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Every space where radioactive material is used or
stored must be surveyed on a regular basis with a
calibrated instrument capable of
detecting the radionuclides in question.
The frequency and type of survey depends on the
type and quantity of radionuclide(s) used.
Section 13(Laboratory Survey Procedures) of the Radiation Safety
Manual provides complete details on survey requirements. This requirement,
as well as others, is critical to the continued active status of
the University's License to use radioactive materials. If the UW
is found sufficiently deficient, its license could be revoked,
which would mean that all radioactive material use would be
suspended.
"Notes on a Good
Survey" is a one-page printable list that you can place in
your survey notebook as a reminder of good technique or can use
to set up a new survey program for your area. It is also handed
out in the Radiation Safety
Training Class.
First of all, use a
calibrated instrument that can detect
the radionuclide you are using. For example, use a
liquid scintillation counter to survey for Tritium (as no other
readily available instrument can detect its weak beta particle),
a beta probe for P-32, or a gamma probe for I-125.
Next, once you've got the correct
instrument for the job, survey in sensible locations.
Some good places to look are:
- your work space.
- well traveled areas of the floor.
- places where people commonly place their hands:
- drawer handles
- door knobs
- telephones
- keyboards
- chair backs, etc.
Because we can't see radioactive material, it's easy to
contaminate the work area, including ourselves! Always wear
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and survey your lab coat
along with your work space.
Next, keep a record of your
survey. The record should include:
- the room number/area name.
- the initials of the surveyor.
- the date of the survey.
- the serial number of the instrument used.
- a map of the area, describing surveyed locations (may use a
single master map).
- the results of the survey.
- any actions taken as a result of the survey.
People have often found it useful to create a
master map of the area and then a list or chart for the
individual surveys, with columns that include the above
information and which refer back to the map. This provides a
complete record with minimum use of paper.
Alternatively, a lab survey form is available
from RSO. Print out the form (pdf) or have a copy mailed to you by calling
(206.543.0463) or e-mail: radsaf@u.washington.edu
and requesting a copy of RSO Form 412a.
Survey records should be kept for three
years in an easily identifiable location. Since surveys
can be requested by the Washington State Department of Health
with no prior notice. Survey records contain such important
safety information, everyone in the authorized space should
be able to find the survey records, even if they do not use
radioactive material.
The Radiation Safety Office (RSO) performs
surveys of all spaces authorized for radionuclides under the UW
Radioactive Materials license. The faculty and staff who use
those spaces are also required to perform and record surveys, but
at a greater frequency than RSO. Part of the RSO's survey
protocol is to check the survey records of the laboratory users
to make sure the surveys are completed. Because this requirement
is so important to the UW's license, individual authorizations
can be suspended if user surveys are not performed with the
proper frequency.
If you are unsure about the survey
requirements for your area, please call the Radiation Safety
Office. Assistance is available to help set up a survey
program for your area.
NOTE on Survey Frequency - Remember, monthly lab surveys are required
whether or not radioactive material has been used or stored in a lab since the
last survey. Their are no exemptions allowed to this policy!
Contact Radiation Safety if their are any concerns.
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