EHLS Radiation Safety RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL USER Contact Numbers - - PDF document

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RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL USER SAFETY TRAINING

University of Houston Radiation Safety 713‐743‐5858 www.uh.edu/ehls

ONLINE HANDOUTS: www.uh.edu/ehls/train/course‐info/eh21

EHLS Radiation Safety Contact Numbers

• EHLS Main Line

(713) 743‐5858

• Radiation Safety Officer

(713) 743‐5867 (RSO)

• Assistant RSO

(713) 743‐5870

• Safety Specialist

(713) 743‐5860

WHY ARE YOU HERE?

1. COMPLIANCE – State of Texas regulations 2. SAFETY – To keep yourself and others safe 3. KNOWLEDGE – Ignorance leads to unsafe work practices

TRAINING TOPICS

• 1. Regulations & UH Program
• 2. Radiation Basics
• 3. Radiation Protection
• 4. Working in Radiation Labs
• 5. Radioactive Waste
• 6. Procurement & Inventory
• 7. Incidents & Spills
• 8. TEST!

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RADIATION REGULATIONS & UH PROGRAM

REGULATORY AGENCIES

• Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)

(Agreement State)

• Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)
• Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

UH RADIATION SAFETY MANUAL

www.uh.edu/ehs/manuals_and_forms/ Required reading for all RAM Principal Investigators and users. Describes the Radiation Safety Program at the University of Houston. Assists personnel, students, and management to understand and comply with Texas State radiation regulations. Not a fully comprehensive reference. Consult the Radiation Safety Officer for further advice.

UH RADIATION SAFETY

VP of Research & Technology Transfer – The functional authority over the Radiation Safety Committee responsible for overall University RAM license compliance. Radiation Safety Committee (RSC) – Committee of faculty members who approve RAM facilities and usage, review the radiation safety program, support the RSO, enforce program non‐compliance. Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) and Staff – EHLS Radiation Safety professionals who perform lab audits, surveys, incident investigations, and provide PI technical support. Principal Investigator (PI) – Faculty member with a radioactive material sublicense responsible for lab compliance, AU safety and instruction. Authorized User (AU) – Trained researcher, student, etc. working in a radiation lab.

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TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

• Completion is not enough to become an Authorized User and start radiation
• work. You must be specifically added by your Principal Investigator to the

RAM Sublicense!

• Refresher Trainings – Required annually for all PIs and AUs for radioactive
• material. Course is available online at www.uh.edu/ehls/training/eh21w/.
• All PIs and AUs of radioactive material

MUST attend and pass the UH classroom course EH21 Radioactive Material Safety.

• Test ‐ Requires at least 70% to pass.

NOTICE: The online UH General Lab Safety course (EH06) is also a requirement for ALL lab workers at UH! http://www.uh.edu/ehls/training/eh06/

PI RESPONSIBILITIES

• Enforce laboratory safety requirements.
• Inform laboratory personnel of potential radiation hazards
• Adopt and post written safety guidelines (SOPs) in the

laboratory, as necessary.

• Ensure laboratory personnel complete required training.
• Provide for personnel radiation monitoring including radiation

badges, bioassays, and survey instrumentation.

• Maintain accurate radioactive material inventory including

receipt, transfer, usage, storage, and disposal.

• Providing necessary personnel protective equipment (PPE).

PI RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure laboratory surveys and wipe tests are performed, if

required.

• Ensure radwaste is properly stored, pickup requested timely
• Provide prompt notification to EHLS Radiation Safety for:

– Spills, incidents, or accidents – Missing radioactive materials (RAM) – Authorized User additions, deletions, or transfers – Lab location additions or deletions – Radionuclide additions or activity changes – RAM procedure changes

AU RESPONSIBILITIES

• Wear and appropriately store radiation badges, if assigned.
• Complete RAM safety refresher training annually.
• Report any unusual events to your PI and/or EHLS

immediately.

• Work safely with radioactive

material at the location you are approved for

• Comply with all radiation

regulations, and follow radioactive material SOPs.

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RAM PERMIT PROCESS

PI notifies RSO of intent to use radioactive material PI completes application for RAM Sublicense PI submits application to RSC (via RSO) Interim or final RSC approval obtained PI facilities/labs setup for RAM use Procurement/ Receipt of RAM permitted

• All radioactive material use at the UH must be approved by the RSO and

authorized by the RSC.

