RADIATION OPERATIONS, PROCEDURES AND SAFETY MANUAL
Table of Contents
I.
Implementation of Research Radiation Safety………………………….
3
A. The University Radiation Safety Committee (URSC) ……………..
B. Responsibilities of the URSC ………………….…………………...
C. Responsibilities of the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) ……………
3
3
3
II.
Radiation Facilities and Equipment……………………………………...
5
III.
Operational Radiation Safety Procedures……………………………….
6
A. General ……………………………………………………………...
B. Radioisotope Work/Disposal Areas ………………………………...
6
6
Radiation/Radioisotope Accountability………………………………….
10
A.
B.
C.
10
10
10
IV.
General…………………………………………………………
Purchasing……………………………………………………….
Receiving……………………………………………………….
V.
Required Tests and Records……………………………………………
A.
General…………………………………………………………
B.
Internal Inspections……………………………………………
C.
Radioactive Waste Disposal…………………………………..
D.
Inventories…………………………………………………….
E.
Film Badges……………………………………………………
F.
Bioassays……………………………………………………….
11
11
11
11
12
12
12
VI.
Disposal of Radioactive Wastes……………………………………….
A.
General…………………………………………………………
B.
Disposal into Sanitary Sewer System…………………………
C
.Disposal of Radioactive Decay……………………………….
D.
Release into Atmosphere………………………………………
E.
Burial (Off Site)……………………………………………….
F.
Exemptions……………………………………………………
G.
Facility Decontamination……………………………………...
12
12
13
13
13
14
14
14
VII.
Survey Procedures…………………………………………………….
A.
Introduction……………………………………………………
B.
Area Surveys………………………………………………….
C.
Wipe Test Surveys……………………………………………
14
14
14
15
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VIII.
Emergency Procedures……………………………………………….
A.
General………………………………………………………..
B.
Decontamination……………………………………………..
C.
Emergency Notification and Assistance……………………..
15
15
16
18
IX.
Sketches of Use and storage sites …………………………………....
19
X.
Radiation Safety Officer Forms No. 1 thru 6…………………………..
25
Site 000 = Main Campus of Stephen F. Austin State University with address of 1936
North Street, Nacogdoches, TX 75962.
Site 001 = Science Research Center of Stephen F. Austin State University with address
of 7308 Hwy 59 N. Nacogdoches, TX 75965.
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I. IMPLEMENTATION OF UNIVERSITY RADIATION SAFETY
A. The University Radiation Safety Committee (URSC) shall consist of the
following:
1. Radiation Safety Officer (RSO), who will chair the Committee and
report directly to the President of the University. Reports regarding
funding will be made to the Dean of the School of Science and
Mathematics.
2. The University Safety Director.
3. A Department Radiation Safety Representative (DRSR) appointed by
the Chairman of those departments using radioactive materials. This
DRSR will coordinate the implementation of the University Radiation
Safety Regulations outlined in this manual.
4. A Graduate Student Representative appointed by the Radiation Safety
Committee who will represent the safety interest of those graduate
students involved in research utilizing radioisotopes.
5. Other members deemed appropriate by the RSO.
B. The following are the responsibilities of the Radiation Safety Committee:
1. To review the credentials of anyone applying for inclusion on the license
prior to the submission of a license amendment application.
2. To review any violations of SFASU or State regulations governing the
safe handling of radioactive and to decide, when appropriate, or
remedial and/or punitive actions to be taken against those responsible.
3. To review reports of any accidental spills of radioactive materials and to
recommend actions to prevent any future re-occurrences.
4. To review the Radiation Safety Program and to make suggestions for
improvements in the ALARA program.
The RSC will meet when necessary to be in compliance with the TDH Bureau of
Radiation Control.
C.
The following are the responsibilities of the RSO:
1. Termination of any operations that the RSO perceives to be causing
radiation hazards.
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2. Performances of periodic inspections of areas where sources of radiation
are stored and used.
3. Verification that records of radiation surveys and inventories of
radioisotopes are maintained by each professional employee who is
authorized to use radioactive materials and sources of radiation.
4. Admission of those rules and procedures developed by the RSC to
control the procurement and use of radioisotopes and sources of
radiation at SFASU.
5. Preparation of such instructions as is necessary to provide adequate
protection of SFASU personnel in compliance with Federal, State, and
University.
