Radioisotope Radioisotope Laboratory SafetyLaboratory Safety

Conrad Sherman Conrad Sherman x9-3911x9-3911RSO/Health PhysicistRSO/Health Physicist

Marcus Balanky Marcus Balanky x9-5167x9-5167ARSO/ Health PhysicistARSO/ Health Physicist

Vern Ares Vern Ares x9-5167x9-5167Assistant Health PhysicistAssistant Health Physicist

Environmental Health & SafetyEnvironmental Health & SafetyRadiation SafetyRadiation Safety(831) 459-3911(831) 459-3911

IntroductionIntroduction

1.1. IntroductionIntroduction

2.2. Fundamentals ReviewFundamentals Review

3.3. Radiation Survey InstrumentsRadiation Survey Instruments

BreakBreak

4.4. Controlling Radiation ExposureControlling Radiation Exposure

5.5. Operating Procedures & RecordsOperating Procedures & Records

6.6. Emergency ProceduresEmergency Procedures

The ultimate goal of radiation safety training

is the development of a safety culture. While the overall

responsibility for the development of such a culture rests with management, the ultimate

responsibility for the practice of safety rests with each individual.

Radiation Safety Fundamentals

New Radiation User

Dependent UserLearns "hands-on" skills from a

more experienced user.

Annual Refresher Training

RadioisotopeLaboratory

Safety

Sealed SourceSafety

X-rayProducingMachineSafety

You are here

Radiation Safety Training RequiredRadiation Safety Training Required

The NRC considers training the most The NRC considers training the most important way to control exposure to important way to control exposure to ionizing radiation. ionizing radiation.

This radiation safety class is all that is This radiation safety class is all that is needed to work safely with radioactive needed to work safely with radioactive material. (TRUE / FALSE)material. (TRUE / FALSE)

Fundamentals ReviewFundamentals Review

1.1. IntroductionIntroduction

2.2. Fundamentals ReviewFundamentals Review

3.3. Radiation Survey InstrumentsRadiation Survey Instruments

BreakBreak

4.4. Controlling Radiation ExposureControlling Radiation Exposure

5.5. Operating Procedures & RecordsOperating Procedures & Records

6.6. Emergency ProceduresEmergency Procedures

Review of FundamentalsReview of Fundamentals

Radiation and RadioactivityRadiation and Radioactivity UnitsUnits

ActivityActivity ExposureExposure DoseDose Dose EquivalentDose Equivalent

Radiation Vs. RadioactivityRadiation Vs. Radioactivity

RadiationRadiation RadiationRadiation is a process of emission of energy or is a process of emission of energy or

particles. Various forms of radiation may be particles. Various forms of radiation may be distinguished, depending on the type of the emitted distinguished, depending on the type of the emitted energy/matter, the type of the emission source, energy/matter, the type of the emission source, properties and purposes of the emission, etc. properties and purposes of the emission, etc.

Radioactivity(Radioactive Decay)Radioactivity(Radioactive Decay) Happens inHappens in parent nucleus parent nucleus and produces a and produces a daughter daughter

nucleusnucleus. This is a . This is a randomrandom process, i.e. it is impossible process, i.e. it is impossible to predict the decay of individual atoms.to predict the decay of individual atoms.

UnitsUnits

MeasurementMeasurement UnitUnit

EnergyEnergy eVeV

ActivityActivity curie (becquerel)curie (becquerel)

DoseDose rad (gray)rad (gray)

Dose Dose EquivalentEquivalent

rem (sievert)rem (sievert)

EnergyEnergy

The electron volt is defined as the change in The electron volt is defined as the change in energy of a particle when it moves through a energy of a particle when it moves through a potential difference of one volt.potential difference of one volt.

1 eV = (1.602 x 101 eV = (1.602 x 10-19-19 J) J)

1 MeV = one million electron volts1 MeV = one million electron volts

1 keV = one thousand eV1 keV = one thousand eV

Activity Activity

A commonly used unit for measuring activity A commonly used unit for measuring activity is theis the curie (Ci) curie (Ci) (SI: becquerel Bq)(SI: becquerel Bq)

1 Ci = 3.7 x 101 Ci = 3.7 x 101010 dps dps1 Bq = 1 dps1 Bq = 1 dps

Typical activities found in a University lab are Typical activities found in a University lab are in the microcurie (in the microcurie (Ci) to millicurie (mCi) Ci) to millicurie (mCi) range.range.

