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Radiation Safety Training for Use of Radioactive Materials
Radiation Safety Program Radiation Basics Biological Effects Laboratory Safety Instruments & Monitoring Techniques Personnel Dosimetry & Exposure Limits Procurement & Receiving Waste Management & Disposal Transfer & Transportation Decontamination & Emergency Procedures Security
Modules
Radiation Safety Program Responsibilities Regulations Authorization (Project) Requirements
Module 1
US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)
Purdue University Radiation Safety Program Radiation Safety Committee
Personnel Principal Investigator (PI) Authorized Users Other Personnel
Responsibilities
US NRC (Nuclear Regulatory Commission) The Commission formulates policies,
develops regulations governing nuclear reactor and nuclear material safety, issues orders to licensees, and adjudicates legal matters.
Responsibilities: NRC
Radiation Safety Program: Authorized by Purdue University Executive Memorandum No. B-14 Radiation Safety Committee (RSC) Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) in the
Dept. of Radiological and Environmental Management (REM)▪ Radiation Safety Staff
Radiation Safety Manual
Responsibilities: Purdue University
REM serves as a consultant to the University Community in the following areas: Construction Health and Safety, Environmental Health, Fire and Safety Equipment Service, Hazardous Material Management, Industrial Hygiene, Laser Safety, Radiation Safety, and Safety and Ergonomics
REM assists in monitoring regulatory compliance with various federal, state, and university regulations involving environmental, health and safety issues. Services include training, consultation, emergency response, and waste removal.
Responsibilities: REM
Responsible for complying with regulations set forth by the US NRC, as well as the Indiana State Department of Health, for the safe use of radioactive materials and radiation producing devices. This is accomplished by providing several types of training, radioactive waste pickups, calibration services, personnel dosimetry to monitor radiation exposure, and consulting support for any safety issues identified by Purdue University employees and students.
Responsibilities: REM Radiation Safety Section
The mission of the Radiation Safety Committee is to ensure the safety of the University and community in the utilization of all radioactive materials and radiation producing devices at the University or by University faculty, staff, or students.
Responsibilities: RSC
US NRC Rules and Regulations 10 CFR Part 19 - Notices, Instructions and Reports to Workers: Inspection and Investigations
US NRC Rules and Regulations 10 CFR Part 20 – Standards for Protection Against Radiation
US NRC Regulatory Guide 8.13 – Instruction Concerning Prenatal Radiation Exposure
Many others
US NRC Regulations and Regulatory Guides
Workers Rights: to be informed of storage, transfer, and use of
radioactive materials, to further instruction on health protection problems
associated with radiation exposure and procedures to minimize exposure,
to receive radiation exposure history upon written request to the RSO,
to request NRC inspection, to be instructed in and required to observe applicable
provisions of NRC regulations and licenses, and to be instructed in the appropriate response to
warnings.
10 CFR Part 19
Occupational dose limits Surveys and monitoring Precautionary procedures Waste disposal Records of surveys Enforcement Storage and control of licensed
material
10 CFR Part 20
Freedom of Employees in the Nuclear Industry To Raise Safety Concerns Without Fear of Retaliation Retaliation against employees or
students engaged in protected activities, whether they have raised safety concerns within the University or to the NRC, will not be tolerated.
Problems should be first addressed within the existing University hierarchy.
US NRC Policy Statement:61 FR 24336
Approval Process begins after required forms are submitted to REM.
Complete Required Training Follow Laboratory Safety Practices
(see Module #4) Recordkeeping Decommissioning
Authorization (Project) Requirements
Forms must be completed and approved by RSO, RSC Form A-1: Project Summary & Evaluation for Use of
Radioactive Materials and Radiation Producing Devices(New/Amend Project Form)
Form A1-S: Radiation Facility Approval Request (New Lab Application)
Form A-4: Application to Use Radioactive Materials and/or Radiation Producing Devices (New User Application)
Form SM-1: Survey Meter Registration Training must be completed by all users
Project Requirements: Approval Process
Available Training: (General) Radiation Safety Training for Use of Radioactive
Materials Sealed Source Training (includes irradiator and nuclear
gauges) Diagnostic x-ray (includes DEXA) Analytical x-ray (diffraction) Laser Safety Declared Pregnant Worker DOT Training (Transport of Hazardous Materials) Radiofrequency/Electromagnetic Safety Training Others, as needed
Note: Some retraining may be required. Awareness training is also available as needed.