6. Assurance that periodic calibration of survey instruments is performed
by a licensed facility.
7. Maintenance of a comprehensive file on receipt, use, storage, and
disposal of radioisotopes, and on all matters pertinent to radiation
control.
8. Evaluation and review of safety precautions and procedures for each
prospective user of radioactive materials prior to purchasing
radioisotopes. Safety precautions and procedures must be approved by
the RSO before an authorization to use radioisotopes can be issued.
9. Participation as a member of the URSC.
10. Arrangement for the disposal of radioactive waste generated by SFASU
authorized personnel.
11. Consultation with SFASU staff who use or plan to use radioactive
material in matters of radiation safety (radiation monitoring, area
posting, and record keeping) and in procuring, using, storing, and
disposing of these radiation sources.
12. Verification of approval by the URSC for all matters of a radiation
safety nature not specifically covered in this handbook, except in
extreme emergencies.
13. Initiation of requests for special consultation from non-institutional
specialists when appropriate.
14. Updating the Research Radiation Safety Manual, as changes are
required.
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15. The RSO shall have the authority to halt an activity involving the unsafe
handling of radioactive material. The RSO has the authority to suspend
the receipt of radioactive materials by a user who does not follow the
safety and disposal rules outlined in this handbook.
II.
RADIATION FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT
A. The use of radioisotopes and sources of radiation is authorized by the Texas
Department of Health Radioactive Materials Liscense Number LO5191, issued
to SFASU. A copy of this license is available for inspection in the office of the
RSO. This license covers possession of:
1. Any radioactive materials used for instruction or research with atomic
number less than 84 in amounts up to 10 mCi of each isotope.
2. Certain other isotopes are covered in quantities greater than the above
amounts on an individual basis.
3. Sealed sources, as defined in TRCR Part 11.2, of radioactive materials
including special nuclear materials in quantities not sufficient to form a
critical mass as defined in TRCR Part 11.2.
4. Radiation monitoring equipment, which includes scintillation, gamma
radiation counters and Geiger counters, located at site 000 and/or site
001. This equipment is available to the RSO for monitoring operations.
Portable monitors will be maintained in operation and will be available
to
any
employee
using
radioisotopes.
Equipment
for
monitoring/controlling the release of volatile materials will be
maintained. Facilities such as exhaust hoods in research areas may be
used as these are evaluated and approved by the RSO. Temporary
storage space (room temperature, 4 °C, -20 °C, and –78 °C) will also be
maintained in the laboratories at site 001 supervised for isotope usage by
the RSO for emergency receipt and storage of radioisotopes. Diagrams
designating laboratory use areas, storage and disposal facilities are
located in Appendix 1.
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III. OPERATIONAL RADIATION SAFETY PROCEDURES
A. General
4. All radioisotopes within the scope of the license may be used at either
site 000 or 001 in designated areas.
5. Each principal investigator (i.e. user) who is authorized to obtain
radioisotopes or sources of radiation is responsible for the safe use of
such materials and equipment.
Deleted: 01
Deleted: Only sealed sources are
allowed on the main campus, site 000.¶
Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.75"
6. The user must carry out the required administrative and safety
procedures, select those laboratory practices which are applicable to the
work, train and supervise technical personnel, acquaint them with proper
radiation safety practices, and see that these practices are enforced.
7. The user shall maintain a radiation safety manual accessible to all
workers using radiation and see that the required procedures are
practiced.
8. The user shall maintain a record file on the receipt, use, transfer, storage,
and disposal of radioisotopes and on the radiation surveys conducted in
the immediate area.
9. The user shall see that the laboratory is properly posted with, “cautionradioactivity,” and “notification to employees,” signs required by the
Texas Regulation for Control of Radiation.
10. The user shall immediately notify the RSO if any unexpected difficulties
arise which might affect the safety of personnel.
11. The maximum permissible level for unrestricted areas and maximum
permissible does for individuals as stated in the Texas Regulations for
Control of Radiation are to be considered as absolute maximal and every
effort is to be made to conduct experiments and operations at levels
which are as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA).
B. Radioisotope Work/Disposal Areas
In order to maintain compliance with the Texas Regulations for Control of
Radiation, SFASU Radioactive Materials License, and to insure the protection of all
personnel, the following procedures shall be incorporated into each research
program or teaching exercise authorized for use of radioactive materials.