Radiation vs. Radioactive Radiation vs. Radioactive ContaminationContamination

RadiationRadiation is particles or waves of energy is particles or waves of energy emitted from unstable atoms.emitted from unstable atoms.

Radioactive ContaminationRadioactive Contamination is radioactive is radioactive material usually in any location you do not material usually in any location you do not want it.want it.

ExposureExposure

Exposure is a measure of ionization Exposure is a measure of ionization produced in air by photons (x and gamma produced in air by photons (x and gamma rays)rays)

Exposure meters report in units of Exposure meters report in units of exposure (mR/hr).exposure (mR/hr).

Radiation ExposureRadiation Exposure

ExternalExternalGammas – Gammas – 125125IIHigh energy betas – High energy betas – 3232P.P.

InternalInternalTritiumTritiumUptake of radioactive material via:Uptake of radioactive material via:

• IngestionIngestion• AbsorptionAbsorption• InhalationInhalation

DoseDose

An An absorbed doseabsorbed dose is the energy deposited in is the energy deposited in a unit mass by any radiation – rada unit mass by any radiation – rad(SI = grey Gy).(SI = grey Gy).

Each type of radiationEach type of radiationis assigned a QFis assigned a QFwhich expresseswhich expressesthe biological risk.the biological risk.

Radiation TypeRadiation Type QFQF

X-rayX-ray 11

Gamma raysGamma rays 11

Beta particlesBeta particles 11

Alpha particlesAlpha particles 2020

Dose EquivalentDose Equivalent

Dose equivalent is calculated as absorbed Dose equivalent is calculated as absorbed dose multiplied by a quality/weighting factor – dose multiplied by a quality/weighting factor – rem (SI = sievert Sv).rem (SI = sievert Sv).

rad x QF = remrad x QF = rem Gy x QF = Sv Gy x QF = Sv

1 Gray = 100 rad1 Gray = 100 rad

1 Sievert = 100 rem1 Sievert = 100 rem

Aug - 96Aug - 96 http://www.ucsc.edu/ehs/http://www.ucsc.edu/ehs/

Dose LimitsDose Limits

Radiation Worker

Federal Limit1 UCSC Limit Declared

Pregnant Worker General Public

Whole Body 5,000 mrem/yr 500 mrem/yr 100 mrem/yr2

Extremities 50,000 mrem/yr 5,000 mrem/yr

Skin/Organ 50,000 mrem/yr 5,000 mrem/yr

Lens (Eye) 15,000 mrem/yr 1,500 mrem/yr

Embyro/Fetus 500 mrem/gestation 1 Occupational dose limits for minors are 10% of the adult limit. 2 Exposure rates must also not exceed 2 mrem in any one hour.

Radiation Survey InstrumentsRadiation Survey Instruments

1.1. IntroductionIntroduction2.2. Fundamentals ReviewFundamentals Review3.3. Radiation Survey InstrumentsRadiation Survey InstrumentsBreak (Time Dependent)Break (Time Dependent)4.4. Controlling Radiation ExposureControlling Radiation Exposure5.5. Operating Procedures and RecordsOperating Procedures and Records6.6. Emergency ProceduresEmergency Procedures

Radiation Survey InstrumentsRadiation Survey Instruments

Radiation detection instruments are Radiation detection instruments are necessary to determine the effectiveness necessary to determine the effectiveness our exposure control program.our exposure control program.

Goal:Goal:We will provide information so that the We will provide information so that the radiation worker may:radiation worker may:

Choose the correct radiation detection Choose the correct radiation detection instrument.instrument.

Use the instrument properly.Use the instrument properly.

BackgroundBackground

Environmental ionizing radiation that can Environmental ionizing radiation that can affect the radiation detection processaffect the radiation detection process

Several sources contribute to backgroundSeveral sources contribute to background An acceptable range for background is An acceptable range for background is

determined for each instrument and each determined for each instrument and each environmentenvironment

EfficiencyEfficiency

Counts per minute (CPM) the units that a Counts per minute (CPM) the units that a survey instrument reports.survey instrument reports.

