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Radiation Spill

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Notes and Precautions: Spreading of radiation beyond the spill area can easily occur by the movement of personnel involved in the spill or clean-up effort. Prevent spread by confining movements of personnel until they have been monitored and found free of contamination. Perform remedial actions without the assistance of safety personnel only on spills resulting from the handling of small quantities of radioactivity (less than a few microcuries). Larger spills must be supervised by Radiation Safety personnel.

Minor Radiation Spill

  • Notify personnel in the immediate area of the spill.
  • Confine the spill immediately by placing absorbent paper towels over the spill.
  • Have all potentially contaminated personnel stay in one area until they have been monitored and shown to be free of contamination.
  • Notify Radiation Safety Office (RSO)-- (301) 314-8336.
  • Attempt clean-up only if you have received appropriate training. Follow instructions of RSO.
  • Clean area using standard cleaning agents.
  • Dispose of all cleaning materials in radioactive waste container.
  • Monitor area and repeat procedure until contamination can no longer be removed.
  • Monitor area, hands, and shoes for contamination with appropriate survey meter.

Major Radiation Spill

  • Notify personnel in the area of the spill.
  • Evacuate area/keep hoods running/turn off oscillating fans.
  • Secure/isolate area to prohibit access. Stretch rad warning tape across all access routes.
  • Confine or stop source of spill with absorbent paper towels.
  • Have all potentially contaminated personnel stay in one area until they have been monitored and shown to be free of contamination.
  • Notify Radiation Spill Emergency Response number
    9-1-1
    .
  • Follow instructions of RSO. Do not re-enter area until RSO gives approval.
  • Have personnel knowledgeable of incident and laboratory remain available to provide information to emergency personnel.

 

Additional Site Instructions:

Minor Spill:
No internal, no external hazard
Small area in a restricted area
Confined to the restricted area
Activity limited
Exposure limited

Major Spill:
External and/or internal hazard
large area in a restricted area
Escapes from the restricted area
Greater than Table II listed activities
Greater than 5mr/hr at 1 meter

Location of Chemical Spill Response Kit:

Location of nearest safety shower:

Location of nearest eyewash:

Location of telephone:

 

Spill Guidelines

Table II

IsotopeActivity (mCi)
H-3
C-14
S-35
P-32
I-125
Other 		<= 10
<= 5
<= 5
<= 2
<= 1
<= 1
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Emergency Response
 
Fire
 
Chemical Spill
 
Biological Spill
 
Personal Injury
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