Project Requirements: Complete Required Training
Use Radioactive Material Logbook Keep the most recent authorization
printout in this binder▪ Authorized users and locations listed▪ Authorized nuclides, compounds, and
amounts Survey Log Waste and Inventory Logs Radionuclide Receipts
KEEP YOUR RECORDS UPDATED!
Project Requirements: Recordkeeping
See Module #4 of this training.
Project Requirements:Laboratory Safety Practices
All radiation-labeled equipment must be certified HAZARD FREE prior to service or disposal Liquid scintillation counters, gamma
counters, and gas chromatographs could contain radioactive sources
Prior to moving out of an area and abandoning equipment - notify REM
Project Requirements: Decommissioning
May obtain an injunction or court order to prevent a violation
Civil penalties Criminal penalties
willful violation of, attempted violation, or conspiracy to violate any regulation
Project Requirements: Enforcement
Radiation Basics Definitions and Units Background Exposure Types ALARA Half-Lives and Decay
Module 2
Radioactivity Spontaneous emission of particles and/or
electromagnetic radiation from an unstable nucleus. Ionizing Radiation
Radiation of sufficient energy to strip electrons from the orbit of an atom causing ionization.
Contamination Radioactive material in an unwanted location.
Half-Life The time required for any given radioisotope to
decrease to one-half it’s original quantity▪ After 10 half-lives, the radioactivity is reduced to 0.01% of
the original activity
Definitions & Terms
Exposure - ionization in air Units: roentgen R, (milliroentgen, mR)(C/kg of air) Survey instrument readings (i.e. Geiger-Mueller,
Ion) Absorbed Dose - energy deposited in matter
Units: rad (millirad, mrad) (Gy, mGy, J/kg) Dose Equivalent - biologically weighted
absorbed dose Units: rem (millirem, mrem, Sv, mSv) Measured by dosimetry Derived or Calculated
Radiation Units
Activity- quantity of radioactive material
millicurie (mCi) 2.22 billion disintegrations per minute
(dpm) 37 million disintegrations per second
(dps) Becquerel (Bq)
1 dps so 1 mCi = 37 MBq and 1µCi = 37 kBq
Radiation Units2
Average Annual Background Radiation Exposure in the US is approximately 620 mrem
Personal background exposure may be influenced by location and lifestyle
Source: NCRP Report #160
Background Exposure
36%
5%5%
3%2%1%1%
47%
Average Annual Background Radia-
tionRadon and ThoronInternal EmittersCosmicTerrestrialConsumerIndustrialOccupationalMedical
There are 4 main types of radiation, each of which has different shielding requirements Alpha
▪ Particle made up of 2 protons and 2 neutrons▪ Atomically large
Beta▪ Electron particle▪ Moderately easy to shield – avoid lead or high “Z” material
Gamma/x-rays▪ Energy only – not particulate▪ More difficult to shield
Neutrons▪ Neutral particle▪ Difficult to shield
Types of Radiation
Methods Time Distance Shielding Amount Contamination Control Dosimetry
▪ Notification trigger level of 100 mrem per wear period for whole body exposure
ALARA: As Low As Reasonably Achievable
The less time spent in a radiation area the lower the accumulated exposure to the worker.
Plan all work efficiently. It is best to do an experiment using a non radioactive surrogate and allow someone to watch the your technique, or videotape the work. Reducing time will reduce exposure.
ALARA: Time
The greater the distance the lower the exposure. Your goal should be to never allow the distance between you and any source to become zero. Therefore: Never touch any source if you can avoid
it. Use tweezers, tongs, holders, racks, or
other engineered fixtures. Move sources to the back of hoods or in
other ways away from personnel.