• Sublicense application must include all radionuclides, user names, locations

and use procedures.

RAM PERMIT PROCESS

• Anyone not trained AND listed on the RAM Sublicense

permit MUST NOT be allowed to work with radioactive materials for any reason!

• The information provided on the application will

enable EHLS Radiation Safety to determine necessary safety measures and assist the PI in implementation.

• EHLS Radiation Safety personnel will perform a

compliance inspection prior to allowing radioactive material procurement/use.

RAM PERMIT PROCESS

• Authorized PIs making changes to their RAM Sublicense must

submit a Sublicense Amendment Form for review by the RSO.

• The Radiation Safety Officer submits all amendments to the

Radiation Safety Committee for approval.

• Add/delete a new RAM use lab
• Move RAM use to different lab

Location Changes

• Add a new Authorized User
• Delete an Authorized User

User Changes

• Add/delete a nuclide
• Change nuclide possession activity

Nuclide Changes

• Implement a new experiment

process for the RAM

Procedure Changes A M E N D M E N T

RADIATION BASICS

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RADIATION IS EVERYWHERE!

Common Natural Sources: ‐ Cosmic (outer space) ‐ Ground (floors) ‐ Food & Drink

HUMAN‐PRODUCED SOURCES

‐ Industrial & medical x‐rays ‐ Nuclear medicine & cancer therapy ‐ Consumer products

BACKGROUND RADIATION

Total Background Radiation 625 mrem/year

NATURAL SOURCES ~ 310 mrem Radon ~ 200 mrem Cosmic ray ~ 35 mrem Rocks and Soil ~ 40 mrem Food and drink ~ 35 mrem MAN‐MADE SOURCES ~ 315 mrem Medical ~ 300 mrem Consumer products ~ 13 mrem Research ~ 2 mrem

Doses from Medical Procedures

Exposure Dose (mrem) X‐ray (Pelvis) 70 X‐ray (Abdomen) 60 Chest x‐ray 10 Dental x‐ray 1.5 Hand/Foot x‐ray 0.5 Mamogram (2 views) 72 Nuclear Medicine 400 CT Full Body 1,000 Chest 700 Head 200

Source: US Nuclear Regulatory Commission

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Source: US Nuclear Regulatory Commission Source: US Nuclear Regulatory Commission

HISTORY

• November 8, 1895: X‐rays

discovered by Wilhelm Roentgen

• “Unknown Agent” generated

by a Crooke’s Tube

• January, 1896: First

diagnostic x‐ray

• Extensive use of x‐rays leads

to first x‐ray injuries

HISTORY

• March 1896 ‐ Natural

“radioactivity” discovered by Henri Becquerel

• Certain natural materials

(uranium, thorium, etc.) spontaneously emit radiation

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HISTORY

• 1898 ‐ Polonium and radium

discovered by Pierre and Marie Curie in pitchblende

• The Curies isolate 0.1 g of

radium

• The word “radioactivity”

coined by Marie Curie

PHYSICS PRINCIPLES

• Atomic Structure
• Characteristics of Radiation
• Alpha Radiation
• Beta Radiation
• Gamma Radiation
• X‐rays

ATOMIC STRUCTURE

• An electron has a

negative charge and a very small mass

• A proton has a positive

charge and a large mass

• A neutron has no charge

and a large mass

RADIATION TERMS

• Radioactivity = The process by which unstable

atoms spontaneously transform into different atoms to become more stable

• Radiation = Energy

emitted through space from a source in particle or wave form

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Forms of RADIATION

IONIZING RADIATION = Radiation that interacts with matter to form ions. Types: x‐rays, gamma radiation, alpha & beta particles, neutrons, protons NON‐IONIZING RADIATION = Radiation that does not form ions when interacting with matter. Types: microwaves, heat, light (lasers), UV, IR

TYPES OF RADIATION

There are also ionizing particles: alpha, beta, neutron, proton

Matter gives of energy in two basic physical forms

• Electromagnetic radiation: Pure energy, no

weight

– e.g. x‐ray, radar, radio waves, cosmic radiation, etc.