1. Signs shall be posted wherever radioactive materials are used and each
area delineated as a restricted area where a dose rate is above 2.0 mR/hr.
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Deleted: radioisotopes,
2. All radioisotope storage areas shall be locked when an authorized user is
not in attendance.
3. Anyone entering an area of radioactive material use or storage shall wear
a film badge as required by the Texas Regulations for Control of
Radiation (TRCR). Film badges, rings and/or pocket dosimeters shall be
worn by all personnel in areas where the dose rate is above 2.0 mR/hr, or
when it is otherwise deemed advisable to do so. The results of assay of
such devices shall be permanently recorded. Exemption from wearing a
badge shall be granted only upon application to the TDH Bureau of
Radiation Control.
4. Working areas shall be monitored after use of radioisotopes, except for
sealed sources, to determine radiation levels and presence of
contamination, if any.
5. Authorized users of radioactive materials should perform a battery check
on their radiation survey instruments regularly to make sure they are in
operating order.
6. All survey instruments should be calibrated annually and should be
made available to the RSO for this purpose.
7. Minor spills, shall be cleaned up immediately under the direction of the
faculty member that is supervising research and reported to the RSO in
writing providing evidence through swipe tests that area is clean.
8. If a major spill occurs, do not attempt to decontaminate. Isolate the area
and notify the RSO immediately.
9. Protective clothing and extremities shall be monitored upon completion
of laboratory work involving the handling of hard beta and gamma
emitting radioisotopes.
10. Smoking, drinking, eating, or the application of make-up, lip salve, etc.,
are not allowed in the same room where open sources of radioactive
materials are used and the room shall be posted accordingly.
11. Employees shall wash their hands thoroughly before smoking, eating,
drinking or the application of make-up, lip salve, etc., after leaving an
area where unsealed radioisotopes are being used.
12. Mouth pipetting of liquid radioisotopes is forbidden. Use a rubber bulb
or similar device.
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13. Radiation detection instruments shall be used at all radioisotope work
areas when applicable. The radiation-detecting instrument shall be
compatible with the particular type of radiation work being done in the
area. Consult the RSO for any questions on this subject.
14. Long-handled tongs, appropriate shielding, gloves, lab coats, protective
clothing and other equipment shall be used whenever such safety
measures are needed. When in doubt as to whether special equipment is
necessary, the user shall contact the RSO for assistance.
15. Gloves, lab coats and protective eye wear must be worn by all
employees when working with liquid radioactive materials.
16. All employees when working with liquid radioactive materials shall
wear gloves and lab coats and eye protection.
17. Radioactive materials shall not be handled with bare hands, nor shall
sealed sources be opened. Sealed sources shall be leak tested in
accordance with the TRCR.
18. Control of access into restricted areas is the responsibility of the
individual supervising the project.
16. Radiation detection instruments such as ionization chambers, proportional
counters, and Geiger counters, which are used for general radiation surveys, shall
be calibrated annually. Calibrations shall be made by any licensed facility in the
state of Texas.
19. Radioisotopes producing a radiation exposure level in excess of 1 mR/hr at a
distance of 1 foot from the source shall be stored in shielded containers of
sufficient thickness to reduce the dose rate to 0.1 mR/hr at a distance of 1 foot
from the surface of the container.
20. All unsealed sources or radioactive liquids should be stored in non-breakable,
leak-proof containers.
21. Work involving liquid radioisotopes shall be performed on trays lined with
absorbent paper on surfaces protected with plastic-backed absorbent paper.
22. Radioactive material shall not be used in or on human beings or in field
applications where such activity is released without prior approval of the URSC
and BRC.
23. Chemical hoods in which radioactive materials are used shall have a minimum
air velocity of 100 linear feet per minute at the face and a negative pressure
differential.
24. All glassware and equipment containing radioactive material shall be properly
labeled.
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25. Trial runs should be made whenever practicable to determine proper procedures
and to evaluate necessary radiation protection.
26. Only designated sinks shall be used for washing contaminated glassware or for
disposing of radioisotopes.
27. Only designated storage boxes, freezers, and refrigerators shall be used for the
storage of radioisotopes. Do not put food in any freezers or refrigerators used
for this purpose.
