UAB has gained recognition as a center of excellence for teaching, medical services, and research programs. This is a highly commendable achievement and one that could not have been realized without the continued support and dedication of faculty, staff members, and employees. Similar unfailing cooperation and support is necessary for the institution to be equally successful in its development of Program. A very important part of this program is concerned with safety in research studies and safe disposal of laboratory wastes, including radioisotopes and radiotoxic chemicals. Many of our research and educational activities utilize ionizing radiation. Their success very much depends on the thoughtfulness and care exercised by every individual involved with the program. The UAB Department of Program is charged with the responsibility of ensuring that the University of Alabama at Birmingham is in compliance with the provisions of governing bodies. To these ends, the Program (RSP) manages the use of radioactive isotopes and radiation producing machine on UAB campus. RSP performs a licensing review of all applications for the use of radioactive materials and ascertains whether or not applicants have adequate facilities and equipment for storing and using radioactive materials and adequate training and experience for themselves and for personnel using radioactive materials under their supervision. Submit your radioactive materials inventory here Shipping radioactive waste The Chapter 420-3-26 rules, for the use of radioactive materials and radiation-producing machines, of the Alabama Department of Public Health, Office of Radiation Control, can be accessed here. ALARA - As Low As Reasonably Achievalbe Last Updated on January 13, 2014 ALARA is an acronym for As Low As Reasonably Achievable. ALARA is a radiation safety principle for reducing radiation doses and releases of radioactive materials by using all reasonable methods. ALARA is a regulatory obligation for all radiation safety programs. The three main principles of ALARA are time, Read more... http://www.uab.edu/ohs/radiation-safety[7/21/2014 4:15:16 PM]
UAB - Occupational Health & Safety - Radioactive Inventory Authorized users are those personnel who have been professionally trained in the usage of radioactive sources in the healing arts. Authorized users may include physicians, pharmacists, or medical physicists. Below are forms used by physicians to document training in accordance with Alabama Department of Public Health Rules. Forms: Authorized Physician User Training and Experience and Preceptor Attestation (for uses defined under 420-3-26-.07(45), (48) and (70) Authorized Physician User Training and Experience and Preceptor Attestation (for uses defined under 420-3-26-.07(52), (56), (57), (58) and (59) Authorized Physician User Training and Experience and Preceptor Attestation (for uses defined under 420-3-26-.07(60), (68), (69), (72) and (89) Links: Authorized Physician User Training and Experience Regulations http://www.uab.edu/ohs/authorized-user-forms[7/21/2014 4:15:34 PM]
UAB - Occupational Health & Safety - Overview: When a room or piece of equipment will no longer be used with radioactive material a Principle Investigator must ensure the proper decontamination of that article/room is performed. Contaminated articles must be properly decontaminated or disposed through the OH&S Support Facility. Contact Person: Robert Heath, Jr. or Domenica Pringle Phone number: 934.4751 Email address: rheath@uab.edu rheath@uab.edu or dpringle@uab.edu dpringle@uab.edu Guides Decommissioning and Termination Procedures Radioactive Inventory http://www.uab.edu/ohs/radiation-decommissioning[7/21/2014 4:15:42 PM]
UAB - Occupational Health & Safety - Dosimetry & Personnel Monitoring : Provide occupational radiological monitoring services to monitor and measure radiation exposure to a wide range of customers. Overview: Manage the distribution and collections of personnel monitoring devices for UAB, The Kirklin Clinic, Callahan Eye Foundation Hospital and surrounding satellite clinics. Contact Person: Itella Smith Phone number: 205-934-7489 Email address: irs@uab.edu irs@uab.edu Radioactive Inventory Forms or Guides: Application for Radiation Monitoring Device Lost Badge Form UAB Radiation Badge Return Policy ring and spare badges Bioassay Overview: The bioassay program monitors for those that are occupationally exposed to unsealed sources of radiation. Within this form of monitoring, there is a watch conducted for the internal deposition of radiochemicals. Threshold limits have been set by the State of Alabama Department of Public Health, Office of Radiation Control for amounts of radiochemicals used over specified periods of time. Please fill out the questionnaire below below and bring it with you to submit your bioassay. The deadline for bioassay submission is the last Tuesday before the hands-on workshop at 3:30 PM. Contact Person: Kelley D. Burroughs or Domenica Pringle Phone number: 205-934-7470 Email address: burrough@uab.edu burrough@uab.edu or dpringle@uab.edu dpringle@uab.edu Forms: Bioassay Program Questionnaire http://www.uab.edu/ohs/dosimetry-monitoring-bioassay[7/21/2014 4:15:50 PM]
