TPM-F - Academic Institutions Orange C 14:30 - 16:45
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| Chair(s): Subashri Kurgatt, Philip Fulmer
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TPM-F.1
14:30 Managing Safe Use of Lasers at a Academic and Medical Institution S Kurgatt*, Duke University Health Systems
; R Reiman, Duke University Health Systems; I Tsorxe, Duke University Health Systems
Abstract: Managing safe use of lasers at a medical/academic Institution requires a very efficient process. Duke University and Duke University Health System has over 700 research and medical lasers in use by 125 laser physicians and researchers. The lasers are audited biannually and annually respectively. Most researchers own multiple lasers, and auditing a single researcher involves an extensive process. The existing audit system was paper-based. It involved printing and completing multiple paper forms, filing the audit report after each audit, entering the results of the audit findings into a separate on-line system, and sending follow-up emails to researchers with the audit findings. To simplify the process, a new web-based paperless "lean" audit system has been developed. The audit system incorporates a checklist and verification of required documents and hazard evaluation of lasers as specified in ANZI Z 136.1 and Z 136.3. This system has reduced the number of steps taken to complete an audit, thereby making it a more efficient process. Details of the scope of the audit program and the new paperless system will be presented.
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TPM-F.2
14:45 Response to a Spill Involving Lutetium-177 in a Radiation Use Facility J Robinson*, Louisiana State University
; AM Hamideh, Louisiana State University; WH Wang, Louisiana State University
Abstract: Planning, preparedness, and training for radiation safety staff responding to nuclear or radiological incidents are not only prudent but also essential for regulatory compliance and licensing. In addition to routine mandatory radiation protection activities such as radiation contamination surveys and radiation facility audits, training and drills should include response to radioactive material spills, personal injury, fire, flood, bomb threats, terrorist attacks, and other events may impact a radiation use facility. Furthermore, practical lessons regarding the effectiveness of preparation and actions for emergencies often are learned best as a result of actual involvement in such events. This presentation reviews a radioactive material spill event in an academic radiation use research facility. The spill occurred in an approved radiation laboratory during normal business hours. The radioactive contamination was discovered by the authorized radiation principal investigator who was in charge of the laboratory. The radiation safety emergency responders were notified and arrived on scene promptly. The radioactive material involved in the spill was liquid lutetium-177. Although the spill occurred in the laboratory, contamination was found in the hallway outside the laboratory. We describe the handling of the event by radiation safety staff during recognition, evaluation, cleanup, and follow-up efforts. We conclude by discussing the investigation of the cause of the spill, including preparation of written reports and corrected measures implemented as a result of the spill.
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TPM-F.3
15:00 A Mixed Methods Approach for Improving the Radiation Safety Climate at Princeton University CM Root*, Princeton University
; T DeVol, Clemson University; R Sinclair, Clemson University; N Martinez, Clemson University
Abstract: Various techniques were recently employed at Princeton University in an effort to improve the safety climate associated with open-source radioactive material use. By fielding surveys and conducting behavioral observations, we were able to assess both the initial and post-intervention safety climate of those working in radiation laboratories. Baseline results indicated safety practices and safety compliance were most in need of improvement. Specific training based on initial survey results was provided to laboratory members, and creative signage and a safety newsletter were posted in and around laboratories for reinforcement. Signage posted utilized pop cultural memes and other engaging graphics, designed to raise awareness of appropriate safety practices and the minimum laboratory attire expected while working in radioactive material laboratories. Post-intervention survey and observation results indicated a more positive response for all safety climate categories and less instances of improper safety practices. Collaborative techniques and increased communication between researchers and staff members appear to be effective in improving the safety climate.
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TPM-F.4
15:15 Doing More with Less: Increasing Health Physics Capabilities in a Resource-Limited Environment JS Nagata*, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Abstract: Federal radiation protection programs are facing staffing shortages that threaten our nation's radiation protection capabilities. Federal agencies are faced with challenges such as hiring restrictions, reductions in programmatic funding, and shifting national priorities. Within the health physics community, a deficit of radiation protection professionals - due in part to attrition and a decline in funding for student programs - has resulted in a smaller pool of qualified technical experts. To mitigate this loss of valuable expertise, staff at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched a radiation protection continuing education initiative. Through formal training, independent learning, on-the-job experience, and mentoring, this initiative aims to build the skills of mid- and junior-level staff while preserving institutional knowledge. Throughout 2017 and 2018, a group of EPA personnel - with wide-ranging backgrounds and work responsibilities - participated in an agency-organized health physics course. This collaborative learning opportunity has increased the technical proficiency for those new to radiation protection and encouraged seasoned staff to pursue ABHP certification. With senior management support, systems of accountability, and a culture of continuous improvement, we are confident that radiation protection expertise can be maintained despite resource limitations.
