FAQ's
General
Do I have to provide my social security number to the Radiation Safety office?
Beginning July 1, 2001, New York State law forbid the use of social security numbers for public identification purposes of students. In response to this law, the University will begin issuing to all students an 8 digit ID number for identification purposes. Existing students may need to supply Radiation Safety with their assigned ID number to update our files.
PI Sabbaticals
As stated in the Radiation Safety Manual, pg. 12, Section 4, titled "Responsibility of Radioactive Material Permit Holders":
If a permit holder will be absent from his/her laboratory for a prolonged period of time (in excess of four consecutive weeks) he/she must designate an alternate person to assume responsibility for their permit during their absence. And notify the Radiation Safety office of this absence and replacement. The alternate must be a person approved by a subcommittee of the RSC as a permit holder. In the absence of a designated alternate, the permit must be inactivated, all radioactive materials collected for storage or disposal, and the laboratory space closed out radiologically (surveyed and all radiological signs removed). Other specific responsibilities of permit holders are noted below.
Lab Survey Components
Laboratory time is billed by the hour for all time spent working with an individual permit holder. Laboratory time includes instrument calibration, lab inspections, setting up and closing out laboratory spaces and similar activities.
Laboratory inspections include preparing for an inspection, performing the inspection, resolving concerns noted during an inspection, counting smear wipes (post-inspection), writing up the inspection report, researching and/or resolving violations, follow-up activities after an inspection, copying, filing and mailing inspection reports to permit holders.
Do I need to apply for a permit? Who is required to have a permit?
All researchers who are engaged in independent research involving the use of radioactive materials are required to have their own radioactive materials permit. Exceptions include post-doctoral fellows and visiting researchers. If a researcher who is required to have a radioactive materials permit is found to be working under the permit of an authorized permit holder, the permit holder will be assessed 1 major violation (1 point) for each calendar quarter this occurs.
Radioactive Waste
Where is the solid waste room?
The solid waste room is located in the Medical Center B-5730
How do I gain access to the waste room?
Your ID is needed for access to the waste room (MC B-5730). Please contact Radiation Safety (x 57381) with the first 5 digits of your social security number and PI's name so that we may add you to the approved list.
What solid/liquid waste can be mixed?
The following SOLID waste can be mixed:
1. P32, P33 & CR51
2. S35 & I125
3. C14 & H3
You do not have to separate glass & plastic.
The following LIQUID waste can be mixed:
-All liquid can be put in one liquid container.
The following VIALS can be mixed:
-All vials can be put in the blue double bagged drums.
Special Note: Be sure all RAD labels are removed.
Training Class
How long is the class?
The class runs for two and a half (2 1/2) hours. You will be given a take home test to complete & return to Radiation Safety.
What does the test consist of?
The take home test consists of questions that relate to the information provided during the class and information read frm the training manual.
Isotope Ordering
What is the order cut-off-time?
The isotope order cut-off-time is 2 p.m. -Monday through Friday. During holidays and bad weather this time may change. Every effort will be taken to notify the RAD Community if there is a change in ordering times. However, in cases of bad weather or holidays it is strongly suggested that you check the RSU website for updates.
Departmental Billing
When are invoices sent out?
As a rule, permit fees are billed out no later than February & August each year. Dosimetry is billed in February, May, August, November. Patient services & X-Ray fees are billed monthly or as they occur.
What is meant by the permit status "active", "inactive" and "deactivated"?
Active permits are inspected quarterly and charged the full permit fee. Inactive permits are not inspected quarterly because they are not actively using isotopes, however, this type of permit will still incur a permit fee but no billable permit/lab hours. Deactivated permits are closed out and therefore no longer have any radioactive materials use, no posted rooms and are charged no permit fees.
Note: If you have an inactive permit and wish to deactivate, you must submit an Amendment Form within 30 days of the billing cycle.
RSU E-Mail List
SUBSCRIBE to the RSU Email List to stay informed on issues of current interest to the Radiation Use Community.
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