28. All radioisotope storage containers shall be labeled in accordance with Texas
Regulations for Control of Radiation with the following information:
a.
b.
c.
d.
“Radioisotopes”
Activity and date of assay
Authorized user
"Caution - Radioactive Material" with radiation symbol.
29. All ordering of radioisotopes (sealed or unsealed) or radiation producing
equipment must go through the RSO.
Deleted: whether
30. A current “Notice to Employees” must be posted in plain sight of employees in
any area where radiation is used.
31. A list of emergency numbers must be posted wherever employees are engaged
in the use of radiation.
32. Every employee using radiation-producing equipment or radioisotopes shall be
familiar with the appropriate regulations of this Handbook and of the Texas
Regulations for Control of Radiation. (TRCR). Copies of these regulations are
available upon request from the RSO.
Deleted: be familiar
33. Minimum training for laboratory workers prior to handling radioactive material
or radioactive generating equipment shall be:
a. Viewing instructional videotapes and/or learning through organized
curricula the hazards and handling of such devices and materials.
b. Attendance at all courses offered by RSO
c. Didactic instruction given by the RSO or the qualified faculty
member supervising the employee or student.
d. Reading and understanding the Radiation Safety Handbook.
34. In all cases, the principal investigator shall assume responsibility, not only for the
safe handling of radioactive materials by their employees, but also their complete
education in these areas. The RSO will confirm that these educational
requirements are carried out and that the materials are being handled correctly on
an on-going basis.
35. All radioactive materials shall be handled only under the direct supervision of the
principal investigator who has demonstrated his/her education in that particular
isotope agent to the RSO (see form 2).
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Deleted: out and
36. Additions and alterations to these rules may be made by the RSO with
the approval of the TDH BRC when such additions and alterations are
necessary for the protection of SFASU and its employees.
Deleted:
IV. RADIATION/RADIOISOTOPE ACCOUNTABILITY
A. General
Before an authorization to use radioactive material is issued, the user shall make application using
SFASU Form No. 1, which is submitted to the RSO. The RSO shall review and evaluate the
intended plans for radiation safety. The evaluation will include:
1. Equipment or materials to be used.
2. Physical form of the isotope
3. Total amounts of the isotope required at any one time.
4. How equipment or materials are to be used.
5. Duration of use of equipment or materials.
6. Where equipment or materials are to be used.
7. Who will use the equipment or materials.
8. Who will be responsible for proper use of the equipment or materials.
9. Where the material is to be stored.
10. What safety measures are needed to insure that the employees or students are not
exposed to excessive radiation.
11. Where warning signs and emergency procedures will be posted.
12. If an accident should occur, what emergency procedures will be taken
13. Type of personnel monitoring devices, if necessary.
14. Radiation surveys and/or wipe surveys procedures if applicable.
15. Disposal method(s) to be used for radioactive waste if applicable.
When all items meet approved safety standards, authorization to use the requested materials
or equipment may be issued by the RSO.
It is the responsibility of every employee to comply with the following regulations
regarding the purchase of radioisotopes, irradiation services, or radiation-producing
equipment at SFASU. In no event is any employee authorized to purchase, receive or use
radiation or radiation-producing equipment without written approval of the RSI or in his
absence of his designated assistant. Only TDH BRC approved radiation or registered
radiation-producing equipment may be used on either of the SFASU campuses.
B.
Purchasing
After obtaining an authorization, procedures set forth in the most current revision of
the SFASU policies D-27 shall be observed in purchasing radioisotopes or
sources of ionizing radiation (see attached print out).
C.
Receiving and Opening a Package
All packages containing radioisotopes must be received through the RSO.
The RSO will monitor the exterior of the package for contaminating radiation
according to §289.202(ee)(2)(A-5). Given no external surface contamination, the
user will be notified for pickup of the package.
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Deleted: ¶
Deleted: ¶
Deleted: ¶
Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.38"
Formatted: Bullets and Numbering
Once the recipient takes possession of the package, he/she shall wipe the exterior of
the container directly housing the radiation to detect if there is any surface
contamination prior to opening. Gloves must be worn from here on out.
The user will initiate a log sheet to track the use and disposal of the radiation.
Both solid and liquid waste must be monitored and maintained as to the amounts of
radioactivity that are disposed of consistent with the log sheet for each lot number
or batch of radioactivity.
