5.0 RADIATION SAFETY
RADIATION SAFETY (extension 2-2279)
A license to possess and use radioactive materials has been
issued to the University of Texas Medical Branch by the Texas Department of
State Health Services (TDSHS). The license is called “Specific License of Broad
Scope” because it permits the flexibility that is required for patient care and
research in a dynamic medical center. In addition, Certificates of X-ray
Registrations, Mammography and Lasers have also been issued to UTMB by TDSHS.
The conditions on the License and Registrations require UTMB to maintain a
well-managed and documented program to ensure that sources of radiation are used
safely.
The Radiation Safety Committee (RSC) is responsible for
ensuring that ionizing and non-ionizing radiation are used safely and in
accordance with State and Federal regulations.
The RSC is responsible for:
- Formulating general policy governing the use of ionizing
and non-ionizing radiation
- Reviewing and approving all requests for the use of
ionizing and non-ionizing radiation at UTMB
- Determining that all individuals authorized to use
radiation have sufficient training and experience to enable them to perform
their duties safely
- Establishing a program to ensure that all individuals
whose duties may require them to work in the vicinity of radiation are
properly instructed about all appropriate health and safety matters
The RSC meets monthly. Members includes: a representative
of the Administration, the Radiation Safety Officer, physicians with expertise
in the use of radioactive materials and radiation producing machines for
diagnosis and therapy, individuals with expertise in the use of radioactive
materials. Other members are appointed at the discretion of the Vice-President
for Research Affairs.
The Radiation Safety Program provides the following
services:
- Assists in the development of general policies for
control of radiation
- Collect and disseminates information relative to
radiation protection
- Evaluates equipment and physical facilities
- Evaluates operational techniques and procedures
- Provides radiation safety training
- Conducts an audit program to assure the laboratory
facilities and procedures are in accordance with UTMB policies and Texas
Administrative Codes (TAC) for Radiation
- Provides advice on decontamination of facilities and
equipment following spills or prior to remodeling or modification of
facilities
- Responds to emergencies and investigates accidental
exposures
- Aids in the completion of the “Application for Permit to
Use Radioactive Material”, “Application for Laser User Permit” and
“Application for Laser Registration”
- Conducts a monitoring program for laboratory
contamination
- Conducts bioassay program for internal deposition of
radionuclides
- Issues personnel dosimetry devices and reviews reports
- Receives and inspects packages containing radioactive
materials
- Maintains and updates an inventory of radioactive
materials and radiation producing machines
- Processes outgoing shipments of radioactive materials in
accordance with federal and state regulations
- Calibrates portable radiation survey instruments
- Maintains records necessary to comply with TAC for
Radiation
Regulatory Licenses and Registrations which are the
responsibility of Radiation Safety include:
- UTMB Radioactive Material Use License L01299
- UTMB Certificate of X-Ray Registration R00216
- UTMB Certificate of Mammography Systems
A Certificate of Inspection was
issued to UTMB. This certificate is only being issued to those facilities that
are clearly above the average in comparison with their peers.