UAB - Occupational Health & Safety - Radioactive Inventory Overview: The UAB Department of Occupation Health & Safety's (OH&S) Program (RSP) staff stands ready to assist in emergency services throughout the UAB community as the need arises. The UAB OH&S RSP designates, at least, one staff to serve in a 24 Hour on-call capacity. This is vital for timely response to incidents that can occur within UAB. Should there be a need for additional support, other local and State assistance may be requested. Preparedness training includes, but is not limited to: First responder training for Radiological emergency or disasters within UAB and Jefferson County. Annual drills and exercises Training with Southern Nuclear-Radiation Casualty Treatment Facility (RCTF). Contact Person: Robert Heath, Jr. or Domenica Pringle Phone number: 934-2487 Email address: rheath@uab.edu rheath@uab.edu or dpringle@uab.edu dpringle@uab.edu Links: Alabama Department of Public Health Radiation Control Rules http://www.uab.edu/ohs/radiation-safety-emergency-services[7/21/2014 4:15:59 PM]
UAB - Occupational Health & Safety - Radioactive Inventory Overview: The use of lasers is widespread in medicine, research and industry. Usage continues to increase with changes and development in technology and the fields of science. This document provides the requirements needed to implement University Policy. All personnel using lasers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham are must comply with the requirements of the Manual. A combination of standards and laws provides Hospital and University personnel with the information needed to properly develop and practice a comprehensive laser safety program. Contact Person: Robert Heath, Jr. or Domenica Pringle Phone number: 934.4751 Email address: rheath@uab.edu rheath@uab.edu or dpringle@uab.edu dpringle@uab.edu Manuals, Forms, & Guides: Guide Ocular Exam Glossary Laser Registration Form for Class 3b and 4 Lasers http://www.uab.edu/ohs/radiation-laser-safety[7/21/2014 4:16:07 PM]
UAB - Occupational Health & Safety - Radiation Survey Instrument Calibration Overview: The UAB Program provides the service of annual radiological survey instrument calibration to the UAB community. This service includes the collection, calibration, documentation and deliverance of radiological survey instrumentation scheduled for calibration. The Program is committed to the safety of UAB and its visitors. Contact Person: Robert Heath, Jr. or Domenica Pringle Phone number: 934-4751 Email address: rheath@uab.edu rheath@uab.edu or dpringle@uab.edu dpringle@uab.edu Radioactive Inventory http://www.uab.edu/ohs/meter-calibration[7/21/2014 4:16:15 PM]
UAB - Occupational Health & Safety - Radioactive Inventory Order Radioactive and Overview: Provide for the order, receipt, survey, and the safe transfer of all radioactive materials (except for those departments licensed to do so for radiopharmaceuticals necessary for the clinical care of patients). All purchase order numbers for any nonexempt radioactive materials (including generally licensed devices) are provided only through the RSP. Instructions for Placing Radioactive Material Orders All orders for radioactive materials at UAB must be processed through the Office. The laboratory shall not phone in orders to the vendor. Purchase order numbers must be acquired through Oracle and the Office must place the orders. Please contact Sherri Price at 934-4751 with any questions or inquiries. There are a few noteworthy items when entering a requisition in the Oracle system. If these items are not addressed properly, your order could be delayed. If all of the items are not filled out properly, your order could go through the wrong approval path and bypass the Office. When entering requisitions for radioactive materials in the Requisition Header screen: Order Method: Phone (not fax or mail). phones in all radioactive material orders. If fax or mail is selected there is possibility of duplication with the vendor. Under the Lines button (at the bottom of the Requisition Header screen): Category: Radioactive Material Hazard Class: RAD Click Details Tab to get to this [ ] symbol: Under this button is where you give the information of Licensee Name, Number, Quantity on Hand, etc. Please be sure in the item description to include catalog number (example: BLU002H), description (example: P- 32 dctp), and amount to order (1x250uCi). Any special shipping instructions can be put in the ship to field (Fresh Lot, Ship a particular date, etc.) Once the order is properly entered it will be forwarded through the approval path (if you entered RAD in the Hazard Class section) to the Office. All orders that are in our worklist by 1pm will be placed on that same day. Any orders after 1pm will be placed the following day. Contact Person: OH&S Administration Staff Phone number: 934.2487 Email address: smp@uab.edu smp@uab.edu http://www.uab.edu/ohs/radioactive-material-orders[7/21/2014 4:16:35 PM]
