Off-Campus Shipments/Transfers

Radioactive material is a class 7 Hazardous Material/Dangerous Goods as defined by Department of Transportation (DOT) 49 CFR Part 173 and International Air Transport Association (IATA) 10.0, respectively. Shipments of radioactive material to off-campus locations may be done only by personnel who have received the necessary training. Contact the Division of Research Safety (DRS) to determine what training is required.  

Any researcher preparing, packaging, labeling, or offering material for transport must take the following DRS online Training; Awareness Training for the Transport of Hazardous Materials. For shipments that qualify as radiological material in excepted quantities, function-specific training is available from DRS. 

DRS personnel will ensure that the radioactive material is properly packaged and in compliance with shipping regulations. All such shipments are handled on a case-by-case basis. Contact the DRS at 217-333-2755 or via email for assistance.

On-Campus Transfers

Transfers of radioactive materials within the campus may occur between mutually agreeable principal investigators (PIs) after authorization by DRS. These are regarded as “on-campus” transfers. A PI is not permitted to dispense radioactive materials on a routine basis to other researchers. DRS will approve procedures for recurring transfers of radioactive materials over a period of time on a case-by-case basis. The steps for the transfer of radioactive material are:

GIVER:

1. Request permission by contacting DRS. Provide the following information:
   • Radiation permit number and name of the individual to receive the materials;
   • Location where materials will be used/stored by the recipient;
   • Isotopes and amounts (mCi) to be transferred.
2. Ensure that the material is properly packaged for transport (e.g., secondary containment with appropriate shielding as necessary and labeled with a radioactive symbol).
3. Maintain written records of all transfers including isotopes, amounts, dates, and documentation of contamination surveys of packages.

RECEIVER:

1. Maintain accurate records of the receipt (isotope, quantity, date, from whom that material was received).
2. Ensure that the radioactive material is stored properly.

Ordering and Receiving Radioactive Material

A radiation permit is required to order and receive radiological material. More information is available on the DRS Obtaining Radioactive Material page.