Responsible Executive: Finance and Administration
Approving Official: Vice President Finance and Administration
Effective Date: December 1, 2013
Last Revision Date: New - December 1, 2013, Revised - August 20, 2025
I. INTRODUCTION
The primary objectives of this policy are protection from radiation hazards which are divided into two general categories: (1) those intended to protect personnel from immediately observable deleterious effects after an exposure and (2) those intended to prevent latent injuries or conditions that may occur from much lower levels or repeated exposures. Addressing the latter objective usually invokes the most conservative approach while providing a greater level of protection up front. Considerations of the environment in general is also covered by programmatic approaches aimed at limiting potential long-term exposures to personnel from any particular hazard.
1. Ionizing Radiation (e.g. - radioactive material, x-ray devices, accelerators)
The protection objectives related to this type of hazard are aptly stated in the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements, Report No. 116, Limitation of Exposure to Ionizing Radiation. The report states that "The specific objectives of radiation protection are:
a. To prevent the occurrence of clinically significant radiation induced deterministic (non-stochastic) effects by adhering to dose limits that are below the apparent threshold levels.
b. To limit the risk of stochastic (probabilistic) effects, cancer and genetic effects, to a reasonable level in relation to societal needs, values, benefits gained and economic factors."
2. Non-Ionizing Radiation
a. Laser Radiation: The primary focus is to prevent thermal injury to the eyes or skin of personnel due to direct or scattered laser beams. Protection from associated non-beam hazards such as fire, electrical, compressed gas, and generated aerosols due to the use of laser devices must also be considered. Potential long-term effects may occur if eyes of exposed individuals are not adequately protected from certain wavelengths of laser beams.
b. UV Radiation: Exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C) is generally controlled to prevent thermal injury to the eyes and skin. Potential long-term damage that can lead to cancers or cataracts can also be controlled through engineering controls or the use of personal protective equipment.
c. Magnetic Field, Microwave, and other Electromagnetic Radiations: The potential for harm from these hazards is believed to be limited to those that may occur acutely from the deposition of heat within a person's body. Current standards and regulations are focused entirely on preventing injury from short-term exposures associated with these hazards. Research on long-term effects of these kinds of exposures remains inconclusive. However, precaution is warranted against receiving any unnecessary or substantial exposures.
The guiding principle for ionizing radiation protection, that all exposures and doses should be kept "as low as reasonably achievable" or "ALARA", can easily be applied to all hazards. The subjective part of this principle is obviously what is "reasonable". Some of this is governed by law, some by common sense. Those instances where what constitutes "reasonable" action is not as obvious must be determined in coordination with EH&S personnel and other knowledgeable experts.
II. POLICY (Including any Forms and Attachments)
1. RESPONSIBILITIES
a. General
The control of ionizing radiation hazards for FSU has been the responsibility of the Radiation Control and Policy Committee (RCPC) since 1958. An RCPC is required by both federal and state licensing authorities in order to be granted sufficient latitude and authority to control radiation hazards at the local level thereby precluding long delays for initiation or modification of research protocols. The RCPC is comprised of the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO), at least four FSU faculty members representing various disciplines, and a senior member from Administration. The RSC oversees and advises on all radiation safety program areas including the receipt, possession, use, disposal, and transfer of radioactive materials to, from, and on campus, and the hazards associated with ionizing radiation and radiation producing machines. The RSC formally establishes policies and evaluates all procedures, proposals, and records related to ionizing radiation protection. Implementation of these policies and routine operations are performed by the EH&S under the direction of the RSO.
Safety standards, laws and sound scientific principles applicable to non-ionizing radiation (NIR) protection are implemented as appropriate. The RSC advises on NIR topics, and the Laser Safety Officer/RSO is responsible for controlling these hazards.
b. RSO and Staff
The RSO and radiation Safety staff is responsible for the protection of personnel and the environment from the potential hazards associated with ionizing and non-ionizing radiation used in FSU operations or at any of our facilities. Individuals, and their supervising personnel, that may be producing these hazards are also responsible for affording due protection from and control of any potential exposures or releases that may result from their actions.
Required protective measures and regulatory compliance issues related to radiation safety can be complex or technical in nature. Radiation Safety staff must therefore be given advanced notice and consulted prior to any operations involving these hazards.
2. PROGRAMS
b. Laser Safety
3. APPENDICES
Manuals
Radioactive Materials Radiation Safety Manual
X-ray Radiation Safety Manual
Linac Radiation Safety Manual
Laser Safety Manual
III. LEGAL SUPPORT, JUSTIFICATION, AND REVIEW OF THIS POLICY
State of Florida, Department of Health - Bureau of Radiation Control
Ionizing Radiation:
Chapter 64E-5, Florida Administrative Code Control of Radiation Hazard Regulations
License 32-10 for radioactive materials
Multiple registrations for radiation-producing machines and linear accelerators
Non-Ionizing Radiation:
Chapter 64E-4 Florida Administrative Code Control of Nonionizing Radiation Hazards