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Radiation safety

The SFU Radiation Safety program facilitates the safe and informed use of radiation sources and devices in research, teaching and the environment. The program is dedicated to safe management of radiation.

Program Manuals

The Radiation Safety Manual (RSM)represents a comprehensive review of the SFU Radiation Safety Program (RSP) providing resources for researchers who use radiactive materials.

For any questions, please contact SFU's Radiation Safety Officer: rso-info@sfu.ca

In addition, a manual for the Neutron Generator Facility (NGF) which documents safe and specific procedures for the operation of the facility is available here. Please, contact the site-RSO for  more information: starosta@sfu.ca

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University Radiation Safety Committee

The University Radiation Safety Committee (URSC), as outlined by the CNSC, acts to oversee and audit the Radiation Safety program. The committee is comprised of researchers with expertise and interest in the use of radiation.

Inspections

How to prepare for inspections:

Internal inspections are conducted by SFU Radiation Safety staff on an annual basis. External inspections are carried out annually by the Compliance Branch of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. Researchers can prepare for both of these occasions by inspecting their laboratory using the inspection forms provided below.

Signage

Review information on radiation safety signage.
In addition, radioactive labs must be equipped with CNSC signage:

Radioisotope information sheets for P32, C14, and H3 should be posted in labs working with such isotopes as a reference.

Maintaining Records

If you use radioactive material, you must be abide by federal record keeping procedures. Refer to the SFU record keeping plan to determine which records are required to be kept and where to store them. For information on record retention periods, please refer to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission regulatory requirements.

Security of radioactive materials

All radioactive sources must be secured from unauthorized access to guard against thefts or losses.

  • Sealed sources - A room with sealed sources or equipment containing a radioactive source shall be kept locked when unattended.

Note: See CNSC's REGDOC-2.12.3: Security of Nuclear Substances: Sealed Sources for more detailed information.

  • Unsealed sources - Unsealed sources are required to be stored in a locked refrigerator, freezer or other suitable container, secured by a padlock. Contact the Radiation Safety Technician for SFU-approved master locks. Compact bar refrigerators must be bolted to the floor to prevent removal. Contact Facilities Services for bolt and padlock installation.
  • Thefts or losses of radionuclides - Report all thefts or losses to SFU Radiation Safety staff immediately. For more information see reporting requirements.
  • Non-approved users - Non-approved users are not to be given access to radioactive sources.  If you see unfamiliar individuals loitering around research laboratories ask them to provide proof of identity. Suspicious activity should be reported to Campus Security.