It is the intention of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service (Extension) to provide safe operating procedures and to avoid radiological accidents by developing adequate controls in the acquisition, use, storage and disposal of radioactive materials, radiation producing devices and Class 3 and 4 lasers.

Unit heads will ensure that:

A. All employees intending to possess radioisotopes or radiation producing devices obtain a sub-license from the Radiological Safety Division of the Environmental Health and Safety Department, Texas A&M University (TAMU), College Station, Texas 77843-4472.

B. All employees dealing with radioisotopes, radiation producing devices, and lasers receive training on the use or operation of such sources including radiation safety and emergency procedures. The level of training shall be commensurate with the level of the radiation hazard.

C. All requisitions or purchase orders for radioactive materials or radiation equipment must comply with current procedures of the Radiological Safety Division. Any purchase order for such materials or equipment that requires bids must be approved and signed by the TAMU Radiological Safety Officer before it is sent to the Fiscal Office. Verbal (telephone) approval from the Radiological Safety Division is sufficient for purchases in which bids are not required.

D. Radioactive waste and radiation equipment is disposed in a method approved by the Radiological Safety Division.

E. All accidents involving the use of radioactive material are reported immediately to the Radiological Safety Division at 979-845-1361. A similar report should be made through normal administrative channels to the Deputy Director and Director.

F. All procedures of the Radiological Safety Division are followed by the unit employees.

Questions regarding this procedure should be referred to the Texas AgriLife Research/Extension Safety Coordinator at 979-862-4038.