ALARA: Distance
Inverse Square Law (Point Source) Intensity of Radiation decreases as the
inverse square of the distance. Doubling distance, exposure = ¼ of
original; Tripling distance = 1/9 of original exposure.
ALARA: Distance (2)
21
22I1d = I2 d
Always use shielding. The greater the shielding the lower the exposure to workers. 1 cm of plastic for most Betas. Lead for gammas, or x-rays. Graded shielding is best, i.e. plastic first
then mass like lead. Check effectiveness of shielding with a
meter.
ALARA: Shielding
ALARA: Shielding (2)
Alpha
Beta
Gamma
Neutron
Paper/Skin Plexiglas Lead Paraffin/Water/Concrete
The smaller the amount of radioactive material the lower the exposure. Use the smallest volume or the lowest
specific activity needed for an experiment. Remove debris from the work area. Clean
the area. Decontaminate when contamination is
found. Survey the area on a regular bases. Do your “wipe tests” on a regular basis.
ALARA: Amount
Individuals working with significant amounts of radioactive material are provided dosimetry to measure their radiation exposure
When exposures exceed specified low trigger limits of 100 millirem during the period (monthly or bimonthly) the user is notified A form must be completed and returned to
acknowledge that the user is aware of the exposure and will take steps to reduce if possible
Dosimetry
Biological Effects from Radiological Exposure Routes of Exposure Biological Effects Risk Analysis
Module 3
An individual can be exposed to radiation: Internally
▪ Intake by mouth, nose, eyes, or any open cut Externally
▪ Energy is passed through the body and/or absorbed by tissues
Contamination▪ Residual radioactivity on the skin irradiates
skin and other tissues
Routes of Exposure
Routes of Radiation Exposure
External (high energy beta, gamma, neutron)
Internal (alpha, low energy beta)
Inhalation
Ingestion
Injection (wound)
Absorbtion
An individual can be exposed to radiation through these routes:
Acute (one-time) high level dose Can cause radiation damage and
symptoms quickly Chronic (long-term) low level dose
Body has time to repair/replace damaged cells
Effects, if any, appear after 20-30 years Risk of cancer with 1 rem of radiation
increases from the normal rate of 20% to 20.03%
Biological Effects
Acute effects are highly unlikely using millicurie amounts of radioactivity in a research setting
Biological Effects of Acute Radiation Exposure*
Symptom Dose To TargetNausea, Diarrhea 100 rem Whole
BodyCataracts 200 rem EyesErythema 300 rem SkinSterility in men 500 rem GonadsDeath (LD50/60) - no treatment
300 rem Whole Body
Death (LD50/60) - with treatment
600 rem Whole Body
Gastrointestinal Syndrome
≥ 600 rem
Whole Body
Cerebrovascular Syndrome
≥ 3000 rem
Whole Body
*Source: Merck Manual Online Medical Library
Stochastic (by chance): the effects have no threshold and the severity of the effect does not vary with the dose Cancer (including leukemia)
Deterministic: the effects have a threshold and the severity of the effect does vary with the dose Cataracts
Chronic Biological Effects
High doses - there is a correlation between dose and effect
Low doses (<10 rem) - it is unclear what the risk is at this level. BEIR VII Report assumes linear no-threshold dose response, so any dose could have a negative effect – doses are maintained As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA)
Hormesis – some scientists believe that low doses of radiation may be beneficial
Risk Analysis
Laboratory Safety Posting and Labeling Facility Classification Eating, Drinking, Smoking, Application of Cosmetics Personal Protective Equipment Equipment Maintenance
Module 4
In room/area Door: Lab Classification Near radioactive waste: Waste Poster
On equipment used for radioactive materials Radioactive materials label Do not place Radioactive Materials label
on something that is not used for radioactive materials or is not radioactively contaminated
Posting and Labeling
While the consumption of food and beverages is generally discouraged in chemical labs, restrictions are different for each laboratory class.
