Radiation Safety
Signage used to post areas where radioactive materials are being used
Radiation Safety Resources
Radiation Safety and Training at Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech Environmental Health and Safety's Radiation Safety team is responsible for ensuring the safe use of all radioactive material and radiation-producing equipment at the university.
Anyone working with radioisotopes, diagnostic or analytical x-ray systems, or other related potentially radioactive material and equipment is expected to familiarize themselves with the program materials noted below. This is in addition to specific instrument, location, and/or procedure training related to the indivdual project or site.
All users of analytical X-ray units must complete this training prior to working with the equipment.
Refresher training is required every 5 years.
All users of cabinet X-ray units must complete this training prior to working with the equipment.
Refresher training is required every 5 years.
For nuclear medicine work at the Equine Medical Center.
For nuclear medicine work at Veterinary Teaching Hospital. An online course is being developed. Training can be organized in-person at the Radiation Safety Office at Environmental Health and Safety.
Those working with specific sources such as moisture/density gauges and electron capture detectors for gas chromatographs must obtain training from the manufacturer of the instrumentation in addition to lab-specific instruction from the supervisor. Consult the radiation safety officer for support as needed.
All users of diagnostic X-ray equipment designated as operators must take this training prior to working with the equipment. Please designate the location as either Veterinary Teaching Hospital or Equine Medical Center. If you are functioning both as an operator and holder, you need only enroll in this class.
Refresher training is required every 5 years.
Those assisting when radioisotopes are used in diagnostic procedures must take this training and work under the supervision of a principal user. Please designate the location as either Veterinary Teaching Hospital or Equine Medical Center. This training is not for those designated as principal users.
Refresher training is required every 5 years.
Those assisting operators of diagnostic X-ray equipment must take the 'Diagnostic X-ray Operator training'. Please designate the location as either Veterinary Teaching Hospital or Equine Medical Center.
Refresher training is required every 5 years.
For refresher training for nuclear medicine work at the Equine Medical Center or Veterinary Teaching Hospital, please contact the Radiation Safety Officer at (540) 231-3600.
Please note when working with radioisotopes for the first time (excluding radiopharmaceuticals in nuclear medicine), please refer to the button below for initial training information.
Maintain certification to use radioactive material in laboratories.
CURRENTLY IN REVISIONS.
Work at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital and Equine Medical Center - at the discretion of the radiation safety officer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is radiation safety training mandatory?
Yes. All users of radiation sources and radioisotopes must attend the appropriate training for the work involved. Refer to the training page(s) for additional information.
See the Radioactive Material Initial Training for more information.
What are the precautions needed when traveling with a radiation dosimeter?
Occasionally personal dosimeter readings have been reported that were higher than expected. Usually the cause is related to air travel. Remember to keep dosimetry badges in carry on items as the exposure levels from X-ray scanners are much lower for them than checked luggage.
Documents
Chemical Registration Information and Q&A
Closeout Procedures for Laboratories/Work Areas
Contamination Survey Record Example
Equipment Decontamination Form
Guidelines Educational and Research Activities (pdf)
Laboratory Relocation Guidelines
NRC IN 90-58 Strontium-90 Applicators
Pregnancy Declaration Form (PDF)
Radiation Safety Training Manual (doc)
Radiation Safety Training Manual (PDF)
Radioactive Material Decontamination
Radioactive Material Safety Program (doc)
Radioactive Material Safety Program (PDF)
Contact Information
Donald Conner, Radiation Safety Officer
Phone: 540-231-5364
Email: dcon@vt.edu
Cynthia Strader, Assistant Radiation Safety Officer
Phone: 540-231-2699
Email: cynth@vt.edu
Michelle VanDyke, Assistant to Radiation Safety Officer
Phone: 540-231-2981
Email: mmarkham@vt.edu