Guidance Info
ALARA Principles
ALARA is As Low As Reasonably Achievable.
ALARA is a basic principle of working with radioactive materials and the University has established an ALARA Policy. This principle refers to keeping doses and releases as low as we can achieve. Therefore, the goal is to keep any exposures as far below the limits as possible.
Work Tips 
Pre Work:
- Order and use only the amount of radioactive material necessary to perform experiments.
Dry-run: Try the experiment without radioactive material first to familiarize yourself with the experiment and equipment. - Wear protective clothing:
- Laboratory Coat
- Gloves
- Protective Glasses/Goggles
- Do not wear open-toed sandals or shoes in the laboratory.
Contamination Prevention: Work in designated radioactive materials areas on benches covered with an absorbent liner.
While Working:
- When working with liquids be aware of the potential for splashes, splatters or spills.
Store stock solutions in secondary packing when not in use, such as the plastic container used for shipping. - Clean loose and removable contamination.
- Minimize time spent near radioactive materials.
- Keep as much distance between yourself and the radiation source(s) as possible.
- Use shielding to maintain radiation exposures as low as possible. Consider shielding needs of others who may be behind or next to your experiment.
- Survey materials and equipment before removing it from the work area.
Post-Work:
- Minimize and properly dispose of radioactive waste.
- Store radioactive material (stock material, waste) as far as practical from the working area and behind sufficient shielding.
- Secure all radioactive materials.
- Perform a comprehensive post experimental and personal survey.
- Wash hands before leaving the area.
Email radiation_protection at harvard dot edu to send comments and suggestions to the Radiation Protection Office
