Radiation Safety Program

A Radiation Safety Program is an integral part of radiation use. We help establish and maintain such Programs for our clients. Typically, we develop and supervise the Program in cooperation with the client's Radiation Safety Committee, which includes a PHP representative to provide guidance on practical and regulatory issues, a management representative and supervisor(s) who deal with radiation materials on daily basis.

While no two Programs are identical, three phases are typically found: Development, Establishment and Supervision.

In all phases of the Radiation Safety Program, PHP works on a number of commonly found issues, which include:

As Low As Reasonable Achievable (ALARA) Program guidance and oversight Radiation Exposures evaluations

Standard Operating Procedures oversight and review including:

Ordering, receiving, opening and surveying of radioactive packages
Proper surveys
Shielding and proper protection
Instrumentation use and calibration
Radioactive materials inventory
Bioassays
Air samplings
Workplace safety evaluations for pregnant workers
Minimizing exposures

Waste management program management including:

Waste segregation
Waste treatment
Storage
Decay on-site
Vendors recommendations
Shipping

Recordkeeping of all records required under 10 CFR 20 Part 19 and 20.

Program Development

At the outset, PHP conducts extensive review of facilities and operations to determine the initial state of radiation safety and to identify issues that need to be addressed. Then, the Radiation Safety Committee is organized. At the same time, PHP begins drafting a Radiation Safety Manual, SOPs, and other documents for Committee review, revision and approval.

Program Establishment

Once the preparatory work is completed, PHP and the Radiation Safety Committee review radiation safety procedures, schedule Radiation Safety Initial Training sessions, revise and approve Radiation Safety Manual, SOPs and policy documents and so on. In the Establishment phase, the work is directed toward making sure that the Program's procedures are understood and followed by personnel and the safety culture takes root.

Program Supervision

In the Supervision phase, PHP and the Radiation Safety Committee maintain and guide the program, responding to various newly arising needs and challenges.