Eating, Drinking, Smoking, & Cosmetic Application
CAUTION RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS
EMERGENCY RADIATION SAFETY ASSISTANCE
In emergencies involving radiation or radioactive materials,
call University Police emergency number: 911 or Radiological and Environmental Management: 49-46371
Laboratory Hazards Classification: TYPE B Eating, drinking, food preparation, food storage, and smoking
is NOT PERMITTED. (See Purdue University Radiation Safety Manual,
http://www.purdue.edu/rem/home/booklets/radman.htm)
CAUTION RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS
EMERGENCY RADIATION SAFETY ASSISTANCE
In emergencies involving radiation or radioactive materials,
call University Police emergency number: 911 or Radiological and Environmental Management: 49-46371
Laboratory Hazards Classification: TYPE C Storage or preparation of food or beverages and the consumption of food
is NOT PERMITTED. (See Purdue University Radiation Safety Manual,
http://www.purdue.edu/rem/home/booklets/radman.htm)
CAUTION RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS
EMERGENCY RADIATION SAFETY ASSISTANCE
In emergencies involving radiation or radioactive materials,
call University Police emergency number: 911 or Radiological and Environmental Management: 49-46371
Laboratory Hazards Classification: TYPE D Storage of food and beverages in same storage location as radioactive
materials is NOT PERMITTED. (See Purdue University Radiation Safety Manual,
http://www.purdue.edu/rem/home/booklets/radman.htm)
The use of food containers for handling or storing radioactive materials is not permitted. Any other containers used must be clearly marked as containing radioactive material.
See Section 9.2 of the Purdue University Radiation Safety Manual.
Storage and Use of Radioactive Material
A minimum of gloves, lab coat and shoes that cover the feet are required for work with unsealed sources of radioactive material
For operations with splash potential - safety glasses or goggles are required
Remember that gloves should not be worn outside the lab – this has the potential to spread contamination.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
For contamination control, but not considered shielding
Remove when finished with handling material or when contaminated; whichever comes first
Consider double-gloves during procedures that are likely to contaminate
Gloves
Monitor your gloves frequently and change when they become contaminated
All equipment used for radioactive material use MUST have a “radioactive materials” label affixed.
If equipment requires maintenance, remove materials from area and clean surfaces.
Attach Hazard Clearance and Declaration Form (aka: “Clean Sheet”) to equipment.
Equipment Maintenance
Instruments & Monitoring Techniques Purpose Commonly Used Instruments Monitoring Guidelines Efficiencies
Module 5
Surveys must comply with the regulations and determine the extent of the radiation levels, concentrations or quantities of radioactive material, and potential radiological hazards
Purpose
Survey Meter or Rate Meter with an associated: Geiger-Mueller (G-M) Pancake Probe Geiger-Mueller (G-M) End-Window Probe Sodium Iodide (NaI) Probe Alpha probe
Liquid Scintillation Counter Ion Chamber
Commonly-Used Instrument Types
Best for P-32
For counting wipes for removable contamination
Measures both fixed and removable beta (with exception of low-energy beta emitters such as H-3), gamma, and alpha contamination.
Can accommodate different probes End-window, pancake NaI scintillator Alpha
Meter efficiency can vary widely due to: Energy of radionuclide Geometry
Survey Instruments: Geiger-Mueller (GM) Detector
These are dose reading type survey meters.
Usually have a door or cap over the window.
Most application is found in differentiating beta verses gamma dose.
Many ‘Dose Calibrators’ are ion type chambers.
Work on the principle of ‘air ionization’.
Survey Instruments: Ion Chamber Type Detector
Ion chamber usage. Readings are usually recorded with
the door both open and closed. This gives beta plus gamma and
gamma only reading. Used in finding dose in an area or
shielding effectiveness.
Survey Instruments: Ion Chamber Type Detector2
Open (beta & gamma)
Closed (gamma only)
Lab surveys should be performed on a regular basis to prevent contamination in the laboratory and to keep exposures to personnel ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable). The frequency of surveys will depend on the amount of radioactive material used and the experimental procedures.
