Albert Einstein College ofAlbert Einstein College ofMedicine of Medicine of

Yeshiva UniversityYeshiva UniversityDepartment of Environmental Department of Environmental

Health and SafetyHealth and Safety

Radiation Safety Radiation Safety

Refresher TrainingRefresher Training

GoalsGoals

• Knowledge of the specific and general Knowledge of the specific and general requirements for working with radioactive materialrequirements for working with radioactive material

• A renewed understanding of hazards associated A renewed understanding of hazards associated with the different forms of radiationwith the different forms of radiation

• The information to choose the best instrument for The information to choose the best instrument for detecting radiation in your labdetecting radiation in your lab

• The ability to provide a safe working environment The ability to provide a safe working environment for staff, students, and facultyfor staff, students, and faculty

On completion if this training you should have:

Lesson 1Lesson 1Forms of RadiationForms of Radiation

Forms of Ionizing RadiationForms of Ionizing Radiation

Ionizing radiation includes emissions with radiation includes emissions with energies greater than 20 electron volts that energies greater than 20 electron volts that cause ionizations when interacting with cause ionizations when interacting with matter.matter.

Sources of ionizing radiation at Einstein Sources of ionizing radiation at Einstein include: include:

Particulate Radiation

− Alpha

− Beta

Photon Radiation

− Gamma

− X-Ray

• BETA RADIATIONBETA RADIATION– Consists of an electronConsists of an electron– Very small size moving at up Very small size moving at up

to 99% the speed of lightto 99% the speed of light– Hazard depends on decay Hazard depends on decay

energy of isotopeenergy of isotope

•ALPHA RADIATION ALPHA RADIATION – Consists of two protons and Consists of two protons and

two neutrons (helium nucleus)two neutrons (helium nucleus)– Massive size, moving at 80% Massive size, moving at 80%

the speed of lightthe speed of light– Internal HazardInternal Hazard

Particulate RadiationParticulate Radiation

Examples of Beta EmittersExamples of Beta Emitters

• H-3: H-3: Energy Energy maxmax = 19 Kev: Internal Hazard = 19 Kev: Internal Hazard

• C-14: Energy C-14: Energy maxmax = 160 Kev: Internal Hazard = 160 Kev: Internal Hazard

• S-35: Energy S-35: Energy maxmax = 170 Kev: Internal Hazard = 170 Kev: Internal Hazard

• P-32: Energy P-32: Energy maxmax = 1700 Kev: Internal and = 1700 Kev: Internal and external hazard external hazard

−The lower energy beta emitters are less penetrating and present less of a hazard. The concerns with these isotopes is primarily associated with internal exposure due to ingestion, inhalation, or skin absorption

−Higher energy beta emitters are more penetrating and present both internal and external hazards

Photon RadiationPhoton Radiation

• GAMMA RADIATION GAMMA RADIATION – A wave radiation consisting A wave radiation consisting

of a photonof a photon– Travels at the speed of lightTravels at the speed of light– Created in the Created in the nucleusnucleus of of

the atomthe atom

• X-RAYS X-RAYS – A wave radiation consisting A wave radiation consisting

of a photonof a photon– Travels at the speed of lightTravels at the speed of light– Created in the Created in the electron electron

shellshell of the atom of the atom

Examples of Gamma Examples of Gamma EmittersEmitters

• I-125: Energy I-125: Energy max max = 35 Kev: Internal/External = 35 Kev: Internal/External Hazard Hazard

• Cs-137: Energy Cs-137: Energy maxmax= 662 Kev: Internal/External = 662 Kev: Internal/External Hazard Hazard

− Gamma Emitters have no mass and are very penetrating

− All gamma emitting isotopes and are considered both internal and external hazards

Bremsstrahlung RadiationBremsstrahlung Radiation− Literally: breaking radiationLiterally: breaking radiation

−Electromagnetic radiation produced Electromagnetic radiation produced

when an electrically charged particle when an electrically charged particle

is slowed down by the electric field is slowed down by the electric field

of an atomic nucleusof an atomic nucleus

−Example: The beta particle emitted Example: The beta particle emitted

by a P-32 atom will interact with lead by a P-32 atom will interact with lead

to give off an x-rayto give off an x-ray

−Bremsstrahlung production must be Bremsstrahlung production must be

considered when planning the considered when planning the

shielding of high energy beta shielding of high energy beta

emittersemitters

00

e-

X-ray

e-

Lesson 2Lesson 2Units of RadioactivityUnits of Radioactivity

Units of RadioactivityUnits of Radioactivity

The Curie (Ci) – Commonly used in the United The Curie (Ci) – Commonly used in the United StatesStates