Since detectors aren’t 100% efficient...Since detectors aren’t 100% efficient...

DPM = CPM / Detector Efficiency*DPM = CPM / Detector Efficiency*

(* the detector efficiency for the specific (* the detector efficiency for the specific radioisotope only)radioisotope only)

Probe readingProbe reading

DPM = CPM / Detector Efficiency*DPM = CPM / Detector Efficiency*

We use dpm/100 cmWe use dpm/100 cm22

(* the detector efficiency for the specific (* the detector efficiency for the specific radioisotope only)radioisotope only)

Conversion = ccpm x ACF x Probe FactorConversion = ccpm x ACF x Probe Factor

EfficiencyEfficiency

GM meters have a relatively high GM meters have a relatively high efficiency for betas and low efficiency for efficiency for betas and low efficiency for x-rays and gammas.x-rays and gammas.

For example GM efficiency for P-32 is For example GM efficiency for P-32 is approximately 32% and only 0.05% for I-approximately 32% and only 0.05% for I-125.125.

Radiation Survey InstrumentsRadiation Survey InstrumentsGM DetectorGM Detector

Self quenching gas Self quenching gas filled chamberfilled chamber

Thin mica windowThin mica window Central electrodeCentral electrode Walls form conductor Walls form conductor

and block unwanted and block unwanted radiationradiation

Radiation Survey InstrumentsRadiation Survey InstrumentsGM DetectorGM Detector

30-35 eV ionization 30-35 eV ionization energy produces energy produces charged pair charged pair formationformation

Current discharge Current discharge causes pulse for causes pulse for countingcounting

GM Detector – GM Detector – Advantages and LimitationsAdvantages and Limitations

Cannot distinguish type or Cannot distinguish type or energy of radiation energy of radiation electronicallyelectronically

Excellent for detecting small Excellent for detecting small amounts of radioactivity amounts of radioactivity

Respond to but is not suited Respond to but is not suited to measure radiation fieldsto measure radiation fields

Possible paralysis of Possible paralysis of response at high count ratesresponse at high count rates

Calibration and MaintenanceCalibration and Maintenance

Annual calibration requiredAnnual calibration required Electronic calibration Electronic calibration Calibration in a known radiation fieldCalibration in a known radiation field Efficiency determinationEfficiency determination

Routine operational checksRoutine operational checks Be sure to turn off the instrument when Be sure to turn off the instrument when

done.done.

Liquid Scintillation CounterLiquid Scintillation Counter

Excellent choice for Excellent choice for detecting and measuring detecting and measuring low energy betalow energy beta

Not portable - wipe or Not portable - wipe or smears required for smears required for radiation survey useradiation survey use

Requires more training to Requires more training to prepare samples and prepare samples and interpret results than other interpret results than other instrumentsinstruments

User Program 10User Program 10

EH&S Radiation Safety provides a user EH&S Radiation Safety provides a user program for wipe surveys.program for wipe surveys.

Please use this program for your routine Please use this program for your routine laboratory wipe surveys.laboratory wipe surveys.

We can provide an efficiency for the We can provide an efficiency for the isotope you are using.isotope you are using.

General Tips LSC Wipe SurveyGeneral Tips LSC Wipe Survey

• Survey discrete areas so that if Survey discrete areas so that if contamination is found the spot will be contamination is found the spot will be easy to identifyeasy to identify

• Avoid cross contamination of samplesAvoid cross contamination of samples• Artifacts may cause false positivesArtifacts may cause false positives

• Static electricityStatic electricity• ChemoluminescenceChemoluminescence• PhosphorescencePhosphorescence

General Survey InformationGeneral Survey Information

Randomly survey selected areas outside Randomly survey selected areas outside of normal radioisotope use areas of normal radioisotope use areas periodically.periodically.

Using a map of your lab can make Using a map of your lab can make documenting surveyed areas easier.documenting surveyed areas easier.

Look for levels >2X background.Look for levels >2X background. Check for contamination wherever human Check for contamination wherever human

hands normally go...hands normally go...

