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Health & Safety Services

Chemicals - Radiochemicals (Sealed Sources)

Information to assist the Shopper, Budget Holder and Specialist Approver determine the appropriate Hazard Levels for requisitions made on behalf of the University. This page also explains what checks should be carried out by both the Budget Holder and the Specialist Approver as part of their responsibilities for managing the introduction of any radiochemicals (sealed sources) brought into the University. For the purchase of any radiochemical this will involve the expertise of the local Radiation Protection Supervisor.

Hazard Level      
Low Medium High Budget Holder Responsibility Specialist Approver Checks Pre-release checks

Lab/workshop equipment that contains a sealed source (e.g. as an internal standard)

 Radiation hazard requiring source accountability and Security Category 3 and 4 High energy radiation: Security Category 1 (HASS) and 2

To consult with the Departmental Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS) to ensure that the correct Hazard Level has been assigned. The local RPS should consult with the University Radiation Protection Officer (RPO) for guidance if unsure of hazard level.

To ensure that there are suitable storage facilities.

To ensure that the location and facilities where it will be used are suitable.

To consider impact on existing waste streams.

Budget Holder to ensure that local rules are in place to manage any risks that the hazardous item introduces and to ensure that these are followed. A Risk Assessment will need to be completed and be subject to scrutiny by the Ionising Radiation and Non-Ionising Radiation Committee. Approval via this committee is required prior to starting work.

The Specialist Approver to consult with the RPS and/or the University Radiation Protection Officer prior to approving the requisition.

 

Note that the Radiation Protection Officer MUST be informed of all purchases. It is intended that this will be automatically carried out by the OPeRA system.

Finance Officers to be provided with a list of Authorised RPS' that are permitted to approve Radiochemicals (sealed sources) and to check that the RPS has approved the requisition prior to releasing the order.