1 Ci = 3.7E10 disintegrations per second1 Ci = 3.7E10 disintegrations per second1 Ci = 2.2E12 disintegrations per minute1 Ci = 2.2E12 disintegrations per minute1 Ci = 1000 millicurie (mCi) = 1,000,000 1 Ci = 1000 millicurie (mCi) = 1,000,000 microcurie (uCi)microcurie (uCi)

The Becquerel (Bq) - International UnitThe Becquerel (Bq) - International Unit

1 Bq1 Bq = 1 disintegration per second= 1 disintegration per second

1 MBq1 MBq = 1,000,000 disintegrations per = 1,000,000 disintegrations per secondsecond

1 GBq1 GBq = 1,000,000,000 disintegrations per = 1,000,000,000 disintegrations per secondsecond

1 Bq = 2.7E-8 mCi1 Bq = 2.7E-8 mCi

RAD

• The RAD is the unit commonly used in the United States for Absorbed Dose (D)

• It is determined by the Energy that is actually deposited in matter

• 1 Rad = 100 ergs of deposited energy per gram of absorber

Gray

• International Unit for Absorbed Dose1 Gray = 100 Rads

Units of RadioactivityUnits of Radioactivity

REMREM

• The REM is the unit commonly used in the The REM is the unit commonly used in the United States for the Dose EquivalentUnited States for the Dose Equivalent

• Determined by Multiplying the absorbed dose Determined by Multiplying the absorbed dose (D) times a quality factor (Q)(D) times a quality factor (Q)

• Q equals 1 for beta, gamma and x-rays,Q equals 1 for beta, gamma and x-rays,

5-20 for neutrons, and 20 for alpha5-20 for neutrons, and 20 for alpha

SievertSievert

• International Unit for absorbed dose International Unit for absorbed dose

1 Sievert = 100 REM1 Sievert = 100 REM

Units of RadioactivityUnits of Radioactivity

• It is anticipated that only beta, gamma and x-It is anticipated that only beta, gamma and x-ray emitters will be used in research at ray emitters will be used in research at EinsteinEinstein

The Quality factor for these forms of radiation The Quality factor for these forms of radiation is equal to 1is equal to 1

Therefore the Rad is equal to the RemTherefore the Rad is equal to the Rem

• Exposure reports are documented in mREMExposure reports are documented in mREM

1 REM = 1,000 mREM1 REM = 1,000 mREM

Units of RadioactivityUnits of Radioactivity

Lesson 3Lesson 3Half LifeHalf Life

Half LifeHalf Life• The half life of a materials is the time required The half life of a materials is the time required

for 1/2 of the radioactive atoms to decayfor 1/2 of the radioactive atoms to decay

• The half life is a distinct value for each The half life is a distinct value for each radioisotoperadioisotope

Half Life of Selected Half Life of Selected RadioisotopesRadioisotopes

• Flourine-18: Flourine-18: 109.8 minutes109.8 minutes• Phosphorus-32:Phosphorus-32: 14.3 days14.3 days• Tritium:Tritium: 12.3 years12.3 years• Carbon-14:Carbon-14: 5,730 years5,730 years• Uranium:Uranium: 4,500,000,000 years4,500,000,000 years

Example of Half LifeExample of Half Life• You receive a shipment of 250 You receive a shipment of 250 µµCi of P-32Ci of P-32

– The half life of P-32 is 14.3 daysThe half life of P-32 is 14.3 days

• If you do not use the P-32 until 14.3 days after If you do not use the P-32 until 14.3 days after receiving the material, you will only have 125 receiving the material, you will only have 125 µµCi leftCi left– If you wait 28.6 days, you will only have 62.5 If you wait 28.6 days, you will only have 62.5 µµCi leftCi left

• It is important to consider the half life of the It is important to consider the half life of the radioisotope when planning a study that radioisotope when planning a study that includes the use of radioactive materialsincludes the use of radioactive materials

Lesson 4Lesson 4Background RadiationBackground Radiation

Background RadiationBackground Radiation

• Natural and man-made sources of Natural and man-made sources of radiation everybody is exposed to in their radiation everybody is exposed to in their daily livesdaily lives

• Typically 20 to 30 mRem per monthTypically 20 to 30 mRem per month

How Might I Be Exposed?How Might I Be Exposed?

Average Annual Exposure to Average Annual Exposure to the General Publicthe General Public

• CosmicCosmic

• TerrestrialTerrestrial

• RadonRadon

• MedicalMedical

• TotalTotal

• 30 mRem30 mRem

• 40 mRem40 mRem

• 230 mRem230 mRem

• 90 mRem90 mRem

• 390 mRem390 mRem

Lesson 5Lesson 5Biological Effects & RiskBiological Effects & Risk

Biological EffectsBiological Effects

• Data is largely based on high exposures to Data is largely based on high exposures to individuals within the first half of the 20individuals within the first half of the 20thth century century

• Biological effects occur when exposure to Biological effects occur when exposure to radiation exceeds 50 rads over a short period of radiation exceeds 50 rads over a short period of timetime