Top 10 Most Often Top 10 Most Often Contaminated SitesContaminated Sites

10.10. Soap/towel Soap/towel dispenserdispenser

9.9. Microwave Microwave ovenoven

8.8. Radio dialsRadio dials

7.7. PhonesPhones

6.6. Pens/pencilsPens/pencils

5.5. ChairsChairs

4.4. Drawer Drawer handleshandles

3.3. RefrigeratorRefrigeratorhandleshandles

2.2. Lab booksLab books

1. Geiger counters

Documenting SurveysDocumenting Surveys

Contamination surveys Contamination surveys must be documentedmust be documented Record the following:Record the following:

date performeddate performed area(s) surveyed (a map helps!)area(s) surveyed (a map helps!) Results ccpm if < 2 x bkgResults ccpm if < 2 x bkg identity of surveyoridentity of surveyor instrument usedinstrument used action taken if contamination is foundaction taken if contamination is found

TLD DetectorTLD Detector

Personnel shall wear Personnel shall wear assigned dosimetry when assigned dosimetry when handling radioactive materials handling radioactive materials or working near radiation or working near radiation producing machinesproducing machines

Thermoluminescent Thermoluminescent DosimetersDosimeters

Thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) Thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) contain a lithium fluoride crystal.contain a lithium fluoride crystal.

If the crystal is heated after radiation If the crystal is heated after radiation exposure it will emit light that is exposure it will emit light that is proportional to the total exposure.proportional to the total exposure.

TLD will not detect low energy betas that TLD will not detect low energy betas that cannot penetrate the plastic holder.cannot penetrate the plastic holder.

The Care of Your DosimeterThe Care of Your Dosimeter

Always:Always: make available for make available for

exchange on the exchange on the appropriate exchange appropriate exchange datedate

report contamination report contamination of dosimetryof dosimetry

store away from store away from radioactive sourcesradioactive sources

Never:Never: share dosimetryshare dosimetry remove crystal from remove crystal from

holderholder expose to heatexpose to heat take off campustake off campus intentionally expose intentionally expose

to radiationto radiation

Wearing DosimetryWearing Dosimetry

Whole BodyWhole Body Wear between neck Wear between neck

and waistand waist Wear with name on Wear with name on

badge facing badge facing outwardsoutwards

ExtremityExtremity The label side of the The label side of the

ring should usually ring should usually face the palmface the palm

Wear gloves Wear gloves overover the the ringring

Missing DosimetryMissing Dosimetry

If you lose, damage or fail to make If you lose, damage or fail to make dosimetry available for exchange dosimetry available for exchange you will be you will be requiredrequired to provide a to provide a

detailed description of all detailed description of all radioactive sources in use during radioactive sources in use during

the wear period.the wear period.

Request DosimetryRequest Dosimetry

You may request your personal exposure You may request your personal exposure history at anytime.history at anytime.

Write or e-mail the RSO your request and Write or e-mail the RSO your request and include you identification.include you identification.

Annual report will be emailedAnnual report will be emailed

Controlling Radiation ExposureControlling Radiation Exposure

1.1. IntroductionIntroduction2.2. Fundamentals ReviewFundamentals Review3.3. Radiation Survey InstrumentsRadiation Survey InstrumentsBreakBreak4.4. Controlling Radiation ExposureControlling Radiation Exposure5.5. Operating Procedures & Records Operating Procedures & Records 6.6. Emergency ProceduresEmergency Procedures

Radiation ProtectionRadiation ProtectionThe five main The five main

principles of principles of radiation protection:radiation protection:

TimeDistanceShielding

Contamination Control

Administrative

Avoid Ingesting Radioactive Avoid Ingesting Radioactive MaterialMaterial

NONOEatingEatingDrinkingDrinkingSmokingSmokingApplying CosmeticsApplying CosmeticsMouth PipettingMouth Pipetting

Protective ClothingProtective Clothing

GlovesGloves Lab coat Lab coat EyewearEyewear PantsPants Closed toe Closed toe

footwearfootwear

Contamination ControlContamination Control

Wear PPE.Wear PPE. Watch out where you put your “hot” Watch out where you put your “hot”

hands during an experiment.hands during an experiment. Monitor yourself and your work area Monitor yourself and your work area

frequentlyfrequently Wash your hands after finishing an Wash your hands after finishing an

experimentexperiment

Monitor YourselfMonitor Yourself

Removing Your GlovesRemoving Your Gloves

D

Bremsstrahlung X-raysBremsstrahlung X-rays

Bremsstrahlung x-raysBremsstrahlung x-rays are created when are created when electrons are slowed down in the field of a electrons are slowed down in the field of a nucleusnucleus

So what??So what??