Perform surveys during the experiment and at the end of each experiment. Clean up any contamination found.
A survey of the use area should be performed and documented: Monthly - if material is used at all Weekly - if greater than 1 mCi is used Daily - if greater than 5 mCi is used If no material was used during the month, document this.
Proper technique is important – move the probe slowly over the area to be surveyed at a close distance, within ¼ inch of surface.
It is preferable that the authorized user performing the experiment also be the one performing the survey (this person should know the potential areas of contamination).
Monitoring Guidelines: General
Make a record of the survey- example on next page
Project Director ________________________started on ____________ (date)Bldg____________________ Room # _________________________________
*Areas surveyed at a minimum should include bench top, floor, waste area, equipment, and other areas that could potentially be contaminated equipment. Maintain records for 3 year minimum.
Monitoring Guidelines: Documentation Example
Is it working? Will it detect the type of radiation of
interest? Will it detect the level of radiation
expected in the area? What is background in the area? Is the instrument ‘in’ calibration? Do I know the meter scale factor?
Monitoring Guidelines: Survey Meters
Is it Working? Check battery level and meter integrity.
Replace the batteries as necessary. REM recommends alkaline type batteries as they do not leak as often.
Use known source to check operation. Use the audio if the instrument has a speaker. Use most sensitive scale (i.e. lowest scale x0.1
or x1) if possible. Notify REM for assistance with survey meter
problems.
Monitoring Guidelines: Survey Meters (2)
Will it detect the type of radiation of interest? Tritium will not be detected by a
common survey meter. You must perform a wipe test, counted with a liquid scintillation counter or other window-less counting system.
Carbon-14 will be detected with very low efficiency.
Monitoring Guidelines: Survey Meters (3)
Will it detect the level of radiation expected in the area? Is the meter made for detecting
background levels? Note: Some meters sold on the
Internet for as little as $25 will not detect typical laboratory contamination at all.
Monitoring Guidelines: Survey Meters (4)
What is background in the area? Background radiation in
laboratories can vary greatly. Sources or radioactive waste can
contribute to background. It is difficult to find contamination
in a high background area.
Monitoring Guidelines: Survey Meters (5)
Is the instrument ‘in’ calibration? Check the calibration ‘due’ date on
the sticker or tag affixed to the instrument. The instrument must be within the dates given.
REM has a calibration service for the University. If the instrument is out of calibration, notify REM for calibration.
Monitoring Guidelines: Survey Meters (6)
Do I know the meter scale factor? Some meters give you a multiplication
factor. Other meters show you the topmost
reading expected on the scale. Some types give a different scale for
X100. Check yourself as scales can be
confusing.
Monitoring Guidelines: Survey Meters (7)
Survey Meter Face
Scaler Dependent (what scale are you on?) Example: Using the x10 scale, the meter reads
15,000 CPM for contamination, or Approx. 12.5 mR/hr for radiation exposure
Measures removable contamination that could be spread to other areas
Perform with moderate pressure over at least 100 square centimeters
Count the filter in an appropriate counter
Focus on areas where contamination could be easily spread - FLOORS!
Monitoring Guidelines: Wipe Tests
A wipe test is the most sensitive way to detect removable contamination. covers a large surface area high efficiency when counted by liquid
scintillation (LSC) only practical measure of 3H contamination
Efficiency of removal - approximately 10% For high energy beta emitters, wipes can
be checked with GM meter
Monitoring Guidelines: Wipe Tests2
LSC Readout Example
Protocols can be tailored to counting needs
Keep as survey record documentation
> 200 dpm in any channel indicates contamination
Used to convert observed count rate (cpm) to activity (dpm).
Determined by counting a known standard with the instrument. Efficiency (Eff) = cpm/dpm x 100% E.g.: If a GM counter has an efficiency of
5% (.05), what activity is present when it reads 300 cpm?▪ 0.05 = 300/X▪ Therefore, the activity present is 6000 dpm.
