Knowledge Base

Radionuclide Risk Categories

1. No Significant Risk

   1. Areas where only generally licensed materials or naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) are used including small button check sources, Ni-63 electron capture detectors and compounds of uranium and thorium.

2. Low Risk

To obtain authorization for the use of radioactive materials from the University Radiation Safety Committee (URSC), an RS-1 form, Permit For The Use of Radioactive Materials, must be completed. This form, and others that may be required, are available from the EHS web site, www.ehs.ohio- state.edu. This permit must undergo a pre-review by Radiation Safety prior to final submission to the URSC. The Approved Supervisor will receive written notification of the permit’s status after URSC review.

Semi-annual unannounced off-hour security inspections are conducted. “Off-Hours” are defined as 5:00 pm –8:00 am, lunch-time (11:00 –1:00) and weekends. All radioactive materials must be secured from unauthorized access or removal when not under constant surveillance. This can be achieved by making sure the laboratory is locked when nobody is in the lab or by locking all the radioactive material (including waste) within the lab in lockable refrigerators, freezers and cabinets.