+

e-

e-

x

Operating Procedures & Operating Procedures & RecordsRecords

1.1. OrientationOrientation2.2. Fundamentals ReviewFundamentals Review3.3. Radiation Survey InstrumentsRadiation Survey InstrumentsBreakBreak4.4. Controlling Radiation ExposureControlling Radiation Exposure5.5. Operating Procedures & RecordsOperating Procedures & Records6.6. Emergency ProceduresEmergency Procedures

Receipt RecordReceipt Record

Sign for package on Sign for package on Receipt.Receipt.

Disposal of Shipping ContainersDisposal of Shipping Containers

Containers should be Containers should be disposed of as non-disposed of as non-radioactive waste.radioactive waste.

Remove or deface Remove or deface any radioactive any radioactive material labels before material labels before disposal.disposal.

Receipt and Use LogReceipt and Use Log

RecordRecordUse (%, volume, or Use (%, volume, or activity)activity)

NameNameDateDatePurposePurpose

Use blank column for Use blank column for other unitsother units

Laboratory and Material SecurityLaboratory and Material Security

Current State of Affairs in the world remind Current State of Affairs in the world remind us of our responsibility for hazardous us of our responsibility for hazardous material security. material security.

Federal regulations 10 CFR 20.1801 and Federal regulations 10 CFR 20.1801 and 1802 address these requirements.1802 address these requirements.

What should we do?What should we do?

Laboratory and Material SecurityLaboratory and Material Security

Avoid deliberate misconduct Avoid deliberate misconduct 1.1. Lock and key storageLock and key storage

2.2. Lock labLock lab

3.3. Challenge response to Challenge response to unknown intrudersunknown intruders

Area controlArea control

RestrictedRestricted ControlledControlled Ancillary personsAncillary persons

Radioactive WasteRadioactive Waste

Research involving radioactive material Research involving radioactive material generates contaminated waste. EHS Radiation generates contaminated waste. EHS Radiation Safety supplies containers and removes Safety supplies containers and removes radioactive waste from campus labs. radioactive waste from campus labs.

The laboratory staff is responsible for The laboratory staff is responsible for monitoring, labeling, maintaining and preparing monitoring, labeling, maintaining and preparing their waste for disposal.their waste for disposal.

Radioactive Waste Disposal Radioactive Waste Disposal ProceduresProcedures

Guidelines at UCSCGuidelines at UCSC Minimizing waste productionMinimizing waste production Reducing mixed wasteReducing mixed waste DecontaminationDecontamination ““Getting the lead out”Getting the lead out”

Storage of Radioactive WasteStorage of Radioactive Waste

Each radioactive waste container must have a Each radioactive waste container must have a “Caution Radioactive Materials” sign/label“Caution Radioactive Materials” sign/label

Radioactive waste containers Radioactive waste containers mustmust be stored in be stored in a controlled areaa controlled area

Dry Solid Radioactive WasteDry Solid Radioactive Waste

No sharpsNo sharps No LiquidsNo Liquids No lead or metalsNo lead or metals No high activity (stock vials)No high activity (stock vials)

Liquid Radioactive WasteLiquid Radioactive Waste

Store in 2.5 gal plastic carboys with Store in 2.5 gal plastic carboys with secondary-containment.secondary-containment.

pH must be adjusted to between 6 and 9.pH must be adjusted to between 6 and 9. Identify chemical contents including non-Identify chemical contents including non-

hazardous and hazardous components.hazardous and hazardous components.

