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.

Viewing This Presentation

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 Officerjfschweitzer@purdue.edu

Zach Tribbett 49-41478Health Physicist ztribbet@purdue.edu

Sharon K. Rudolph 49-47969Isotope Ordering & Distribution skrudolph@purdue.edu

Jerry J. Gibbs 49-40207Waste Handling & Meter Calibration jjgibbs@purdue.edu

Mike Nicholson 49-40205Waste Handling & Animal Hospital Supportmlnicholson@purdue.edu

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.