Training for Unsealed Isotope Users

Reading Material for Unsealed Isotope User Orientation:

Training requirements for unsealed isotope users 
Safety Information for Unsealed Radioisotope Work
Section VI of the OSU Radiation Safety Manual: "Regulations Concerning Radioisotopes" (pdf)
Refresher Training for Unsealed Isotope Users (updated 2022; SciShield login)

Training for Sealed Source Users

ECDs, Oceanography corelogger and other non-gauge users  (requires login to SciShield)

(Contact OSU Radiation Safety for training requirements for soil moisture gauges using Am241Be neutron sources)

Training for X-ray Machine Users:

Requirements for Analytical and Cabinet x-ray operators (XRD, Faxitron and XRF)
Requirements for Veterinary x-ray machine operators
Requirements for Human Use x-ray machine operators

Online form for recording Machine-Specific Training  (to be completed by the authorized trainer)


 

Training for other workers in radiohazard areas

Federal, State of Oregon, and OSU regulations require that individuals who frequent areas where sources of radiation are used or stored must receive training. There are two programs for training non-radioisotope users who frequent areas authorized for use and storage of ionizing radiation:

Non-Radiation Worker training:

A Non-Radiation Worker is one who works within a lab authorized for unsealed radioisotopes, but who will not be working with radioisotopes and isn't required to have the full orientation.  

It is the responsibility of the Program Director to identify individuals and provide appropriate training. This training is conducted by the Program Director or the designated Lab Contact, and records of their training are kept by lab personnel. These records are not forwarded to Radiation Safety. Examples of non-radiation workers who would require training are lab workers, student workers, personnel from other labs who use equipment or facilities in your lab, etc. 

Instructions and Training Acknowledgment Form for Non Radiation Workers (pdf).

Ancillary Worker Training:

Individuals who frequent an area where radioisotopes or radiation machines are used but do not routinely work in the area may satisfy the training requirement by completing the Lab Hazard Awareness Course. The course is offered twice each year by Radiation Safety. Departments are notified prior to the course. This course is intended for personnel who have a need to enter restricted areas (radioactive material labs, x-ray installations) but do not spend a significant amount of time in any one location. Examples include Facilities Services, Security, and Departmental office personnel, storekeepers, etc. 

 

Notes:

Completion of a non-radioisotope user training program DOES NOT authorize a person to work with radioactive material. Before beginning work with unsealed isotopes or x-ray machines they must complete the appropriate training , e.g. the Radioisotope User Orientation, Analytical/Cabinet X-Ray Orientation, Gauge Orientation, etc...

Radioisotope User Orientation is also required for:

  • personnel conducting lab contamination surveys
  • personnel performing the first wash on contaminated lab equipment (the first wash is considered radioactive waste, and radioactive waste may only be handled by personnel authorized to work with unsealed radioisotopes. The second and subsequent washes on contaminated equipment can be drain disposed, and so can be considered "non-contaminated" for training purposes).

A user who is authorized to work with radioisotope does not need to complete a training program for non-radioisotope users.

Upcoming Training Events:

Radiation Safety Training Events

All EH&S Safety Training Events