Radiation Safety

Carnegie Mellon University’s radiation safety policy applies to the use of sources of radiation in the various teaching, research, and operating activities. The purpose of the Radiation Safety Program (RSP) is to provide a structure and organization that ensures continuing implementation of the radiation safety policy throughout the university.

New initiatives are continually being developed and many existing programs are in place now. Please refer to this site often to remain informed of our program.

Carnegie Mellon University operates under a license and regulations set forth by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)-Bureau of Radiation Protection, Title 10 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), and the  Title 25, for the procurement, possession, transportation, and use of all radioactive materials and radiation-producing machinery.

As part of these regulations, the university is required to develop and maintain a radiation safety program. This program must assure compliance with these regulations and maintain radiation exposures to all individuals “as low as reasonably achievable” (ALARA).

The university has put forth various policies, procedures, and guidelines to establish a safe work environment for personnel who work with radioisotopes, x-ray producing equipment, and other sources of ionizing radiation.