Licensing
All radioactive nuclear substances must be handled and disposed of in accordance with the conditions of the UNB Licence(s) as instituted by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC). The CNSC is a federal regulatory agency with responsibility for radiation safety and ensures that the use of nuclear substances does not pose undue risk to health, safety and security of the public, or the environment. The CNSC operates under the authority of the Nuclear Safety and Control Act (1997). The CNSC recommends that radiation dose levels be kept as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA Principle) and below the allowed exposure limits. The CNSC replaces the former Atomic Energy Control Board (AECB).
Policy and Procedure
Please see Policy and Procedure number 7836 entitled Radioactive Nuclear Substances in the UNB Safety Handbook.
Radiation Safety Committee
The University Radiation Safety Committee is responsible for ensuring that the use of all nuclear substances and radiation devices is conducted safely and in accordance with applicable federal regulations and University policy, as is reflected in the UNB Radiation Safety Manual. The Committee reports to the University President and has the authority to suspend the use of nuclear substances and radiation devices which does not comply with University procedures.
The Radiation Safety Committee assesses the safety requirements and the laboratory location(s) proposed for the use of nuclear substances and radiation devices.
Radiation Safety Committee Members
| Chairperson: |
Bruce Benton (Department of Physics) |
Tele: #7917 (Fax #4581)
eMail: jbenton@unb.ca |
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| Members: |
TBA
(RSO, Environmental Health & Safety Office) |
Tele: #5075 (Fax #5083)
eMail: safety@unb.ca |
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Dwight Ball
(Office of Research Services) |
Tele#4674(Fax#3522) eMail: fdball@unb.ca |
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Dr. Willy Cook
(Department of Chemical Engineering) |
Tele: #6318 (Fax #3591)
eMail: wcook@unb.ca |
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Andreas Decken
(Department of Chemistry) |
Tele: #4875 (Fax #4981)
eMail: adecken@unb.ca |
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Dr. Esam Hussein
(Department of Mechanical Engineering) |
Tele: #3105 (Fax 3380)
eMail: hussein@unb.ca |
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Dr. Kelly Munkittrick
(Department of Biology UNBSJ) |
Tele: #5825 (Fax: #5811)
eMail: krm@unbsj.ca |
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Dr. Dave Kubien
(Department of Biology) |
Tele: #6220Fax: #3583)
eMail: kubine@unb.ca |
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TBA (Department of Biology) |
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Radiation Safety Officer (RSO)
The Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) administers the radiation safety program on a daily basis. Contact the Campus Safety Office.
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Radiation Safety Manual (pdf version)
The Radiation Safety Manual embodies the policy of The University of New Brunswick in the field of ionizing radiation. It describes the organization, services, procedures and regulations with respect to the procurement, storage, use and disposal of radiation sources, i.e. radioactive materials and radiation-emiting devices.
The manual is intended to help UNB personnel to protect themselves, other staff, students and the public from the hazards associated with ionizing radiations. In addition, adherence to the procedures and recommendation included in the manual will ensure compliance with all the relevant Federal, Provincial and local laws and regulations concerning radioactive substances and radiation-emitting devices.
This manual is applicable in all buildings and grounds under the jurisdiction of UNB. Most of the procedures and rules apply wherever radiation sources of the types indicated are used. However, the diversity of radiation sources and devices used on campus is such that additional procedures and regulations may be required in specially designated areas. Such special procedures and recommendations are described in annexes to this manual.
The manual will be amended and/or supplemented as dictated by changes in knowledge, equipment or legal requirements.
Every Radioisotope User Permit Holder has been issued two copies of the Radiation Safety Manual; one for the office and one for the laboratory. Contact Campus Safety Office for additional copies.
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Radiation Accidents
Any Radiation User who knows or suspects contamination has occurred should immediately report the fact, with as much detail as possible, to the supervisor in the lab or the Permit Holder.
All incidents involving abnormal exposure and/or contamination must be reported to the Safety Office, either at the time (if immediate assistance is needed) or as soon as possible afterwards and complete the UNB Internal Accident Report form.
It is important to be prepared in advance of radiation spill by reading Procedure 14 of the UNB Radiation Safety Manual entitled "Accidents & Emergencies:.
In the event First Aid is required, the treatment of the injury must take precedence even with contaminated persons. It may, however, be possible to "contain" any contamination by confining all such persons to the same area and immediately alerting the hospital (call 9-911), Security (453-4830) and the Campus Safety Office (453-54075).
Injuries required medical assistance must take precedence over all other considerations. The Hospital emergency Department should be warned of the patient's arrival and given following information:
(a) Name(s) of patient(s)
(b) Nature of any suspected contamination:
- Radioisotope involved
- Total activity involved
- Physical form of material (power, liquid)
- Chemical form of material
(c) Extent of suspected contamination (e.g. on skin, inhaled, ingested, etc.)