UAB - Occupational Health & Safety - Radioactive Inventory Overview: The Program, RSP, is intricately involved in the radiological assessment, treatment, survey and release of patients who undergo any one of a very wide range of radio-therapeutic procedures here at UAB. The RSP will serve as first responders, along with the UAB Occupational Health & Safety Support Facility (OH&SSF) Hazmat personnel, to mitigate any emergency that may arise involving our patients undergoing radiotherapy. Contact Person: Robert Heath, Jr. or Domenica Pringle Phone number: 205 934-4751 Email address: rheath@uab.edu rheath@uab.edu or dpringle@uab.edu dpringle@uab.edu Forms or Guides: Patient Travel Letter Patient Release Criteria http://www.uab.edu/ohs/patient-services[7/21/2014 4:16:43 PM]
UAB - Occupational Health & Safety - Radioactive Inventory Overview: The Program (RSP) of the Occupational Health & Safety Department monitors the use, handling, disposal, etc. of Radioactive Material at UAB. A Radioactive License requires that users be trained and a valid application is completed and approved. The training for all authorized users includes initial, refresher, and Licensure and Management Training courses. staff will assist in completing the applications as needed. Consultation can be scheduled throughout the process to ensure all documentation and lab set up is complete. Both the Officer (RSO) and Radioisotope and Committee (RRSC) must approve the application. Once approved, you are allowed to order and use Radioactive Material as it is described in the License. License Application The licensing process consists of the completion of the UAB Radioactive License application and all associated documentation. These documents include training documents for both the Radioactive Licensee and the Individual Radiation Workers. Specific care for handling waste is required for every license application. A complete description of the procedures for radioactive material use must be submitted as part of the application. Exposure / Survey Monitoring Review of your license documentation will include a suggestion about use of meters and dosimetry. Surveys of the lab are conducted during audits conducted by RSP personnel. Radiation and Human Subjects Review of a license that includes use of Radiation with Human Subjects will require a review by the RRSC's Sub- Committee for Human Use. Licensees will be audited at least annually. Radiation and Non-Human Subjects Review of a license that do not include the use of Radiation with Human Subjects will require a review by the RRSC. Licensees will be audited at least annually. Signage Call the Program for more information: License Maintenance All radioactive material licenses are monitored with a Compliance program that includes, but is not limited to, audits, spot checks and physical radioactive materials inventories. New licenses are issued on a temporary basis for the first full year of active use. After one year the license is renewed for five years. The RRSC may revoke a radioactive materials license whenever individuals refuse to abide by the rules and regulations that govern the conditions of that license or whenever individuals habitually create dangerous or hazardous environments. An individual who has had a license revoked by the RRSC may not use radioisotopes until otherwise approved by the UAB RSO. Contact Person: Domenica Pringle Phone number: 934.7418 Email address: dpringle@uab.edu dpringle@uab.edu Forms or Guides: All OH&S forms and guides can be downloaded here. On that page, click on Forms > Radiation for downloads. http://www.uab.edu/ohs/radioactive-material-licensing[7/21/2014 4:16:50 PM]
UAB - Occupational Health & Safety - Radioactive Inventory Radioactive Inventory Radioactive Material Inventory As required by State regulations, and a condition of the UAB Radioactive Material (RM) license, you must submit an inventory of your radioisotopes on a quarterly basis. Inventory submission is required even if you have no RM on hand. In addition, you must also document radioactive materials used by individuals working under your license. Failure to submit your Radioactive Material Inventory by the deadline will result in loss of ordering privilege or termination of your RM license. Submit your Radioactive Online You must submit your inventory no later than two weeks after each of these dates each year: March 27 June 27 September 27 December 27 You should receive correspondence such as this just prior to each inventory period. It is very important that your current mailing address is on file in our office and is as it appears on your license. The dates given are those for which inventories of radioactive materials in your laboratories must be determined. You will not be able to use your radioactive materials license (to receive or transfer radioisotopes, etc.) if the competed RM inventory has not been submitted online to our office. Be sure to maintain a copy for your records. Radioactive Inventory Receipt Verification As you enter your data, you should see the entries compile at the bottom of the page. This compilation should serve as your confirmation. If your confirmation does not show up at the bottom of the page as you enter your data, please call our office at 934-2487 to confirm. http://www.uab.edu/ohs/radioactive-inventory[7/21/2014 4:16:58 PM]