• Particulate radiation‐ tiny fast‐moving particles

that have both energy and mass (weight).

– e.g. alpha particles, beta particles, neutrons, etc.

ALPHA () DECAY

•  particles are two protons + two

neutrons

•  particles have a short range in

air

• Most  particles cannot reach

basal epithelium, blocked by sheet

• f paper
•  emitters are only an internal

hazard Ra‐226, Rn‐222, Po‐210, Am‐241

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BETA () DECAY

• Emit high speed electrons
•  particles have a short range
•  emitters are an external and

internal hazard

•  particles can be shielded with

low atomic number (Z) material such as plexiglass, aluminum H‐3 (tritium), C‐14, P‐32, Cs‐137

GAMMA RAYS & X‐RAYS

• Gamma ( Rays = photons emitted from within

the nucleus of an atom (100 keV to 10 MeV)

– Frequently monoenergetic or several discrete energies

• X‐Rays = photons emitted from outside the

nucleus of an atom (100 eV to 100 keV)

– Frequently a combination of broad spectrum braking radiation and characteristic radiation with discrete energies

GAMMA () EMISSION

• Photons are electromagnetic radiation
• Gamma rays usually accompany  or  decay
• Result from excess energy in nucleus
• External and internal hazard
• Almost no attenuation in air ‐ shielded with

high Z materials

Am‐241 (α+γ), Na‐22 (β+γ), Cs‐137 (β+γ)

ATTENUATING RADIATION

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HALF‐LIFE

Half‐life is the time it takes for any quantity of radioactive material to decrease its activity to half the original value.

HALF‐LIFE

Half‐lives range from fractions

• f a second to

billions of years.

Rn‐218 = 35 milliseconds P‐32 = 14.3 days I‐125 = 59.6 days H‐3 = 12.3 years C‐14 = 5,730 years U‐235 = 4.47E+9 years

RADIOACTIVITY

• Traditional unit of radioactivity is the Curie (Ci)
• SI unit of radioactivity is the Becquerel (Bq) = dps
• 1 Ci is the quantity of radioactive material that

undergoes 3.7 x 1010 disintegrations per second (dps)

• 1 Ci is approximately equal to 1 g of Ra‐226

EXPOSURE

• Defined only for photons (x‐rays, gamma rays),

NOT for other types of radiation

• Traditional unit ‐ Roentgen (R)

A common exposure unit seen on radiation meters is “mR/hr”, or milli‐Roentgen per hour.

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RADIATION DOSE

Dose can be received from all types of radiation.

• Absorbed Dose

Traditional unit ‐ rad SI unit ‐ Gray (Gy)

• Dose Equivalent

Traditional unit ‐ rem SI unit ‐ Sievert (Sv)

Absorbed Dose x Quality Factor = Dose Equivalent

External radiation dose is estimated using a personnel dosimeter 

BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS

• Radiation can cause damage to tissue.
• Thus far, no adverse effects have been proven in

humans from low level exposures. However, it is not 100% certain.

• Biological effects depend on many factors:

1. The dose 2. The portion of body exposed 3. The rate at which exposure was accumulated 4. The health of the person

BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS

Acute Dose Early Effects

Chronic Dose

Late Effects

CHRONIC DOSE

CHRONIC DOSE = Small doses over an extended period of time.

• Primary concern is later stochastic (probablistic) effects
• Stochastic effects may cause cancer or genetic defects
• Cataracts (a deterministic effect) can also result from chronic

doses to the lenses of the eyes

Examples: Radium dial painters, Occupational radiation workers (radiologists, nuclear power workers, researchers)

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ACUTE DOSE

ACUTE DOSE = Large dose over short period of time.

