TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY KINGSVILLE
Radiation Protection Program
Revised February 2, 2011
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I.
Control and Management of the Radiation Safety Program ...................Pg. 3
A. Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) Duties/Responsibilities ....................Pg. 3
B. Principal Investigator Duties/Responsibilities ....................................Pg. 5
C. Student Duties/Responsibilities.............................................................Pg. 5
II.
Personnel Monitoring ..................................................................................Pg. 5
III.
Posting/Labeling...........................................................................................Pg. 7
IV.
Compliance with Dose Limits to the Public ...............................................Pg. 7
V.
Package and Laboratory Surveys...............................................................Pg. 7
VI.
Sealed Source Leak Testing ........................................................................Pg. 7
VII.
Waste Disposal .............................................................................................Pg. 7
VIII. Instrumentation............................................................................................Pg. 8
IX.
Recordkeeping ..............................................................................................Pg. 8
X.
24TAC, §289.203 Requirements .................................................................Pg. 8
XI.
Notifications ..................................................................................................Pg. 9
XII.
Procedures for Handling Spills and/or Contamination ............................Pg. 9
XIII. Security of Radioactive Material ................................................................Pg. 9
XIV. Ordering Radioactive Material ..................................................................Pg. 9
XV.
Receiving Incoming Packages .....................................................................Pg. 9
XVI. Student Training ..........................................................................................Pg. 10
XVII. General Laboratory Instructions ...............................................................Pg. 10
XVIII. Emergency Procedures ................................................................................Pg. 11
XIX. Area Exposure and Contamination Surveys .............................................Pg. 11
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TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY KINGSVILLE
Radiation Protection Program
Revised February 2, 2011
APPENDICES
Package Receipt Opening Procedures .......................................................Appendix A
Radioactive Material Laboratory Guidelines ...........................................Appendix B
Emergency Procedures ................................................................................Appendix C
Area Exposure and Wipe Test Records .....................................................Appendix D
Authorized Users ..........................................................................................Appendix E
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TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY KINGSVILLE
Radiation Protection Program
Revised February 2, 2011
This Radiation Protection Program for Texas A&M University Kingsville is designed to
implement procedures to assure compliance with regulations as detailed in 25 Texas
Administrative Code (25 TAC), §289.202 and to achieve effective operations in support
of the ALARA concept. This institution is committed to maintaining radiation exposures
at levels as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA).
[NEED TO INSERT CONCEPT]
The operating, safety, and emergency procedure manual form an integral part of the
Radiation Protection Program for Texas A&M University Kingsville.
I.
Control and Management of the Radiation Safety Program
The Texas A&M University - Kingsville Administration has appointed a Radiation
Safety Officer (RSO) in order to maintain the radiation exposure of employees and
students is as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA). The RSO will implement
procedures to assure compliance with regulations as detailed in the 25 Texas
Administrative Code.
A. Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) Duties/Responsibilities:
1. To perform an annual review of the Radiation Safety Program for adherence to
ALARA concepts.
2. To review personnel monitoring records when applicable and required to ensure
employees have not exceeded the 5 Rem/year regulatory limit or the ALARA
Action Levels I and/or II.

3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
The ALARA I action level is 50 mRem/Quarter. If an individual exceeds
this level an inquiry is made by the RSO as to the likely cause of the
exposure and a verbal precaution is offered.
 The ALARA II action level is 150 mRem/Quarter. If an individual
exceeds this level a formal conference with the Researcher/employee is
conducted as to likely cause(s) of the exposures and any corrective actions
to be instituted. A document of the ALARA II exposure conference will
be made for their personnel file.
To be responsible for intendance of all instructional activities relating to the
ALARA Program.
To encourage radiation workers to participate in the formulation of policies and
procedures that will support the ALARA concept.
To investigate all known instances of deviation from good ALARA practices.
To be the principle contact for the institution with all regulatory agencies.
To establish and oversee operating, radiation safety and emergency procedures, to
evaluate these procedures to ensure personnel exposures are as low as reasonably
achievable (ALARA), and to review them at least annually to ensure that the
procedures are current and conform to 25 Texas Administrative Code.
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Radiation Protection Program
Revised February 2, 2011
8. To perform a formal review of the Radiation Safety Program annually and report
it to management.
9. To place orders for radio-isotopes.
10. To maintain an inventory log of all radio-isotopes to ensure that possession limits
are not exceeded.
