1. Division of Medical Physics and Radiation Safety
Basic Radiation Safety Training for
Boston University
and Boston Medical Center

2. Boston University and Boston Medical Center
Basic Radiation Safety Training
Required for all users of radioactive material at BU/BMC
Covers material license conditions, regulations and all safety practices associated with use of radioactive materials.

3. Course Outline Organizational Structure of the Program
Radiation Safety Principles
Biological Effects and Risk
Postings and Labels
Contamination Control and Spills
Proper Survey Techniques
Survey meter and wipe test
Radiation Safety Checklist
Security of stock vials
Radioactive Waste Disposal
Contact Information

4. BOSTON UNIVERSITY

5. Radiation Safety Committee (RSC) Radiation Safety Officer Division of Medical Physics and Radiation Safety (DMPRS)
The (RSC) oversees all uses of radioactive material permitted by the materials license and  has overall responsibility for development and recommendation of comprehensive polices and guidelines for the safe use of all sources of radiation
The RSO ensures that radiation safety activities are being performed in accordance with approved procedures and regulatory requirements
Medical Physics and Radiation Safety is responsible for ensuring that all clinical and research uses of radioactive materials is safe for workers, patients and the general public

6. Basic Terms
Radiation: energy in transit in the form of high speed particles or electromagnetic waves.
Radioactivity: Characteristic of an unstable atom that releases energy in the form of a particle or electromagnetic wave.

7. Types of Ionizing Radiation
Alpha particles: contains 2 neutrons and 2 protons, which is ejected from the nucleus of a radioactive atom.
Beta particles: A high-speed electron or positron, usually emitted by an atomic nucleus undergoing radioactive decay. Electrons carry a negative charge.
X-rays: Electromagnetic radiation originating in the electron field of an atom.
Gamma rays: A gamma ray is an electromagnetic radiation originating in the nucleus of an atom.

8. Radiation is Energy Narrative
“Radiation energy come is several forms that can best be described as waves (light, microwaves, x-rays, gamma-rays, etc.) and particles (alpha particles, beta particles, etc.)”
For this talk we will be focusing on “ionizing Radiation” which is the high frequency radiation that haws enough energy to liberate electrons from atoms that it hits.
In other words, it creates ions.
=================== Additional Info And Notes ================
Graphic taken from Radiation and Life web page of the Uranium Information Centre
Melbourne, Australia. (sundress added by my niece)

9. Types of Radiation
Ionizing Radiation: Radiation capable of liberating electrons from an atom.
ex. beta particles, x-rays
Non-ionizing radiation: Radiation not capable of liberating electrons, but can excite the atom.
ex. microwaves, radio waves, lasers

10. Radiation Units
There are two systems of units used in the measurement of radioactivity and radiation dose.
The older units (Curie, rad and rem) are commonly used in U.S. regulatory language.
The SI units (Becquerel, Gray and Sievert) are commonly used internationally.

11. Radiation Unit
Roentgen: unit for measuring the amount of ionization in air (exposure) due to gamma or x-rays. (SI unit is Coulomb per kilogram)
RAD : Radiation Absorbed Dose
a unit used to describe the amount of energy deposited per unit mass from radiation in any type of medium.
SI Unit: 100 rads = 1 Gray
REM: Roentgen Equivalent Man
a unit used for measuring human dose equivalent.
SI Unit: 100 rem = 1 Sievert

12. Radiation Quantities Curie: 3.7x1010 disintegrations per second or
2.2x1012 disintegrations per minute.
1 milliCurie (mCi) = 2.2 x 109 dpm
1 microCurie (mCi ) = 2.2 x 106 dpm
100 mCi = 0.1 mCi
Becquerel: one disintegration per second. (SI system)
1 mCi = 3.7x107 dps = 37 MegaBecquerel (MBq)
1 mCi = 3.7x104 dps = 37 kiloBecquerel (kBq)

13. Radiation Quality Factors
Two different types of radiation may deliver the same absorbed dose, but produce a different biological effect, and hence, dose equivalent.
1 rad of alpha = 20 rem
1 rad of beta = 1 rem

14. Half-Life
The time required for any given radioisotope to decrease to one-half of its original activity by radioactive decay.
This period of time is called the half-life
32P days 14C years
3H years 35S days
125I days

15. External Exposure P-32, I-125, Cr-51
Common isotopes with external exposure potential
P-32, I-125, Cr-51
Not all radioisotopes are external exposure hazards
H-3, C-14, S-35
External exposure occurs when all or part of the body is exposed to penetrating radiation from an external source.

16. Pathways of Internal Exposure
Ingestion
Absorption
Inhalation
Puncture

17. Contamination and Exposure
Radioactive Contamination is
Radioactive material where it shouldn’t be. e.g. floors, bench tops, hands
Fixed vs. Removable Contamination
All radioisotopes have contamination potential even if they do not have external exposure potential.
The goal is to prevent contamination from getting on to your skin and/or inside your body.
How Contamination Differs From Exposure:
A person exposed to radiation is not necessarily contaminated with radioactive material.

