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39 Radiation for Radionuclide Users personnel. In most situations, a properly calibrated GM meter can give a reasonable estimate of the dose rate. Facility Audits by the Radiation Safety Officer Inorder toensure that safety rulesareobservedand that radioactive materials have been adequately controlled, the radiation safety staff conduct routine audits of radionuclide laboratories. During the course of each audit, both external radiation levels and surface contamination levels are monitored. Also reviewed at this time are the investigator’s radionuclide inventory and contamination survey records. Any problems encountered by the radiation safety staff during the audit are normally discussed with the laboratory supervisor and, when necessary, with the principal investigator. Basic Procedures, Practices, and Rules for the Safe Use of Radioactive Materials In general, both internal and external exposures to ionizing radiation can be maintained ALARA through the adherence by radioactive material users to a number of standard procedures, practices, and rules: 1. Smoking, eating or drinking shall not be permitted in radionuclide laboratories. 2. Food, beverages and their containers shall not be permitted in the laboratory. 3. Pipetting by mouth shall not be permitted in radionuclide laboratories. 4. Microwave ovens in radionuclide laboratories shall not be used for heating food or beverages for personal use. 5. Individuals who have not been approved for radionuclide use shall not work with or handle radioactive materials. 6. A“Caution-Radioactive Material” sign shall be conspicuously posted at each entrance (e.g. on the door) of a radionuclide laboratory. Such signs or labels shall also be affixed at locations within the laboratory where radionuclides are used or stored (e.g. hoods, refrigerators, microwave ovens, etc.). Also posted within the laboratory in a conspicuous place shall be a copy of “Emergency Rules” and the “Notice to Employees.” 7. Radionuclide work areas shall be clearly designated and should, to the extent possible, be isolated from the rest of the laboratory. The work area shall be within a hood if the radioactive material to be used is in a volatile form. 8. All work surfaces shall be covered with absorbent paper which should be changed regularly to prevent the build-up of contamination.