Who Needs to Submit?

Do I Need to Submit an Application to the University Radioisotopes Committee (UIC) for the use of radioisotopes in research?

If you work with radioactive material, you must submit an authorization request to the UIC for review and approval.

This does not cover naturally occurring radioactive materials in their normal concentrations and chemical states or those materials such as smoke detectors, luminous dials, or rare earths. Nor does this cover the purchase and use of Exempt radioactive materials such as sealed counting standards. However, the UIC may require authorization to possess or use such material if the potential hazard is comparable to licensed material. Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) should be consulted before acquiring any radioactive material to determine whether an authorization is required.

What About Work at the Breazeale Nuclear Reactor?
These rules do not apply to the operation of the reactor except as specifically made a part of the reactor's operating license. Radioactive material contained in reactor fuel elements, operating components, or supporting structure is exempted from these regulations and is covered by the reactor's operating license. Other radioactive material produced by the neutrons generated by the nuclear comes under control of the UIC upon removal from the reactor.

To Whom Does This Apply?
These rules and procedures cover the possession, use, and transfer of all licensed radioactive material on University-controlled property by University personnel or others and by University personnel at other locations. This includes the non-University Park locations, but not the Hershey Medical Center. The medical center is covered by rules that are administered by committees separate from the University Isotopes Committee.