V. REQUIRED TESTS AND RECORDS
A. General
The Texas Department of Health Bureau of Radiation Control requires that
certain tests be made and records maintained on the results of these tests. The
requirement for radiation surveys and records of these surveys are covered under
the Texas Regulations for Control of Radiation §289 available under Rules and
regulations at the TDH web site as well as printed copy available through the
RSO.
B. Internal Inspections
The RSO or the designated alternate shall make periodic inspections of the
isotope usage, storage, and disposal records that are maintained in the user’s
laboratory to determine whether the user is in compliance with SFASU
procedures and state regulations. All laboratories and facilities where radioactive
materials are used or stored shall be surveyed periodically in order to detect any
changes in radiation levels and to prevent the spread of radioactive contamination.
The frequency of these surveys based on the quantity and isotopes in use shall be
determined by the RSO as guided by the TRCR.
C. Radioactive Waste Disposal
The “Radioactive Material Receipt and Disposal” record (RSO form No. 4) for
each radioisotope received shall be kept current by the authorized user and
forwarded to the RSO upon completion. Form No. 5 shall be completed by the
authorized user and sent to the RSI for radioactive material to be disposed of by
inclusion in a periodic disposal mechanism carried out by the RSO.
D. Inventories
Inventories of all radioisotopes received and on hand shall be at 6 month intervals.
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Deleted: use,
E. Film Badges and Analyses
1. Film badges are required when levels of radiation exceed 10% of the allowable
annual dose as described in §289.202(p)(3) of the TRCR.
2. A centralized film badge service is available through the RSO to authorized users
of radioisotopes. Contact the RSO for initializing or terminating a badge.
3. A centralized file is maintained for all film badge users on campus, thereby enabling the
individual exposures to be monitored by the RSO.
4.
Requests for exposure records by an employee, such as at the termination of
employment, can be furnished.
F. Bioassays
Bioassays are necessary for anyone using I-125. The current license does not
allow I-125 use.
VI. DISPOSAL OF RADIOACTIVE WASTE
A. General
1. Radioisotopes cannot be destroyed except by natural decay. As a result, the
disposal of radioactive waste is strictly governed by federal and state regulations
to prevent harm to human and ecological populations. Each radioisotope received at
SFASU must be accounted for until it is properly disposed. Each authorized user
accomplishes this by completing "Radioactive Material Receipt and Disposal"
record (Form No. 4). When disposing of radioactive waste, the method and
amount of disposal must be documented on Form No. 4. There are four methods
approved for disposal of radioactive waste at the SFASU. Each disposal shall meet
the requirements of the state and federal laws applicable to each case. These
methods are as follows:
a. Disposal into the sanitary sewer system (Not applicable to site 001 until
all levels of radiation are decayed to background levels and considered
Deleted: ).
to be decayed.
b. Disposal by radioactive decay.
c. Release into the atmosphere.
d. Shipment to a designated commercial burial area.
B. Disposal into the Sanitary Sewer System (site 000 only)
No radiation will be disposed of at site 000.
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Deleted: other than sealed sources will
be used
C. Disposal into a Septic System (site 001)
No radiation may be disposed of into a septic system. All radiation must be decayed to
≤ to background.
D. Disposal by Radioactive Decay
1. Radioactive waste may be held for approximately 10 half lives to allow decay to safe
levels. Short half-life radioactive waste (t ½ < 3 days) may be kept on site for decay
and disposal by the user. The radioactive waste should be labeled and dated. After
approximately 10 half-lives, a survey shall be made to assure decay to
undetectable levels has occurred. The waste may then be disposed of without
regard to its radioactive properties. Labels must be removed prior to disposal in
local landfill.
Deleted: ½ <
2. Longer half-life radioactive waste (3 days > T ½ < 100 days) may be placed in
storage for decay prior to final disposal. Each user should package solid waste in
plastic bags in as compact a manner as possible. Each package should contain
radioactive waste identified by date, radioisotope, and activity and should be listed
on "Radioactive Waste for Pickup by RSO" (RSO Form No. 5). Radioactive
material will be stored in the designated area for each building in which the use
of radioisotopes is authorized. The RSO will monitor the air quality and external
radiation levels of this building at monthly intervals to ensure that limits are kept
within allowable limits as defined in TRCR.
