The RLSS is always available for assistance or guidance regarding laboratory chemical use by emailing rlss-chem-support@email.arizona.edu or calling 520-626-6850.

Additionally, other University departments are available for specific questions:

All surveys (both monthly and after-use) must include:

• Date survey was performed
• Initials of the surveyor
• A background count or count rate
• Location(s) surveyed
• Results for each location
• Follow-up survey results, if necessary

To be compliant with OSHA regulations, all laboratory workers under a Hazardous Chemical Approval must read both the University Chemical Hygiene Plan and the Laboratory Chemical Hygiene Plan for that Approval. All laboratory workers must also affirm that they understand the information within these plans, and are aware that they can seek assistance from the RLSS and their Approval Holder if needed. Workers will be reminded by the RLSS User Dashboard to complete this affirmation annually, or upon amendment of the plans.

Laboratory-Specific Chemical Safety Training is required by the UA Laboratory Chemical Safety Program for all hazardous chemical laboratory workers, in addition to the online General Laboratory Chemical Safety Training. This training must be provided by the Approval Holder or Approval Safety Coordinator of a laboratory to every hazardous chemical worker under their Approval.

The method depends on what radionuclide(s) your approval is approved to possess and use:

Hazardous chemical workers must complete the online General Laboratory Chemical Safety Training provided through the RLSS online training website and receive laboratory specific training from their Approval Safety Coordinator or their Approval Holder. Additional training may be required, such as respirator or fire extinguisher training. Chemical Safety Training Information.

The RLSS User Dashboard is the major communication hub between the laboratory and the RLSS. It maintains pertinent records related to safety and compliance for the Approval Holder’s laboratory. These records include training requirements and completion records, laboratory hazardous chemical inventories, relevant plans (i.e. the University Chemical Hygiene Plan and the Approval Holder’s Laboratory Chemical Hygiene Plan), and worker affirmations to these plans.

• All areas where radioactive material is used or stored
• Commonly touched items, such as light switches, RAM storage area exterior surfaces, telephones, tools, equipment controls, door handles, or computer keyboards/mice
• Commonly travelled floor areas such as entrances or exits and the floor near RAM use areas, waste storage locations and frequently used equipment

Prospective Approval Holders register their laboratory or set of laboratories in the Laboratory Chemical Safety Program by completing the New Lab Registration and Assessment.  You will be contacted by the RLSS within 3 business days after registration submission to schedule an initial visit.

Any radiation worker listed on your approval may perform and document a monthly survey.