• All occupational exposures are limited by city, All occupational exposures are limited by city, state, or federal regulationsstate, or federal regulations

Radiation DamageRadiation Damage

• Mechanical: Direct hit to the DNA by the Mechanical: Direct hit to the DNA by the radiation radiation

- Damages cells by breaking the DNA bonds- Damages cells by breaking the DNA bonds

• Chemical: Generates peroxides which can Chemical: Generates peroxides which can attack the DNA attack the DNA

Damage can be repaired for small amounts of Damage can be repaired for small amounts of exposureexposure

RadiosensitivityRadiosensitivity

• MuscleMuscle RadioresistantRadioresistant

• StomachStomach RadiosensitiveRadiosensitive

• Bone MarrowBone Marrow RadiosensitiveRadiosensitive

• Human GonadsHuman Gonads Very Very RadiosensitiveRadiosensitive

Radiation EffectsRadiation Effects

• Acute Effects: Nausea, Vomiting, Reddening Acute Effects: Nausea, Vomiting, Reddening

of Skin, Hair Loss, Blood Changesof Skin, Hair Loss, Blood Changes

• Latent Effects: Cataracts, Genetic effects, Latent Effects: Cataracts, Genetic effects,

CancerCancer

Dose Required for Acute Dose Required for Acute EffectsEffects

If an individual receives a dose in excess If an individual receives a dose in excess of 50 Rem (50,000 mRem) in a short of 50 Rem (50,000 mRem) in a short period of time, he/she will experience period of time, he/she will experience

acute effectsacute effects

Risk of CancerRisk of Cancer

The level of exposure is related to the risk of illness

While the risk for high levels of exposure is apparent, the risk for low levels is unclear

It is estimated that 1 rem TEDE of exposure increase likelihood of cancer by 1 in 1000

The likelihood of cancer in ones life time is 1 in 3 from all other factors

Factors Affecting RiskFactors Affecting Risk

• The amount of time over which the dose was received

• The type of radiation

• The general health of the individual

• The age of the individual

• The area of the body exposed

Lesson 6Lesson 6Occupational ExposureOccupational Exposure

What are the Occupational What are the Occupational Exposure Limits ?Exposure Limits ?

• Whole Body

• Extremities

• Skin of Whole Body

• Lens of Eye

• Thyroid

• 5,000 mRem/year

• 50,000 mRem/year

• 50,000 mRem/year

• 15,000 mRem/year

• 15,000 mRem/year

Other Other OccupationalOccupational Limits Limits

• ALARA - As Low As Reasonably Achievable. This is our policy AND the NRC’s: Don’t expose yourself to radiation any more than absolutely necessary.

Exposure to the General Exposure to the General PublicPublic

• Annual limit of 100 mRem to individuals

• This includes anybody in the laboratory who does not work for EINSTEIN

• Examples: salesmen, vendors, family members, etc.

Prenatal Radiation Prenatal Radiation ExposureExposure

• In the embryo stage, cells are dividing very In the embryo stage, cells are dividing very rapidly and are undifferentiated in their rapidly and are undifferentiated in their structure and are more sensitive to structure and are more sensitive to radiation exposureradiation exposure

• Especially sensitive during the first 2 to 3 Especially sensitive during the first 2 to 3 months after conceptionmonths after conception

• This sensitivity increases the risk of cancer This sensitivity increases the risk of cancer and retardationand retardation

Declaring Pregnancy Declaring Pregnancy

– Additional dose restrictions are available Additional dose restrictions are available for the pregnant workerfor the pregnant worker

– Receive a monthly Luxel dosimeterReceive a monthly Luxel dosimeter– Limited to 500 mRem during the term of Limited to 500 mRem during the term of

the pregnancythe pregnancy– Also, limited to 50 mRem per monthAlso, limited to 50 mRem per month

Exposure to MinorsExposure to Minors

Individuals under the age of 18Individuals under the age of 18

– Must not receive an exposure greater than Must not receive an exposure greater than 10% of occupational exposure for adults10% of occupational exposure for adults

– Wholebody Exposure Limit: 500 mRemWholebody Exposure Limit: 500 mRem

– Minors will wear dosimeters in laboratories Minors will wear dosimeters in laboratories licensed for radioactive material uselicensed for radioactive material use

– Minors should not work with radioactive Minors should not work with radioactive materialmaterial

Lesson 7Lesson 7Minimizing ExposureMinimizing Exposure

How Do I Protect Myself?How Do I Protect Myself?