11. To maintain a sealed source inventory log.
12. To ensure that all radioactive material is secured from unauthorized removal.
13. To ensure that radiopharmaceuticals are not used on any individual.
14. Maintain a current list of individuals who will be handling radioactive material.
15. To oversee and approve all phases of the training program for operations and/or
personnel so that appropriate and effective radiation protection practices are
taught.
16. To ensure that required radiation surveys and leak tests are performed and
documented in accordance with the 25 Texas Administrative Code, including any
corrective measures when levels of radiation exceed established limits.
17. To ensure that personnel monitoring is used properly by occupationally-exposed
personnel, that records are kept of the monitoring results, and that timely
notifications are made in accordance with §289.203 of the 25 Texas
Administrative Code.
18. To investigate and cause a report to be submitted to the agency for each known or
suspected case of radiation exposure to an individual or radiation level detected in
excess of limits established by this chapter and each theft or loss of source(s) of
radiation, to determine the cause(s), and to take steps to prevent a recurrence.
19. To investigate and cause a report to be submitted to the agency for each known or
suspected case of release of radioactive material(s) to the environment in excess
of limits established by the 25 Texas Administrative Code.
20. To have a thorough knowledge of management policies and administrative
procedures of the licensee.
21. To assume control and have the authority to institute corrective actions, including
shutdown of operations when necessary in emergency situations or unsafe
conditions.
22. To ensure that records are maintained as required by the 25 Texas Administrative
Code.
23. To ensure proper storing, labeling, transport, and use of sources of radiation,
storage, and/or transport containers.
24. To ensure that inventories are performed in accordance with the activities for
which the license application is submitted.
25. To ensure that personnel are complying with the 25 Texas Administrative Code,
the conditions of the license, and the operating, radiation safety, and emergency
procedures of the licensee.
At the end of each semester, the RSO will review the following documentation:
1. Survey reports (contamination and radiation field) for completeness, frequencies,
results, and trends.
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Radiation Protection Program
Revised February 2, 2011
2. RAM receipt and utilization logs for completeness, legibility, and retention in
accordance with §289.201(d), “Records.”
3. Quality control tests on imaging and analytic detection equipment (survey meters,
etc.) within acceptable parameters.
4. Waste disposal/transfer logs for completeness, documented evaluations, and
acceptable methods.
5. Student training records.
6. Survey meter calibrations.
7. Leak test results.
8. Inventory for compliance with license for sealed sources (make, model, and
activity).
9. Posting of requirements of §289.202(z) through §289.202(cc), and §289.203(b).
10. All records of safety related tasks (calibrations, package receipt monitoring)
delegated by the RSO.
11. Personnel Monitoring Records
B. Principal Investigator / Researcher Duties/Responsibilities:
1. Submit orders for radioactive materials to the RSO.
2. Supervise / maintain the radioactive material use log for his/her lab.
3. Supervise / maintain the radioactive waste log for his/her lab.
4. Supervise / maintain the radioactive material use log for his/her lab.
5. Maintain a current list of individuals who will be handling radioactive material in
the lab.
6. Establish usage guidelines, including administered amounts, for each research
project requiring radioactive materials in the lab.
C. Laboratory Student Duties/Responsibilities:
1. Maintain a usage log for all radioactive materials used in the lab.
2. Perform personnel surveys.
3. Perform routine surveys of the hot lab, storage areas and the usage areas.
4. Maintain waste disposal logs.
5. Perform outgoing package surveys.
6. Quality control tests on imaging and analytic detection equipment (dose
calibrators and survey meter).
II.
Personnel Monitoring (when required):
1. Film badge, Thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) or Optically stimulated
luminiescent dosimeter (OSLD) are used as personnel monitoring devices.
Extremity (ring) badges are worn on the dominant hand by individuals working
with radiopharmaceuticals.
2. The control badge is used only to monitor extraneous exposure during shipment
of all employee badges/dosimeters to and from the commercial supplier. The
control badge is kept in a radiation free area.
3. Employees are to wear the personnel monitoring badge/dosimeter when they are
required and working and make sure it is the badge/dosimeter assigned to them.
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Radiation Protection Program
Revised February 2, 2011
The badge/dosimeter will be worn on the collar. Ring badges will be worn on the
dominant hand during the preparation and the injection of radiopharmaceuticals.
4. Badges should not be left in a radiation area or near areas of known radioactive
materials storage. They also should not be kept in an area exposed to excessive
heat or direct sunlight. When not in use the badges/dosimeters should be stored in
a radiation free area in the lab.
