Radioactive materials (RAM) and radiation-producing equipment are commonly used in a wide variety of research settings.

Radioactive materials in the District of Columbia are regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) who provides institutions with licenses to work with RAM. The NRC has granted American University a license to possess limited quantities of specific isotopes for research and educational purposes.

All ionizing radiation producing devices, including X-ray units and mini C-arms and research / industrial units such as XRDs, XRFs (both handheld and cabinet), must be registered with EH&S and the District of Columbia.

Radiation Safety Officer

The Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) is responsible for reviewing protocols that involve radioactive material (RAM) and using radiation protection procedures and controls to ensure occupational doses and doses to the public are as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA). The RSO at American University is Heather McClary.

Apply to Become an Authorized User

According to our license, any person wishing to use RAM or radiation producing equipment must be authorized by the appropriate internal procedures before any use can occur. This includes registration of protocols with the Radiation Safety Officer, completion of training and exam, and any required documentation.

If you plan to work with RAM, you must apply to become an authorized user. Notify the Radiation Safety Officer  at least six months in advance of the work to ensure proper licensing, procedure review, lab setup, and scheduling of all necessary training.

Radiation Safety Training

We offer a variety of radiation safety training for students, staff, faculty, and researchers. The training is dependent on the various roles of each individual. By familiarizing new employees with the program and communicating any new or significant changes, the training informs the community about the policies and procedures of the radiation safety program.

Disposal of Radioactive Material

Labs working with RAM will generate radioactive waste during normal operations. Waste should be segregated by type to be disposed of efficiently. Segregate waste by physical form.

• Solid waste should be collected in yellow radioactive material (RAM) waste bags inside trash cans. Shielded trash cans may be needed for high-energy beta emitters like P-32.
• Liquid waste should be stored in liquid waste barrels provided by EH&S. If you need liquid waste containers, contact the RSO.
  • If your lab has a liquids scintillation counter, you will generate liquid scintillation vials. These should be double bagged in yellow RAM waste bags, and the bags should be inside trash cans.
• Radioactive waste should also be segregated by isotope. Different isotopes have different emissions and different half-lives. If properly separated, they can be disposed of more easily.