• Primary concern is early deterministic effects
• Early deterministic effects may be observed within a few

minutes to days

• Stochastic effects later in life ‐ same long term hazard as equal

chronic dose

Examples: Nuclear bomb survivors, Russian spy poisoning, X‐ray/Accelerator accidents, Chernobyl workers

RADIATION SICKNESS

100‐200 rem 200‐400 rem 400‐600 rem 600‐800 rem > 800 rem

RADIATION PROTECTION

ALARA PRINCIPLE

• The guiding principle behind

radiation protection to minimize radiation exposure

• DOSE LIMITS ‐ established for

both radiation workers and the public by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and adopted by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)

s

• w

s easonably chievable

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RADIATION EXPOSURE LIMITS

Whole body 5 rem/year Any individual organ/tissue 50 rem/year Eye 15 rem/year Skin or extremity 50 rem/year Minor (under 18 years old) 0.5 rem/year Individual member of public 0.1 rem/year Embryo/Fetus 0.5 rem/10 mo

RADIATION EXPOSURES

• Medical

‐ CT (CAT Scan) 1,000 mrem ‐ Chest, Mammography 10 mrem

• Background Radiation at Sea Level

‐ Internal (diet) 0.004 mrem per hour ‐ Internal (radon) 0.023 mrem per hour ‐ External 0.009 mrem per hour

• Airline Passenger Dose

‐ High Altitude Flight 0.5 mrem per hour ‐ Average 30,000 feet flight 0.003 mrem per hour

• Body Scanner

Typically 0.003 mrem/scan

ROUTES OF INTERNAL ENTRY

Radioactive material has 4 major routes of entry into the body:

1. Injection 2. Ingestion 3. Inhalation 4. Absorption (skin)

Basic lab safety practices, such as wearing PPE (lab coat, safety glasses, gloves), are the best way to protect against potential internal contamination from splashes or spills.

ALARA PRINCIPLE

• 1. Time – Minimize
• 2. Distance – Maximize
• 3. Shielding – If necessary

How do we achieve ALARA?

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TIME

MINIMIZE TIME – If you decrease the amount of time you spend near the source of radiation, you decrease the amount of radiation exposure you receive.

Protective Tips: 1. Perform dry runs without the RAM to

• ptimize method

2. Pre‐prep for your experiment before removing the RAM from its storage location 3. Put RAM back in storage location ASAP

DISTANCE

MAXIMIZE DISTANCE ‐ The farther away you are from a radiation source, the less exposure you will receive. Radiation exposure follows the inverse square law 1/r2  Tips: Use remote handling devices: Tongs, Forceps, Tweezers

SHIELDING

SHIELDS are specially designed to reduce exposure from specific types of radioactive materials.

Protective Tips: 1. Wear your PPE! Gloves, lab coats and safety glasses can shield for alpha and beta radiation. 2. Use plexiglass shields for high energy beta emitters such as P‐32. 3. Use lead shields for high activity gamma emitters. 4. Always put RAM back in its shielded storage container ASAP.

PERSONNEL DOSE MONITORING

• Radiation Badges – measure external

radiation dose

• Do NOT protect against radiation!
• Required for radiation workers likely to

receive 1/10 the maximum permissible exposure limits (500 mrem)

• Badges are occasionally issued as a

precautionary measure at UH

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Download form from EHLS website at http://www.uh.edu/ehls/about/forms/

PERSONNEL DOSE MONITORING

WHOLE BODY BADGE

• 1. Wear on your trunk

between waist and collar.

• 2. Wear under your

lab coat. EXTREMITY BADGE

• 1. Wear on the hand

you use most

• ften.
• 2. Label facing RAM.
• 3. Wear under your

gloves.

PERSONNEL DOSE MONITORING

Radiation Badge Use Rules:

• Badges must ALWAYS be worn when working with sources of radiation.
• The radiation badge should only be worn by the individual whose name is
• n the badge.
• The radiation badges should be stored in the designated location when

not in use.

• DO NOT take badges out of the building/campus.
• If a badge is lost or damaged, notify EHLS immediately for a replacement

badge.

• DO NOT experiment with a radiation badge OR expose it deliberately to

radiation source

• Badges are exchanged quarterly
• EHLS has positioned area badges in or

around potentially higher exposure labs for public dose monitoring.

• Dose records are maintained by EHLS.
• You may review your dose reports upon

request.

• A dose assessment is required for lost or

damaged badges‐

– Administrative surcharge may apply.

PERSONNEL DOSE MONITORING

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PERSONNEL DOSE MONITORING

• A pregnant radiation worker can voluntarily declare her

pregnancy in writing to the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO).

• Monthly fetal badge will be issued to be worn around the

waist.

• Dose will be monitored

during the entire pregnancy.

