SPILL PROCEDURES

The person or project group responsible for a spill is also responsible for decontamination. DO NOT CALL HOUSEKEEPING TO CLEAN UP RADIOACTIVE SPILLS. It is a responsibility of all individuals who work with radioactive materials to have a basic understanding of decontamination principles and to be aware of their responsibilities in the event of an emergency. A radiation emergency may exist if unplanned exposure to radioactive material is possible due to loss, misplaced material, or accident which may result in contamination of facilities or personnel. Since an emergency requires immediate action to reduce harm or damage, millicurie (mCi) quantities should be considered an emergency and microcurie (uCi) quantities should be considered an incident. Spill procedures must be posted in all radioactive materials laboratories.

Emergency Spill Response Procedure (millicurie spill)

Persons having knowledge of a possible radiation emergency should:

1. Contain material as per lab emergency procedures.

2. Keep potentially contaminated personnel nearby to prevent spread of contamination.

3. Keep uninvolved people out of area until cleanup or appropriate measures are completed.

4. Call the Radiation Safety Office to:

a. Report the problem, stating whether emergency help is needed.

b. Arrange for assistance and/or final survey.

c. Record results of final survey to document adequate response.

Incident Spill Response Procedure (microcurie spill)

Persons having knowledge of a radiation incident should:

1. Contain the material to minimize contamination.

2. Keep uninvolved people out of area while cleaning the spill, etc.

3. Report to the Radiation Safety Officer as deemed appropriate.

4. Record results of final survey to document adequate decontamination.

The Radiation Safety Office personnel will:

1. Supervise cleanup or restriction of area until emergency no longer exists.

2. Determine that available personnel have cleaned area or have emergency under control.

3. Determine if report must be made to regulatory agencies in case of loss of material or exposure of personnel, and make the necessary report.

Radiation Safety Office     721-9826
Georgia Health Sciences University Police                       721-2914