18. You are NOT radioactive if you receive an external exposure from radioactive material.

19. ALARA NCRP Definition of ALARA
The goal of radiation protection is to keep radiation doses As Low As Reasonably Achievable
BUMC is committed to keeping radiation exposures to all personnel ALARA
NCRP Definition of ALARA
As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA): A principle of radiation protection philosophy that requires that exposures to ionizing radiation be kept as low as reasonably achievable, economic and social factors being taken into account. The protection from radiation exposure is ALARA when the expenditure of further resources would be unwarranted by the reduction in exposure that would be achieved.

20. Contributions from Man Made and Natural Background Source of Radiation
Annual Exposure 620 millrem/yr.
From NCRP Report No. 160, “Ionizing Radiation Exposure of the Population of the United States” (2009)

21. Average dose to individual is 620 mrem/yr
NCRP SUMMARY
Average dose to individual is 620 mrem/yr
Approximately 37% of dose was attributed to radon
An additional 13% attributed to other natural sources (cosmic, terrestrial, internal)
Total ~50% attributed to natural sources
Medical comprised ~48%
Dose from nuclear power was grouped into a category comprising <0.1%

22. Annual Occupational Exposures at BU/BMC
Average dose/year
*Annual Allowable Exposure limit for Radiation Worker = 5000 mR/yr

23. Latest Biological Effects Studies
If 100,000 persons were exposed to 10 Rem of radiation each, 800 excess cancer deaths would be expected during their remaining lifetimes in addition to the nearly 20,000 cancer deaths that would occur in the absence of radiation.
- BEIR V Report, page

24. Genetic Effects Damage to cells DNA
Effects have not been observed in human populations
Extrapolated from larger doses and animal studies 23

25. Declared Pregnant Worker
Any radiation worker who is pregnant may voluntarily declare her pregnancy and the estimated date of conception in writing to the DMPRS and thereafter her occupational radiation exposure shall be limited to 500 millirem (50 millirem/month) for the entire period of gestation.
If you are pregnant and want to declare pregnancy, please contact the DMPRS for consultation.
Ref: US NRC Regulatory Guide 8.13 rev

26. MINIMIZE EXTERNAL EXPOSURE
Time
(Reduce exposure time)
Distance
(Increase Distance)
Shielding
(Place dense object between you
and source of radiation) 34

28. How To Minimize External Exposure
TIME : 60 mR/hr = 6 mR in 6 minutes

30. How To Minimize External Exposure

32. Shielding Alpha particles can be stopped by a sheet of paper.
Most Beta particles can be stopped by 1-2 cm of plexiglass.
Most gamma and x-ray photons can be absorbed by several cm of lead.
Neutrons may require several feet of concrete.

33. Dosimetry Requirement Decision TreeNo
Badge
Required No
Do you work
directly with a
source of radiation?
Yes
Isotope
Is the radiation
source an
isotope or a machine?
Machine
Do you work with one of the following
isotopes? * badge type in ( )
Brachytherapy Sources (1 and 4)
>1 mCi. of gamma or
positron emitter (1 and 4)
>1 mCi. high (>500 keV)
max energy Beta emitter (1 and 4)
Nuclear Medicine (1 and 4)
Do you work with any one of the
following machines? * badge type in ( )
Fluoroscope (2 and 3)
LINAC (1)
Diagnostic x-ray (1)
CT (1)
Yes
A badge is
mandatory No No
A badge is
voluntary
Badge Type
(1) – Whole body
(2) – Collar
(3) – Waist
(4) – Ring

34. Labeling Refers to quantities of radioactive material used or stored.
Refers to areas accessible to personnel, in which a major
portion of the body could receive a dose of 5 mrem in any one hour at 30 centimeters from the radiation source or from any surface that the radiation penetrates
Refers to quantities of radioactive material used or stored.

35. Postings
2 Postings:
Massachusetts Department of Public Health “Notice to Employee”
Boston University Medical Center “Rules Governing the Use of Radioactive Materials”.

38. Contamination Definition: Radioactive material where it shouldn’t be.
e.g. floors, bench tops, hands
All radioisotopes have contamination potential even if they do not have external exposure potential.
The goal is to prevent contamination from getting on to your skin and/or inside your body.

39. Skin Contamination Cool water, mild soap
2-3 minutes working up a good lather, dry
No harsh chemicals or detergents
Survey for contamination
Notify the RPO
BUMC -Control Center
off hours (8-6666)
CRC SAFE

40. Spill Response Notify the people in area that a spill has occurred
Report incident to the DMPRS
Prevent the spread of contamination. Cover the spill with absorbent material and prevent access to the area by unauthorized personnel
Clean Up using disposable gloves
Survey area with a low range thin window GM survey instrument
Emergency Office Phone
Medical Campus RPO
- Control X (off-hours)
Charles River Campus SAFE (24 hours)

41. Direct Survey Survey Meters
“Pancake probe” Model 44-9
Used to monitor: 14 C, 35S, 32P, 33P
Move slowly at 2 inches/second from a distance no greater than 1 cm above the surface
* Annual Survey Meter calibration is required
Model 44-3 known as a “Scintillation” or “NaI” Probe
Used to monitor low energy gammas such as I-125