• A declared pregnant radiation

worker may “undeclare” at any time without explanation.

Download a brochure from EHLS website at http://www.uh.edu/ehls/about/manuals/

BREAK

WORKING IN RADIATION LABS

RADIATION LAB SAFETY

Radiation Lab Worker and PI Training:

• All users and PIs in radioactive material labs must attend and

pass the UH classroom Radiation Safety Training course.

• Annual Refresher Training (available online) is required for all

PIs and AUs using radioactive material. There is a test with each course which requires at least 80% to pass.

NOTICE: The online UH General Lab Safety course (EH06) is also a requirement for ALL lab workers at UH! http://www.uh.edu/ehls/training/eh06/

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RADIATION LAB SETUP

SIGNAGE Signage for all radioactive materials labs will be provided and posted by Radiation Safety. POSTINGS Radioactive materials laboratories will be posted with copies of the Notice to Employees and the Radiation Emergency Procedures provided by Radiation Safety. RESTRICTED ACCESS Access to all radioactive material laboratories should be limited to authorized personnel only. Doors must be locked when no one is present.

*Radioactive material must be used ONLY in facilities/rooms approved by the Radiation Safety Committee*

RADIATION LAB SETUP

Required Signage

RADIATION LAB SETUP

CONSIDERATIONS FOR A RADIATION LAB:

• Waste Containers – separated by type and nuclide, designed to prevent

loss of radioactive material, closed at all times

• Storage Location – radioactive material must be stored in a designated,

secure location within the lab (refrigerator, safe, locked drawer, etc.)

• Designated RAM Work Area – specific location/area within the lab should

be set aside for radioactive material work only

• Plastic or Metal Trays – to contain spills
• Shields – for vials or work area to reduce external exposure, if necessary
• Furniture – keep to minimum; no fabric chairs for labs with open sources
• Fume Hoods – experiments that generate radioactive aerosols or involve

volatile compounds must be performed in an approved fume hood

RADIATION LAB SETUP

Radiation Warning Tape Labeled Shield Labeled Equipment Radwaste Container Survey Meter Absorbent Paper

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RADIATION LAB SAFETY

General lab safety principles apply to RAM labs:

• Wear your lab coat and keep it

closed

• Wear gloves and safety glasses
• Wear closed toe shoes* and

long pants

• Leave your PPE in the lab
• Do not eat, drink, apply lip balm or cosmetics in the lab

The UH lab dress code policy is described in the UH Chemical Hygiene Plan online on the www.uh.edu/ehls website.

*Shoes that completely cover the feet and are well secured on to the foot

RADIATION LAB SAFETY

• Dispose of radioactive waste only in designated receptacles
• Return all radioactive sources to their storage location after use
• Use and check your survey meter regularly
• Survey yourself and the work area after every RAM use, including the floor

and equipment used

UH RADIATION SAFETY MANUAL

www.uh.edu/ehls/research‐lab/radiation‐safety/manual/

RADIATION LAB SAFETY

• Perform post‐use surveys; log survey results in a lab notebook.
• Plan work ahead whenever possible, and perform practice runs for

new procedures.

• NEVER leave radioactive material unsecured or unattended!
• If contamination is discovered, clean it up ASAP or contact EHLS

Radiation Safety for assistance (713‐743‐5858).

• Dispersible radioactive sources (liquids, powders, etc.) should be

stored and transported in double containers.

• Use and change out plastic backed absorbent papers regularly.

RAM LABORATORY SURVEYS

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LABORATORY SURVEYS

• Principal Investigators with active use of dispersible radioactive materials

may be required by EHLS to perform monthly lab surveys and wipe tests.

• All labs, including storage rooms, counting rooms, cold rooms, shared

rooms, and other rooms where radioactive material work or processing is performed are surveyed.

• If required, lab surveys and wipe tests must be performed MONTHLY by

lab personnel.

• Documentation of monthly surveys and wipe tests must be submitted to

EHLS Radiation Safety by the 15th of each month.

• EHLS Radiation Safety also performs lab surveys and wipe tests on a

quarterly basis to verify compliance.

LABORATORY SURVEYS

RADIOACTIVE CONTAMINATION = radioactive material in an undesired location There are 2 categories of contamination:

REMOVABLE – can be easily removed

 Survey Method = wipe test & meter

FIXED – not readily removed

 Survey Method = meter

LABORATORY SURVEYS

Areas to consider for surveying should be any place where dispersible radioactive material is used/stored, or locations frequently contacted by workers, including:

• work benches
• RAM fume hoods
• sinks
• RAM storage areas (refrigerators, freezers, etc.)
• lab door handles
• light switches
• computer keyboards and mice
• centrifuges, incubators, shakers used with RAM
• pipettes, flasks, test tubes and other equipment used with RAM
• floors beneath work areas and around waste areas
• Phones, lab notebooks???

LABORATORY SURVEYS

G‐M Portable Survey Meter

• Counts the emissions from a radioactive

source

• Detects alpha, beta and gamma radiation
• NOT useful for low energy beta emitters

(tritium or C‐14)

• Calibrations of survey meters are

performed annually by EHLS

• EHLS Radiation Safety will pick‐up the

meter and provide a loaner meter, if necessary, during calibration

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LABORATORY SURVEYS

BEFORE USING A METER, always check the following: ‐ Meter is in calibration ‐ Battery in acceptable range ‐ Check background dose rate ‐ Verify meter responds to radiation

LABORATORY SURVEYS

• 1. Ensure meter is on lowest multiplier first.
• 2. Turn on meter audio.
• 3. Hold the probe approximately ¼ inch from

surfaces.

• 4. Proceed slowly!
• 5. Survey all surfaces you have worked on or by

to check for contamination.

 If count rate an area is more than twice background, consider it contaminated and decontaminate

LABORATORY SURVEYS

METER EXERCISE

LABORATORY SURVEYS

Wipe Tests

• Cotton swabs or small filter paper discs are used to test for

contamination by low energy radionuclides such as tritium and C‐14.

• Wipe tests are also used to test for leakage from sealed sources.
• Wipes are counted in a liquid scintillation counter (LSC) or gamma

counter.

• PPE must be worn when performing wipe tests!
• Any area found to have a wipe test count of 200 dpm per 100 cm2 or

greater is considered contaminated.

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LABORATORY SURVEYS

SURVEY DOCUMENTATION

• Results recorded on the

Radioactive Material Laboratory Survey and Wipe Test Form.

• Forms supplied to PIs by

EHLS Radiation Safety personnel.

• The location of each

survey and wipe test must be noted on the lab map.

• Submit to EHLS by the 15th
• f each month, if required.

Survey Form PIC

RADIOACTIVE WASTE

RADIOACTIVE WASTE

Three types of radioactive waste Solids Liquids Liquid Scintillation Vials

RADIOACTIVE WASTE

SOLID RADWASTE

• Solid radioactive waste includes work

surface coverings, gloves, tubing, etc.

• Must be segregated by nuclide, except for

tritium (H‐3) and Carbon‐14 (can be placed in the same container).

• Dispose only in yellow radioactive

material bags supplied by Radiation Safety.

• Yellow radwaste bags must be placed in

closed receptacles.

• DO NOT place anything in the bags that may tear it (sharps, glass, etc.).
• Inspect the plastic waste bag for leaks and double bag, if necessary.
• DO NOT dispose liquid scintillation vials or source vials in solid waste.

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RADIOACTIVE WASTE

LIQUID RADWASTE

• Liquid radwaste must be segregated by

nuclide, except for tritium (H‐3) and Carbon‐ 14 (can be placed in the same container).

• Dispose in 5‐gallon plastic containers

(carboys) supplied by Radiation Safety

• Carboys are not to be filled more than 3/4

full.

• DO NOT pour radioactive liquids down the

sink!

• Liquid waste carboys must be stored in secondary containers, or placed on

absorbent material.

• DO NOT place solid items such as pipette tips in the carboys.
• All biological material in the carboys must be properly deactivated (10% bleach)

before pickup.

RADIOACTIVE WASTE

LIQUID SCINTILLATION VIALS

Liquid Scintillation Vials = glass or plastic vials containing organic or aqueous based liquid scintillation fluid.

• DO NOT dispose in regular or solid radwaste trash!
• Place vials in a doubled, yellow radioactive

material bag.

