Radiation Safety

The use of radioactive materials at the University is regulated by the Washington State Department of Health and strictly controlled by Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S).

Radioactive material is ordered by authorized users and delivered to EH&S’s Radiation Safety Team, which distributes the material to authorized personnel.

Federal and state regulations require the UW to monitor the radiation dose to employees who may be exposed to radiation as part of their job duties.

Employees whose job duties result in exposure to radiation may be assigned dosimeters to monitor their exposure. Depending on the source and amount of exposure, this may include whole body badges, rings or both. Individual badges are collected monthly or quarterly, and the reported doses are reviewed by an EH&S Radiation Safety team member.

The Non-Ionizing Radiation Safety Program is designed to help protect University personnel, students and the general public from the harmful effects of non-ionizing radiation.

The Laser Safety Program facilitates the safe and knowledgeable use of lasers in University laboratories and classrooms, and ensures  the protection of the environment.

The Radiation Safety Committee (RSC) is responsible for the safe use of radiation producing devices and radioactive materials at all UW locations, including the UW Medical Center and Harborview Medical Center.

The RSC is comprised of members from departments across the University that regularly use radiation producing devices or radioactive materials.

In addition, several members are specifically designated, including: