Radiation/Laser Safety Homepage

The University has sought and received a Specific Broad-Scope License from the Arkansas Department of Health, authorizing campus use of radionuclides. The ASU Radiation Safety Program has been established to comply with the terms of the license and with all regulations that govern the use of radioactive materials. Its components include: 1) incorporation of all federal, state, and local regulations that govern the safe use of radionuclides; 2) development of policies and procedures for radiation safety to provide guidance to qualified personnel and ancillary staff in the safe use of radionuclides;; and 3) appointment of a radiation safety officer to assure University compliance with all relevant regulations. Concomitantly, the University has established a Laser Safety Program to ensure the safe use of lasers by identifying hazards, providing medical surveillance, and providing laser safety training for individuals who use lasers.

The Radiation/Laser Safety Committee was established by the University to evaluate research protocols that use:

• Radioactive materials

• Class 2, 3, or 4 lasers

Investigators who propose to use radioactive materials in their research must contact the University's Radiation Safety Officer, Dr. Ron Johnson, at rlj@astate.edu to enroll in training. Investigators who propose to use Class 2-4 lasers in their research must enroll in laser safety training.

Investigators proposing to use radioactive materials and/or lasers in their research projects must submit protocols to the Radiation/Laser Safety Committee before work can commence. Protocols must be submitted to IRBNet at IRBNet.org.

Radiation Safety Committee

The members of the University's Radiation/Laser Safety Committee are as follows:

• Andrew Sustich, Ph.D., Chair, Radiation Safety Committee

• Ron Johnson, PhD., RSO

• Ben Rougeau, DVM, Assistant RSO

• David Gilmore, Ph.D

• Starr Fenner, MPA, CHMM

• Richard Grippo, Ph.D.

• Ray Winters, M.S., RT (R) (CT)

• John Pratte, Ph.D.

For additional information, please refer to the University's Governing Principles for Radiation and Laser Safety and the Research Office's FAQs. For additional information, please call the Office of Research at 870-972-3032.