• Reducing the dose from any source Reducing the dose from any source radiation exposure involves the use of radiation exposure involves the use of three protective measures:three protective measures:

– TIMETIME– DISTANCEDISTANCE– SHIELDINGSHIELDING

TimeTime

−The amount of exposure an individual accumulates is directly proportional to the time of exposure

−Keep handling time to a minimum

DistanceDistance

−The relationship between distance and exposure follows the inverse square law. The intensity of the radiation exposure decreases in proportion to the inverse of the distance squared

− Dose2 = Dose1 x

(d1/d2)2

ShieldingShielding−To shield against beta emissions, use To shield against beta emissions, use

plexiglass to decrease the production plexiglass to decrease the production of bremsstrahlung radiation. of bremsstrahlung radiation.

− If necessary, supplement with lead If necessary, supplement with lead after the plexiglassafter the plexiglass

−To shield against gamma and x-rays, To shield against gamma and x-rays, use lead, leaded glass or leaded plasticuse lead, leaded glass or leaded plastic

Internal ExposureInternal Exposure− Only a few commonly used

radionuclides at Einstein present an external exposure potential

− All radionuclides present a potential for internal exposure if taken into the body. Entry into the body can occur by inhalation, ingestion, or absorption through the skin

Minimizing Internal Minimizing Internal ExposureExposure

• Wear personal protective equipmentWear personal protective equipment

• If required, use a fume hoodIf required, use a fume hood

• No eating, drinking or applying cosmeticsNo eating, drinking or applying cosmetics

• Clean up spills promptlyClean up spills promptly

• Routinely monitor work areaRoutinely monitor work area

• Secure radioactive materialSecure radioactive material

Minimum Protective Minimum Protective EquipmentEquipment

• Laboratory coatLaboratory coat

• GlovesGloves

• Safety GlassesSafety Glasses

• DosimetersDosimeters

Bioassay RequirementsBioassay Requirements

• Thyroid scan when working with volatile

forms of I-125 in an amount greater than 1

mCi

• Urinalysis when working with tritiated

water in an amount greater than 100 mCi

• Urinalysis when working with P-32, S-35 or

Cr-51 in amounts greater than 100 mCi

Lesson 8Lesson 8Regulatory RequirementsRegulatory Requirements

EINSTEIN’s LicenseEINSTEIN’s License

• Broadscope license issued by The New York Broadscope license issued by The New York City Department of HealthCity Department of Health

• Permits the use of radioactive material in Permits the use of radioactive material in medical researchmedical research

• Specifies limitations and requirements for Specifies limitations and requirements for using radioactive materialusing radioactive material

• Must be renewed every 5 yearsMust be renewed every 5 years

Radiation Safety Radiation Safety RequirementsRequirements

• Radiation Safety OfficerRadiation Safety Officer

• Radiation Safety CommitteeRadiation Safety Committee

• Licensed Principal Licensed Principal InvestigatorsInvestigators

• Radioisotope UsersRadioisotope Users

Records to be Kept on FileRecords to be Kept on FileIn the LaboratoryIn the Laboratory - Receipt of material - Receipt of material - Utilization of - Utilization of material material - Waste disposal - Waste disposal - Monthly Wipe tests- Monthly Wipe tests - Sink disposal- Sink disposal - Training certificates- Training certificates

The New York City The New York City Inspectors will look Inspectors will look specifically for these specifically for these completed documents in completed documents in the lab Radiation Safety the lab Radiation Safety notebooks which should be notebooks which should be stored in every radiation stored in every radiation lab.lab.

By Radiation SafetyBy Radiation Safety -Principal Investigator-Principal Investigator -Isotope limits-Isotope limits -Receipt of material-Receipt of material

-Waste transferred-Waste transferred -Lab inspections-Lab inspections -Exposure reports-Exposure reports

Records (Continued)Records (Continued)

If radioactivity is not used or stored If radioactivity is not used or stored during a month, a signed statement during a month, a signed statement may be substituted for a wipe testmay be substituted for a wipe test

Example of Signed Statement:Example of Signed Statement:

““There has been no radioactive material There has been no radioactive material use or storage in lab ____ during the use or storage in lab ____ during the month of ____”.month of ____”.

Radiation Safety Radiation Safety InspectionsInspections

• Inspections are conducted quarterlyInspections are conducted quarterly

• Review isotope use records and wipe test Review isotope use records and wipe test

recordsrecords

• Confirm appropriate postings and labelsConfirm appropriate postings and labels

• Personal protective equipment and dosimetryPersonal protective equipment and dosimetry

• Shielding and survey instrument availableShielding and survey instrument available

• Contamination and radiation dose rate surveyContamination and radiation dose rate survey

Where Will Isotopes be Where Will Isotopes be Found?Found?