(d) Nature of injuries (cuts, burns, fractures, etc.)
(e) Any and all information about the nature and activity of the contamination will assist in the attending physical with treatment of the injury.
In the event of fire, personnel should follow the University procedures for fire or explosion. Laboratory personnel should see that the door to the radioactive area is closed and take all reasonable steps to prevent the combustion of radioactive materials. The Security Office should be contacted (453-4830) and the Safety Office must be notified (453-5075).
Refer further to the UNB Radiation Safety Manual Procedure 14, page P14-1, for more detail.
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Permit Application
Projects involving nuclear substances and radiation devices require a Radioisotope User Permit. Completed Permit applications must be approved by the Radiation Safety Committee prior to:
a) starting new projects
b) changes in use of nuclear substances or radiation devices, or
c) expiry previously approved applications.
New projects involving nuclear substances or radiation devices, for which funding is being sought, should be identified by the Centre for Research and Development Services to the University Risk Manager and the RSO for appropriate input.
Any permit application proposing the long-term acquisition of a sealed nuclear substance or radiation device must disclose the provisions for storage requirements. These arrangements must have received prior approval from the University department Chairperson.
Application forms must be signed by applicant Chairperson or department head and forward to the Safety Office.
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Application for Radioisotope User Permit
Download a copy of the form here
1. Applicant ______________________________________________________
2. Title __________________________________________________________
3. Department __________________________________ Phone #____________
4. List all rooms and buildings where radionuclides are to be used or stored:
___________________________________________________________
5. List isotopes or nuclides required (open and sealed sources):
Complete Schedule A.
6. Suppliers: 7. Rate of delivery:
8. Total activity required 9. Physical and chemical form:
for two years:
10. Primary use of radionuclides: (Attach diagrams, sketches, etc.)
11. List counting equipment available to you as required for periodic wipe tests of 3H, 14C, 35S, indicating make, type, model number and location.
12. List Health Physics Instrumentation available (Do not include TLD monitors):
13. Provide information on persons who will be using radionuclides requested on this application.
Complete Schedule B
14. Name another qualified person who will assume responsibility for your permit during any leave you might take: __________________________________________________.
The applicant warrants the statements contained herein and agrees that the radionuclide supplied against this application shall only be used for the purpose and in the manner authorized by the University of New Brunswick Radiation Safety Committee.
Applicant Signature ________________________________ Date: ____________
Department Head Signature __________________________
Approvals
________________________ ___________________________
Safety Coordinator Chairman, Radiation Safety Committee
Application No. ______________ Date Permit Issued ______________
Complete and return two copies to: Safety Coordinator, Rm. 250, Marshall D'Avray Hall
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Purchasing of Radioisotopes
The Permit Holder may acquire nuclear substances approved on the Permit by completing the UNB Internal Requisition form or a Safety Radioactive Material Transfer form; specify on the form the UNB Licence number and Permit number; forward the form to the Safety Office.
Internal requisition forms are reviewed for approval by the RSO and forwarded to the University Purchasing Manager for processing.
Shipments containing nuclear substances should be received during normal University operating hours and only by experienced individuals.
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Dose Monitoring
Radiation Users and Nuclear Energy Workers (NEW's) whose main source of exposure is from Beta, Gamma or Neutron sources may be subject to routine, continuous monitoring by means of thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) which is worn at all times during working hours. Such monitoring is mandatory for NEWs and recommended for Radiation Users, with some exceptions. In addition, NEWs who may be exposed to neutrons must carry a separate neutron badge. Monitors are provided by the Safety Office from a service through Health and Welfare Canada.
For information on dose limits, refer to Chapter 3 of the UNB Radiation Safety Manual.
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Radiation Safety Training
No one at UNB is permitted to work with radioisotopes until they have received appropriate training, and have been informed of the risks associated with exposure to ionizing radiation. The Radiation Safety Committee may exempt an individual from some of the requirements for basic radiation safety training by virtue of past experience; however, all staff must be informed of UNB's policies and procedures regarding radiation safety. The RSO organizes on a regular basis a radiation safety training course, the outline of which is given in Appendix F. Responsible users are required, however, to provide specialized training to personnel working under their supervision. Personnel making incidental contact with radioactive material are required also to receive basic training to enable them to recognize and deal with hazardous situations.
The radiation safety training course offered by the RSO includes the following topics:
• Sources of radiation • Radiation fundamentals
• Survey instruments • Radiation exposure
• Radiation protection • UNB Radiation Safety Program
• Licensing and legislation • Handling and disposal
• Security awareness
Contact the Safety Office for more information.
