South Florida VA Foundation for Research & Education

Laboratory Safety

 Radioactive Materials

     All Research Projects which include the use of radioisotopes require an Application for the Use of Radioactive Materials to be completed and submitted along with the Research Protocol.  

      Please note that all purchase orders for radioactive materials must be signed and recorded by the Radiation Safety Officer (Dr. Russell Isaacks) or Alternate Radiation Safety Officer to assure NRC license compliance and possession limits.  Transfer of Radioactive materials between the VAMC and other institutions is prohibited except where both are licensed for the same material.  All transfers must be made between Radiation Safety Officers for recording into the records.  Please direct questions regarding the order of radioisotopes to Ines Robles or Dr. Isaacks. All Principal Investigators and technicians handling radioactive materials must attend at least one radioisotope training session each year.  

Radioactive Materials Application Form Aug 1997            (Word)           

 Biohazard/Chemical Hazard Information Involving Research

     Virtually all studies, even clinical studies, in which bodily fluids (blood, urine, etc.) or tissues are collected require the completion and submission of a Biohazard Information Form.  Additionally, a laboratory-specific Chemical and Biosafety Plan may be required, as determined by the Chemical Hygiene & Biosafety Committee.

Biohazard/Chemical Hazard Information Form for Research              (Word)              (PDF)

 Infection Control Policy &
Exposure Control Plan for Bloodborne Pathogens

     The first section of this manual describes the Research Service infection control policy and procedures.  The second section describes the Research Service bloodborne pathogens exposure control plan in accordance with OSHA requirements. The appendix contains the OSHA regulations.

Infection Control Policy & Exposure Control Plan for Research                 (PDF)
Appendix  (OSHA Regulations)                                                                   (PDF)