3. Liquid radioactive waste should be packaged in non-breakable containers or, if
packaged in a breakable container, the secondary container should have a
sufficient amount of absorbent material to absorb all of the liquid in the event of
primary container breakage.
4. Each package should contain radioactive waste identified by date, radioisotope and
activity and should be listed on "Radioactive Waste for Pick-up by RSO" (RSO
Form No. 5). The RSO shall be notified and pickups of packages will be made
weekly. The radioactive waste will be transported to a storage site for decay. All
radioactive warning labels must be removed prior to disposal. Records will be
maintained by the RSO of each disposal container including checks to ensure such
material is no higher than background prior to disposal.
D.
Release into the Atmosphere
The following restrictions shall be observed when releasing radioactive gas or vapor into the
atmosphere:
1. Disposal of radioactive gases shall be made in a properly functioning laboratory hood.
2. The concentration of the gaseous waste shall be diluted to values that are in
compliance with Texas Regulation for Control of Radiation,
§289.202(ggg)(2)(F), prior to release to an unrestricted environment.
3. Each proposal involving airborne release of radioactive material shall be submitted to
the RSO for analysis to assure that prior to any airborne releases meets the above
conditions with review and approval with the TDH Bureau of Radiation Control.
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E.
Burial (Off-Site)
Long-lived solid radioactive wastes and liquids, which cannot be released to the
sanitary sewer system or held for storage/on-site decay, shall be shipped to a
designated commercial burial site.
F.
Exemptions
1. All radioactive waste must be disposed of properly by one of the four
methods described above. However, in order for the system to function
properly, the volume of waste must be kept to a minimum. Therefore, do not mix
non-radioactive waste with radioactive waste. This can be determined by a survey
prior to packaging radioactive waste.
2. For 14C and 3H, liquid waste concentrations below 0.05 µCi / ml or gram are
exempt from regulations concerning disposal of radioactive waste. All samples
below this concentration may be disposed of without regard to their radioactive
properties, but such disposals must be recorded.
G.
Facility Decontamination
1. It shall be the responsibility of the authorized user to decontaminate any
laboratory facility, which becomes contaminated. Also, upon vacating all
premises where radioactive materials have been used, the authorized user shall ensure
that all residual radioactivities is properly removed and disposed of in accordance
with the Texas Regulations for Control of Radiation and this Handbook.
Please contact the RSO or his designated assistant if your waste disposal problem is not
covered by any of the above-mentioned alternatives.
VII. SURVEY PROCEDURES
A. Introduction
The RSO and his designated assistant shall, in general, make routine surveys of various labs and
areas where radioactive material is handled. The purposes of these surveys are to:
1. Determine areas of high radioactive exposure.
2. Determine areas of removable contamination and decontaminate the area.
These procedures are defined as area surveys and wipe test surveys and are described below:
B. Area Surveys
1. Survey Frequency
Frequency of survey will be followed as designated below unless there appears to be a
significant recurrent problem with storage in one particular area (i.e., contamination of
surfaces). Such an area will be surveyed as a high level area until the exposure limit is
reduced.
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1. Surveys will be done immediately following the use of any radioisotope in a
given area according to the guidelines of the TRCR by wiping with a piece
of dry filter paper of cotton swab in a 100 cm2 area and counted in
scintillation cocktail under conditions specific for the particular radioisotope
being monitored.
2. Method of Survey
Sketches of various labs submitted with the license application shall be used to survey
areas where radioactive materials are stored or are handled. A survey meter capable of
measuring as little as 0.1 mR / hr will be used in the designated areas.
3. Acceptable Limits
Areas where the radiation level exceed the limits set forth in §289.202(ggg)(6) are
considered unsafe. Steps shall be taken to reduce the exposure to a level considered safe
for restricted areas. These steps will include additional shielding and decontamination if
necessary. It is the policy of this institution to practice the safe handling and storage of
radioactive materials and to achieve exposure levels that are as low as reasonably
achievable. It is, therefore, a safe practice to monitor areas after each use where
radioactive materials have been handled.
C.
Wipe Test Surveys
1. Survey Frequency
Surveys will be carried out immediately following any use of radioisotopes with the
exception of sealed sources. When there appears to be a significant problem with
contamination in one area, this area will be treated as a high level area and surveyed
until no contamination is found.
