 Notes and Precautions
Spreading of radiation beyond the spill area can easily occur by
the movement of personnel involved in the spill or cleanup effort. Prevent
spread by confining movement of personnel until they have been monitored and
found free of contamination. A minor radiation spill is one that the laboratory
staff is capable of handling safely without the assistance of safety and
emergency personnel. All other radiation spills are considered major.
Minor Radiation Spill
- Alert people in immediate area of spill.
- Notify Radiation Safety Officer.
- Wear protective equipment, including safety goggles, disposable gloves,
shoe covers, and long-sleeve lab coat.
- Place absorbent paper towels over liquid spill. Place towels dampened
with water over spills of solid materials.
- Using forceps, place towels in plastic bag. Dispose in radiation waste
container.
- Monitor area, hands, and shoes for contamination with an appropriate
survey meter or method. Repeat cleanup until contamination is no longer
detected.
Major Radiation Spill
- Attend to injured or contaminated persons and remove them from exposure.
- Alert people in the laboratory to evacuate.
- Have potentially contaminated personnel stay in one area until they have
been monitored and shown to be free of contamination.
- Call Radiation Spill Emergency Response number
- Close doors and prevent entrance into affected area.
- Have person knowledgeable of incident and laboratory assist emergency
personnel.
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