Guide to the Safe use of Radionuclides at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Section 11: “ALARA” - As Low As Reasonably Achievable
The effects of ionizing radiation on living systems are well defined for relatively high levels of exposure but are rather ill defined for low levels of exposure. The effects of low levels of radiation are the subject of lively debate at present and, in view of the uncertainty involved in describing and quantifying these effects, radiation safety efforts are guided by the conservative philosophy that any exposure may involve some degree of risk.
Therefore, all doses should be kept As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA), with economic and social considerations taken into account.
The University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee is committed to maintaining radiation exposures to faculty, staff, students and the public, resulting from the use of radioactive materials and radiation sources in research and teaching, As Low As Reasonably Achievable. As with any safety program, the principle responsibility for worker safety resides with the individual worker. However, all persons involved with radioactive materials and radiation use at UWM have certain responsibilities.
11.1 Radiation Worker
The Radiation Worker should be trained in radiation safety principles, emergency response procedures and the procedures employed by their particular lab. The Radiation Worker shall perform contamination surveys with appropriate equipment after working with radioactive materials. The Radiation Worker must maintain constant control and/or surveillance over radioactivity within their possession.
11.2 Authorized User
The Authorized User is responsible for the safe use of radioactive materials and radiation within their labs and shall insure that their workers perform their assigned radiation safety tasks. The Authorized User is ultimately responsible for the control and security of radioactive materials within their possession.
11.3 Radiation Safety Program
The Radiation Safety Program orders and receives all radioactive material on campus and maintains UWM’s official NRC inventory. Radiation Safety shall conduct basic radiation safety training and training for special uses as necessary. The RSO shall approve all Authorized User actions involving radioactive material use. Radiation Safety manages the radiation dosimetry and pregnancy surveillance programs, conducts dosimetry investigations as necessary and audits each Authorized Users’ program activities semi-annually. Radiation Safety collects and processes all radioactive waste materials generated on campus.
Updated February 27, 2008 by SAK