Radiation Supervisor Responsibilities

All operations involving the use of radioactive materials or radiation-producing equipment at Syracuse University must be carried out under the direction of a Radiation Supervisor. Radiation Supervisors are principle investigators, in general, who have authorization from the University's Radiation Safety Committee (RSC) to perform and oversee the performance of specific procedures involving the use of ionizing radiation. Prior to commencing work with ionizing radiation, these individuals must complete an "Application for use of Radioactive Materials" or an "Application for use of Radiation Producing Equipment" and submit it to the RSC for review and approval. Designation as a Radioactive Materials Supervisor (RMS) or a Radiation Equipment Supervisor (RES) is granted by the RSC to individuals who demonstrate that they are sufficiently knowledgeable of radiation protection principles, related compliance issues, proper procedures for the safe use of radiation and associated hazards.

Responsibilities

The responsibilities of a Radiation Supervisor include, but are not limited to:

Providing adequate facilities, equipment, instruments, supervision and instructions to control radiation hazards and to comply with the requirements of this Handbook and/or the RSC.
Submitting requests for approval of all procedures involving the use of ionizing radiation to the RSC. This is accomplished by completing and submitting an "Application For Use of Radiation".
Maintaining with the RSO an up to date listing of areas in which ionizing radiation is stored, used or handled.
Maintaining with the RSO an up to date listing of the names of individuals who may be handling radioactive material or operating radiation-producing equipment, or who may be occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation in his/her laboratory.
Keeping an inventory of the quantity of radioactive materials and/or the type of radiation-producing equipment possessed.
Keeping records of disposal of all radioactive material.
Making periodic radiation surveys of each area in which ionizing radiation is used as required by the RSC.
Controlling the entry to rooms which are specified as controlled areas, for reasons of radiation protection.
Informing the RSO of changes in existing work which may increase the radiation exposure or the potential for radiation exposure.
Providing security against unauthorized removal or use of radioactive materials and/or radiation-producing equipment.
Ensuring that radiation workers under their supervision wear radiation exposure monitors during periods of possible exposure and that these monitors are stored in an appropriate location.
Ensuring that radiation workers under their supervision are properly instructed and that this instruction is documented prior to performing any procedure which may involve possible exposure to ionizing radiation.
Ensuring that all ionizing radiation procedures are conducted in a manner consistent with the University's policy of maintaining exposures as low as reasonably achievable.
Properly storing, handling, labeling and tracking radioactive wastes generated and stored in their laboratory and emphasizing the importance of waste minimization.
Responding within the specified time frame to all requests for remediation or corrective action.
Providing, in writing to the RSO, 60 days advanced notice of the intent to vacate a controlled area.
Ensuring that only approved procedures involving the use of radioactive materials or radiation-producing equipment are performed and that these procedures conform to the terms of his/her "Application for Use", State and Federal regulations and this Handbook.
Notifying Radiation Safety Staff prior to the performance of procedure(s) which could result in a release of radioactive material to the environment.
Ensuring that all exposures to radiation sources for which the Supervisor is responsible, are maintained within or below regulatory limits.

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Last Modified: Wednesday, October 1, 1997 - 10:00 AM