Control of Radioactive Materials

The use of radioactive materials is regulated by the Washington State Department of Health and strictly controlled by EH&S.

Radioactive material is ordered by authorized users though Ariba and delivered to EH&S’s Radiation Safety Team, which distributes the material to labs.

After researchers are finished with the material, they can log onto EHSA to request a waste pick up and remove items from their inventory. If you need access to EHSA, email Radiation Safety. For more information about EHSA, click here.

What you need to know

Only Principal Investigators with an active Radiation Use Authorization may order radioactive material. Researchers who want to use radioactive material must be listed as a worker on an active Radiation Use Authorization or obtain their own use authorization.

Ordering radioactive material:

Storing and securing radioactive material (RAM):

  • Store RAM in approved locations when not in use.
  • Storage locations (e.g., freezers, refrigerators, cabinets, etc.) for RAM stock solutions must be locked. If the storage location cannot be locked, then a lock box must be installed and secured in the storage location.
  • All rooms where RAM is stored must be locked when unoccupied.

Verifying radioactive material inventory:

  • Twice per year an Inventory Verification Letter is sent to all labs that possess radioactive material.
  • Labs can view their current inventory and RUA through EHSA.
  • Labs are required to:
    • Conduct a physical inventory of all RAM to verify that they possess the radioactive material listed on the Inventory Verification Letter. Discrepancies should be noted on the letter.
    • Return the Inventory Verification Letter to EH&S within 30 days.
  • EH&S may conduct periodic inventory audits.

Disposing of radioactive material:

What you can do to stay safe

  • Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Practice good hygiene.
  • Minimize dose by limiting time, increasing distance or increasing shielding.

Services available

A list of services available in EHSA is provided here. This includes:

Email radsaf@uw.edu for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Log into Ariba and follow the instructions on the guides.

For Perkin Elmer Items:
Guide for Ordering Radioactive Items from Perkin Elmer

For Non Perkin Elmer Items:
Guide for Ordering Radioactive Items from Other Vendors

 

Review the instructions on the Radioactive Waste Management page.

Log on to EHSA to submit a Radioactive Waste Pickup Request.

Log on to EHSA and click on Inventory to submit a Usage and Disposal Record.

 

More Information

Glossary

Inventory Verification Report

Radioactive Material

Radiation Use Authorization

Contact

Radiation Safety Contact

(206) 543-0463
Reference Files