Unsealed Isotope Training Requirements
There are several training programs for users of unsealed radioactive material:
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Orientation Prior to Work: Each user must complete the Radioisotope Orientation for New Users. This 4.5 hr class is offered once each month. Call Radiation Safety (7-2227) for upcoming classes, or visit the Radiation Safety training calendar for scheduled classes. There is an exam at the end of this course.
- For workers that need to start using radioisotopes before the next scheduled orientation, complete the Provisional Use Agreement Form (pdf) and send to Radiation Safety. This allows the worker to use radioisotopes in the lab for 2 months when supervised by another authorized user in the lab. After 2 months, the worker must attend the orientation to continue working with unsealed radioisotopes.
- Refresher Training: this online training is required to be completed at intervals no greater than three years by all unsealed radioisotope workers.
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Department of Transportation Shipper Training: this short course is required for anyone transporting radioactive material over public roads. Contact Radiation Safety for details and to arrange for training.
- Note: Federal and international laws require that only "trained hazardous materials shippers" may offer hazardous materials to a common carrier (Fed Ex, DHL, UPS, USPS, etc...) for shipping. Never ship radioactive material, or any other hazardous material, with a common carrier unless you have specific training. Contact Radiation Safety or EH&S for details on identifying and shipping these materials.
- Lab Hazard Awareness Training : this training program is similar to the "non-radiation worker" training as they both are designed for those workers who are not authorized radiation workers but who must enter labs where radioactive and other hazardous material are used. Hazards such as radioactive material, chemicals, and biological agents are discussed. The Lab Hazard Awareness Training is offered by Environmental Health and Safety quarterly or as needed, and is designed for non-lab workers such as Facilities Services staff, custodians, department personnel and non-OSU contractors.
- Non-Radiation Workers: this training is performed by either the lab's Program Director or designated Lab Contact, and is required for all lab personnel who are not radiation workers but frequent radiation use labs. Examples of personnel who need this training may include lab staff such as student workers or researchers not authorized as isotope workers. This training is not documented by Radiation Safety, instead these training records are maintained in the lab. Training instructions and acknowledgment forms for documenting this training can be found here.