42. Radiation Detection Instruments
Liquid Scintillation counter is required for Tritium Contamination surveys
Pancake
(S-35, P-32, P-33, C-14)
*Better Detection Efficiency than End Window GM
End Window
(S-35, P-32, P-33, C-14)
*Lower Detection Efficiency than End Window
Gamma Scintillator (NaI) probe
(I-125 and Cr-51)
Portable Survey Meter

43. Proper Survey Technique
Use appropriate survey meter
Check Calibration Status (Sticker)
Check battery
Audible on
Check background level
Start at the lowest scale
Rotary Switch Off Battery Check Scalar Multiplier
Audio On/Off Switch
Battery Compartment

44. Survey Meter Face Plate
Use This Top Scale
Scale: K cpm on X 1 multiplier
*Some meter faces will have the Middle and Bottom scale (As shown on left). In research setting the CPM scale is the only scale we use

45. Direct Monitoring Set meter on lowest scale and observe background.
Bring probe 1/4 to 1/2 inch from surface without touching.
Move probe slowly. (2 inches/sec)
Listen for audible chirp and observe count rate.
Results expressed in units of counts per minute (CPM). 40

46. Liquid Scintillation Counter
Wipe Tests
A wipe test only assesses removable contamination.
Use absorbent paper to wipe an (100 cm2 )area
For H-3, a wipe test is the only means to assess potential removable contamination.
For other isotopes (i.e. P-32, S-35, C-14) a Geiger Counter may be used to assess removable contamination. (Note: efficiency is much lower than wipe test counted with LSC)
Liquid Scintillation Counter

47. Radioisotope Ordering Process
Order placed through DMPRS via BU Works ISR
DMPRS places order with vendor
Package arrives at DMPRS for inspection
DMPRS delivers package to your lab
Lab personnel (RAM authorized user) receives and secures package.

48. Security of Radioactive Material
You must do the following:
Keep radioactive material in constant view
Lock up radioactive stock solutions
Lock the laboratory
Always keep the access door to your floor of the building locked.
(Use Key Card Access or the Combination Lock)

49. Radioactive Material Transfer
Contact DMPRS for authorization prior to transfer of radioactive material on and off campus.

50. Iodination Precautions
Verified negative pressure hood
Double glove
Lab coat
Double bag radwaste
Lead bricks in front of hood causes turbulence
Use charcoal to absorb iodine vapors
Air sampling and thyroid monitoring required
Fume Hood
REQUIRES ADDITIONAL TRAINING:
Iodination procedures

51. Sulfur 35 - Amino Acid Precautions
Because of volatility:
Open Stock vial in hood
Place charcoal in incubators, water baths, etc.

52. Phosphorous-32 Precautions
3/8 inch lucite
lab coat, double gloves,
safety goggles
absorbent paper or trays
Dosimetry (> 1 mCi) whole body badge and ring dosimeter
Geiger counter

53. Use flat top tube opener to reduce radiation levels to fingers

54. Use of Radioactive Materials in Animals
Radioactive material in animal use must be approved by
Radioisotope Committee
IACUC (Animal Care Committee)

56. Radioactive Waste Categories
a. Solid waste
b. Aqueous liquid waste
c. Organic liquid
d. Deregulated liquid scintillation vials
e. Regulated liquid scintillation vials
f. Animal carcass/tissue
g. Volatile material
h. Stock vials
All rad waste pick up requests are scheduled online at:

57. Radioactive Waste Guidelines
Environmental Waste Management approved containers by half-life:
< 30 DAYS, DAYS, > 90 DAYS
4 ml thick plastic bag
Inventory sheet
No radioactive waste is allowed in cold trash or biohazard bags
All rad labels must be defaced before placing in waste containers
waste pickups are scheduled on-line

58. Radwaste Guidelines
Put radioactive needles etc., in “radioactive” sharp container
No liquids
No lead pig (Deface and store lead pigs in separate containers next to waste. Environmental management will pick up at time of waste pick up)
Assure radwaste container labeled to prevent housekeeper from emptying trash
Call Environmental Waste Management for any questions at

59. Sink Disposal You must ensure:
Liquids disposed down sinks designated for radioactive liquid disposal only.[No mixed waste].
Activity/Isotope disposed are less than the posted sink limit.
Liquid is aqueous, soluble, and dispersible.
Sink disposal log is complete

60. Radiation Safety Records
Are all records filled out and up to date?
Inventory
Surveys
Waste logs
Sink logs

61. Inventory Records You record: What material was received
When it arrived (day, month and year)
Activity received
Chemical form
When it was used, who used it
Running total of activity on hand

62. Telephone Numbers Office – 617-638-7052 (8am – 5pm) Fax – 617-638-7509
BU & BMC
Office – (8am – 5pm)
Fax –
Emergency- Control Center
CRC
DMPRS Office – (8am – 5pm)
Emergency – SAFE –
DMPRS personnel on call 24 Hr/day

63. Main DPMRS Website: http://www.bu.edu/ehs/plans/management-plans/rpo/
Important Resources
Main DPMRS Website:
DMPRS Operational Forms:
Environmental Waste Management: