The use of radioactive material by a minor under the age of 16, is prohibited. The use of radioactive material by minors (aged 16 and 17) is generally restricted, but may be permitted with special approval from the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO). Request must be made, by an authorized user, in writing and include conditions of use by the minor, and commitment that a trained NIH staff member will provide direct supervision of all radioactive material use by the minor. Parental consent will be obtained as part of the review and approval process. Prior to any use, the minor will successfully complete both the laboratory safety and radiation safety in the laboratory courses. Minors will not be permitted to handle source vials. Any observation or indication that an approved minor is working with radioactive material without direct supervision will result in the immediate suspension of the authorized user's privilege to order and receive radioactive material.

This policy proposal was unanimously approved by the NIH RSC at their meeting on 12/07/2000.

APPROVED BY:

Lance Liotta, M.D., Ph.D.

Chair, Radiation Safety Committee, NIH

Michael M. Gottesman, M.D.

Deputy Director for Intramural Research, NIH

(Original is signed by Drs. Liotta and Gottesman, 12/08/2000)