Radiation Safety Manual

4.  Procedures, Techniques, Handling, Processing

These minimum safety precautions are necessary to control external and internal exposures to levels that are as low as reasonably achievable.

4.1 Consumption

Eating, drinking and smoking are prohibited in any area where radioactive materials are used.

4.2  Eyes

Eye protection must be worn where there is a possibility of eye injury.

4.3  Gloves

Protective gloves should be worn during all handling operations involving potential contamination. After use, discard disposable gloves in radioactive waste containers. After discarding gloves, immediately wash hands with soap and water and check for radioactive contamination with appropriate monitor. Never touch contaminated surfaces with bare hands, or clean surfaces with contaminated gloves. Change gloves frequently.

4.4  New Procedures

New procedures and manipulations shall be tested and verified by first using non-radioactive materials.

4.5  Ventilation

Detector cells utilizing hydrogen 3 shall be vented outdoors or into fume hoods.  All other detector cells shall be vented to the outside if directed by the manufacturer.

4.6  Time

Minimize the length of time that radioactive containers are handled.

4.7  Shielding

Shielding should be used whenever working with penetrating radiation such as high energy beta or gamma radiation. Shielding materials are radiation type and energy specific necessitating special care in selecting proper material. Contact the RSO for information concerning appropriate shielding materials.

4.8  Temperature Controls

Detector cells containing either titanium tritide or scandium tritide shall only be used in conjunction with properly operating temperature control mechanism which prevents titanium foil temperatures from exceeding 325 degrees centigrade and scandium threaded foil temperatures from exceeding 225 degrees centigrade.

4.9  Equipment Maintenance

Users may not open or remove radioactive foils from detector cells or other mountings. These activities must be performed by a properly licensed and approved vendor.

4.10  Contamination

If personal contamination is suspected notify the RSO immediately and conduct appropriate surveys or wipe tests.

4.11  Storage of Radioactive Materials

Unattended radioactive materials must be stored in secured locations inaccessible to unauthorized persons.

4.12  Shielding

Materials in storage must be shielded such that radiation levels in adjacent accessible areas are less than 5 millirem/hour.  Shielding materials are radiation type and energy specific necessitating special care in selecting proper material. Contact the RSO for information concerning appropriate shielding materials.

4.13  Flammable Liquids

Flammable solvents must not be stored near radioactive materials.

4.14  Waste Disposal

Radioactive waste may not be disposed of via the public landfill, sanitary sewer, or released to the environment.

4.14.1  Approved Disposal

Waste must be disposed of according to applicable regulations by transfer to an authorized recipient. Sources will be disposed of by returning to the manufacturer when ever possible.

4.14.1.1  Packaging

All packaging of materials must be done by the approved user and must subsequently be inspected and approved by the RSO and Traffic Services Manager.

4.14.1.2  Shielding

Penetrating beta and gamma emitting radioactive waste must be shielded by appropriate shielding and stored to prevent personal exposures in excess of limits specified in 11.1 and to prevent access by unauthorized persons. Shielding materials are radiation type and energy specific necessitating special care in selecting proper material. Contact the RSO for information concerning appropriate shielding materials.

4.14.1.3  Collection

Wastes shall be collected for disposal by the RSO upon notification and proper packaging by the user. Other methods of disposal may be employed only with the prior review and approval of the RSO. Plastic bags should be deflated to minimize volume.

4.14.2  Data on Radioactive Materials

Information pertaining to radioactive materials can be obtained from the RSO. Information available includes energy levels, appropriate shielding materials, appropriate detection instruments, half-life values, biological and chemical reactions releasing radioactive materials. See Appendix B for information on biological effects of radiation.

4.14.3  Emergency Procedures

Notify the Radiation Safety Officer as soon as possible of all radiation emergencies. The RSO can be contacted 24 hours/day, 7 days a week by dialing x-1911.

4.14.3.1  Laboratory Contamination

In the event of a spill or accidental release, the following procedures should be followed. In all situations protect yourself and others first.

Immediately notify other personnel in the room and adjacent areas. Personnel not involved with the spill must evacuate immediately.

Once spill is immobilized, contact RSO who will supervise further decontamination of the area and disposal of absorbent material. Decontamination is the sole responsibility of the approved user.

Do not walk in contaminated area. Carefully exit room shutting off exhaust fan, hoods, vents, and close door. Place warning signs on door.

Wash contaminated skin with soap and water. Contaminated clothing should be removed and placed in plastic bags.

4.14.3.2  Personal Contamination

Thorough, gentle washing with soap and water is the best general method. However, it is most important not to harm the integrity of the skin, it can make the problem worse.  Avoid overuse of detergents. In all cases avoid use of organic solvents as they may increase absorption through the skin. Contact the RSO for assistance.

4.14.3.2.1  Contaminated woundsSkin lacerations should be washed by large volumes of cold water. If bleeding is not too severe, allow bleeding to further cleanse the wound. Notify RSO immediately and administer first aid. 

Medical consultation and any follow up care needed are provided by the UCAR designated provider of Occupational Medicine at no cost to the employee.

 

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