PRIMARY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
1. Isotope Inventory and Disposition
Under the institution's State and Federal licenses, the ORSS maintains a centralized program for the receipt and inspection of radioactive material shipments. A computerized program tracks the inventory of all radioactive material on UMDNJ Newark campus. ORSS also manages a program for the processing, packaging and disposal of radioactive waste and has initiated a comprehensive waste reduction program.
2. Radiation Safety Training
The fundamental core of a solid radiation safety program is the variety and frequency of the radiation safety training it offers. ORSS provides radiation safety orientation to all incoming investigators and new employees who may come into contact with radiation or radiation producing equipment. Refresher training is offered annually to update University personnel on the various changes in State and Federal regulations. Radiation safety training is provided on a continual basis to the nursing departments who deal with brachytherapy patients, to cover the special needs.
3. Personal Monitoring
To safegard the health and welfare of UMDNJ personnel, ORSS issues personal monitors (film badges,rings, and wallet cards) in order to monitor the exposure of all individuals who may potentially be exposed to radioactive materials and/or radiation producing equipment (e.g.x-rays, fluoro, CT's). Bioanalysis testing is also conducted for thyroid monitoring and urinalysis. Action levels are established by ORSS based on State and Federal recommendations. These limits, when met or exceeded, initiate an investigation to determine the cause of the elevated measurement.
4. Inspections and Audits
In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the radiation safety program, ORSS performs routine inspections and surveys of licensed users and radioactive material locations. This includes monthly and quarterly inspections of Nuclear Medicine, licensed investigators in the Medical Science Building and NJ Dental School, as well as annual audits of Radiation Oncology, Immunomedics, Nuclear Medicine and ORSS itself. ORSS investigates all incidents involving radioactive material or radiation producing equipment including unauthorized removal and/or theft, spills, accidental releases, unauthorized receipt, or mis-administration. In addition, any activities involving radioactive material which are not being conducted in full compliance with State, Federal, and local regulations require investigation with corrective actions when necessary.
5. Radiation Safety Committees
Provide policies and procedures for all uses of RAM and radiation producing equipment. ORSS acts as secretary to the committees, scheduling all quarterly meetings and preparing agendas/minutes to the meetings. ORSS implements all policies and procedures approved by the Radiation Safety Committee.
6. Calibrations/Radiation Producing Equipment
Regular and periodic evaluation of the operability of all radiation producing equipment (RPE) and radiation detection instruments is provided by ORSS. Also,we maintain the strict regulatory standards required by Federal, State and local agencies for the operating specifications for each type of instrument. As required by the NJDEP, ORSS performs scatter surveys and reports the disposal of RPE. Additionally, ORSS registers and evaluates particle accelerators.
POLICIES\PUBLICATIONS
1. ORSS is accountable for the following licensing conditions:
- United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission License No: 29-02957-13
- United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission License No: 29-02957-14
- New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Energy License No: 70033/01
- New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Energy License No: 70033/02
2. ORSS produces the following publications, newsletters and pamphlets:
