Use of radioactive materials and sources of ionizing radiation in research and teaching is encouraged at the University of New Mexico. The President of the University has delegated to the Radiation Control Committee the responsibility for safe use of all radiation at and under the control of the University of New Mexico. Rules and procedures are established to provide as much flexibility and freedom as is consistent with regulations, the safety of University students, employees, and the public. Note that certain procedures or statements in this manual are preceded by the word shall or must, and others by the word should. Shall and must indicate a mandatory action unless an exception is made by an appropriate authority. Should is used when a procedure of action is recommended as good practice.

It is imperative that users of radioactive materials and equipment that produce ionizing radiation understand the regulations and safety precautions that apply to such usage.

All State and Federal rules and regulations governing radiation use are not duplicated in this guide; however, applicable documents shall be followed at the University of New Mexico in the course of work with ionizing radiation. Specific rules and guidelines are issued by the Radiation Control Committee.

The Radiation Safety Manual applies for human and non-human use. This includes X-ray machines under New Mexico State regulations and other uses licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission at the University of New Mexico. This manual references State and Federal regulations because both licensing activities occur at UNM; therefore, users must follow applicable regulations for their operation. New Mexico is an "Agreement State"; therefore, most operations utilizing radioactive materials and radiation producing machines are governed by the State regulations. Specific situations concerning exempt quantities, certain manufactured products, and natural ore samples are under the purview of the Radiation Control Committee.

Requirements in the manual which are more restrictive or stringent than requirements in the applicable regulation are internal policy. A violation of the more restrictive rules becomes a matter for RCC review and is not citable by the licensing and inspection agency.

As conditions change, this guide will be revised to address new situations. Any questions concerning this manual may be referred to the Radiation Safety Division at 277-2753.