Efficiencies
Isotope
End-Window (% efficiency)
Pancake (% efficiency)
C-14 1 5
S-35 5 12
P-32 12 25
I-125 0.05 0.1
Typical Meter Efficiencies @ 1/4 inch
H-3 50 percent C-14 90 percent S-35 90 percent P-32 95 percent I-125 60 percent
Your results may vary depending on counter, quenching, etc.
Typical Efficiencies of Liquid Scintillation Counting
Personnel Dosimetry & Exposure Limits Purpose Dosimeter Types Regulatory Exposure Limits Purdue Dosimeter Issuance Triggers User Responsibilities
Module 6
Monitoring is required for those likely to receive, in 1 year from sources external to the body, a dose in excess of 10 percent of the occupational exposure limits.
Purpose of Dosimetry
Passive (most commonly issued at Purdue) Thermoluminescent Dosimeters (TLDs) Film Badges
Active Pocket Electronic
Dosimeter Types
Wear correct dosimeter Wear dosimeter in correct location Store in low background area when
not in use Do not remove from occupational
location Avoid physical damage (e.g. water,
heat, impact) Report unusual occurrences to REM
that may effect dosimetry integrity/readings
Dosimetry Guidelines
Proper placement: Whole Body:
▪ Outside of clothing▪ Front side of body▪ Between neck and waist
Ring:▪ Under gloves (minimizes potential for contamination)▪ Chip side (name plate) facing palm▪ Worn on hand most likely to receive greatest dose.
Fetal:▪ Outside of clothing▪ Abdominal area
Dosimetry Placement
Ring Dosimetry
Wear this onpalm side.
Film Dosimetry (a.k.a. Film Badge)
Total Effective Dose Equivalent (TEDE) Whole Body - Annual 5 rem
Dose Equivalent to Any Organ or Tissue (TODE) - Annual 50 rem
Dose Equivalent to the Skin or Extremities (SDE) - Annual 50 rem
Dose Equivalent to the Lens of Eye (LDE) - Annual 15 rem
Dose Equivalent allowed to Embryo/Fetus (Declared Pregnant Worker)– 9 month gestation period 0.5 rem This is a voluntary declaration that, if the declaration is made, must be
done so in writing to the RSO.
Adult Occupational Dose Limits:10 CFR 20 Subpart C
Note 1: Annual Occupational Dose Limits for Minors (i.e. personnel under 18 yrs. of age) is 10% of the adult limit.Note 2: Non-occupational (i.e. general public) TEDE is limited to an annual limit of 0.1 rem, and an hourly exposure limit of 2 mR.
Low energy beta emitters (e.g. H-3, C-14, P-33, S-35, Ca-45)• No dosimeter issued
Higher energy beta emitters (e.g. P-32, Sr-90)• Ring dosimeter issued for ≥ 1 mCi • Whole body dosimeter issued for ≥ 5mCi
Low energy gamma emitters (e.g Cr-51, Co-57, I-125) • Ring dosimeter issued for ≥ 1 mCi • Whole body dosimeter issued for ≥ 5mCi
Higher energy gamma emitters (e.g. Na-22, Co-60, Cs-137, I-131)• Ring dosimeter issued for ≥ 0.1 mCi• Whole body dosimeter issued for > 1.0 mCi
Neutron emitters (e.g. Tritium generators, Cf-252)• Extremity dosimeter issued for ≥ 10 mCi• Whole body dosimeter issued for any use
Dosimetry Issue Levels
Return dosimetry promptly! If dosimetry is not returned, it cannot be processed. Dosimeters returned late may be considered degraded and “unreadable”. Also, there is a cost (late fee) associated with unreturned dosimetry.
Notify REM if you will not work with materials requiring dosimetry for extended periods. We can suspend your service and reactivate it when it is needed.
User Responsibilities
Procurement & Receiving Radioactive Material (RAM) Procurement Receiving RAM
Module 7
Consult with REM personnel, RAM procurement webpage.