5. Radiation monitoring results are a significant part of the occupationally exposed
employee’s health and safety records. Deceptive or trivial use of the radiation
monitors will not be tolerated. Termination of employment may result for
individual(s) involved in deceptive or trivial exposure(s) of the personnel
monitoring device(s).
 Note: The badge must not be worn during x-ray or nuclear medicine
procedures when the employee is the patient. Medical exposures are not
considered occupational exposures.
6. Any employee who receives occupational exposures at other facilities will instruct
those other institution(s) to provide a copy of quarterly radiation exposure reports
to Texas A&M University Kingsville. These exposure reports will be reviewed by
the RSO, each time they come in, to ensure that the combined occupational total
effective dose equivalent (TEDE) of 5 rem per year is not exceeded.
26. When a new employee is hired, requests are sent to the previous employer(s)
where work with radioactive materials was used. This information will be
maintained with the personnel monitoring reports.
27. By Texas A&M University Kingsville policy, minors are not allowed to be
employed or to volunteer their services in labs where radioactive materials are
used.
28. Office and administrative personnel not associated with working in laboratories
are not required to wear radiation badges/dosimeters. If such a person must
routinely enter a laboratory area where radioactive materials are stored or
handled, a determination will be made by the RSO as to whether a badge should
be ordered for that person. The determination will be made based on readings of
employees wearing radiation badges/dosimeters in that particular laboratory.
29. Laboratories routinely use only µCi amounts of radioactivity. Activities beyond
µCi amounts are manipulated in radioisotope fume hoods to avoid the possibility
of inhalation or ingestion. Researchers will inform the RSO when activities may
exceed the limits set forth in 25 TAC, §289.202 (ggg) so applicable procedures
for urinalysis, thyroid counting, etc. may be done.
30. Adherence to the operational safety procedures in handling the radioisotopes and
using fume hoods will assure that lab staff exposure from internal ingestion will
not occur. Therefore, they are not likely to exceed 10% of the ALI in 25 TAC,
§289.202 (ggg).
31. An employee who voluntarily declares her pregnancy will provide to the RSO a
written notification that includes the estimated date of conception. A fetal badge
will then be provided. The employee is informed that the dose to the embryo/fetus
during the entire pregnancy should not exceed 0.5 rem.
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Radiation Protection Program
Revised February 2, 2011
32. The personnel monitoring reports on both the declared pregnant woman and the
embryo/fetus will be maintained in the personnel monitoring report file which is
located in the RSO office.
33. No planned special exposures are ever to be undertaken at Texas A&M University
Kingsville.
III.
Posting/Labeling
1. Areas or rooms where licensed radioactive material is used or stored are posted
with “Caution Radioactive Materials” signs.
2. Researchers will notify the RSO when radioisotope activities change within a
laboratory, so appropriate information can be posted.
3. Radioactive materials will not be kept in unmarked containers, except when being
transferred or actively being used, as with pipettes or syringes. All storage
containers will be labeled with a “Caution Radioactive Material” sign.
4. The RSO or his designee is responsible for assuring that warning signs and labels
are posted correctly.
IV.
Compliance with Dose Limits to the Public
1. No member of the general public is allowed in the laboratories. Admittance to
these areas is strictly limited to university employees and enrolled university
students.
V.
Package and Laboratory Surveys
1. Area exposure and contamination wipe surveys will be conducted monthly in
those laboratories actively using radioactive material. The researcher of the
laboratory is responsible for conducting these area and wipe surveys. These
surveys must be turned in to the Environmental Health and Safety Office
2. During normal working hours containers/packages will be surveyed within three
hours of receipt. After normal working hours the package survey will be
conducted no later than three hours from the beginning of the next working day.
The Environmental Health and Safety Office are responsible for conducting the
package receipt surveys.
3. Procedures for conducting the above surveys are described and maintained in
Texas A&M University Kingsville Operating, Safety, and Emergency procedures
Manual.
VI.
Sealed Source Leak Testing
1. An Agency approved supplier of this service will conduct leak testing of the
sealed sources at intervals not to exceed six months.
2. Sealed source inventory will also be conducted at intervals not to exceed six
months.
VII.
1.
Waste Disposal
Contaminated solid waste (gloves, absorbent pads etc.) will be segregated
according to isotope half-life (short-lived or long-lived). This waste will be kept
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Radiation Protection Program
Revised February 2, 2011
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
in a designated waste barrel located in the laboratory. When the barrel is full
please notify the Environmental Health and Safety Office for waste disposal.
