The following are the requirements to use a cesium irradiator

1. Register with the Division of Radiation Safety (DRS)
2. Complete online training course “Radiation Safety for Irradiator Users”
3. Arrange for hands-on training for the specific irradiator you intend to use.
4. Complete at least one irradiation procedure while being escorted by an approved user.
5. Document the completion of hands-on training by the approved user via an email to DRS.
6. Be formally added to the DRS list as a Designated User of an irradiator, with escort only.

The following are the requirements to use a cobalt irradiator:

1. Register with the Division of Radiation Safety (DRS) and sign up for the Radiation Safety in the Laboratory course.
2. Successfully complete the Radiation Safety in the Laboratory course
3. Submit a Dosimeter Evaluation Form in order to be assigned a personnel dosimeter
4. Arrange for hands-on training for the specific irradiator you intend to use, which includes the contents of the Radiation Safety Procedures for Operation of the Irradiator, demonstration of proper operation of the irradiator, and emergency procedures.
5. Arrange for review of the DRS safety training content for Co-60 irradiators, follwed by a written exam and DRS personal observation of your first irradiation procedure.
6. Be formally designated by the Irradiator Custodian as an approved Designated User of the irradiator you intend to use, with escorty only.

The following are the requirements to access an irradiator room without escort:

Be certified as "trustworthy and reliable" by DRS and the Division of Personnel Security and Access Control (DPSAC):

1. Update to the individual’s NED record by the Administrative Officer, to ensure the required new fields are completed:
• CAN #
• Place of Birth
• Position Sensitivity level (level 5 for Bldg 33 or IRF/Frederick; level 1 for all other irradiators)
• Sponsor information – and any other field requested by the A.O.
2. Completion of a recent security background investigation initiated by DPSAC (contact DRS for the Initiation Request form) and successful electronic fingerprinting clearance through FBI criminal history database within the last five years.
3. Completion of a Supervisory Assessment form, provided by DRS based on the following categories:
• For an NIH Employee “Greater Than 3 years at NIH”, form requires completion of a trustworthiness statement by the supervisor.
• For a Contractor or for an NIH Employee "Less Than 3 years at NIH", form requires personal reference checks, employment history verification and education verification being attested to by the supervisor.
4. Review and completion of agreement to adhere to Irradiator Security requirements, provided by DRS.

The Irradiator Security Manager is listed below, and may be contacted for any questions related to irradiator access:

Catherine Ribaudo
Irradiator Security Manager
301-594-1303 (direct)
301-496-5774 (main)
301-496-3544 (fax)

All of the links on this page are external to the DRS site ​​