Old Dominion University is licensed to use radioactive materials by the Virginia Department of Health and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The University Radiation Safety Committee (RSC) oversees the conduct of the Radiation Protection Program and establishes policies and procedures for the safe handling of radioactive material and radiation-producing machines. Common sources of radiation used at the University include diagnostic and analytical X-ray machines, Nickel-63 foils in electron capture detectors, sealed sources, and radio-labeled chemicals (such as nucleotides and amino acids labeled with tritium, carbon-14, and phosphorous-32). The University's Radiation Protection Manual outlines the requirements for the possession and use of radioactive materials and radiation-producing machines.
Due to the potential hazards associated with laser radiation, the University manages the use of laser equipment through the Laser Safety Program. The Laser Safety Manual outlines the policies and procedures for the safe use of lasers at the University.
Persons intending to operate a Class 3B or Class 4 laser must submit form LSC-1, "Application for the Operation of Lasers and Laser Systems" to ehsdept@odu.edu.
The LSO and Laser Safety Committee will review the application and request additional information if necessary. The LSO must approve the application prior to operating the laser.
For questions or concerns regarding radioactive materials, radiation-producing machines (xrays) or laser safety, please contact:
Env. Health & Safety Office
683-4495
ehsdept@odu.edu