Following a recent survey of Authorized Users, the Division of Radiation Safety (DRS) is implementing an updated policy for storing radioactive material in unrestricted areas (corridors, unposted labs equipment rooms, etc.)
The current NIH Corridor Utilization Policy (Manual Chapter 1361) states that the use or storage of radioactive materials in corridors is prohibited, except for the amount of radioactive material in actual use within a liquid scintillation counter, or in film cassettes in a locked freezer. These two exceptions to the Corridor Utilization Policy have been in effect since 1996.
Recently, DRS received a request to extend these exceptions to the storage of autoradiographic microscope slides. The basis of the request was similar to current exceptions already granted: slides contain very small quantities of radioactive material, are in a physical form that minimizes the spread of contamination, and present no undue safety hazard to NIH staff and visitors. The Radiation Safety Committee approved this additional policy exception in December 2020.
The new policy statement reads: ""The use or storage of radioactive materials in corridors is specifically prohibited, except for the amount of radioactive material in actual use within a liquid scintillation counter or locked storage of DRS-approved quantities of radiolabeled gels, tissues, cells, or reference standards contained on slides or in imaging cassettes." The exception does not extend to LSC counting standards, which are glass or plastic vials containing radioactive material in liquid form.
For a lab which is posted for radioactive material use/storage solely due to the presence of autoradiographic microscope slides and similar items, this represents an opportunity to inactivate the lab posting. The lab may safely become an unrestricted area in accordance with updated DRS policies. DRS can facilitate the inactivation of a lab that otherwise does not use radioactive materials, which will save time and resources by not conducting the frequent routine inspections that are required for posted labs.
"Caution Radioactive Material" posting of the freezer/refrigerator containing autoradiographic slides, as well as a locking mechanism for security, are still required just as they are for film cassette storage. If you'd like to take advantage of this new allowance and pursue inactivation of your lab, please contact your DRS health physicist at 301-496-5774.
