Research Safety
Radiation Safety
The radiation safety program provides service and assistance to researchers using ionizing radiation in their operations. Many of the activities of this program are mandated by Georgia state law and controlled by policies established by the Radiation Research Safety Committee.
The office also collaborates closely with UGA’s Environmental Safety Division on issues such as environmental safety and compliance, hazardous waste management, fire safety, occupational health and safety, and other related areas.
Radiation Research Safety Committee
The Radiation Research Safety Committee (RRSC) guides the development and implementation of campus-wide Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) policies that reduce safety, health, and environmental risks associated with research, teaching, and public service laboratories, as well as other related work areas where chemical or physical hazards exist.
Radiation Safety Policies and Procedures
The Radiation Safety Manual outlines prudent laboratory practices, university policies, and regulatory requirements for working safely in laboratories with radioactive materials and radiation-producing equipment at UGA facilities.
Radiation Safety Training
Certified Radiation Worker
All Certified Radiation Workers (RW) must receive appropriate training from a Certified Advanced Radiation Worker (ARW).
An Advanced Radiation Worker (ARW) is an individual who, through appropriate training and experience, is qualified and authorized to work independently with radiation sources and to supervise such use by others (e.g., laboratory radiation workers/technicians). You must receive documented training through the ARW to be designated an RW.
Requirements for Certification as an approved Radiation Worker (RW)
- Document training through the completion of a UGA Radiation Worker Certificate.
Keep a copy of this certificate in your laboratory for future reference.
Return a copy of the certificate to the Radiation Safety Officer. - Non-Radiation Worker Agreement Form
- Complete online Radiation Refresher Annual Training.
Certified Advanced Radiation Worker
At least one Advanced Radiation Worker is required for each Radiation Permit.
An Advanced Radiation Worker is an individual who, through appropriate training and experience, is qualified and authorized to work independently with radiation sources and to supervise such use by others (e.g., laboratory radiation workers/technicians). Certification is obtained by completing four live training modules and passing the related exams. A minimum score of 70% is required on each exam. Trainees who fail to pass an exam may retake the exam once. If they do not pass the exam on the second try, the training module must be repeated. Certification is awarded to trainees who successfully pass all four exams. An annual online Refresher is required.
Please contact the Radiation Safety Office at radiation-safety@uga.edu
Annual online refresher is required for anyone working with radiation sources.
Policies and Guidelines
Submitting No-Use Forms
Reporting an Incident
- For minor incidents that occur during regular business hours and do not involve injury or property damage, please get in touch with Research Safety at 706-542-5288.
- For major incidents, such as those that occur outside of regular business hours or involve injury or property damage, call 911.
- Radiation Improvement Program Report
B-number site
- Dosimetry Quick Reference Guide
- User Responsibilities and Guidelines for Wearing Dosimeter Badges and Rings
- Dosimetry Request Form
- Dosimetry Termination Request Form
- Lost Dosimetry Investigation Report
- Exposure History Data Sheet
- NRC Regulation Guide 8.13: Instruction Concerning prenatal Radiation Exposure
- Declaration of Pregnancy Form
- User Responsibilities and Guidelines for Wearing Fetal Dosimeter Badges
- No Use Report Form
- Instructions for Using the Radiological Survey Form
- Radiological Survey Form
Radiation Waste Pickup Notice
Radiation waste pick up is conducted every Wednesday between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
Waste requests are due each Monday by 5 pm. Please note that waste requests submitted after 5 pm on the Monday prior to the scheduled pick up will be deferred to the following Wednesday.
If you require a pick up outside of the listed time slots or need special accommodations, please use the Comments section.
Effective July 1, 2025, please use the following link to request waste pick up for each radioactive waste container. Radiation Waste Request Form Link.
Thank you for your cooperation in maintaining safe and timely radioactive waste handling procedures.
- Document training through the completion of a UGA Radiation Worker Certificate.
Keep a copy of this certificate in your laboratory for future reference.
Return a copy of the certificate to the Radiation Safety Officer. - Non-Radiation Worker Agreement Form