Radioactive “Sharps”Radioactive “Sharps”

For items that can create a For items that can create a puncture hazard such as puncture hazard such as needles or glass pipettes needles or glass pipettes please obtain a hard walled please obtain a hard walled container from the PBS container from the PBS stockroom. stockroom.

Broken Glass should be Broken Glass should be encased and may be placed encased and may be placed in a dry waste box.in a dry waste box.

High Activity WasteHigh Activity Waste

Keep source vial and pigs togetherKeep source vial and pigs together Submit in a zip lock bagSubmit in a zip lock bag Complete form under “High Activity”Complete form under “High Activity”

Waste Tracking FormWaste Tracking Form

Emergency ProceduresEmergency Procedures

1.1. OrientationOrientation2.2. Fundamentals ReviewFundamentals Review3.3. Radiation Survey InstrumentsRadiation Survey InstrumentsBreakBreak4.4. Controlling Radiation ExposureControlling Radiation Exposure5.5. Operating Procedures & RecordsOperating Procedures & Records6.6. Emergency ProceduresEmergency Procedures

Emergency proceduresEmergency procedures

Emergency ProceduresEmergency Procedures Personal ContaminationPersonal Contamination Large SpillLarge Spill Small SpillSmall Spill

EmergencyEmergency

A situation where radioactive material A situation where radioactive material has been released and one or more has been released and one or more of the following has occurred: of the following has occurred: A fireA fire An explosionAn explosion Person(s) injuredPerson(s) injured

EmergencyEmergency

Evacuate the area if life threatening conditions Evacuate the area if life threatening conditions exist.exist.

Call 911Call 911 in case of: in case of: serious injury combined with radiation serious injury combined with radiation

exposure/radioactive contaminationexposure/radioactive contamination fire or explosion in a radioisotope areafire or explosion in a radioisotope area

Protection of personnel is Protection of personnel is alwaysalways the first the first priority, administer first aid as needed while priority, administer first aid as needed while waiting for responders.waiting for responders.

New posterNew poster EMERGENCIES:EMERGENCIES:

In case of serious injury, call 911 to obtain first aid, ambulance, etc. In case of serious injury, call 911 to obtain first aid, ambulance, etc. Treat severe injuries without regard to radioactive contamination. Treat severe injuries without regard to radioactive contamination. Notify Office of Environment, Health & Safety, Radiation Safety (RS) Notify Office of Environment, Health & Safety, Radiation Safety (RS) as soon as possible. if there is possible radioactive contamination as soon as possible. if there is possible radioactive contamination or radiation exposure. Call x9-2553 during business hours; during or radiation exposure. Call x9-2553 during business hours; during other hours, call 911 if using a campus phone or if using a cell other hours, call 911 if using a campus phone or if using a cell phone.phone.

Notify RS as soon as possible in case of area or personnel Notify RS as soon as possible in case of area or personnel contamination or suspected accidental exposure to radiation.contamination or suspected accidental exposure to radiation.

In case of airborne radioactive radioactivity or an incident resulting In case of airborne radioactive radioactivity or an incident resulting in a high radiation field, evacuate the affected areas, lock and post in a high radiation field, evacuate the affected areas, lock and post the doors, call and wait for RS.the doors, call and wait for RS.

In case of personnel contamination, remove contaminated clothing, In case of personnel contamination, remove contaminated clothing, wash skin contamination with soap and lukewarm (not hot) water. wash skin contamination with soap and lukewarm (not hot) water. Do not use abrasives or solvents. Restrict movements, call RS, and Do not use abrasives or solvents. Restrict movements, call RS, and stay in the area until RS arrives.stay in the area until RS arrives.

Do not attempt extensive decontamination of floors or other areas Do not attempt extensive decontamination of floors or other areas without RS assistance. Contain spills by covering, marking and without RS assistance. Contain spills by covering, marking and isolating the area. Check and remove, or cover, shoes as necessary isolating the area. Check and remove, or cover, shoes as necessary to prevent the spread of contamination.to prevent the spread of contamination.

Personnel ContaminationPersonnel Contamination

Administer first aid to any injured personnel.Administer first aid to any injured personnel. If a medical emergency exist activate 911.If a medical emergency exist activate 911. Assist injured as much as possible.Assist injured as much as possible.

