Environmental Health and Safety
Radiation Safety
Safety Areas and Information
A radiation machine is any device capable of electrically producing ionizing radiation (the term excludes devices containing radioactive material). The purpose of the radiation machine safety program is to ensure that any x-ray systems or particle accelerators are purchased, used, stored and disposed of correctly.
Radioactive material is any material (solid, liquid, or gas) that emits radiation spontaneously and exceeds a quantity listed in the Rhode Island Code of Regulations: Title 216, Chapter 40, Subchapter 20, 7.9.2. The purpose of the radioactive material safety program is to ensure that unsealed primary vials and sealed sources are purchased, used, stored and disposed of correctly.
Radiofrequency refers to radiation in the 3 kilohertz (kHz) to 300 gigahertz (GHz) region of the electrometric spectrum. The purpose of the radiofrequency (RF) safety program is to educate the Brown community about radiofrequency radiation.
Near ultraviolet refers to any ultraviolet (UV) light in the 180 to 400 nanometer wavelength region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The purpose of the UV safety program is to ensure the members of the Brown community avoid adverse effects from overexposure to UV radiation.
Magnetic fields refer to a strong static magnet, a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) system or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system. The purpose of the static magnetic field safety program is to ensure superconducting magnets and liquid cryogens are stored and used properly.
Brown University laser safety program provides guidance on the safe use of lasers. While all lasers and laser systems (Class 1, Class 1M, Class 2, Class 2M and Class 3R, Class 3B and Class 4) should be used with caution, the program's purpose is to specifically ensure that all Class 3B or Class 4 lasers are purchased, used, stored and disposed of properly.
Extremely low frequency refers to electric and magnetic fields in the 1 hertz (Hz) to 100 kilohertz (kHz) region of the electrometric spectrum. The purpose of the extremely low frequency (ELF) safety program is to educate the Brown community about electric and magnetic fields found near utility power supply lines, large electrical equipment and mains electrical wiring.
Resources
Radiation Safety Contacts
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Mark Dirksen
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Richard Shea