UAB - Occupational Health & Safety - Radioactive Inventory Overview: For those researchers who wish to use radiation producing machines or radioactive materials in their research, the Program must review and subsequently approve that section of their research application. For protocols and any other proposals where radiation producing machines or radioactive materials will be used, approval by the UAB Radioisotope Committee's (RRSC) Sub Committee for Human Use (SCHU) must be granted for the radiation component of the protocol. The UAB Institutional Review Board for Human Use (IRBHU) must have the aforementioned approval prior to IRB approval. The following information may be required for submittal: Human Subjects Protocol and any changes thereto Informed Consent Form/Document Information Naming the Radiopharmaceutical/Radioisotope and/or Radiation Producing Machine Name of the Routine or Investigational Study UAB Radioactive Licensee(s) Performing or Participating in the Study Contact Person: Domenica Pringle Phone number: 934-7418 Email address: dpringle@uab.edu dpringle@uab.edu http://www.uab.edu/ohs/radioactive-materials-research-protocols[7/21/2014 4:17:05 PM]
UAB - Occupational Health & Safety - Radioactive Inventory Radiological Overview: The UAB Program provides leak test analyses, at intervals required by the Alabama Department of Public Health Office of Radiation Control, for nonexempt sealed radiation sources and devices at no additional cost to the licensee. A test result report for each leak test is provided and is recognizable by state and federal radioactive material licensing agencies. Contact Person: Byron J. Bryant or Domenica Pringle Phone number: 205-934-4751 Email address: bjbryant@uab.edu bjbryant@uab.edu or dpringle@uab.edu dpringle@uab.edu Manual: University of Alabama at Birmingham Procedures Manual Links: Alabama Department of Public Health, Radiation Control: Standards for Protection Against Radiation, Part 420-3-26-.03 (section 16) http://www.uab.edu/ohs/radiological-sealed-source-leak-test[7/21/2014 4:17:12 PM]
UAB - Occupational Health & Safety - Radioactive Inventory Overview: UAB is licensed to use radioactive material only in UAB facilities, leased or owned, located in the University College or the Medical Center Complex. Any radioactive material leaving this area must be transferred to another facility licensed by the State of Alabama Health Department, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, or an Agreement State such as Alabama. In some instances, it may be necessary to have the UAB broad license amended by the State of Alabama Department of Public Health Radiation Control Division before a transfer of radioisotopes can take place. Information regarding these requirements may be obtained from the Radiation Safety Program. The Record of Radioactive Material Transfer form must be completed prior to the transfer of radioactive material within UAB facilities. These forms are available from the Program by calling 934.4751. In transferring radioactive materials, the following steps should be observed. 1. "Record of Radioactive Material Transfer" forms must be completed and submitted to the Program. The UAB Officer must approve all transfers of radioactive materials, whether internal or external to UAB. 2. Containers must bear the appropriate radioactive material symbol. When the size of the container permits, it must bear information as to the type of radioisotope, its amount, and the date of assay. 3. Always transport radioisotopes in shielded containers appropriate to the type of radiations emitted. Exposure rates from the containers must not exceed 10 mr/hour at three feet from the surface of the container or 200 mr/hour at contact. 4. Liquids must be adequately sealed, double bagged and wrapped in material capable of absorbing twice the volume of liquid in the container. 5. Transfers must be made directly. Care must be taken to plan the route taken so as to minimize radiation exposure to other individuals and to comply with State and federal transportation guidelines. All proposed routes of transfer must be approved by the UAB Officer prior to transport. 6. Material to be moved over the public highways or by commercial carrier must be approved by the Radiation Safety Officer. Human Use Licenses may be approved for variances to this requirement. 7. A Shipping Manifest must be completed and accompany the shipment of any radioisotopes over public highways. Contact Person: Robert Heath, Jr. or Domenica Pringle Phone number: 934-2487 Email address: rheath@uab.edu rheath@uab.edu or dpringle@uab.edu dpringle@uab.edu http://www.uab.edu/ohs/transferring-radioactive-materials[7/21/2014 4:17:20 PM]