Minutes of the Radiation Safety Committee
for November 10, 2005

1. Minutes of May 6, 2005 were approved as submitted.
2. Contamination/Compliance Surveys and Status : Labs actively using radionuclides have completed the required monthly surveys. A quarterly survey was conducted in September and the next will be due in December. Future quarterly surveys will be conducted by the new chemistry lab manager, Jolen Wall with assistance from Steve Carlson.
3. New Laboratory Manager Status : The new chemistry lab manager has agreed to serve as the assistant radiation safety officer and to serve as the chemistry department representative on the radiation safety committee.
4. Survey Instrumentation Status : The survey instrument annual calibration check was completed in July at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
5. Waste Storage and Waste Log: The waste log is up to date. The current waste inventory needs to be checked to determine what items may be disposed of. Steve C. will complete this.
6. Scintillation Counter Calibration Standards Disposal: Steve C. collected several more H3 and C14 calibration standards that were out of date and expired. Calculations were completed to determine if the contents of the vials could be disposed of in accordance with HFS 157.30(5). All of the vials met the requirement and were disposed of with the common organic hazardous waste materials. A vial containing a chlorine isotope could not be disposed of with the other outdated standards and was placed into long term storage.
7. Training Status: Training is up to date for current users. Classes will continue to be offered at the beginning of each semester.
8. X-Ray Spectrometer-registration and training status : Registration and training status were reported as current.
9. Conversion of GR 365A and relocation of old safe : Since this lab is no longer used for research with radionuclides, the chemistry department has inquired about locating two gas chromatographs in the room. Prior to doing so, the old safe which is used to store several containers of source material as well as check sources used by physics, must be relocated. An ideal location would be GR203A where short-lived radionuclide wastes are placed for in-storage decay. The safe is on wheels and could easily be moved to the basement area. A note will be sent to the Dean and chairs of departments which use this area for storage to discuss this idea.
10. 2005 Inspection: The Dept. of Health and Family Services, Radiation Protection Section did not visit UWP for an inspection this calendar year.
11. Wood’s Lab : Gary Wood’s lab has been cleared of all radioactive materials, surveyed for contamination, and removed from the locations overseen by the radiation safety program.
12. Annual report : The annual radiation safety program review is due next month and will be completed by Steve C.