How do I dispose of source vials?
I am leaving NIH, what do I need to do?
I am not leaving NIH, just transferring to another lab group. Do I need to contact DRS?
I am an Authorized User and am moving labs, what do I need to do?
Do I need dosimetry while working in the lab?
Do I need radiation safety training to work in the lab?
I want to use a co-worker's radioactive material, but I am not on the order form. Can I still use it?
If radioactive material is not used in a lab for a given month does a contamination survey still need to be completed?
How do I arrange for the contractor to perform monthly contamination surveys?
I need to use an irradiator, what do I need to do to gain permission?
I want to place an order for radioactive material, how can I do this?
My survey meter is not working, how can I get it repaired?
Can I work with radioactive material while I am pregnant?
Where can I get a Radioactive Waste Tag for my radioactive waste?
I have a mixed waste contaminated with a short-lived isotope, can I dispose of it as chemical waste if I wait 10 half lives?
Do I need to adjust the pH of my liquid radioactive waste?
If monthly survey smears are at background, are the LSC vials (fluid and smears) still considered radioactive waste?
Q.	How do I dispose of source vials ?
A.	Empty source vials may be disposed in radioactive waste step-can containers. Partially used or unused source vials must be disposed as follows: Place them in a small cardboard box. Affixes Caution-Radioactive Material label and attach a Radioactive Waste Pickup tag. Dispose through the Radioactive Waste Service, 301-496-4451. The lead/plastic vial shipping containers must be disposed of separately from other radioactive waste and can be placed with the vials in the cardboard box.
Q.	I am leaving NIH, what do I need to do?
A.	Individual users should call DRS with departure information. Authorized users should call their Area HP at least one week prior to leaving. If you wear a dosimeter DRS will need to know your new address in order to send your exposure history to you. Authorized Users must have radioactive material, labs and personnel assigned to them transferred to another Authorized User prior to leaving.
Q.	I am not leaving NIH, just transferring to another lab group. Do I need to contact DRS?
A.		Yes. DRS will need to know your new address, phone number, e-mail address and new Authorized User.
Q.	I am an Authorized User and am moving labs, what do I need to do?
A.	Notify DRS in advance to arrange for the Area HP to clear the lab. Remove all radioactive materials from your lab(s), call for the waste containers to be picked up, perform a smear survey, deface any "radioactive material" labels on equipment and post the survey on the door. DRS now offers a service for moving radioactive materials between labs when work locations change. Your material will be inventoried, packaged and delivered to the new work location. For additional information concerning this service call the materials control section, DRS at 301-496-3277.
Q.	Do I need dosimetry while working in the lab?
A.		All personnel should submit a dosimetry registration form prior to working with radioactive materials, or when your work with radioactive materials changes. Be sure to include the activity you will be working with, the amount of time you will handle this activity and the number of times per week you will perform this work. Using the information on the worksheet DRS will determine if your work requires you to wear dosimetry.
Q.	Do I need radiation safety training to work in the lab?
A.	Yes, if you work with radioactive materials. To register for a "Radiation Safety in the laboratory" (RSL) class call the training office at 301-496-2255. If you need to start work prior to your scheduled class your Authorized User can review the Orientation Packet with you but you still must complete the RSL as soon as possible.
Q.	I want to use a co-worker's radioactive material, but I am not on the order form. Can I still use it?
A.	Yes, but the Authorized User that ordered the material must approve your use. This may be done by putting your name on the utilization sheet for that specific order and having the AU place his/her initials next to your name.
Q.	If radioactive material is not used in a lab for a given month does a contamination survey still need to be completed?
A.	Smears are not required, but the monthly survey form must be submitted to DRS stating the non-use of radioactive materials.
Q.	How do I arrange for the contractor to perform monthly contamination surveys?
A.	Call RSA at 301-435-7953.
Q.	I need to use an irradiator, what do I need to do to gain permission?
A.	Contact your Area HP for a list of custodians in your area. Contact the custodian for training and permission to be added as a designated user to the list.
Q.	I want to place an order for radioactive material, how can I do this?
A.	Only Authorized Users (AU) may order material. AU's may use any one of the following to purchase radioactive material: Use the IMPAC/VISA purchase card, see instructions and restrictions Any other NIH approved procurement procedures Except at the GRC. An AU, through their procurement office must place all orders.
Q.	My survey meter is not working, how can I get it repaired?
A.	RSA is under contract with NIH to provide calibration and repair of all survey meters. Call 301-435-7953 to arrange for pick-up and repair.
Q.	Can I work with radioactive material while I am pregnant?
A.	Yes you can, and in the majority of cases no restrictions will be placed on your work. NIH has established a fetal protection policy that applies to pregnant women whose assigned duties involve the exposure to ionizing radiation. The policy establishes a special dose limit for the embryo/fetus of a woman who has formally declared her pregnancy to DRS. More specific information about the policy (link to policy in RS Guide) can be found in the Radiation Safety Guide or you can contact your Area HP at 301-496-5774.
Q.	Where can I get a Radioactive Waste Tag for my radioactive waste?
A.	The self-service store has radioactive waste tags in stock.
Q.	I have a mixed waste contaminated with a short-lived isotope, can I dispose of it as chemical waste if I wait 10 half lives?
A.	No. There are many record keeping requirements imposed by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and failure to keep proper records is a violation of our radioactive materials license. All mixed waste must be promptly removed from your lab by the Radioactive Waste Service 301-496-4451.
Q.	Do I need to adjust the pH of my liquid radioactive waste?
A.	For waste with a pH of 3 or less or 12 and above, do not attempt to neutralize. Such waste must be handled as mixed waste. Otherwise, liquid waste solutions should be adjusted to a pH between 6 and 10. If you need assistance, contact the Waste Management Section of the Environmental Protection Branch at 301-496-7990.
Q.	If monthly survey smears are at background, are the LSC vials (fluid and smears) still considered radioactive waste?
A.	Yes. The Chemical Waste Service will not accept used scintillation vials and regardless of the claims of the scintillation cocktail manufacturer, do not dispose of these wastes to the sink in your lab. Contact the Radioactive Waste Service (301-496-4451) to schedule removal of all used LSC vials from you lab. Indicate on the Radioactive Waste Tag the radionuclides that were used in the lab for which you were conducting the survey.