The UNM Radiation Safety Division provides training to those individuals
who will be using radioactive materials in their research/work environment.
Individuals using radiation-producing equipment are also required to have
appropriate training. To determine what training is required, please
submit a Training & Experience (T&E) form to the Radiation Safety
Division. These forms may be obtained from Larry L. Cleveland (277-0317)
or Annie Chavez (277-0197).
Definitions:
-
Permit Holder - An individual issued a Radiation Permit from the
UNM Radiation Control Committee (RCC) to receive, possess and use radioactive
materials or radiation-producing machines. Permit Holders are ultimately
responsible for the use of ionizing radiation sources under their permits.
This responsibility includes the proper supervision of individuals under
their permit.
-
Alternate Permit Holder - A current UNM Permit Holder who agrees
to act in place of an absent Permit Holder.
-
Supervisor of Use - Individual designated by the Permit Holder and
approved by the RCC to supervise radiation-related activities in the lab.
-
Person who Works Without Direct Supervision - Based upon evaluation
of the T&E form or upon successful completion of Introduction
to Radiation Safety, an individual may work without direct supervision.
-
Person who Works Under Direct Supervision - Individuals who do not
have the appropriate training and/or experience must work under the direct
supervision of the Permit Holder or Supervisor of Use. These individuals
are required to receive appropriate training in a timely manner.
What is radiation safety training? Safe
use of radioactive materials, the physics of ionizing radiation, dose and
dose limits, UNM procedures for ordering radioactive materials, disposal
of radioactive waste materials, and other related subjects are taught during
a ten hour course entitled Introduction to Radiation Safety.
The course is taught during a one week period. A two hour lab and
viewing of three video tapes on radiation safety is required. A "special
project" is also required for completion of the course. A certificate
will be issued to the individual who successfully completes all course
requirements.
Why is radiation safety training required?
State and federal laws require appropriate training prior to unsupervised
use of ionizing radiation sources. More importantly, individuals
must be knowledgeable of the risks involved and proper safety procedures
to follow to insure their safety while working with radiation sources.
Who should attend? This course is
intended to train those individuals working with or frequenting areas of
ionizing radiation use.
When is the training offered? The
Introduction
to Radiation Safety course is offered to the UNM community every
other month beginning in January. A flyer is sent out from the Radiation
Safety Division to current UNM Permit Holders prior to each new class.
How do I register for the course?
Once the flyer has been sent out, interested individuals should contact
Larry L. Cleveland at 277-0317 or Annie Chavez at 277-0197 to sign up for
the course.
Where is the course offered? The training
takes place at the Safety, Health & Environmental Affairs Department
(Building 233/#3). The address is 1801 Tucker St. NE and is located
off the "G" parking lot just northeast of Lomas and University.
