Transcript Radiation Safety Training for Use of Radioactive


If you are viewing this presentation in PowerPoint's
edit mode (slides are listed on the left of this
window), please change to the slide show view by
clicking on the “Slide Show” icon located at the
lower right corner of this window.

Viewing as a slide show will change the presentation
to a full screen mode, enable embedded links, and is
necessary to complete the quiz.











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
Radiation Safety Program
 Responsibilities
 Regulations
 Authorization (Project) Requirements


US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)
Purdue University
 Radiation Safety Program
 Radiation Safety Committee

Personnel
 Principal Investigator (PI)
 Authorized Users
 Other Personnel

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.

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

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.

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.

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.




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

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.







Occupational dose limits
Surveys and monitoring
Precautionary procedures
Waste disposal
Records of surveys
Enforcement
Storage and control of licensed material

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.





Approval Process begins after required forms
are submitted to REM.
Complete Required Training
Follow Laboratory Safety Practices (see
Module #4)
Recordkeeping
Decommissioning

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

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.

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!

See Module #4 of this training.

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



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
Radiation Basics
 Definitions and Units
 Background Exposure
 Types
 ALARA
 Half-Lives and Decay

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

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


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
Average Annual Background
 Average Annual Background Radiation
Exposure in
Radiation
the US is approximately 620Radon
mrem
and Thoron Internal Emitters
Cosmic
Terrestrial
 Personal background exposure
may be influenced
Consumer
Industrial
by location and lifestyle
Occupational
Medical
Source: NCRP Report #160
47%
36%
1% 1% 2% 3% 5%
5%

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

Methods
 Time
 Distance
 Shielding
 Amount
 Contamination Control
 Dosimetry
▪ Notification trigger level of 100 mrem per wear period
for whole body exposure


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.

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.

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.
I1d
2 =I
2
1
2
d2

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.
Paper/Skin
Alpha
Beta
Gamma
Neutron
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.


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
Biological Effects from Radiological Exposure
 Routes of Exposure
 Biological Effects
 Risk Analysis

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
An individual can be exposed to radiation through
these routes:
Internal
External
(alpha, low energy beta)
(high energy beta,
gamma, neutron)
 Inhalation
 Ingestion
 Injection (wound)
 Absorbtion

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%
Acute effects are highly unlikely using millicurie
amounts of radioactivity in a research setting
Symptom
Nausea, Diarrhea
Cataracts
Erythema
Sterility in men
Death (LD50/60) - no treatment
Death (LD50/60) - with treatment
Gastrointestinal Syndrome
Cerebrovascular Syndrome
*Source: Merck Manual Online Medical Library
Dose
100 rem
200 rem
300 rem
500 rem
300 rem
600 rem
≥ 600 rem
≥ 3000 rem
To Target
Whole Body
Eyes
Skin
Gonads
Whole Body
Whole Body
Whole Body
Whole Body

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



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
Laboratory Safety
 Posting and Labeling
 Facility Classification
 Eating, Drinking, Smoking, Application of Cosmetics
 Personal Protective Equipment
 Equipment Maintenance

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
CAUTION
RADIOACTIVE
CAUTION
MATERIALS
 While the consumption of food and
RADIOACTIVE
ASSISTANCE
RADIATION
EMERGENCY
beverages is generallySAFETY
discouraged
in
CAUTION
MATERIALS
materials,
radiation or radioactive
involving
In emergencies
chemical
labs,
restrictions
are
different
for
number: 911
call University Police emergency
RADIOACTIVE
49-46371
Management:
Environmental
Radiological and
orlaboratory
RADIATION
ASSISTANCE
eachEMERGENCY
class.SAFETY
MATERIALS
In emergencies
involving
radiation
or
radioactive
materials,
B
TYPE
Laboratory Hazards Classification:
University
emergency
number: and
911 smoking
food storage,
preparation,
food Police
drinking,
Eating,call
ASSISTANCE
SAFETY
RADIATION
orEMERGENCY
Radiological and
Management:
49-46371
NOT PERMITTED.
isEnvironmental
(See Purdue University Radiation Safety Manual,
In emergencies involving radiation or radioactive materials,
Laboratory Hazards Classification: TYPE C
http://www.purdue.edu/rem/home/booklets/radman.htm)
call University Police emergency number: 911
Storage or preparation of food or beverages and the consumption of food
or Radiological and Environmental Management: 49-46371
is NOT PERMITTED.
(See Purdue University Radiation Safety Manual,
Laboratory Hazards Classification: TYPE D
http://www.purdue.edu/rem/home/booklets/radman.htm)
Storage of food and beverages in same storage location as radioactive
materials is NOT PERMITTED.


