Emergency Procedures
Emergency Procedures
SPILLS
- Notify people in vicinity.
- Restrict access to area.
- Notify Radiation Safety Program. Refer to Emergency Contact List.
- Soak up liquids in absorbents or wet down dry powders to prevent spreading.
- Close hood door and shut down fans that might circulate radioactivity.
- Isolate area until decontamination can be initiated.
- Continue cleanup with the assistance of the Radiation Safety Program.
- At the end of cleanup, monitor personnel.
- Remove protective clothing and monitor self before leaving area.
- Complete and submit to the Radiation Safety Office a Radioactive Materials Incident and/or Accident Report.
BIOASSAYS AND MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE
A person who has been exposed to excessive levels of radiation may be required to undergo bioassays and medical surveillance.
General Decontamination Procedures
Washing gently with soap and water is the best general method for decontamination of the hands and other parts of the body regardless of the isotope.
Extreme caution must be taken to avoid cuts or puncture wounds. In the event that the skin is broken in an accident while working with radioactive substances, immediate action should be taken to remove possible contamination. Wash the wound under large volumes of running water immediately and spread the gash to permit flushing action by the water.
PERSONAL DECONTAMINATION OF SKIN
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- Wash the affected area thoroughly for 2 to 3 minutes with a mild pure soap and lukewarm water. Rinse thoroughly, dry, and monitor. Repeat washings as deemed necessary.
- The Radiation Safety Program must be contacted immediately in the event of any personal contamination.
GENERAL AREA AND EQUIPMENT DECONTAMINATION
Laboratory Surfaces
Isolate contaminated areas. Use soap and water or cleaners to decon, always working toward the area of highest contamination. Retain rinse solution for assay prior to disposal if the activity levels are high. Check area by direct survey and swipe samples.
Another alternative, especially for cases of stubborn resistance to decontamination, is to cut out the contaminated piece of surface (under RSP supervision) for disposal.