risk management
Radiation Safety Office
| The Medical University of South Carolina holds a license for the use of radioactive material. The license is granted by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control under the auspices of the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Provisions of the license require MUSC to be in full compliance with all regulations regarding ionizing radiation required by both federal and state statutes. The Radiation Safety Office's mission, under direction of the MUSC Radiation Safety Committee, is to ensure compliance and provide support to any areas within MUSC utilizing radiation for research or patient care. The Radiation Safety Office monitors all activities involving radiation and maintains exposures "As Low As Reasonably Achievable" (ALARA), to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for employees and patients. An interactive system of inspections, audits, training and emergency preparedness is in place to assure safe radiation management. Surveys of radiation producing equipment are performed routinely. Calibration of radiation measuring devices is performed by the Radiation Safety Office staff. Patients who receive radiotherapy treatments and research subjects involved in radioisotope research studies are monitored by staff members. The Office also develops radiation shielding plans for new and existing construction. Safe disposal of radioactive waste is provided to all radioactive material users. | ||