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.



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.



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
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.
Instruments & Monitoring Techniques
 Purpose
 Commonly Used Instruments
 Monitoring Guidelines
 Efficiencies

Surveys must comply with the regulations
and determine the extent of the radiation
levels, concentrations or quantities of
radioactive material, and potential
radiological hazards

Survey Meter or Rate Meter with an
associated:
 Geiger-Mueller (G-M) Pancake Probe
Best for P-32
 Geiger-Mueller (G-M) End-Window Probe
 Sodium Iodide (NaI) Probe
 Alpha probe


Liquid Scintillation Counter
Ion Chamber
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





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’.




 Open (beta &
Ion chamber usage.
gamma)
Readings are usually recorded
with the door
both open and closed.
This gives beta plus gamma and gamma only
reading.
Closed
only)
Used in finding dose in an area
or(gamma
shielding
effectiveness.



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
Make a record of the surveyWeekly - if greater than 1 mCi is used
example on next page
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).
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.






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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.


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!

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



Protocols can
be tailored to
counting
needs
Keep as
survey record
documentatio
n
> 200 dpm in
any channel
indicates
contaminatio
n


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.
Isotope End-Window (% efficiency) Pancake (% efficiency)
C-14
1
5
S-35
5
12
P-32
12
25
I-125
0.05
0.1





H-3
C-14
S-35
P-32
I-125
50 percent
90 percent
90 percent
95 percent
60 percent
Your results may vary depending on counter,
quenching, etc.
Personnel Dosimetry & Exposure Limits
 Purpose
 Dosimeter Types
 Regulatory Exposure Limits
 Purdue Dosimeter Issuance Triggers
 User Responsibilities

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.

Passive (most commonly issued at Purdue)
 Thermoluminescent Dosimeters (TLDs)
 Film Badges

Active
 Pocket
 Electronic






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

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
Wear this on
palm side.

Total Effective Dose Equivalent (TEDE) Whole Body - Annual


Dose Equivalent to Any Organ or Tissue (TODE) - Annual


50 rem
Dose Equivalent to the Lens of Eye (LDE) - Annual


50 rem
Dose Equivalent to the Skin or Extremities (SDE) - Annual


5 rem
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.
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


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.
Procurement & Receiving
 Radioactive Material (RAM) Procurement
 Receiving RAM




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.


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.



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.



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
Waste Management & Disposal
 General Information
 Procedures
 Radioactive Waste Management Summary





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
The following information is needed on all waste
labels if ANY waste is in the container.
Liquid Waste
Solid Waste
• Authorization #
• Radionuclide
• Amount (in mCi)
• Date waste was added
• Solvents in the container
• pH (must be ≥ 6 and ≤ 9)
• Authorization #
• Radionuclide
• Amount (in mCi)
• Date waste was added
• pH (must be ≥ 6 and ≤ 9)
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)

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


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

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






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

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



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






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

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

Response is dependent on type of
emergency.
 Personal Injury
 Spills (Major and Minor)
 Fire

Medical problems take priority over
radiological concerns.

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).


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

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 4946371.
Security
 Regulatory Requirement
 Guidelines
 Incidents

Licensed Material:
 Shall be secured from unauthorized removal, or
 Shall be controlled and maintained under
constant surveillance.

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!




Secure laboratories when unoccupied
Secure RAM if laboratory security is not
feasible
Challenge visitors or unauthorized individuals
Account for RAM through inventory records

James F. Schweitzer, Ph.D.
Radiation Safety Officer
49-42350
[email protected]

Zach Tribbett
Health Physicist
49-41478
[email protected]

Sharon K. Rudolph
Isotope Ordering & Distribution
49-47969
[email protected]

Jerry J. Gibbs
Waste Handling & Meter Calibration
49-40207
[email protected]

Mike Nicholson
Waste Handling & Animal Hospital Support
49-40205
[email protected]

REM Main Office
Civil Engineering Building, Room B173
49-46371
www.purdue.edu/rem

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.


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.