Minutes of the Radiation Safety Committee
for October 17, 2001

PRESENT: E. Wallen (RSO), S. Carlson (Chair), D. Pham, G. Wood, L. Anderson (Assist. RSO), R. Walasek, B. Greenbaum (past-Chair)

BUSINESS:

1. Minutes of May 10, 2001 were approved as submitted.

2. Current Approved User List: A check of our current Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) license indicates the approved user list must be updated. E. Wallen volunteered to prepare and submit a new list to the NRC. The issue of suspension and resumption of use was discussed. Forms are available for faculty to submit requests for suspension or resumption of use of radioactive materials (RAM). To the knowledge of the committee, Gene Goodman has suspended use of RAM. A suspension form will be sent to him for removal of his name from our active user list.

3. License Modifications: Our current license does not show all areas where RAM is used or stored. Our current license only shows room GRNQ 365. Additional research use areas include GRNQ D136 and GRNQ 377. RAM waste is stored in GRNQ D203A. S. Carlson will check on need for preparation and submission of additional drawings for these areas.

4. Contamination/Compliance Surveys: Surveys are conducted by the Assistant RSO on a quarterly basis. The last survey was conducted 5/8/01. L. Anderson, the new Assistant RSO is not familiar with the survey procedure. S. Carlson and D. Pham have volunteered to conduct a joint survey of the D136 laboratory with L. Anderson to demonstrate the necessary survey procedures and how to complete the paperwork to document the survey. A tentative date of November 5, 2001 has been chosen for the training survey.

5. Student/Staff/Faculty Training: D. Pham indicated that students are instructed in RAM safety and spill emergency procedures (Appendices A and B, respectively, of the UWP NRC license). However, the training is not documented. S. Carlson volunteered to prepare a form to document this training. S. Carlson will meet with maintenance and custodial supervisors responsible for the labs to discuss and arrange appropriate training or refresher training for their staff. A training program for faculty and academic staff has not been conducted since 10/99. Training previous to that program was on 10/95. A general review of laboratory safety including handling and disposal of RAM is recommended for current faculty, staff and graduate students. S. Carlson will discuss with department chairs to determine the best approach to complete the training.

6. Instrument Calibration: The Geiger Counter requires annual calibration. Calibration and annual certification was usually completed at UW-Madison. E. Wallen will talk to Greg Mayer about taking the instrument to Madison on one of his frequent visits.

7. Waste Storage/Log Status: The RAM waste log is maintained by Cheryl Schmidt. The log was reported to be complete and up to date. The actual waste storage may likely need to be culled to remove waste that has been stored for the requisite 10 half-lives.

8. Authorized RAM Hoods: Certain hoods are designated for work with RAM. If a different hood should be used, Facilities Management must be notified to ensure staff maintaining the ventilation systems are informed and can exercise necessary precautions. Authorized users are to inform S. Carlson of any changes in use locations. Carlson will meet with maintenance staff to inform them of the changes.

9. Forms Update: S. Carlson will arrange with Cheryl Schmidt to update forms used for contaminations surveys, suspension/resumption notifications, etc.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:01pm.
Respectfully submitted, Steve Carlson, Radiation Safety Committee