Radiation Safety

Radiation Safety Program

The ²ÝÁñÉçÇøµØÖ· Radiation Safety program is designed to ensure that all activities involving ionizing and non‑ionizing radiation are conducted safely, responsibly, and in compliance with applicable federal, state, and institutional requirements.

The Radiation Safety program applies to the use of radioactive materials, radiation‑producing devices (including X‑ray–generating equipment), and other regulated radiation sources used in research, teaching, clinical, and operational settings across ²ÝÁñÉçÇøµØÖ· campuses. The program establishes standards for authorization, training, use, monitoring, storage, and disposal of radiation sources to minimize potential exposure to individuals and the environment.

Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), in coordination with the designated Radiation Safety Officer and oversight committees as applicable, provides program administration, regulatory oversight, training, and compliance support. The program is implemented in accordance with ²ÝÁñÉçÇøµØÖ· policies and procedures and supports compliance with regulatory agencies such as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the Maine Radiation Control Program, and other applicable authorities.

Radiation safety at ²ÝÁñÉçÇøµØÖ· is a shared responsibility. Faculty, staff, students, and supervisors who work with or around radiation sources are expected to follow established procedures, complete required training, and work collaboratively with EHS to ensure exposures are kept As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) while supporting ²ÝÁñÉçÇøµØַ’s teaching, research, and clinical missions.

The Radiation Safety Office at the ²ÝÁñÉçÇøµØÖ· coordinates the authorization process with the state for certain uses of radiation. All investigators intending to use radioactive materials or sealed radioactive sources in their research must work under an Authorization to Use Radiation on the ²ÝÁñÉçÇøµØÖ· Radioactive Materials License.

Before you can order, store, or use radioactive materials, you must either make arrangements to work under another researcher’s authorization or contact Radiation Safety to determine if you meet the requirements to become an Authorized Investigator.

All new authorizations for using radioactive materials begin with a discussion with the Radiation Safety Officer.

Machine sources of radiation (X-rays or particle accelerators) need to be properly shielded, operated in a safe manner, and registered with the Radiation Safety Office. The Radiation Safety Officer is available to give advice and review shielding plans for machine source facilities.

Radioactive Waste Collection and Disposal

Please contact Ronnie Souza, the Radiation Safety Officer, at (207) 602-2488 for radiative waste collection and disposal.

Emergency Response/Radiation Spills

No matter how carefully you work, accidents sometimes happen. With adequate training and preparation, you will have the skills to safely handle an emergency. If a person is contaminated or the contamination spreads outside the work area, call Safety and Security at (207) 283-0176 and the Radiation Safety Officer at (207) 602-2488.

Plan ahead and equip your lab with spill response supplies such as paper towels, cleaning agent, extra waste bags, and gloves. The five key steps to follow are:

  1. Stop ... working — get your thoughts together and don’t panic.
  2. Presume ... everything is contaminated until proven otherwise.
  3. Inform ... others about the spill.
  4. Localize ... the spilled material to contain the spill.
  5. Label ... or cordon off the area to limit access.