Radioactive materials and sources of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation are essential elements of research, teaching, and clinical diagnostics at UPEI. The University has instituted policies, controls, and services to ensure all activities involving radioactive materials are performed in such a way as to protect the health and safety of all workers, as well as to ensure compliance with all applicable federal and provincial regulations.

UPEI holds two radioisotope licenses issued by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) covering all use of radioactive materials and radiation-emitting devices on University premises.

The Radiation Safety Officer oversees all aspects of radiation safety at UPEI, including, but not limited to, training, inspections, dosimetry, and regulation compliance.

The UPEI Radiation Safety Manual is a comprehensive resource outlining all policies and procedures used in the safe handling, use, storage, and disposal of radioactive materials. The manual is available from the office of the RSO, or online at the link listed below.

Research and teaching

All principal investigators and faculty who use or wish to use radioactive materials in their research and/or teaching must first apply for a Radiation User Permit, through the office of the RSO.

All users must attend radiation safety training prior to the issue of a radiation permit.

The Radiation User Permit identifies authorized users, location of use, types of radioisotopes authorized, as well as storage and disposal requirements. Permits must be posted in all laboratories designated for the use of radioactive substances.

AVC Veterinary Teaching Hospital

The Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) at the Atlantic Veterinary College holds a separate CNSC license for Veterinary Nuclear Medicine.

The VTH regularly performs nuclear scintigraphy studies as well as routine x-ray and CT scan studies. All members of the VTH radiology staff are trained in radiation safety as well as the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Class 7-radioactive.

Training

Radiation Safety training is available to all staff and students as required. Contact the RSO for information on when the next available session is scheduled. Refresher training is required every 5 years.

For information on radiation safety, please call the University RSO, Debra MacDonald at 902-566-0835 or e-mail at debmacdonald@upei.ca.

Links

• UPEI Radiation Safety Manual
• Radioisotope User Permit Application
• Radionuclide Information Booklet
• Nuclear Safety and Control Act
• Radiation Protection Regulations
• Nuclear Substances and Radiation Devices Regulations

Please refer to the Health, Safety, and Environment SharePoint site for more information.