Part 400: Obtaining Authorization to Use Radiation-Producing Equipment

• 400.10 Introduction
• 400.20 Format for Application To Use Radiation-Producing Equipment
• 400.30 Departmental and College Responsibilities
• 400.40 Submittal of Application
• 400.50 Radiation Safety Committee Responsibilities
• 400.60 Changes in Authorized Use
• 400.70 Renewal of an Authorization

400.10 Introduction

Any person who wishes to use radiation-producing equipment shall first obtain authorization from the Radiation Safety Committee. A written request following the format in Part 400.20 shall be submitted to the Radiation Safety Committee via the radiation safety officer. The request will be reviewed by the radiation safety officer prior to any action taken by the Radiation Safety Committee.

400.20 Format for Application To Use Radiation-Producing Equipment

1. Section 1 - User Information - Provide the information listed below.
1. Name
2. Department
3. Office
4. Phone Number
2. Section 2 - Type of Radiation-Producing Equipment Requested - List type of equipment, manufacturer, model and serial number, date of manufacture, peak operating voltage, maximum current, and tube type.
3. Section 3 - Description of Intended Use of Radiation-Producing Equipment - The description must include sufficient detail so that the Radiation Safety Committee will have a clear understanding of the intended use. Detailed protocols and experimental procedures no longer than three pages each may be included as appendices in the application. Do not include reprints of publications. Please be careful not to use language, jargon or phrases that are specific to your type of research. A checklist describing the operating procedures, including testing for safety features and interlocks, for each radiation-producing device must be included with the application.
4. Section 4 - Personnel, Experience and Training - List all personnel, including yourself, employees, and students, who will be present during the use of radiation-producing equipment. Refer to Part 600 for definitions and rules regarding user categories. List the user status for each person. For authorized and general supervised users, include the training and experience for each user.
5. Section 5 - Location of Use - List all locations where radiation-producing equipment will be used.
   
   NOTE: A workplace, work space, room or laboratory where radiation-producing equipment is used is defined as the entire space enclosed by fire-resistive boundaries.
6. Section 6 - Radiation Detection Instrumentation - Include a description of the types of radiation detection instrumentation that will be used for surveying. List the instruments by manufacturer, model number, and type of detector, if applicable.
7. Section 7 - Personnel Safety - Indicate if any personnel monitoring is required. Describe any special monitoring or safety practices that would be necessary for the types of activities conducted. Include the construction of the room where the radiation-producing equipment will be used, and what type of activities are being conducted above, below, and to the sides of the area. Describe any safety features of the radiation-producing equipment and measures used to limit access to the area containing the radiation-producing equipment.
8. Section 8 - Signatures and Date - The authorized user(s) must sign and date the application. By signing the application, each authorized user affirms that he/she has read the University of Idaho Radiation Safety Manual and is aware of the requirements for using radiation-producing equipment.

400.30 Departmental and College Responsibilities

The department chair and college dean must also review and sign the application. Approval by the department chair and college dean affirms that he/she is aware of the research being conducted by the authorized user and that adequate facilities and equipment are available for this type of research. Departmental and college approval also affirms that if the authorized user is unable to pay any costs resulting from the acquisition, use, maintenance and repair of radiation-producing equipment (e.g., resignation or termination of employment, insufficient teaching or research funding), the department and/or college has an obligation to pay these costs.

400.40 Submittal of Application

The applicant will submit one copy of the Application To Use Radiation-Producing Equipment with original signatures to the radiation safety officer. The radiation safety officer will evaluate the application prior to review by the Radiation Safety Committee and recommend changes or corrections, if any, to the applicant.

400.50 Radiation Safety Committee Responsibilities

1. The committee shall review each application and ascertain that:
1. The applicant has suitable training, experience, facilities and equipment to safely use and/or conduct experiments involving radiation-producing equipment;
2. Adequate operating and handling precautions are taken by the applicant; and
3. The safety of the personnel and the general public are protected.
2. The committee may request more information from the applicant before reaching a decision. The decision of the Radiation Safety Committee is final.
3. The committee shall notify the applicant in writing of the disposition of the application and shall specify terms under which the use of radiation-producing equipment is authorized.
4. The committee shall also provide to the radiation safety officer any instructions for personnel monitoring, surveying, required posting of caution signs, etc., it deems appropriate and as required by the Idaho Radiation Control regulations.
5. Upon approval by the Radiation Safety Committee of the application to use radiation-producing equipment, the authorized user shall receive a Radiation-Producing Equipment Authorization Form RSM-1E and a unique authorization number.

400.60 Changes in Authorized Use

After an applicant has received approval of the initial application from the Radiation Safety Committee, the authorized user is required to obtain approval from the Radiation Safety Committee prior to each change in the use of radiation-producing equipment.

400.70 Renewal of an Authorization

The authorization issued by the Radiation Safety Committee is effective for three years. To renew an authorization, the user shall submit a full application to the Radiation Safety Committee via the radiation safety officer thirty days prior to the stated expiration date. The renewal application must include a cover page summarizing any changes from the previous application. In addition, the user may reference in the renewal application previously submitted experimental protocols and procedures if there have been no changes.