Security of radioactive material at academic institutions

In recent years, regulatory emphasis on the prevention of loss, theft and intentional misuse of radioactive materials at academic institutions has forced radiation safety personnel to devote increasing amounts of time and effort to address security issues. NRC regulations require that radioactive materials used or stored in controlled or unrestricted areas be secure from unauthorized removal or be under constant surveillance when in use. This leaves open to interpretation what types of security are required for radioactive materials in restricted areas. Adhering to the goal of keeping exposures As Low As Reasonable Achievable (ALARA), a risk-based system for radioactive materials security in a university setting is proposed based on Annual Limits of Intake (ALI). This system establishes levels of security based on physical form, activity and concentration. Using this system, radiation safety personnel can more effectively establish reasonable security measures for radioactive material consistent with minimizing the realistic potential of serious harm or injury.