Electron Microscope
Electron microscopes generally present a minimal radiation exposure hazard, but State of NC Radiation Protection Section regulations require these instruments be officially registered and labeled as radiation-producing equipment. Modifications and repairs that involve the disassembly of the shielding require that the instrument be surveyed by NC State Radiation Safety staff to check for possible x-ray radiation leakage. Radiation surveys must also be performed for any newly installed or relocated electron microscope.
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 staff perform a routine physical inventory and source leak test on all GC units in 6-month intervals.
Liquid Scintillation Counters
While liquid scintillation counter units (LSC) generally present no external radiation exposure hazard, state and federal 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. Radiation Safety staff perform inventory checks and source leak tests on all LSC units in 6-month intervals.