Radiation Safety manages all aspects of radiation related research and work at USC campuses and satellite sites. Its roles and responsibilities include the following: (a) oversee all radiation research via Radiation Use Authorization (RUA) issuance and protocol review, (b) conduct safety audits, (c) train faculty and staff on safety standards and waste management, (d) control exposure, and (e) serve as liaison between USC and regulatory agencies.
Quick Links
Order radioactive materials (RAM).
Order radiation-producing machines/equipment (RPM).
Enroll in the dosimetry program.
Learn about radiation safety training.
Radiation Safety Manual (RSM)
The Radiation Safety Manual contains procedural guidelines and information for prudent work practices while using any radioactive materials or radiation-producing devices at USC. The manual covers the following and more:
- RUA application
- Procurement
- Good laboratory practices
- Waste management
- Dosimetry
X-Ray Safety Manual
X-rays are a type of ionizing radiation. Unsafe use of ionizing radiation is potentially harmful and can result in permanent effects on DNA, severe skin or tissue damage, and cancer.
The X-Ray Safety Manual contains procedural guidelines and information for prudent work practices while using any x-ray producing device (XPD) at USC. The manual is made available to every area authorized to use XPDs and any area where XPDs are present.
Laser Safety Manual
The laser produces an intense, highly directional beam of light. Its unique properties, though hazardous, are essential for many types of research at USC.
USC’s Laser Safety Program delineates safe work practices (engineering/administrative controls and PPE) for all faculty, staff, students, and volunteers who handle lasers at USC labs/locations.
Rad Management
Visit the links below to manage radiation safely and effectively.
- Rad Permit | FAQs – Find answers to Frequently Asked Questions in Radiation Safety | Radiation Use Authorization (RUA) | Consultation with EH&S
- Radioactive Materials (RAM) | RAM Purchase | RAM Inventory RSS, EHSA | Transporting RAM
- Surveys | Contamination Surveys
- Waste Management | Radioactive Waste Management and Disposal
- Equipment (RPM) | RPM Purchase | Radiation Instrumentation | Radiation Devices and Registration | X-ray Equipment Close-Out form
- Dosimetry | Badge dosimeter and ring dosimeter issuance
Emergency Response
Know how to respond to emergencies and the steps to take for proper notification and reporting.
- Emergency Information | 1-2-3 Serious Injury Reporting Flyer
- Reporting | Lab Emergency/Non-Emergency Notification and Reporting
- Rad Spills | Follow instructions in the Radiation Emergency Procedures to clean up minor and major radioactive spills.
- Safety and Emergency Procedures | X-ray Safety and Emergency Procedures form
Additional Resources
Here are additional resources that support radiation safety.
- Forms | Monthly Contamination Check Form | Dosimeter Add/Delete Form | Transfer/Shipment of Radioactive Materials | X-ray/Radiation-producing machine registration | X-ray Equipment Close-Out form
- Signage | Notice to Employees (rhb2364) | Radioactive Materials (RAM) Safety and Emergency Procedures – fillable form
- SOP | Rad SOP Template | Rad SOP – Example | Radiation Safety in Dental Practice
- RAM Info | RadPro Calculator | Commonly Used Isotopes
- Training | Radiation Safety Training FAQs
- Administrative | Radiation Safety Committee | Radiation Safety Inspection Process Flow Chart
Recommended Vendors
- RAM + | Radiochemicals – Perkin Elmer | Scintillation Cocktail – Fisher Scientific | Scintillation Vials – VWR
- Shielding | Beta Shields – Fisher Scientific | Thin Lead Sheets – FWF Medical Products | Lead Bricks – MarShield | X-Ray: Lead Curtains – MarShield, Facility Shielding – MarShield | Laser: Barriers and Curtains – Kentek
- Equipment/Instruments | Portable Survey Meters and Repairs – Ludlum Measurements | Recommended Survey Meter: Model 3 | GM Detector (Alpha, Beta, Gamma): Model 44-9 | Scintillation Detector (Low Energy Gamma and I-125): Model 44-3 | Liquid Scintillation Counters (Low Energy Beta): LabLogic / Perkin Elmer / Beckman Coulter (Service only)
- PPE | X-Ray: Lead Gloves – Universal Medical, Lead Glasses – Universal Medical, Thyroid Shields – Universal Medical, Lead Aprons – Henry Schein | Laser: Eye Protection – Kentek
