ZENTRALBEREICH Neuenheimer Feld Radiation protection instructions
The radiation protection instructions of Heidelberg University stipulate the following:
- handling of other radioactive substances, operation of X-ray equipment and interference emitters at Heidelberg University (cf. §§ 12 & 19 StrlSchG),
- employment of members and affiliates of Heidelberg University in external facilities (cf. § 25 StrlSchG) and transport of radioactive substances (cf. § 27 StrlSchG),
- compliance with principles of radiation protection, organisation of radiation protection at Heidelberg University, and implementation of any legally required measures to maintain safe operations at Heidelberg University,
- Annexes to these radiation protection instructions for Heidelberg University contain regulations that are subject to regular updates. The annexes are provided digitally within Heidelberg University; statutory posting requirements must be observed.
- Local and activity-specific radiation protection instructions stipulate local and activity-specific special features that are not covered by these radiation protection instructions. Local and usage-specific radiation protection instructions will be provided digitally within Heidelberg University; statutory posting requirements must be observed.
Complete radiation protection instructions of Heidelberg University as PDF
Radiation Protection Instruction for Heidelberg University
*Please contact Department 2.3 – Radiation Protection of the SERVICE CENTRE Neuenheimer Feld directly if you have any questions.
Radiation protection organization and contact persons
IMPORTANT NOTICES
Avoidance of danger
Operation of X-ray systems and interference emitters as well as handling of radioactive substances may cause a risk of external exposure and, when handling open radioactive substances, a risk of incorporation with a potential danger to the life and health of the members or affiliates of Heidelberg University or third parties at improper use. All necessary technical and organisational measures must, therefore, be implemented and complied with at all times so that - the limit values for occupationally exposed persons in accordance with § 78 of the Radiation Protection Act (Strahlenschutzgesetz; StrlSchG) and for the general public in accordance with § 80 StrlSchG are not exceeded, as well as that - unnecessary exposures are avoided and - unavoidable exposures are minimised.
Behaviour upon detection of radioactive substances
A radiation protection officer must be called in immediately and the Radiation Protection Department of the SERVICE CENTRE Neuenheimer Feld must be informed if (potentially) radioactive substances, X-ray equipment, or interference emitters are found. The department shall determine measures for securing and transporting the items. All substances on which labelling or marking suggests the presence of any radioactive substance shall be considered potentially radioactive substances. This includes, in particular, chemicals that contain uranium and thorium or welding electrodes, containers, or small parts that are marked with ECD, the emitter, the source, but also any containers bearing radioactivity symbols. Under no circumstances must such materials and devices be disposed of in the conventional household waste or as laboratory waste or sewage.
Medical supervision
Occupationally exposed persons in category A must only perform tasks relevant to radiation protection if they have been examined by an authorised doctor in accordance with § 77 StrlSchV within the last 12 months before performing the task and the SSV has a certificate issued by this doctor that states that the activity does not give rise to any health concerns. The medical examination must be repeated every year. Occupationally exposed persons in category B are only subject to mandatory examination if the competent public authority has generally ordered this or has specified it for individual cases.
Appointments for examinations must be arranged with the doctor authorised under radiation protection law by:
University Hospital Heidelberg
AöR occupational medical service
Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3
D-69120 Heidelberg
Phone: +49 6221 56-8966
Working behaviour – generally applicable rules
The basic rules of radiation protection shall apply when handling radioactive substances:
- Maintaining distance
- Limiting the time spent in the immediate vicinity of the radiation source
- Use of suitable shielding
The protective equipment provided must be used when handling other radioactive substances and when operating X-ray equipment or interference emitters (see activity-related instructions in local or specific Radiation Protection Instructions). They must be in perfect working order. Every person working in radiation protection areas at Heidelberg University must organise and perform their work so avoid any danger to others. Defects in radiation protection, control, or measuring equipment must be reported to the competent SSB without undue delay. The competent SSB generally must be available on site or at short notice (usually within 30 minutes). Deviations and detailed specifications must be stipulated in the local or application-specific Radiation Protection Instructions. Possible exposure must be assessed by the competent SSB when preparing and performing any new work projects. Work procedures and protective measures must be selected to minimise exposure as far as is reasonably achievable. Special rules of conduct can be found in the local or operation-specific Radiation Protection Instructions.