How to apply for approval to work with radioactive materials:
Background:
In Canada, the use of radioactive materials is federally regulated by the Nuclear Safety and Control Act, in order to safeguard the health of all Canadians. Regulatory documents and guidelines for dealing with radiation hazards in laboratories have been developed by the
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC).
It is requirement of federal legislation that all activities involving radioactive materials are licensed by the CNSC; therefore Lakehead University must maintain control of radioactive hazards on campus to ensure compliance with applicable federal legislation, guidelines and regulatory documents.
The Radiation Safety Program (RSP) is based on the system of internal permits granted under the Consolidated Licence. As the entire program operates under one licence granted by the CNSC, non-compliance of one individual may jeopardize the licence for the entire University. It is therefore imperative that all persons at Lakehead University observe and comply with the conditions of their permit and this policy.
Steps:
2. Ensure that:
a. The physical laboratory environment meets the standards required for the Radiation Level applied (see Radiation Safety Manual for requirements). The Radiation Safety Committee will only permit Basic or Intermediate Level Radiation Labs.
b. A laboratory procedures detailing the specific safety protocols in place must be available in the lab. These procedures need to meet at least the standards outlined in the Lakehead University Radiation Safety Program Documents as listed above.
c. All personnel working in the laboratory have been trained as per the standard set by the RSP. The training needs to be recorded in writing.
3. Submit application to the Office of Human Resources - Attention Tiffany Moore, consisting of hard and electronic copies of the following:
b. Develop a Laboratory specific procedure manual (including experimental procedures) for your project/laboratory.
d. Map of the lab, including all locations for weekly contamination monitoring.
e. Other attachments as necessary and requested by the Radiation Safety Committee of Radiation Safety Officer
4. The Radiation Safety Committee will review your application. If all written documents are in order, the Radiation Safety Officer will schedule a laboratory inspection. You and representatives of your students/staff are required to attend this laboratory inspection. Any items requiring follow-up action will be recorded on the
Inspection Checklist. A copy of the checklist will be forwarded to you to record the follow actions taken and the date.
5. Once the signed copy of the inspection checklist is received by the Radiation Safety Officer and if all criteria are met, a Radioisotope Internal Permit will be issued. The permit must be posted in each location listed on the permit. Lab inspections are required every six(6) months.
6. You must notify the Radiation Safety Officer of any proposed change in radioisotope(s), procedure(s) or personnel, or activities using the Radioisotope Renewal/Amendment Form.
7. Update training for new personnel and ensure that training records are up to date.
8. Ask for help if necessary. The Radiation Safety Officer and Radiation Safety Committee is your resource.
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