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Radioactive Materials

At Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (RWJMS), all potentially hazardous sources of radiation are controlled through an authorization program. The program considers the applicable state and federal regulations and standards, which are generally separated into two radiation categories: ionizing and non-ionizing.

All uses of ionizing radiation in New Jersey are controlled and regulated by either the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission or the New Jersey Bureau of Radiation Protection, a part of the Department of Environmental Protection. RWJMS has received licenses from both of these agencies that permit considerable scope and autonomy in the use of ionizing radiation.

Work with sources of ionizing radiation cannot be initiated until:

• a written authorization has been received specifically permitting that work
• protocols have been approved
• training class has been attended

The use of non-ionizing sources of radiation is not presently controlled at RWJMS through a government licensing program. There are, however, federal standards and exposure limits and professionally accepted limits pertaining to these sources of radiation.

By contractual agreement, the Rutgers Environmental Health and Safety Department (REHS) is responsible for implementing radiation policies and procedures approved by the Committee through a broad range of services. These services include radioactive materials delivery, radiation safety training, x-ray safety, radioiosotope authorization and inspection, radioactive waste pick-up and disposal, and emergency response.

REHS has prepared a Radiation Safety Guide that describes the organization of the Radiation Safety Program and the levels of responsibilities at RWJMS; describes basic radiation theory; specifies the regulations, policies and practices that must be followed when using sources of radiation; and describes the radiation services that RWJMS makes available to assist users in their radiation safety program. That Guide is available in .pdf format at http://rehs.rutgers.edu/pdf_files/medguide99.pdf. The Guide is also available from REHS at the address below.

Rutgers Environmental Health and Safety
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
27 Road 1
Bldg. 4086
Livingston Campus
Piscataway, NJ 08854-8036
Phone: 732/445-2550
Fax: 732/445-3109
Web: http://rehs.rutgers.edu

REHS Staff Directory

Administrative

Radiation Safety

Environmental Services

© 2004 ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON MEDICAL SCHOOL, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, 675 HOES LANE, PISCATAWAY, NJ 08854