• In labs labeled with “Caution Radioactive In labs labeled with “Caution Radioactive

Material” signs at the entranceMaterial” signs at the entrance

• Usually stored in freezers, refrigerators, or Usually stored in freezers, refrigerators, or

fume hoodsfume hoods

• Waste stored in labeled containersWaste stored in labeled containers

• Radioactive waste storage roomsRadioactive waste storage rooms

Postings and LabelsPostings and Labels

• Entrance to laboratoryEntrance to laboratory

• Refrigerator/freezerRefrigerator/freezer

• Equipment/instrumentsEquipment/instruments

• Radioactive waste containersRadioactive waste containers

• Laboratory benchesLaboratory benches

• Fume hoods for useFume hoods for use

• Sinks for disposalSinks for disposal

Labeling ContainersLabeling Containers

• All containers used for storing radioactive All containers used for storing radioactive

material or radioactive waste must be material or radioactive waste must be

stored in labeled containersstored in labeled containers

• The label displays the radiation symbol with The label displays the radiation symbol with

the words “Caution Radioactive Material”the words “Caution Radioactive Material”

• The isotope, activity in uCi or mCi and the The isotope, activity in uCi or mCi and the

start date should be included on labelstart date should be included on label

Lesson 9Lesson 9Radiation DetectionRadiation Detection

Detecting Radiation and Detecting Radiation and ContaminationContamination

• Personal dosimeters are used to detect the occupational Personal dosimeters are used to detect the occupational exposure to employees from external sources of exposure to employees from external sources of radiationradiation

• A survey meter may be used to detect large quantities A survey meter may be used to detect large quantities of high energy beta and gamma emitters on a surfaceof high energy beta and gamma emitters on a surface

• For smaller quantities of contamination on surfaces and For smaller quantities of contamination on surfaces and low energy beta emitters, use the wipe test methodlow energy beta emitters, use the wipe test method

Luxel DosimeterLuxel Dosimeter Required when there is a Required when there is a

possibility of receiving possibility of receiving greater than 10% of greater than 10% of exposure limitexposure limit

Monitors for gamma, x-Monitors for gamma, x-ray and high energy betaray and high energy beta

Worn for 3 monthsWorn for 3 months These are individual These are individual

specific - Do not loan outspecific - Do not loan out Return promptly after Return promptly after

receiving a new onereceiving a new one

Ring DosimeterRing Dosimeter

Monitors exposure to the hands

Used for high energy beta, gamma and x-ray radiation

Worn when handling > 500 µCi of P-32 or I-125, or x-ray machines

Survey InstrumentsSurvey Instruments

• Geiger Mueller (G-M) Geiger Mueller (G-M)

- Detects alpha, beta, and gamma - Detects alpha, beta, and gamma radiationradiation

- Best option for detecting beta - Best option for detecting beta contamination contamination

• Sodium Iodide DetectorSodium Iodide Detector

- Gamma and x-ray only- Gamma and x-ray only

Operational Operational CheckCheck

• Check calibration Check calibration datedate

• Confirm calibration Confirm calibration date within past yeardate within past year

• Check batteriesCheck batteries

• Check response to Check response to radioactive source to radioactive source to confirm that the confirm that the meter is operationalmeter is operational

Survey InstrumentsSurvey Instruments

Survey InstrumentsSurvey Instruments• Geiger-Mueller Geiger-Mueller

DetectorDetector– Used for beta, gamma Used for beta, gamma

and x-ray emittersand x-ray emitters– Best for P-32, S-35 Best for P-32, S-35

and C-14and C-14– Will detect I-125 and Will detect I-125 and

Cr-51Cr-51

• Sodium-Iodine Sodium-Iodine DetectorDetector– Detects gamma and x-ray Detects gamma and x-ray

emittersemitters– I-125 and Cr-51I-125 and Cr-51– Do not use to detect beta Do not use to detect beta

emittersemitters

Wipe Test MethodWipe Test Method•The Wipe Test Method The Wipe Test Method

is a means of is a means of

monitoring for small monitoring for small

amounts of amounts of

contaminationcontamination

• It is the only method in It is the only method in

the lab for detecting H-the lab for detecting H-

33

•Wipe test surveys Wipe test surveys

should include both should include both

areas where areas where

contamination is contamination is

expected to be found expected to be found

and areas where it is and areas where it is

not expectednot expected

Wipe TestWipe Test1.1. Choose equipment and surfaces to wipeChoose equipment and surfaces to wipe

2.2. Use a filter paper or Q-tip to wipe Use a filter paper or Q-tip to wipe

approximately 100 cmapproximately 100 cm22. .

