Introduction
Purpose
This policy is to clarify the regulations related to radioactive materials to ensure the safety of the University community.
Scope of Applicability
Applies to all UNC-Chapel Hill Faculty and Staff requiring radioactive materials for research, development, or educational applications.
Policy
Policy Statement
The University has been licensed by the State of North Carolina Division of Radiation Protection to use radioactive materials in research, development and educational applications. The Department of Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) is responsible for the administration of the University's radiation safety program, including maintenance of personnel monitoring, laboratory surveys, radionuclide inventory and waste disposal records.
The Radiation Safety Officer reviews applications for the use of radioactive materials with the applicant to determine the applicant's experience and training in the use of radiation sources, the experimental protocol, and the adequacy of the facilities in which the proposed work is to be conducted. The Radiation Safety Officer makes recommendations to the Radiation Safety Committee for approval or disapproval and any condition requirements deemed to be appropriate. The committee has authorized the Radiation Safety Officer to grant temporary approval to individual users until such time as the application can be reviewed by the Committee. The use of radioactive materials for therapy, diagnosis, and research in humans is not permitted under the terms of the University's license.
Exceptions
None.
Additional Information
Special Situations
None.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: May I place my radioactive/isotope order on a campus voucher if the order is below $5,000?
A: No. All radioactive/isotope orders must be routed to EHS prior to placing the order and the item must be delivered to EHS. EHS has to approve the quantity on hand in the lab, and the total amount of the nuclide in the lab's possession.
Q: May I place radioactive/non-radioactive items on the same requisition?
A: No. Since the order has to be routed directly to EHS for approval prior to delivery to the lab. EHS is not responsible for checking in/approving anything other than radioactive orders.
Q: If I order the incorrect radioactive item, can I dispose of the item in my lab?
A: No. EHS must be notified; and they will pick up and dispose of the item according to hazardous waste rules and regulations.
Q: May I submit a requisition for a one-time purchase of radioactive material?
A: Yes.
Q: How do I acquire EHS approval for a radioactive purchase?
A: When creating your requisition, check the box in the optional section in ConnectCarolina that will allow you to choose this type of item. The document is then electronically routed to EHS for approval.
Related Requirements
External Regulations and Consequences
North Carolina General Statute § 143-60: Purchases and Contracts - Rules covering certain purchases.
University Policies, Standards, and Procedures
UNC Environment, Health and Safety Office, Radiation Safety Manual - Chapter 04: Acquisition of Radiation Sources, "Certification of Current Inventory for Purchase of Radiation Sources" Form.
Contact Information
Policy Contact
| Subject |
Contact |
Telephone |
Fax |
E-Mail |
| Radioactive Materials |
Purchasing Services - Goods |
919-962-3774 |
919-962-0636 |
purchasing_team@unc.edu |
Other Contacts
For assistance or information concerning radioactive materials, call EHS at 919-962-5507 or read the EHS procedures for Placing Orders for Radioactive Materials.
History
Revised:
- October 1, 2014: Updated one-time radioactive material purchase information in Frequently Asked Questions; updated naming of requisitions.
- August 2, 2010
- November 19, 2003