Director:Hiroaki MATSUI
The utilization and applications of radioisotopes(RI) are indispensable for an advanced medical research because of their high sensitivities. Since radioactive materials are causes of hazardous effects, their use should always be strictly controlled. To prevent radiation hazards for radiation workers and the environment, many laws and ordinances have been enacted from various points of view. The Law Concerning Prevention of Radiation Hazards Due to Radioisotopes, Etc. provides for the regulation of facilities(standards for facilities) and for the regulation of people's actions, etc.( standards for actions).
Under the circumstances, this facility was established mainly for education and research using unsealed radioisotopes in basic and clinical medicine. It locates on the sixth floor of the main building and is thoroughly designed for the research laboratories and several work rooms: a radiation control room(a radiation safety office), a contamination control room, a measurement room, a radioisotope storage room, a radioactive waste storage room, and a washing room. Researchers use the access card to open the entrance door to the radiation controlled area. The doorway is under the computerized control and monitored by video to record everyone who enters and exits. There are a variety of equipments and experimental apparatus such as liquid scintillation counters, microcomputer-assisted gamma counters, a radiochromatogram scanner in the measurement rooms. In addition, instruments for general laboratory use, such as an ultracentrifuge, spectrophotometers, high-speed micro-centrifuges are also available. A laboratory for molecular biological experiments using recombinant DNA techniques at the P2 level is also established. This facility is also used for joint applications. Researchers perform data processing and complex medical calculations in epidemiological studies.
The entire radiation controlled area is continuously ventilated and air-conditioned. The ventilation and liquid waste disposal systems are installed to prevent radiation hazards. Radioactivities at the exhaust port are automatically monitored, and those in the liquid waste system are periodically measured.
The principal services of the staff members of this facility include: (1) registration, training and guidance for researchers, (2) evaluation and approval of valid proposals for the use of radioisotopes (3) governing the purchase of all radioisotopes (4) regular reviews of laboratory usage of radioisotopes through surveys, (5) monitoring of individuals in accordance with potential radiation exposure or institutional policies, (6) environmental surveillance to control and ensure compliance with release limits, (7) management of radioactive waste, including removal, storage and disposal, (8) emergency response and supervision of decontamination operations (9) maintenance and minor repairs of laboratory equipments.
This facility is under the control of the University's Radiation Safety Committee. The mission of the Committee is to provide the means necessary for personnel to protect themselves, their coworkers, the general public, and the environment from detrimental effects of radioactive materials in accordance with the governmental regulations. Fulfillment of this mission relies strongly on fostering a spirit of cooperation and compliance in personnel working with radioisotopes and instilling the necessary knowledge of regulations and safety procedures through formal education and training sessions, and personal contacts.
Being aware of how to protect themselves, as well as the significance of their role in radiation protection, each radiation worker must cooperate in radiation protection at his or her establishment.
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E-mail：kyouhou@marianna-u.ac.jp |