3.3. Place filter paper or Q-tip in scintillation Place filter paper or Q-tip in scintillation

vial and add scintillation fluid (use vial and add scintillation fluid (use

enough fluid to fill at least ½ of vial)enough fluid to fill at least ½ of vial)

4.4. Place sample in scintillation counterPlace sample in scintillation counter

5.5. Set scintillation counter to detect Set scintillation counter to detect

radioisotopes used in laboratoryradioisotopes used in laboratory

6.6. Include a Include a standardstandard or sample containing or sample containing

a known amount of radioactive material a known amount of radioactive material

7.7. Include a Include a background background or control sampleor control sample

Determining Activity of Determining Activity of WipesWipes

If the scintillation If the scintillation

counter only provides counter only provides

results in counts per results in counts per

minute (cpm) it will be minute (cpm) it will be

necessary to convert necessary to convert

those results to those results to

disintegrations per disintegrations per

minute (dpm). This can minute (dpm). This can

be done by including a be done by including a

control sample with control sample with

your wipes that your wipes that

contains the isotope of contains the isotope of

interest.interest.

dpm = cpm / counting dpm = cpm / counting efficiencyefficiency

Standard (cpm) / Standard Standard (cpm) / Standard (dpm) = Efficiency(dpm) = Efficiency

1 uCi = 2.22 X 101 uCi = 2.22 X 1066 dpm dpm

Decay of the standard’s Decay of the standard’s activity must be activity must be

considered.considered.

Lesson 10Lesson 10Contamination ControlContamination Control

ContaminationContamination

• Definition: Definition: Radioactive material in an Radioactive material in an undesired location undesired location

• Undesired Undesired locations: locations: Surfaces, skin, internal, airborneSurfaces, skin, internal, airborne

• Types: Types: Removable – Decontamination is Removable – Decontamination is possible possible

Fixed – Unable to decontaminateFixed – Unable to decontaminate

Contamination LimitsContamination Limits

•<200 dpm/100cm<200 dpm/100cm2 2 // in unrestricted areas in unrestricted areas

(hallways, offices, and labs not licensed for (hallways, offices, and labs not licensed for

radioactive material)radioactive material)

•<1,000 dpm/100cm<1,000 dpm/100cm2 2 // in restricted areas in restricted areas

(radioisotope laboratories)(radioisotope laboratories)

•>1,000 dpm/100cm>1,000 dpm/100cm2 2 // immediately clean immediately clean

up to below 1,000 dpm/100cmup to below 1,000 dpm/100cm22

Frequently Contaminated Frequently Contaminated ItemsItems

in Laboratoriesin Laboratories• Radioactive containers (stock, flasks, beakers)Radioactive containers (stock, flasks, beakers)

• Laboratory benchesLaboratory benches

• Laboratory apparatus and equipmentLaboratory apparatus and equipment((CentrifugeCentrifuge, Freezer, Waterbath) , Freezer, Waterbath)

• Radioactive waste containersRadioactive waste containers

• Refrigerator door handlesRefrigerator door handles

• Laboratory door handlesLaboratory door handles

• Gloves and laboratory coatsGloves and laboratory coats

Contamination ControlContamination Control• Work in areas designated for radioactive materialWork in areas designated for radioactive material

• Use absorbent padsUse absorbent pads

• Wear appropriate protective clothingWear appropriate protective clothing

• Change gloves frequentlyChange gloves frequently

• Perform a dry run of the procedure without Perform a dry run of the procedure without radioactive materialsradioactive materials

− It is recommend that you set up well-defined, clearly labeled radioactive material work stations and restrict radioactive materials use to those areas

Spill ResponseSpill Response

• Notify people working in the laboratoryNotify people working in the laboratory

• Control access to the affected areaControl access to the affected area

• Wear gloves, lab coat, and safety glassesWear gloves, lab coat, and safety glasses

• Clean spill from the outer perimeter inwardClean spill from the outer perimeter inward

• Avoid spattering and generating aerosolsAvoid spattering and generating aerosols

• After initial clean up, monitor for After initial clean up, monitor for contaminationcontamination

• Repeat process if contamination remainsRepeat process if contamination remains

• Call the RSO (x2243) if you need help or if Call the RSO (x2243) if you need help or if the spill is greater than 100 the spill is greater than 100 µµCiCi

Decontamination of SkinDecontamination of Skin

• If the radioactive material is a high energy If the radioactive material is a high energy

beta, gamma, or x-ray emitter, monitor with beta, gamma, or x-ray emitter, monitor with

a survey meter and record readinga survey meter and record reading

• Gently wash the affected area for 15 minutes Gently wash the affected area for 15 minutes

with lukewarm water and a mild soapwith lukewarm water and a mild soap

• If you continue to find contamination, repeat If you continue to find contamination, repeat

washing and monitoring for up to 3 timeswashing and monitoring for up to 3 times

• Record final survey meter readingsRecord final survey meter readings

• Contact Radiation Safety at x2243Contact Radiation Safety at x2243

Lesson 11Lesson 11Obtaining Radioactive Obtaining Radioactive

MaterialsMaterials

Ordering Radioactive Ordering Radioactive MaterialMaterial• Orders are placed electronically through the

Jacada Ordering System• All orders must be approved by the Radiation

Safety Officer

• When purchasing radioactive material from a vendor provide the following:– The Radioisotope– Amount of material – Name and phone number of P.I.

