Article by Colette Faiella, Photo of Erin East performing a radioactive package survey.
The Receiving End: A Look at Mizzou's Hottest Deliveries
How does radioactive material safely arrive on a busy campus? It’s a key responsibility of Environmental Health & Safety (EHS), supervised and regulated by our dedicated Radiation Safety Staff. From the moment a package arrives to its final decommissioning, we have rigorous protocols in place. Our Radiation Safety Specialist explains the process.
What We Do: RAM Package Receipt and Delivery
Our department plays a vital role in managing the safe and compliant handling of Radioactive Material (RAM) packages at the University of Missouri. For those unfamiliar with our process, here’s a simplified look at how we ensure radioactive materials are handled properly from the moment they arrive to the point of delivery.
Before a RAM package even reaches campus, a permitted individual must submit a RAM Requisition. This entry includes key information about the expected package, such as the type of radionuclide and its physical form. These requisitions help us prepare for incoming shipments and ensure everything is in place for a safe and efficient receipt.
Once a package arrives at our facility, it must be processed within three working hours in accordance with Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regulations. Our trained team inspects each package, checks for removable contamination by swiping the exterior, and measures radiation levels to confirm compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) limits. Until verified, every package is treated as potentially contaminated.
If the package meets all safety standards, its information is entered into our inventory system (EHSA), the necessary documentation is completed, and it’s prepared for delivery. We use a designated and secured university vehicle for RAM transport, with strict safety procedures in place throughout the journey. Upon arrival at the delivery location, we conduct another contamination check to ensure the package remained secure in transit.
The package is then handed off directly to an authorized radiation worker, who signs the paperwork to confirm receipt. Once delivery is complete, we finalize records and analyze the transport swipe to ensure everything is compliant and properly documented.
From start to finish, our team works to ensure radioactive materials are handled responsibly, tracked accurately, and delivered safely — all while supporting the important research taking place at Mizzou.