The Radiation Safety and Hazardous Materials Committee (RSHMC) was formed in 1978 when the University of North Dakota began the process of obtaining a Type A broad scope radioactive material license to replace the more restrictive specific licenses held by individual researchers. A committee was appointed by the University President in 1979 to develop and submit a radiation safety program, manual and license application to the North Dakota Department of Health. It was approved by the State Health Department in 1980 and the Radiation Safety Committee was subsequently established under State Health Department Rules. In 1981 its charge was broadened to include responsibility for the policies and procedures for all hazardous chemicals.