EH&S’s Radiation Safety team issues Radiation Use Authorizations (RUAs) to principal investigators who use radioactive material.
Principal Investigators (PIs) and researchers who work with radioactive material must be properly trained, and must conduct the work under a Radiation Use Authorization (RUA) issued by EH&S’s Radiation Safety team.
What you need to know
All work with radioactive material must be conducted under the supervision of a PI who has been issued a Radiation Use Authorization (RUA) for the work. Each RUA contains terms and conditions specific to the approved use of the material. Use of radioactive material outside of the scope described in the RUA is strictly prohibited and can result in restriction or termination of the RUA.
Getting Started
A researcher who would like to work with radioactive material should check to see if his or her PI is already authorized. If the PI is not authorized, the options include:
- Having the PI submit an RUA application
- Finding a PI who is willing to sponsor and be accountable for the work that will be performed
- Seeing if you meet the training and experience qualifications to be considered a PI for radioactive material work, so that you can apply for an RUA
Applying for an RUA
The RUA application process starts by contacting the Radiation Safety team. A health physicist will work with you to get the information needed for the RUA application.
All RUA applications are reviewed by either the Radiation Safety Committee (RSC) or the radiation safety officer.
Verifying Radiation Use Authorizations
RUAs are reviewed and verified by Radiation Safety staff during the annual radiation use laboratory inspection.
What you can do to stay safe
- Perform surveys
- Surveys help ensure radioactive material is not being spread to places where it doesn’t belong (contamination).
- Work under an active RUA The RUA approval process includes an evaluation of PPE, shielding and survey requirements to keep you safe.
- Wear appropriate PPE and utilize effective shielding.
- Practice good hygiene.
- Minimize dose by limiting time, increasing distance or increasing shielding.
Services Available
Radiation Safety provides the following services:
- A summary of your current RUA
- Assistance with the RUA application process
- Training courses
- Radioactive waste pickup
- Access EHSA to access additional Radiation Safety services.
Frequently asked questions
To change personnel, labs, nuclides or instruments, please complete the appropriate form(s) below:
- Amendment to Use Additional Radionuclides
- Radiation Worker and Dosimetry Application
- Application for Certification of Laboratory for Use of Radioactive Materials
- Radiation Detection Instrument Registration
For all other changes, e-mail radsaf@uw.edu.
E-mail your interest in applying to EH&S’s Radiation Safety team at radsaf@uw.edu.
More Information
Radioactive Material License issued by Washington State Department of Health:
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Radioactive material must be used by or under the supervision of individuals who have been approved by the Radiation Safety Officer or the Radiation Safety Committee.