SPILL PROCEDURES

Radioactive Materials

Minor Spill

Definition: Less than or equal to 100 microcuries of H3 in which there is no personal injury or contamination.

  1. NOTIFY: notify persons in the area that a spill has occurred.
  2. PREVENT THE SPREAD: Cover the spill with absorbent paper.
  3. CLEAN UP: Use disposable gloves and remote handling tongs. Carefully fold the absorbent paper and pad. Insert into a plastic bag and dispose of in the radioactive waste container. Also dispose of all other contaminated materials such as contaminated gloves.
  4. SURVEY: With a low range thin window GM survey meter. Check the area around the spill, your hands, and clothing for contamination. Clean any contaminated areas.

Major Spill

Definition: Greater than 100 microcuries of H3 and all spills involving P32, S35, Ca45, or when there is personal injury or contamination.

  1. CLEAR THE AREA: Notify all persons not involved in the spill to vacate the room.
  2. PREVENT THE SPREAD: Cover the spill with absorbent pads, but do not attempt to clean it up. Confine the movement of all personnel potentially contaminated to prevent the spread.
  3. SHIELD THE SOURCE: The spill should be shielded, but only if it can be done without further contamination or without significantly increasing your radiation exposure.
  4. CLOSE THE ROOM: Leave the room and lock the door(s) to prevent entry.
  5. CALL FOR HELP: Notify the Radiation Safety Officer immediately or call Campus Safety at 911.
  6. PERSONAL DECONTAMINATION: Contaminated clothing should be removed and stored for further evaluation by the Radiation Safety Officer. If the spill is on the skin, flush thoroughly and then wash with mild soap and lukewarm water.
  7. REPORT: The Radiation Safety Officer will supervise the clean up of the spill and complete a report.