• Yellow radwaste bags must be placed in a closed

receptacle to control leakage and fumes.

• Check that vial tops are on tight since scintillation

fluids will dissolve plastic over time.

RADIOACTIVE WASTE

SOURCE VIALS & LEAD PIGS

• Original vials and shielding containers that

the radioactive material is shipped and stored in.

• Includes full, partially full, and empty vials.
• Source vials must be kept separate from
• ther solid radwaste.
• Contact EHLS Radiation Safety for a special

pickup, even if decayed or empty.

• A Radioactive Waste Disposal Form is not

required, but EHLS will pickup the Radioisotope Tracking Form.

SPECIAL RADIOLOGICAL WASTE

Chemical compounds of Uranium and Thorium Examples, Uranyl acetate, uranyl nitrate, etc. Although not licensed, they must be disposed of as radioactive waste PROCUREMENT  If your lab is ordering these compounds…prior approval is required.

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MIXED BIOLOGICAL WASTE

MIXED BIOLOGICAL/RADIOLOGICAL WASTE = radioactive waste combined with biological, pathogenic, or infectious material including by‐product animal waste, labeled culture media, etc. BOTH hazards must be communicated. Dispose in either: YELLOW radwaste bag + biohazard label RED biohazard bag + radioactive material label Pathogenic and infectious waste must be sterilized with a bleach solution!

RADIOACTIVE WASTE

• A radioactive waste storage area must be located away from heavy traffic or

constantly used areas.

• DO NOT place radioactive waste where it might be picked up by

housekeeping personnel and be disposed of as ordinary waste!

• Shielding may be required for high energy beta and gamma emitters.
• Radioactive waste must not be stockpiled. Submit timely pickup requests.
• Before a radioactive waste pickup, make sure the containers are properly

sealed.

• Waste Disposal Forms must be completely filled out and attached to waste.

Poor radioactive waste disposal/storage practices lead to a higher chance of cross‐contamination or spills!

RADIOACTIVE WASTE

Waste pickup requests submitted online at: http://www.uh.edu/ehls/waste/

• Lab personnel are responsible for proper storage of radwaste in the lab,

and for notifying EHLS promptly for pickup.

• EHLS is responsible for the pickup and disposal of radwaste from the labs.

 DO NOT let solid radwaste build up until it is overflowing or touching the lid!  DO NOT fill liquid radwaste containers (carboys) above ¾ full!

RADIOACTIVE WASTE

3 STEP DISPOSAL PROCESS:

• 1. Submit radwaste pickup

request online at EHLS website.

• 2. Print and complete a

Radioactive Waste Disposal Form (pictured). Form is

• nline on EHLS website.
• 3. Ensure waste is sealed/closed

tightly, and that the Waste Disposal form is with the waste before EHLS arrives for pickup.

Improperly packaged waste will not be picked up

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PROCUREMENT & INVENTORY

SOURCE PROCUREMENT

• Radioactive Material can only be ordered with a Purchase Requisition

(contact your Department Business Admin). Orders must go through the UH Purchasing Department!

• All Purchase Requisitions for radioactive material must be pre‐approved

by Radiation Safety using an Addendum B form.

• Purchase order information must include:

– Radionuclide(s) – Maximum activity per source/vial – Quantity of sources – Compound/form – Authorized Principal Investigator

• Orders must be shipped to Environmental Health & Life Safety Radiation

Safety at 4513 Cullen Blvd.

SOURCE PROCUREMENT

• EHLS Radiation Safety receives all RAM packages and performs a receipt

survey.

• Procured sources are delivered by EHLS to the lab together with a

“Radioisotope Package Survey and Wipe Test & Radioisotope Tracking Form.”

• For dispersible radioactive material used in increments, this form must be

filled in with the estimated quantity used after each use.

• The form must be returned to EHLS Radiation Safety when the source or

stock vial is picked for disposal.

• Upon receipt of the completed form, the source will be deleted from the

PI’s radioactive material inventory.

25 RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL INVENTORY

• Each source is listed on the PI’s permit until it is disposed of

as waste.

• EHLS visits every RAM lab to perform inventories two times

a year of all radioactive sources at UH.

