Memorandum #11 Radiation Safety

Revised: December 2, 1999, August 29, 2023
Original Date of Issue: March 5, 1980
Policy Owner: Dean of Math, Science and Health Careers
Approved by: President

Purpose

This policy addresses the College’s obligations and procedures with regard to the storage and usage of radioactive materials and sources of ionizing radiation as well as radiation exposure for pregnant students.

Scope

This policy applies to all College programs in which students may be exposed to radiation as a part of the curriculum. 

Protocol for Storage/Usage of Radioactive Materials and Sources of Ionizing Radiation

College faculty, staff and students must comply with applicable federal and state laws or regulations; College policies and procedures; and accreditation requirements when storing, conducting research, or teaching with radioactive materials and ionizing radiation producing devices. A program utilizing radioactive materials or ionizing radiation producing devices will have an assigned faculty or staff member serving as a Radiation Safety Officer (RSO). The RSO will ensure the use of radioactive materials or devices are in alignment with all applicable laws or regulations. The Provost and Vice President of Academic and Student Success or their designee will be responsible for assigning the RSO. The RSOs will maintain written procedures to address the responsibilities under this policy.

Protocol for Pregnant Students

Upon matriculating in certain programs/courses involving the storage and usage of radioactive materials and sources of ionizing radiation, students will be provided notice of the College’s pregnancy protocol related to student radiation exposure. Pursuant to the protocol, pregnant students may voluntarily declare their pregnant status in writing to the Curriculum Coordinator/Department Head,Program Coordinator and/or lead faculty. Upon notification, the student will be scheduled to meet with the Curriculum Coordinator/Department Head/ Program Coordinator and/or lead faculty.  During the meeting, the student will be provided with information on potential risks and consequences of prenatal radiation exposure. The student will have the option to postpone their participation program; withdraw from the program; remain in the program without modification; or withdraw their declaration.

For declared pregnant students who opt to remain in the program, the College and/or the clinical site will provide appropriate instructions or training to the student related to radiation exposure, including, if applicable, keeping radiation exposure as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA), and/or implement other appropriate mitigation measures. Neither the College nor any clinical affiliates assume responsibility for any harm that might occur to an embryo or fetus as a result of exposure to ionizing radiation. A student who chooses to withdraw from such programs because of pregnancy may be readmitted in accordance with the program’s readmission policy.

This protocol for pregnant students will be made known to students matriculating in the specified curricula both by the usual announcements in catalogs, allied health brochures, student handbooks, etc. and by the circulation of the protocol at the time of matriculation or orientation.  Students will be required to sign a release form acknowledging the protocol and the risks and consequences of prenatal radiation exposure.