2. Method of Survey
a. Sketches of various labs submitted with the license application shall be
used to survey areas predisposed to contamination.
b. Wipe tests using filter paper or cotton swab will be counted in a suitable
counter.
3. Acceptable Limits
Wipe test surveys are considered safe if they do not exceed 100 dpm per 100 cm2.
Any areas above this level will be considered contaminated. The area will be
decontaminated under the direction of the RSO.
VIII. EMERGENCYPROCEDURES
A. General
In the event of an emergency involving radiation, contact the RSO for clean up and
monitoring.
Revised 051408
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It is the policy of SFASU to follow the ALARA principle, to keep all
exposure as Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA). A radiation incident
is defined as any unplanned exposure or spill of radioactive material. Such
incidents should be reported immediately to either the RSO or other designated
personnel according to "The Radiation Incident Emergency List" which is to be
posted in each area using radioisotopes. The RSO or his designated assistant
will direct and monitor any action necessary to minimize further exposure of
personnel, the clean-up of any contaminated areas, and the interaction with hospital
personnel in the case of any injuries.
B. Decontamination
If at all possible all clean-up activities should be directed by the RSO. If the RSO or
his assistant is not immediately available the following procedures should be
followed:
1. Call the RSO or designated emergency personnel as designated on the Radiation
Incident Emergency Call List.
2. Life saving and vital first aid to injured personnel have the highest priority. In the
case of injury, or suspected injury, a call should be placed to the SFASU Health
Clinic. The physician in charge should be informed of the whereabouts of the
victim and of the potential contamination by radioactive materials. The physician
will then determine the action to take.
3. The spill should be contained immediately by dropping paper towels or other
absorbent material onto it.
4. Put on impermeable gloves (double glove is recommended).
5. Check shoes for signs of contamination. If any contamination is evident they should
be removed prior to leaving the area.
6. The entire area of potential contamination should be marked off and guarded to
prevent any spread of contamination or further exposure of personnel.
7. All evacuees should be detained in an area where they can be surveyed by the RSO.
8. In general, clean-up should not be attempted by inexperienced personnel. If the RSO
is not immediately available as few people as possible should be involved in the
clean-up and should follow the following procedures:
a. Impermeable gloves, shoe covers and safety goggles should be worn.
b. The spilled material, taken up with absorbent paper, should be placed into a
waterproof bag immediately using tongs or forceps. Once as much
contamination as possible has been removed in this way the area should be
sprayed with RADCON and wiped with towels held in forceps always
working towards the center of the area of contamination, rather than away
from it, to minimize the spread of contamination.
c. A survey meter should be available and used to monitor clean-up efforts. A
person not directly involved in the clean up to prevent its contamination
Revised 051408
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should use this. The probe itself should be covered in plastic film to prevent
inadvertent contamination.
d. Clean-up should proceed until levels several times above background are
achieved. Higher levels can be covered with shielding and marked with
Radiation Warning tape until the RSO is available to make an assessment for
further action.
e. When the operation is complete all gloves and other protective equipment
should be monitored for contamination and if any is found, they should be
left with other contaminated material in plastic bags for eventual disposal by
the RSO.
f. The responsible Principal Investigator should submit a written report of
the incident to the RSO within 24 hours outlining the incident, the
circumstances leading up to the incident, the action taken and future
procedures to prevent any re-occurrence.
g. The RSO will survey the area and perform wipe tests before the area is
returned to normal use.
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Emergency Notification and Assistance
Radiation Safety Officer for Stephen F. Austin State University Ext. –6908, Dr. Beatrice Clack.
The Texas Department of Health's Radiation Control Branch has established a 24-HOUR
RADIOLOGICAL EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE telephone number (512) 458-7460.
This number shall be used for emergency assistance reporting only. For routine business
matters call (512) 834-6688.
The RSO shall notify immediately the Radiation Safety Committee (RSC) of the
occurrence of any radiation incident that may affect the health or well being of any
individual.
Radiation Incident Emergency Phone Numbers
SFA Emergency Radiation, Safety and Hazmat:
RSO: Beatrice Clack
Office: 936-468-6908
Home: 936-564-1585
Cell:
Safety Director: Jeremy Higgins
University Police:
Hazmat Director: Wayne Boring
Revised 051408
936-554-1715
Office: 936-468-4532
936-468-2608
Office: 936-468-3606
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