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Radiation Safety

The CU Radiation Safety Office supports all safety in research involving radioactive materials and radiation-generating machines on the CU Boulder and Colorado Springs campuses. We provide resources, training, and various required safety programs to help you conduct your research and minimize any danger or health hazards in the process.

The University of Colorado has been granted a license for the use of radioactive materials and radiation-generating machines in research. This license has been granted by the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) under an agreement with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and it calls for compliance with applicable federal and state laws. We work to maintain the health and safety of all radiation-workers at CU Boulder.

Engaging in services and programs set up by our unit will ensure utmost safety while using radiation in your laboratory. The CU Radiation Safety office works as a liaison between radiation users and the campus Radiation Safety Committee to ensure the suitability of PI oversight as well as facilities and equipment. We also provide expertise on radiation safety compliance and “best practices” for proposed research protocols.

Though our role involves a great deal of required procedures and documents to ensure compliance with regulations, members of the Radiation Safety team also pride ourselves on the development of amenable and professional collaborative relationships with researchers with the goal of making compliance easier for everyone. We frequently work closely with researchers to develop innovative solutions which meet the intent of regulations while also facilitating each laboratory’s research needs. We are available to answer any questions or assist with issues involving radiation use on campus at any time.

Services Provided

• Licensing for use of radioactive materials through the CU Radiation Safety Committee
• Oversight of University Radiation Safety Program, including compliance inspections and collaboration with researchers to develop a proactive safety culture on campus
• Contamination and exposure surveys
• Radioactive and Mixed waste (radioactive/chemical) disposal
• External and internal radiation exposure monitoring
• Research X-ray machine certification and inspection
• Calibration of portable radiation detection instruments and liquid scintillation counters
• Sealed source leak-testing, inventory, receipt, shipment and disposal
• Radiation Safety Training