The following are the requirements to use a cesium irradiator:

1. Register with the Division of Radiation Safety (DRS)
2. Complete online training course “Radiation Safety for Irradiator Users”
3. Arrange for hands-on training for the specific irradiator you want to use.
4. Complete at least one irradiation procedure while being escorted by an approved user.
5. Document the completion of hands-on training by the approved user via an email to DRS.
6. Be formally added to the DRS list as a Designated User of an irradiator, with escort only.

The following are the requirements to use a cobalt irradiator:

1. Register with the Division of Radiation Safety (DRS)
2. Contact DRS for further irradiator-specific training requirements.

The following are the requirements to access an irradiator room without escort:

1. Update to the individual’s NED record by the Administrative Officer, to ensure the required new fields are completed:
   • CAN #
   • Place of Birth
   • Position Sensitivity level (level 5 for Bldg 33 or IRF/Frederick; level 1 for all other irradiators)
   • Sponsor information – and any other field requested by the A.O.
     
2. Completion of a recent security background investigation initiated by DPSAC (contact DRS for the Initiation Request form) and successful electronic fingerprinting clearance through FBI criminal history database within the last five years.
3. Completion of a Supervisory Assessment form, provided by DRS based on the following categories
• For an NIH Employee “Greater Than 3 years at NIH”, form requires completion of a trustworthiness statement by the supervisor.
  
• For a Contractor or for an NIH Employee "Less Than 3 years at NIH", form requires personal reference checks, employment history verification and education verification being attested to by the supervisor.
4. Review and completion of agreement to adhere to Irradiator Security requirements, provided by DRS.

The Irradiator Security Manager is listed below, and may be contacted for any questions related to irradiator access:

Catherine Ribaudo, Chief
Radioactive Materials Control and Analysis Branch
301-594-1303 (direct)
301-496-5774 (main)
301-496-3544 (fax)