Wash contaminated area Wash contaminated area IMMEDIATELYIMMEDIATELY with with tepid water - monitor periodically.tepid water - monitor periodically.

Have someone call EHS Radiation Safety.Have someone call EHS Radiation Safety. Stop washing after 10 minutes. Do NOT Stop washing after 10 minutes. Do NOT

abrade the skin.abrade the skin.

1. First and foremost, determine the need to administer first aid to 1. First and foremost, determine the need to administer first aid to any injured personnel and administer it as needed. If a medical any injured personnel and administer it as needed. If a medical emergency exists, activate 911 IMMEDIATELY.emergency exists, activate 911 IMMEDIATELY.

First aid treatment is much higher priority than First aid treatment is much higher priority than decontaminationdecontamination

2. Notify other personnel in the lab so they can assist you and 2. Notify other personnel in the lab so they can assist you and contact radiation safety ( x9-2553 or 911 after hours) if hair, eyes, contact radiation safety ( x9-2553 or 911 after hours) if hair, eyes, mouth, non-intact skin is involved or if initial efforts are not mouth, non-intact skin is involved or if initial efforts are not successful.successful.

3. Determine if any personnel have been contaminated with 3. Determine if any personnel have been contaminated with radioactive material. Contaminated personnel should immediately radioactive material. Contaminated personnel should immediately remove any contaminated clothing (this is no time for modesty - use remove any contaminated clothing (this is no time for modesty - use a clean lab coat).a clean lab coat).

4. Wash the contaminated area immediately with tepid water using a 4. Wash the contaminated area immediately with tepid water using a mild soap. The face and extremities can be easily washed in a sink. mild soap. The face and extremities can be easily washed in a sink. While decontaminating the face, special care must be taken not to While decontaminating the face, special care must be taken not to contaminate the eyes or lips. A decon kit is located in contaminate the eyes or lips. A decon kit is located in ____________________________________________________

Decontamination of the eyes should be undertaken immediately by Decontamination of the eyes should be undertaken immediately by gently irrigating with copious amounts of water or eye wash solution. gently irrigating with copious amounts of water or eye wash solution. Save any rinseate in clean bag. After this initial treatment, further Save any rinseate in clean bag. After this initial treatment, further treatment and evaluation should be continued by medical personnel. treatment and evaluation should be continued by medical personnel.

Decontamination of the mouth should be undertaken immediately by Decontamination of the mouth should be undertaken immediately by rinsing with warm water. Save any rinseate in a clean bag. After rinsing with warm water. Save any rinseate in a clean bag. After this initial treatment, further treatment and evaluation should be this initial treatment, further treatment and evaluation should be continued by medical personnel.continued by medical personnel.

In the case of large area or whole body contamination, assist the In the case of large area or whole body contamination, assist the affected individuals to wash under a safety shower.affected individuals to wash under a safety shower.

5. The skin should be washed a few minutes at a time and 5. The skin should be washed a few minutes at a time and monitored.monitored.

6. If contamination persists, repeat washing several times checking 6. If contamination persists, repeat washing several times checking the areas with a G-M detector in cases where the contaminating the areas with a G-M detector in cases where the contaminating radionuclide can be detected with one.radionuclide can be detected with one.

7. Stop washing if there is any indication of skin damage or after 10 7. Stop washing if there is any indication of skin damage or after 10 minutes. DO NOT abrade the skin. Intact skin is an excellent barrier minutes. DO NOT abrade the skin. Intact skin is an excellent barrier to radioactive material by will be damaged using any abrasives, to radioactive material by will be damaged using any abrasives, strong detergents or harsh brushing. Abrasion or strong strong detergents or harsh brushing. Abrasion or strong detergent/solvent may de-fat or injure the skin causing not only detergent/solvent may de-fat or injure the skin causing not only external but also internal contamination.external but also internal contamination.

8. Keep dosimetry badges free of contamination.8. Keep dosimetry badges free of contamination. 9. Call the Radiation Safety Officer (x9-2553 or 911 after hours) 9. Call the Radiation Safety Officer (x9-2553 or 911 after hours)

promptly if any person has been contaminated.promptly if any person has been contaminated. 10. Keep all persons out of the accident area until help arrives and 10. Keep all persons out of the accident area until help arrives and

do not remove anything from the accident area.do not remove anything from the accident area. 11. Bag or segregate personal items that may have become 11. Bag or segregate personal items that may have become

contaminated.contaminated.

