The Radiation Safety program provides oversight and guidance to users of radioactive material and radiation producing devices. The program keeps radiation exposure As Low As Reasonably Achievable, ALARA, for the UNT community, members of the public and the environment. The program also maintains compliance with state and federal regulations. The program establishes procedures, radiation-monitoring, personnel dose assessments, safety evaluations, laboratory surveys, contamination control, radiological emergency and spill response, which are all necessary parts of a safe and effective program.

Full-time members of the academic faculty can file a request for possession and use of radioactive materials, a radiation producing device and a laser. The faculty member must submit an application to the Radiation Safety Officer for review by the Radiation Safety Committee.

Radioactive Materials

The Texas Department of State Health Service, TDSHS, Radiation Control Program authorizes the use of radioactive materials at the University of North Texas. The Radiation Safety Committee establishes the radiation safety procedure according to state and federal regulations, UNT's Radiation Safety Manual and the license requirements.

Radiation producing device

A radiation producing device is any equipment that produces or contains sources of ionizing radiation. This equipment may be used in the disciplines of the healing arts—medicine, dental or veterinary, or non-healing arts—education or research. This device contains a sealed source of radiation or an X-ray producing vacuum tube or housing. 

Ionizing radiation producing devices are regulated by TDSHS and UNT operates its device-produced ionizing radiation safety program according to TDSHS regulations and UNT’s Radiation Safety Manual.

Laser

LASER is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Light can be produced by atomic processes, which generate laser light. The laser safety program establishes requirements for protection against all classes of laser radiation and intense-pulsed light (IPL) device hazards according to the TDSHS regulations. Class IIIB and Class IV lasers must be registered with the Radiation Safety Office prior to acquisition.  

Radiation Safety Training

Radiation Safety provides training in the principles of radiation safety, X-ray safety and laser safety. However, an authorized principle investigator must perform proper operation and safety training for specific equipment. All personnel working with radioactive material, radiation producing device and laser must complete UNT’s Radiation Safety Training.