If you would like to apply for a radiation source permit, contact the Radiation Safety Staff office at 301-504-2440.

All uses of radioactive materials or x-ray producing equipment within USDA locations requires the issuance of a Radiation Source Permit by the USDA Radiation Safety Staff.   Only permanent USDA employees will be issued a Permit. Temporary duty employees can become an associate user on another individual's Permit.

Since the USDA has been issued a specific license that regulates the use of byproduct material by the NRC, the control of all radioactive materials (even some radioactive materials exempt from licensing) is required.   One exception exists to this requirement. USDA locations at state universities are required to use that university's radiation safety program. This occurs only when the university and the USDA have a specific agreement in place that allows the university to control radioactive materials and x-ray producing equipment. Individuals who wish to perform cooperative research with universities should discuss the requirements with the Radiation Safety Office at the university and the USDA Radiation Safety Staff.

• Categories of Permits