Section 1: Introduction

Updated May 2020

Introduction

The use of radioactive materials is strictly regulated by federal, state and local agencies to ensure the safety of radiation users and the public. It is important for all individuals within BU/BMC who use radioactive materials to read and abide by the rules and practices documented within this manual.

Radioactive materials are valuable tools used in areas as diverse as medicine,
biology, chemistry, engineering, and physics. Yet, if used improperly, they have the potential of being hazardous to people and the environment. Therefore, individuals using radioisotopes must understand the hazards and precautions associated with their use and are required to comply with relevant federal, state, local and institutional radiation safety regulations and standard practices.

Use of radioisotopes at BU and BMC is regulated by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health / Radiation Control Program (DPH RCP). Through this agency, BU/BMC has been granted a broad scope license to manage its use of radioactive material in BU laboratories and at BMC. This license offers the institutions the necessary degree of flexibility and autonomy to purchase, use, store, and dispose of radioactive materials, in research and clinical settings. In addition to ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations and adhering to applicable guidance documents and best practices, BU/BMC is required to appoint a Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) and Radiation Safety Committee (RSC) who together with institutional management are responsible for the radiation safety program. The program is subject to periodic audits by the DPH RCP and other regulatory agencies to verify regulatory compliance, which in turn demonstrates BU and BMC are conducting safe operations that protect personnel, the public, and the environment from any undue radiation risk.

This Radioisotope Manual describes the requirements applicable to all users of radioactive material. This Manual has been authored by a Board-Certified Radiation Safety Officer with input from Permit Holders and radioisotope users. It is consistent with conditions stipulated in the BU/BMC license, applicable federal and state regulations, and national radiation protection guides and standards.