• All packaged must be addressed to the Environmental Health and Safety Office in Forchheimer 800

OrderingOrdering

−Typically, orders arrive Typically, orders arrive the following daythe following day

−Ensure that somebody Ensure that somebody is available to pick up is available to pick up the Packagethe Package

−Wear lab coat and Wear lab coat and dosimeter to pick up dosimeter to pick up package package

−Sign receipt log prior Sign receipt log prior to leaving Safetyto leaving Safety

Check ContentsCheck Contents

−Check box for Check box for

contamination using a contamination using a

Geiger counter or wipe Geiger counter or wipe

test.test.

−Confirm that content of Confirm that content of

package is not package is not

contaminated.contaminated.

− If it is contaminated If it is contaminated

contact Safety.contact Safety.

−Deface or remove any Deface or remove any

radiation labels on the radiation labels on the

box and discard as box and discard as

regular waste.regular waste.

Receiving Radioactive Receiving Radioactive MaterialMaterial

Receiving Radioactive Receiving Radioactive MaterialMaterial

−Checking package for contamination Checking package for contamination (Left)(Left)

−Defacing labels (Right)Defacing labels (Right)

Lesson 12Lesson 12Radioactive WasteRadioactive Waste

Radioactive Waste Radioactive Waste DisposalDisposal

• Minimize generation of wasteMinimize generation of waste

• Identify and segregate wasteIdentify and segregate waste

- long term (H-3 and C-14)- long term (H-3 and C-14)

- intermediate (S-35 and I-125)- intermediate (S-35 and I-125)

- short lived (P-32)- short lived (P-32)

• Adhere to sink disposal limitsAdhere to sink disposal limits

• Complete a waste ticket for pickupComplete a waste ticket for pickup

• Keep disposal recordsKeep disposal records

Do Not Mix Do Not Mix WasteWaste Types Types

• Do not place scintillation vials into dry Do not place scintillation vials into dry

solid waste containerssolid waste containers

• Do not place dry solid waste into liquid Do not place dry solid waste into liquid

scintillation vial wastescintillation vial waste

• Do not place liquid waste container into Do not place liquid waste container into

dry solid waste containersdry solid waste containers

Holding Radioactive WasteHolding Radioactive Waste for Decay for Decay

• Provide appropriate shielding for the wasteProvide appropriate shielding for the waste

• Seal the container to prevent individuals Seal the container to prevent individuals

from adding to the wastefrom adding to the waste

• Label the waste container with the isotope, Label the waste container with the isotope,

amount of radioactive material, and date amount of radioactive material, and date

the container was sealedthe container was sealed

• Hold for 10 half-lives (see table)Hold for 10 half-lives (see table)

Minimum Decay TimeMinimum Decay Time

IsotopeIsotope Half-lifeHalf-life 10 Half-10 Half-liveslives

Rule of Rule of ThumbThumb

P-32P-32 14.3 days14.3 days 143 Days143 Days 6 months6 months

Cr-51Cr-51 27.7 days27.7 days 277 Days277 Days 1 year1 year

I-125I-125 59.6 days59.6 days 600 Days600 Days 2 Years2 Years

S-35S-35 87.4 days87.4 days 874 Days874 Days 2.5 years2.5 years

Discarding Decayed WasteDiscarding Decayed Waste

• After 10 half-lives survey the waste with a After 10 half-lives survey the waste with a

Geiger counterGeiger counter

• If no residual radiation, complete a If no residual radiation, complete a

Radioactive Waste Ticket and send white Radioactive Waste Ticket and send white

copy to Safetycopy to Safety

• Place yellow copy of waste ticket on the Place yellow copy of waste ticket on the

waste to discardedwaste to discarded

• Safety will pick up the decayed wasteSafety will pick up the decayed waste

Radioactive Waste Radioactive Waste ContainersContainers

• DO NOTDO NOT dispose of dispose of

radioactive waste in:radioactive waste in:

- medical waste - medical waste

containerscontainers

- general waste - general waste

containerscontainers

• Use only approved Use only approved

radioactive waste radioactive waste

containers supplied containers supplied

by Radiation Safety by Radiation Safety

which contains a which contains a

warning label warning label

“Caution Radioactive “Caution Radioactive

Material”Material”

Scintillation VialsScintillation Vials

• Place in a separate container from the dry solid Place in a separate container from the dry solid

radioactive wasteradioactive waste

• Separate scintillation vials containing long lived Separate scintillation vials containing long lived

isotopes isotopes

(H-3 and C-14) from those containing shorter lived (H-3 and C-14) from those containing shorter lived

isotopes (P-32, I-125)isotopes (P-32, I-125)

• Ensure the lids are secured tightly on the bottlesEnsure the lids are secured tightly on the bottles

• Do not overfill the containerDo not overfill the container

• Complete a Radioactive Waste Ticket and send to Complete a Radioactive Waste Ticket and send to

Safety when container is fullSafety when container is full

Contaminated SharpsContaminated Sharps• SyringesSyringes

• Pasteur Pasteur

PipettesPipettes

• ScalpelScalpel

• NeedlesNeedles– Radioactive sharps must be Radioactive sharps must be

segregated from other segregated from other

radioactive waste and placed in radioactive waste and placed in

a radioactive materials labeled a radioactive materials labeled

sharps container. sharps container.

