The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is responsible for regulating the use of most radioactive materials and the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is responsible for regulating the use of energized equipment including x-ray machines, x-ray diffraction units, electron microscopes, and some radioactive material. The University of Pennsylvania has been granted licenses by the NRC and DEP to use radioactive material and x-ray producing equipment. Affiliated institutions, including Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, operate under these licenses. The University of Pennsylvania must follow the applicable NRC and DEP regulations as well as specific procedures stated in both licenses. Copies of regulations and the NRC and DEP licenses are available for review in the Office of Environmental Health and Radiation Safety (EHRS).
The Radiation Safety Committee (RSC) is the committee responsible for development and administration of the radiation safety program at the University of Pennsylvania and affiliated institutions. It establishes policies and enforces compliance with the program. The RSC has the authority and responsibility for approval of all proposals for radioactive material and/or x-ray use. The RSC meets on at least a quarterly basis.