Large SpillsLarge Spills- What to Do- What to Do

Inform others in area.Inform others in area.Protecting personnel is the Protecting personnel is the FIRSTFIRST priority. priority.

Evacuate area immediately.Evacuate area immediately. Check yourself for contamination.Check yourself for contamination.

Remove contaminated clothes and Remove contaminated clothes and decontaminate skin.decontaminate skin.

Large SpillsLarge Spills- What to Do- What to Do

Confine contamination do NOT track Confine contamination do NOT track contamination outside the area.contamination outside the area. Restrict access to the spill areaRestrict access to the spill area

Notify EH&S Radiation Safety (9-2553), Notify EH&S Radiation Safety (9-2553), then your supervisor.then your supervisor.

You will You will notnot be reprimanded for reporting be reprimanded for reporting a spill, however we will want to a spill, however we will want to

explore…explore…

Small (Minor) SpillSmall (Minor) Spill

Most spills that occur in the lab are minor, Most spills that occur in the lab are minor, and should be cleaned up by lab and should be cleaned up by lab personnel ASAP.personnel ASAP.

You do You do notnot need to inform EH&S need to inform EH&S Radiation Safety in the event of a minor Radiation Safety in the event of a minor spill.spill.

Small Spill ProceduresSmall Spill Procedures

ConfineConfine the spill the spill DecontaminateDecontaminate the area the area NotifyNotify your supervisor your supervisor MakeMake a record. a record.

Small Spill ProceduresSmall Spill Procedures

EHS Radiation Safety can provide EHS Radiation Safety can provide advice to lab personnel regarding advice to lab personnel regarding decontamination procedures.decontamination procedures.

If you are unsure whether you should If you are unsure whether you should call your Radiation Safety Office, call your Radiation Safety Office, call…call…

Better to be Safe Better to be Safe than Sorry and than Sorry and it gets us out of it gets us out of the office.the office.

How to Elevate Radiation Safety How to Elevate Radiation Safety Concerns.Concerns.

In addition to the regular channels of communication, if you have a In addition to the regular channels of communication, if you have a radiation safety concern that you wish to bring directly to attention of radiation safety concern that you wish to bring directly to attention of the group responsible for radiation safety at UCSC, contact the the group responsible for radiation safety at UCSC, contact the Radiation Safety Officer Radiation Safety Officer

Conrad Sherman, Conrad Sherman, csherma1@ucsc.educsherma1@ucsc.edu or 9-3911 or 9-3911 Chair, Radiation Safety Committee George Brown, Chair, Radiation Safety Committee George Brown,

gbrown@ucsc.edugbrown@ucsc.edu or 9-2327 or 9-2327 EH&S e-mail EH&S e-mail ehs@ucsc.eduehs@ucsc.edu Web Form Web Form http://ehs.ucsc.edu/I2P2/pubs/hazalert.htmlhttp://ehs.ucsc.edu/I2P2/pubs/hazalert.html Hazards posing an immediate danger to life or health should be Hazards posing an immediate danger to life or health should be

reported to your SUPERVISOR or EH&S at 9-2553 reported to your SUPERVISOR or EH&S at 9-2553 After Hours reporting requiring immediate attention, call campus After Hours reporting requiring immediate attention, call campus

dispatch at 9-4861 and ask them to page the EHS person on duty.dispatch at 9-4861 and ask them to page the EHS person on duty.

We’re there for you.We’re there for you.

Environmental Health & Safety Environmental Health & Safety x9-2553x9-2553

Conrad ShermanConrad Sherman x9-3911x9-3911 RSO/Health PhysicistRSO/Health Physicist

Marcus BalankyMarcus Balanky x9-5167x9-5167 ARSO/ Health PhysicistARSO/ Health Physicist

Vern AresVern Ares x9-5167x9-5167 Assistant Health PhysicistAssistant Health Physicist

Web site http://ehs.ucsc.edu/