Radiation Safety Manual - Chapter 15: Bone Densitometers

Title

Radiation Safety Manual - Chapter 15: Bone Densitometers

Table of Contents

1. General Radiation Safety Program
2. Transportation Instructions
3. Emergency Procedures

General Radiation Safety Program

1. Bone densitometers will be surveyed by the Radiation Safety staff at each source loading to ensure that anticipated exposure rates are not exceeded.
2. All individuals using the devices will be registered with EHS as Radiation Workers. A trial period of personnel radiation monitoring may be put into effect.
3. The I-125 source exchanges will be made by, or under the supervision of, the Radiation Safety Office in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Spent sources will be transferred to
   radioactive waste or returned to the vendor. Replacement sources shall be ordered, received and processed in accordance with established UNC-Chapel Hill procedures.
4. Leak tests of sealed sources will be performed at six-month intervals on sources in use for that period.
5. Bone densitometers will be maintained and operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Initial instrument setup and instructions on operation and source changing will be conducted by a licensed representative.

Transportation Instructions

Radioactive materials must be transported in full accordance with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements. Strict adherence to these instructions will ensure that this is done. A copy of these instructions shall accompany each off-campus move. Individuals accompanying radiation source moves shall be familiar with these instructions.

1. Secure the radiation source in the “OFF” position (beam shutter closed).
2. Carefully pack the device components in the transport vehicle to prevent damage in transit and secure in place.
3. The outside of the device component containing the radiation source shall bear the written marking, “RADIOACTIVE” or “CAUTION – RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL”.
4. Maintain a log of radiation source movements off the UNC-Chapel Hill campus, including:
   1. Date of departure and return
   2. Location(s) of use
   3. Name of individual who accompanied on the move and was responsible for off-campus use.
5. The device and shipping container must be surveyed upon return from use in the field to ensure radiation levels do not exceed 200 mrems per hour at the container surface nor 10 mrems per hour at 1 meter.

Emergency Procedures

In the event of a radiation source loss, damage, or other incident, contact the UNC-Chapel Hill EHS at 919-962-5507 or UNC Police at 919-962-6565, immediately. Give information on the circumstances, a contact telephone number and the exact physical location.

In the event of a vehicular accident involving a radiation source, response actions and priorities are:

1. SAVE LIVES!
2. Render First Aid
3. Call for help.
4. Secure control of any radiation sources
5. Contact the UNC-Chapel Hill EHS at 919-962-5507, or Campus Police at 919-962-6565, as soon as practicable.
   Describe the circumstances and physical location.

Back to Chapter Fourteen

Proceed to Chapter Sixteen