University Recognized for Expertise in Handling Radioactive Material

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Arkansas Department of Health is recognizing the University of Arkansas’ ability to safely handle radioactive material by issuing a license to allow the university greater autonomy in the administration of a program controlling the use of radioactive materials in research on campus.

The University of Arkansas has operated its radiation safety program for the past decade under the terms of a Specific License from the Department of Health. A Specific License limits the type and amount of radionuclides the university’s radiation program can possess. The authorized users of radioactive materials are listed on the license by name. The Specific License also requires an amendment to the license for every program change, with the Health Department maintaining close oversight of the facilities and all procedures related to the radiation safety program.

The Health Department is upgrading that license and will formally present the University of Arkansas with a Broad Scope License at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 10, during a ceremony in room 410 of the Administration Building.

Broad Scope License is generally issued to institutions and organizations that use a larger range in type and quantity of radioactive materials and therefore need the flexibility to modify facilities and procedures, and to approve new users, without needing a license amendment or the express approval of the Health Department. Under the terms of the Broad Scope License, the university’s radiation safety program is administered by a Radiation Safety Committee and managed by the Radiation Safety Officer. The license authorizes the university to acquire, possess, use and transfer any chemical or physical form of the radioactive material specified in the license, as long as the maximum quantities specified in the license are not exceeded.

“Currently, the University of Arkansas is experiencing unprecedented growth in research and development in all areas of biological, physical, and agricultural sciences and engineering, and that inevitably involves increased use of radionuclides,” said Mike Johnson, associate vice chancellor for facilities. “The Broad Scope License will allow the university the degree of autonomy and flexibility needed to further enhance its standing as a nationally competitive research institution in the 21st century.

“We greatly appreciate the continued assistance we have received from the Department of Health, particularly the Radiation Control Section, and for the trust manifested by the department in awarding the Broad Scope License.”

The Broad Scope License is only issued to institutions that have a good safety and compliance history, based on periodic regulatory inspections of activities. Institutions must also have the administrative structure, organization and procedures in place to ensure safe operation of the program. During the past several years, the university has worked diligently with the Health Department to develop and maintain an exemplary radiation safety program under the terms of a Specific License. In addition, the radiation safety professionals at the university forged a partnership with the Health Department to complete projects that resulted in the elimination of legacy waste and the decommissioning of unused facilities. The partnership also enabled the university to excavate a permitted low-level radioactive materials burial site and dispose of the materials, returning the site to green space.