All packages containing radioactive material must be shipped to REM at CIVL B203 to go through a required check-in process.
When ordering, attach Form R-1 in OnePurdue order.
Only approved radioisotopes, chemical forms, and amounts may be ordered.
Radioactive Material (RAM) Procurement
Remember to place orders before Noon (12 PM)
Please allow 3 business days when ordering because:
▪ All individuals in the approval process must approve the order
▪ Technical problems are not uncommon Special Note: Vendors take holidays, too!
On long holiday weekends, shipments will not be sent out until vendor returns from holiday.
RAM Procurement (cont’d)
Deliveries will be made after 1 PM on the day that REM receives the shipment from the vendor.
Only laboratory personnel who are knowledgeable and are able to immediately secure the material should physically receive the RAM from REM.
The receiver will sign for confirmation of receipt, and keep a copy for laboratory records.
Receiving RAM
Order only what you will immediately use
Consider an aliquot into separate vials to avoid reopening and subjecting compound to warming and cooling cycles
Store material according to manufacturer’s recommendations
Recommendations
Module 8Waste Management & Disposal General Information Procedures Radioactive Waste Management Summary
General Information
ALL containers provided by REM Follow YELLOW waste flow chart Segregate P-32/P-33 (short half-life)
from long-lived isotopes Waste is picked up on Tuesday ONLY Waste Pickup Request Form
Waste Poster
Procedures: Waste Labeling
The following information is needed on all waste labels if ANY waste is in the container.
Liquid Waste
•Authorization #•Radionuclide•Amount (in mCi)•Date waste was added•Solvents in the container•pH (must be ≥ 6 and ≤ 9)
Solid Waste•Authorization #•Radionuclide•Amount (in mCi)•Date waste was added•pH (must be ≥ 6 and ≤ 9)
Procedures: Waste Labeling3
Separate waste between long and short half-life. (Short is defined as less than 30 days)
Declare all chemicals in a percentage format
Record pH of solution List all radionuclides and
amounts in mCi Date when container is sealed or
full Do NOT abbreviate or use
acronyms for chemicals or solutions (e.g. use phosphate buffered saline, water NOT PBS or H20)
Procedures: Waste Labeling2
Record the amount and the date every time something is added to the container. Use a separate sheet if necessary.
Complete a Waste Pickup Request when container is nearly full or won’t be used for extended periods
Procedures: Labeling & Packaging
Waste Scintillation Vials Place flats containing waste vials
upright in original box; tape box shut Label box with radioactive waste label For vials shipped in bulk
▪ Cap tightly▪ Use rigid container (radwaste bucket)▪ To contain leakage, double bag with
absorbent material* between bags
*Absorbent material will be supplied by REM
Procedures: Packaging
Waste Tips Radioactivity predominantly in liquid form Total activity in liquid and solid should be
no more than originally ordered Keep a running total of waste added to
each container Use absorbent paper around carboy
opening to limit container contamination Keep vendor containers separate from
other waste
Radioactive Waste Management Summary
Segregate radioactive waste according to waste segregation poster.
Enter radionuclide and activity disposed into each container in waste log book.
Label containers to be picked up with: Radionuclide(s), Activity, Authorization number, Date, pH (if liquid), Solvents and percentages (if liquid)
Seal containers (use zip tie, tape or staple shut if bag, cap if carboy, screw on lid of bucket, tape scintillation vials into original box, seal or close sharps container)
Submit online waste pickup form to REM. It is suggested that a waste log be kept near the waste area
to keep a record of the isotope and activity added to each container to aid the person preparing the radioactive waste for pickup in labeling the waste.
Transfer & Transportation RAM Transfer RAM Transportation
Module 9
RAM Transfer
All RAM transfers must be approved by REM prior to transfer On-Campus: receiving individual must be
authorized to possess type and amount of material
Off-Campus: Only REM will ship or receive material
Non-vendor sources (i.e. “gifts”, joint research) Will be treated in same manner as vendor
sources
RAM Transportation
Transportation of radioactive materials will be done through REM, as a general rule.