• If a source is suspected to be missing, notify your PI so your

lab group can perform a search.

• If the source is confirmed to be missing, report the issue to

the Radiation Safety Officer immediately!

• EHLS assigns each sealed

source or source vial a specific inventory number.

INCIDENTS & SPILLS

POTENTIAL RAM INCIDENTS

• MISSING RAM ‐ If RAM is suspected to be missing, work with your

PI to confirm, then report issue to the Radiation Safety Officer/EHLS immediately.

• RAM SPILLS – Contain the spill (if possible), then notify EHLS/

Radiation Safety Officer immediately.

• EXPOSURE EVENT ‐ In the event of a suspected or known exposure,

immediately stop work and notify your PI and the Radiation Safety Officer/EHLS.

• PERSONNEL CONTAMINATION – Self decontaminate if small

localized area and report event immediately to the Radiation Safety Officer/EHLS.

• DO NOT PANIC!
• Take care of any injured personnel immediately.
• Notify all personnel in the area, and block entry to area.
• Contain or secure the radioactive material by using absorbent pads, paper

towels, etc. to prevent liquids from spreading.

• If you cannot contain the spill on your own, call EHLS (3‐5858) for

assistance. Be prepared to provide EHLS the following: 1. Type of RAM 2. Activity of RAM 3. Quantity of spilled material 4. Any injuries sustained? 5. Location of spill 6. Actions already taken

RAM SPILLS

26

PERSONNEL DECONTAMINATION

Personnel Contaminations:

• For contamination of the skin, use light pressure with mild soap.
• Rinse and use care not to scratch or erode the skin.
• Use warm, not hot water to avoid reddening the skin.
• Contaminated clothing, including shoes, should be removed before

leaving the area.

• Monitor success of decontamination with survey meter, if possible.
• Treatment of major cuts should be considered before

decontamination.

• Minor cuts should be encouraged to bleed, thereby reducing

absorption

DECONTAMINATION FOLLOWUP

• EHLS will also perform a follow‐up verification survey of the

area to confirm the decontamination was successful.

• Permission from the Radiation Safety Officer must be
• btained to resume RAM use.
• A post‐decontamination

survey MUST be performed and documented following decontamination of an area

• r individual!

Non‐Emergency Concerns What Can I Do?

• Observed concerns can be resolved as follows:

– Self (if you are capable of addressing or resolving the concern) – Notify the appropriate person or UH department e.g. Work Request to Facilities Management via FAMIS

• If you are unable to resolve the concern, then:

– Seek departmental help (Notify supervisor, or department administrator) – Department should initiate the resolution process for safety concerns

• Contact EHLS Department at ehs@uh.edu or 713‐743‐5858

– For assistance with concerns that cannot be resolved by your Department or Supervisor

EMERGENCY INFORMATION

EHLS Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. ‐ 5:00 p.m.

• For assistance with a radiation emergency or incident during

normal office hours call EHLS.

• After hours radiation emergency ‐ contact the UHDPS (3‐3333)
• More emergency information is available in the Radiation Safety

Manual at http://www.uh.edu/ehls If you call after normal office hours about a non‐emergency incident, please leave pertinent information on the EHLS phone voicemail system.

27 Environmental Health & Safety Concerns

• Workplace conditions or actions that can cause

harm to faculty, staff, students, etc. or to the environment

• Lack of, or poor condition of equipment, tools,

personal protective equipment (PPE) required to perform work safely

• Violations of University policies or governmental

regulations applicable to Environmental & Occupational Health and/or Life Safety

REPORTING SAFETY CONCERNS

www.MySafeCampus.com 1‐800‐716‐9007

• For reporting campus safety concerns
• For reporting compliance/safety regulation violations
• A 24‐hours, 7‐days/week incident reporting system

You can remain completely confidential and anonymous!

EHLS CONTACT NUMBERS

• EHLS Main Line

(713) 743‐5858

• Radiation Safety Officer

(713) 743‐5867 (RSO)

• Assistant RSO

(713) 743‐5870

• Safety Specialist

(713) 743‐5860

QUESTIONS

28

RADIATION SAFETY TEST

Must score ≥ 70% to pass. You may use your notes as a reference. Your certificate will be sent by e‐mail. Refresher training

• nline.