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TPM-F.5
16:00 Radiation Safety Challenges Using High Activity Radioactive Sources In An Open Configuration On A Military Base SL Grimm*, Georgia Institute of Technology
Abstract: Georgia Tech's Office of Radiological Safety provided oversight and support for a researcher conducting a project on a military base multiple times over the course of a year. The off-campus location of the project introduced complexities including determining regulatory jurisdiction as well as communicating with and receiving approval from military officials. Over 1 Curie of sealed Cs-137 sources, as well as other check sources, were used in open and unshielded configurations, both indoors and outdoors, to test vehicle-mounted radiation detectors. Our involvement, which included packaging and transporting the sources, arranging off-site source storage concerns, and ensuring manpower and equipment needs were met, saved tens of thousands of dollars for the project. Each week-long set of measurements required developing and conducting project-specific worker safety training, preparation of Radiation Work Permits, and arranging for appropriate radiation monitoring and instrumentation. What went wrong, what went right, and other lessons learned from the project, as well as occupational exposure results, will be discussed.
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TPM-F.6
16:15 Guide to an Effective Database Transfer MJ Kennedy*, University of Pittsburgh
Abstract: Data management is an important part of any radiation safety program. All programs will have data on radiation workers, authorized user permits, waste records, RAM inventory, sealed source inventory, meter list and even x-ray units. Traditionally all this data was stored in a multitude of paper files or maybe a home brewed DOS system. Going forward many institutions will be interested in transitioning from those older methods to one of the newer cloud based databases. The prospect of the transfer from the older systems to a new one can be daunting. All that data that is listed above will have to be prepared for transfer, and then post transfer thoroughly scrubbed to verify it is correct. The users will also have to be instructed on the new operations and procedures that a new data management system entails. The goal of this presentation is to provide a step by step guide on how to handle a transfer from one database to another. That way maybe the prospect of changing databases won't be so daunting.
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TPM-F.7
16:30 Use of the UMass Lowell Research Reactor for the Production of Stable and Radioactive Gold Nanoparticles AM Alshahrani*, U Mass Lowell
; M Abdulrhman, U Mass Lowell; MA Tries, U Mass Lowell; KK Konomi, U Mass Lowell
Abstract: Gold colloid has been known for more than 150 years since its breakthrough discovery in 1857 by Michael Faraday, and the synthesis process has evolved from the classic Turkevitch-Frens chemical citrate reduction route to the Henglein radiolytic method which produces large gold seed particles by gamma-irradiation reduction.
The synthesis of gold nanoparticles through radiation-reduction offers several advantages compared to the chemical reduction method: 1) a relatively simple and clean process with no excessive use of reducing agents or the production of unwanted by-products, 2) radiation exposure can control the rate of reaction and the particle size, 3) uniform distribution of reducing agent in the solution, 4) production can be carried out in large quantities, and 5) the reaction mechanism works at ambient pressure and temperature.
The objective of this project is to successfully synthesize ready-to-use stable and radioactive gold nanoparticles using a stream-lined process with fewer chemicals. The stock solution (containing hydrogen tetrachloroaurate (III) as gold salt precursor, the biocompatible polymer poly(vinylpyrrolidone) as a stabilizing agent, and isopropanol (2-Propanol) as radical scavenger) was exposed to gamma radiation at several dose rates (2 to 15 kGy hr-1) and cumulative doses (1.8 to 30 kGy). The resulting gold nanoparticles will be activated using the UMass Lowell Research Reactor, and quantified using gamma spectroscopy and liquid scintillation analysis.
The nanoscale characterization of the gold particle size and morphology will be carried out using dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. Optical properties will be characterized using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, and surface charge will be characterized using Zeta potential analysis.
The stream-lined production of stable and radioactive gold nanoparticles can help to initiate interdisciplinary research in biomedical engineering and biotechnology for radiotracer, biodistribution, and nanomedicine studies.
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