The CA Dept of Public Health – Radiologic Health Branch (RHB) regulates the use of ionizing radiation sources. Ionizing radiation safety at SFSU consists of two separate programs: radioactive materials (RAM) and radiation-producing equipment.
Radioactive Materials
San Francisco State University has an academic radioactive materials license with the California Radiologic Health Branch (RHB). Each "supervisor" of a lab or operation using radioactive materials must be approved by the RHB and included on the license by name. Contact the RSO for assistance if you plan to obtain or use radioactive materials.
Note: Uranyl acetate, used in electron microscopy, is weakly radioactive and a radioactive materials license is not required to purchase it. However, it must be disposed of as radioactive waste.
Elements of the Program
- RHB approved Radiation Safety Program
- Designated Radiation Safety Officer approved by the RHB
- Radioactive materials storage and use limits
- Use, inspection and inventory recordkeeping
- Procedures for purchasing and receiving radioactive materials
- Surveys and contamination testing
- User training
- Waste Disposal and Annual RAM Storage Inventory Reporting
Radiation-Producing Machine Registration
Every radiation-producing machine (i.e., x-ray machines and electron microscopes) must be registered with the CA RHB. Annual registration fees are applied. Acquisition of new radiation-producing machines must be approved by the RSO (or the EH&D Director if the RSO is not available). If purchasing a machine, Procurement will require EH&S approval.
Elements of the Program
- Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) submits changes to the machine inventory to RHB
- Periodic surveys to check for radiation leaks
- Update RSO when machines are moved, transferred or disposed of
Quick Links
Restricted Equipment Requiring Pre-Approval
Radiation Safety Officer: Linda Vadura (send email)