PIs on campus may only transport radioactive materials under the specific approval by the RSO.
DOT (Department of Transportation) regulatory requirements must be met Packaging Labeling Emergency Contacts Other requirements
Decontamination & Emergency Procedures Contamination: General Comments Contamination Response Emergency Response
Module 10
Contamination: General Comments
Typically contamination incidents have been with
P-32 at research institutions The incidents occurred because
researchers did not perform a proper survey
The contamination was spread to areas such as cars, churches, and homes
These would likely have been prevented if the lab performed proper surveys
Resulted in notices of violation from NRC
Contamination Response
An area is considered “contaminated” if: Survey meter is twice background (be aware that you
could be detecting a source), and/or Wipe test results indicate > 200 dpm in any channel
If a survey or wipe indicates contamination Decontaminate using disposable towels and soap or
decontamination solution If bench paper is contaminated, dispose in radioactive
waste Continue the process until the area is no longer
contaminated If there is floor or personnel contamination, notify
REM immediately
Emergency Response
Response is dependent on type of emergency. Personal Injury Spills (Major and Minor) Fire
Medical problems take priority over radiological concerns.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES (INJURY)
Personal Injury Treat injured personnel first. Administer
any life-saving procedures without regard for contamination.
Do not move a seriously injured person unless he or she is in further danger.
Contact medical personnel (i.e. call 911). Notify REM (49-46371).
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES (SPILLS)
Major and Minor Spills See Radiation Safety Manual
Notify REM between 8-5▪ CALL 46371 (or 48221 if no one can be
reached) After hours
▪ CALL Purdue Police at 48221
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES (FIRE)
Fire Activate the building fire alarm system (fire pull station).
If not available or operational, verbally notify persons in the building.
Notify the Fire Department at 911. Isolate the area and evacuate the building:
▪ Shut down equipment in the immediate area, if possible.▪ Close doors to isolate the area.▪ Use a portable fire extinguisher to control a small fire or assist
in evacuation if possible. Provide the fire/police teams with the details of the
problem upon their arrival. Notify Radiological and Environmental Management at
49-46371.
Security Regulatory Requirement Guidelines Incidents
Module 11
Security (10 CFR 20)
Licensed Material: Shall be secured from unauthorized
removal, or Shall be controlled and maintained
under constant surveillance.
Security
Security of Radioactive Material Lock freezers or storage areas Lock doors when lab is unattended to prevent
unauthorized access to radioactive material and other lab equipment
Obtain a lockbox from REM if needed NRC Places High Priority on Security
The NRC conducts security screens during campus inspections to evaluate security adequacy. Incidents at other campuses have kept the focus on security.
Labs have been found unsecured by the NRC in the past – repeat violations may negatively impact our license!
SECURITYNRC AREA OF EMPHASIS
Secure laboratories when unoccupied
Secure RAM if laboratory security is not feasible
Challenge visitors or unauthorized individuals
Account for RAM through inventory records
REM’s Radiation Safety Group James F. Schweitzer, Ph.D. 49-42350
Radiation Safety [email protected]
Zach Tribbett 49-41478Health Physicist [email protected]
Sharon K. Rudolph 49-47969Isotope Ordering & Distribution [email protected]
Jerry J. Gibbs 49-40207Waste Handling & Meter Calibration [email protected]
Mike Nicholson 49-40205Waste Handling & Animal Hospital [email protected]
REM Main Office 49-46371Civil Engineering Building, Room B173www.purdue.edu/rem
Test
To complete the online training, you must take a short test. A score of 75% or better is considered passing. Upon successful completion of the test,
you will receive an email confirmation. Included in this email is the link to sign
up for the required classroom session. A list of available dates are present in
the online registration.
Test Link
Bring a completed Form A-4 (make sure that both you AND your Principal Investigator have signed the form) to the classroom session.
Thank you!
Click here to begin the test.