Collecting LiquidCollecting Liquid

• Use a durable plastic bottleUse a durable plastic bottle

• Attach a radiation warning label to the Attach a radiation warning label to the

bottlebottle

• Document the isotope, activity and date on Document the isotope, activity and date on

the containerthe container

• Secure the lid on the container at all timesSecure the lid on the container at all times

• Place bottle in a secondary containerPlace bottle in a secondary container

Sink DisposalSink Disposal

• Permitted for small amount of radioactive Permitted for small amount of radioactive

material in aqueous solutionmaterial in aqueous solution

• Discard only in a radioactive materials Discard only in a radioactive materials

labeled sinklabeled sink

• Disposed activity is limited to specific Disposed activity is limited to specific

monthly and daily averagesmonthly and daily averages

• May need to hold short lived isotopes for May need to hold short lived isotopes for

decay prior to discarding down the sinkdecay prior to discarding down the sink

Sink Disposal LimitsSink Disposal Limits

Isotope Monthly (uCi) Daily Isotope Monthly (uCi) Daily (uCi)(uCi)

P-32P-32 360360 1212

S-35S-35 300300 1010

I-125I-125 360360 1212

Cr-51Cr-51 15001500 5050

H-3H-3 360360 1212

C-14C-14 900900 3030

Sink Disposal LimitsSink Disposal Limits

All radioactive material disposed through a All radioactive material disposed through a designated sink should be recorded on the posted designated sink should be recorded on the posted Sink Disposal LogSink Disposal Log

Lesson 13Lesson 13Clearing EquipmentClearing Equipment

Clearing EquipmentClearing Equipment

For repair by Engineering or Vendor:For repair by Engineering or Vendor:

•Ensure equipment is empty of all samples, Ensure equipment is empty of all samples, containers, and radioactive materialcontainers, and radioactive material

•Conduct wipe test and present results to Conduct wipe test and present results to RSORSO

•Monitor with survey meterMonitor with survey meter

•Decontaminate equipment if requiredDecontaminate equipment if required

Lesson 14Lesson 14ReviewReview

When Working with Low When Working with Low Energy Beta EmittersEnergy Beta Emitters

• Examples: H-3, C-14, S-35, P-33Examples: H-3, C-14, S-35, P-33

• Follow General Safety RequirementsFollow General Safety Requirements

• Use a GM survey meter for large Use a GM survey meter for large

quantities of C-14, S-35 and P-33quantities of C-14, S-35 and P-33

• Isolate, label, and dispose of wasteIsolate, label, and dispose of waste

• Secure material in refrigerator/freezerSecure material in refrigerator/freezer

When Working with High When Working with High Energy Beta Emitters (P-32)Energy Beta Emitters (P-32)

• Use Plexiglas shielding for storageUse Plexiglas shielding for storage

• Wear Luxel dosimeter and extremity dosimeters if Wear Luxel dosimeter and extremity dosimeters if

requiredrequired

• Handle material behind a Plexiglas shieldHandle material behind a Plexiglas shield

• Regularly monitor work area and gloves for Regularly monitor work area and gloves for

contaminationcontamination

• Use a GM detector or liquid scintillation counterUse a GM detector or liquid scintillation counter

Working with Gamma or X-ray Working with Gamma or X-ray Emitters (I-125)Emitters (I-125)

• Store in leaded containersStore in leaded containers

• Pre-experiment thyroid scan for work with large Pre-experiment thyroid scan for work with large

quantities or volatile forms of I-125quantities or volatile forms of I-125• Wear Luxel dosimeter and extremity dosimeters Wear Luxel dosimeter and extremity dosimeters

if requiredif required

• Use leaded glass/Plexiglas shieldUse leaded glass/Plexiglas shield

• Regularly monitor surfaces glovesRegularly monitor surfaces gloves

• Use NaI detector or liquid scintillation counterUse NaI detector or liquid scintillation counter

• Post experiment thyroid scan for work with Post experiment thyroid scan for work with

large quantities or volatile forms of I-125large quantities or volatile forms of I-125

Telephone NumbersTelephone Numbers

• Radiation Safety: x2243Radiation Safety: x2243• General Safety: x4150General Safety: x4150• Fax: x8740Fax: x8740• Environmental Health & Safety Environmental Health & Safety

website: website: www.aecom.yu.edu/ehswww.aecom.yu.edu/ehs