12. Ordering and receipt of isotopes
Contents
12.1 Ordering Radioisotopes
Only a person authorised by their Head of School/Unit (e.g. the DRPS) is permitted to order radiochemicals, and all orders must be submitted on one of the University of St. Andrews 'Unsealed Radioisotope Source Record Book' forms (See Appendix 18). No order should be placed which may exceed the limits set by the SEPA Certificates of Registration or Authorization.
12.2 Receipt of Radionuclides
Arrangements must be made with the supplier (or delivery company) that the radionuclide(s) are received by a member of staff and locked away in a designated store as soon as practicable.
NOTE: SOURCES MUST NEVER BE DELIVERED AND LEFT UNATTENDED AS THIS IS A CONTRAVENTION OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SEPA CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION AND MAY RESULT IN PROSECUTION.
It is vital that the School/Unit produce specific written procedures for the acceptance of radionuclide sources. These procedures should include:
- Check that appropriate documentation has arrived with the source;
- Check the source is that which was ordered;
- The amount present is that which was ordered;
- There is an appropriate label on the source identifying the radionuclide and the activity of the source;
- The source is not leaking from its container;
- The source is given an appropriate identification mark as soon as possible;
- The 'Sealed Radioisotope Source Record' form for the isotope is completed;
- The source is then placed in a safe place under lock and key.
When a source is received, the accompanying documents should be examined and the source unpacked as soon as possible to ensure that it is as ordered.