Gas Chromatograph units generally present no external radiation exposure hazard, but State of NC Radiation Protection Section regulations require these instruments be registered and labeled as radiation-producing equipment. Modifications, repairs or removal of the radiation source  must never be attempted by lab personnel due to the potential for causing a sealed source leak resulting in radioactive contamination. Radiation Safety Division staff perform a routine physical inventory and source leak test on all GC units in 6-month intervals.

Principal Investigators are responsible for contacting the NCSU Radiation Safety Division in advance of the situations listed below:

Purchasing Gas Chromatograph Units

When a gas chromatograph is to be purchased thru the NCSU Purchasing Division or another agency it must be registered thru the NCSU Radiation Safety Division. It is the responsibility of the Principal Investigator to submit form “RS-10 Radiation Producing Device Authorization Form”  or  “RS-10A CVM VTH Radiation Producing Device Authorization Form” to the Radiation Safety Division before obtaining the device. (RSM link – p.16 Section 3.10)

Accepting Donated Gas Chromatograph Units

When a gas chromatograph is to be donated to NCSU by any outside institution, agency or individual it must be registered thru the NCSU Radiation Safety Division. It is the responsibility of the Principal Investigator to submit form “RS-10 Radiation Producing Device Authorization Form” to the Radiation Safety Division before obtaining the device. These units must have a source leak test performed before use. (RSM link – p.16 Section 3.10)

Re-Location of Gas Chromatograph Units

When a gas chromatograph currently at NCSU is to be moved from its location either within the same department or to another department or building, the Radiation Safety Division must be notified prior to relocation or transfer of ownership (e.g., from one PI to another PI) of the gas chromatograph. Relocation also includes moving a gas chromatograph to a different room within the same building for the same PI or another PI.

Surplus or Disposal of Gas Chromatograph Units

Gas chromatograph units cannot be sent to NCSU Materials Management containing the radiation source. Contact the Radiation Safety Division for radioactive source removal options. (RSM link – p. 25 Section 11)

Modifications or Repairs of Gas Chromatograph Units

When repairs or modifications are performed on the gas chromatograph by an authorized factory technician, the Radiation Safety Division must be notified before the instrument is put into service.