All-University Radiation Protection Committee (AURPC)
Established to serve as the federal and state mandated radiation safety oversight and compliance enforcement committee for University uses of radiation sources. The AURPC is responsible for review and approval of applications for radioactive materials use permits and applications for research use of radiation in human participants. The AURPC also enforces compliance with applicable rules and regulations by the authorized users of radioactive materials. The chairperson of this committee or its subcommittees will not be a major user of sources of ionizing radiation at the University. The University President appoints members of the committees. No member is allowed to vote on any committee action directly relating to the approval of the member's application for use of sources of ionizing radiation.
Dean/Department Head
Communicate this policy and procedures to affected staff and students, support programs implementing this policy, and provide resources for units to comply with this policy. Colleges and units are responsible for any fines or penalties resulting from their unit's failure to comply with external radiation regulations. These administrators are responsible for the facilitation of inventory maintenance and inspections. They must be aware of the potential and actual use of radioactive materials or radiation producing devices used in research, teaching or medical treatment in their department or college.
Department of Radiation Safety
Responsible for supporting the safe and secure use of radioactive materials and ionizing radiation producing equipment in research, clinical and industrial applications throughout the University system. The department is also responsible for determining when an individual’s potential exposure to ionizing radiation is required to be monitored (personnel dosimetry program).
Executive Vice President for Finance and Operations
Provide resources, support and funding to facilitate the University's compliance with this policy.
Health, Safety and Risk Management (HSRM)
Provide comprehensive services that support and help protect faculty, staff and students and minimize the impact of their activities on the surrounding environment and community. HSRM departments facilitate compliance with all federal, state, regional, county and city regulations that pertain to use of radiation sources including training, monitoring and reporting. HSRM is the liaison between the University community and the regulatory agencies. HSRM is responsible for keeping up to date with changing regulations, and for developing comments on proposed regulatory changes that may impact the University's research, clinical and educational community.
Permit holder for radioactive materials
The PI who has been issued a permit is responsible for assuring the safe, secure use and storage, and proper disposal of radioactive materials authorized under the permit. They must maintain an inventory of radioactive materials and receive approval from the Dept. of Radiation Safety of any modifications to activities, use or storage locations.
Principal Investigator (PI)
A PI must submit applications for use and storage of radioactive materials, and receive approval (via a permit) by the All-University Radiation Protection Committee prior to ordering and use. They are responsible for maintaining a current inventory of radioactive materials, available at all times for audit/review upon request by DRS staff. They are responsible for confirming training requirements for staff involved in research projects and for enforcement of radiation safety policies and procedures. PIs must also notify DRS staff prior to acquiring devices that produce ionizing radiation, in order to satisfy requirements of the Minnesota Department of Health on use of such devices.
Radiation Safety Officer (RSO)
Has the training, knowledge, authority and responsibility to apply appropriate radiation protection practices according to federal and state regulations on behalf of the University. The Radiation Safety Officer must agree in writing to be responsible for implementing the radiation safety program. The University must provide the Radiation Safety Officer sufficient authority, organizational freedom, time, resources and management prerogative to:
- identify radiation safety problems
- initiate, recommend or provide corrective actions
- stop unsafe operations
- verify implementation of corrective actions
Registrant for radiation producing devices
Responsible for the registration and safe use of ionizing radiation producing devices used in approved locations. They must ensure the secure use and storage of radiation producing devices and receive approval from the Dept. of Radiation Safety of any modifications to use or storage locations.
Staff, faculty, students and non-University personnel
Every individual working with radioactive materials and radiation producing devices is responsible for completing required training prior to use, and following established procedures. Accidents must be reported immediately to the Dept. of Radiation Safety.
Administrative Policy