Bulk liquid waste should also be separated by isotope. Liquid waste is further
classified by separating aqueous and non-aqueous wastes in separate containers.
Please notify the Environmental Health and Safety Office for waste disposal.
Radioactive animal carcass wastes (animals or animal tissues) are to be stored in a
freezer prior to final disposal. Please notify the Environmental Health and Safety
Office to determine options for waste disposal.
No incineration of radioactive solid waste will be made.
No radioactive liquid waste may be disposed into the sewerage system without
first contacting the Environmental Health and Safety Office.
Unused radio-isotopes and radio-isotope residues will be returned to the
Environmental, Health, and Safety Department for decaying and processing for
proper disposal.
The radioactive waste placed in decay-in-storage is stored in a designated
container in the lab. The lab will remain locked during duty and non-duty hours to
prevent unauthorized removal of any radioactive material. Waste is stored a
minimum of 10 half-lives and is segregated according to half-life. After decay the
waste is then surveyed with a survey meter. If the reading from the waste is
indistinguishable from background, the material is placed in the normal (nonradioactive) trash. If the material may not be released, it is replaced in the
container for additional decay. Later, this procedure is repeated. When the
material is released into normal disposal channels the radioactive material signs
and labels must be removed or obliterated.
VIII. Instrumentation
1. GM type survey meters are available at this facility and used for the detection of
radiation and contamination. An approved supplier of this service will calibrate
the survey meters on an annual basis.
IX.
Recordkeeping
1. The RSO is responsible for maintaining the radioactive material license, the
radiation protection program and reviews, survey instrumentation calibration
records, leak tests, sealed source inventory, personnel monitoring records,
package and laboratory surveys, radioactive material request orders, and waste
disposal.
2. All records are kept in either notebooks, files or on magnetic media.
X.
25 TAC, §289.203 Requirements:
1. The RSO or his designee is responsible for ensuring the “Notice to Workers” is
appropriately posted.
2. The RSO or his designee is responsible for providing workers with instructions
listed in §289.203(c)(1).
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Radiation Protection Program
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XI.
Notifications:
1. Stolen, lost, or missing licensed sources of radiation will be reported in
accordance to 25 TAC, §289.202(ww) to the Texas Department of State Health
Services, Radiation Control Program (RCP).
2. An incident involving a source of radiation possessed by this facility will
immediately be reported in accordance to 25 TAC, §289.202(xx) to the RCP.
3. Exposures, radiation levels, and concentrations of radioactive material exceeding
the regulatory limits will be reported in accordance to 25 TAC, §289.202(yy) to
the RCP. The identified occupationally exposed individual, or an identified
member of the public who received an exposure exceeding the limits shall also be
notified and provided a copy of the report that was submitted to the RCP.
4. If a test for leakage or contamination indicates a sealed source is leaking or
contaminated it will be reported in accordance to 25 TAC, §289.202(bbb) to the
RCP.
5. Medical Events and Incident Reports will be prepared for the Radiation Safety
Committee and will be filed or forwarded by the RSO only to the Agency as
required by 25 TAC §289.256(ee).
XII. Procedures for Handling Spills and/or Contamination:
GENERAL: Spillage of radioactive materials will cause the surfaces involved to
become contaminated. The Operating and Safety Procedures contain
procedures that are to be used to:
1. Contain the spill so that subsequent decontamination procedures are not required
to be extensive;
2. Decontaminate or clean up the material in an efficient manner so that the
contamination is not spread, resulting contaminated waste volume is minimal and
personnel involved will not contaminate themselves or their clothing.
Follow the Operating and Safety Procedures in case of a spill / contamination. See
Appendix C.
XIII. Security of Radioactive Material
1. All radioactive material will be secured in the laboratory.
2. The laboratory will be kept locked when left unattended.
XIV. Ordering Radioactive Material
1. The RSO will order the radioactive material.
2. The RSO will maintain an inventory log of all radio-isotopes ordered and in
inventory to ensure that possession limits are not exceeded.
XV. Receiving Incoming Packages
1. All shipments will be received by the RSO or EHS personnel who will survey
the material before delivering to the requesting laboratory. No shipments will be
received during off-duty hours.
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2. The package opening survey procedures will be done within three hours of
receipt. See Appendix A for package receipt opening procedures. The RSO
and/or EHS personnel will first visually inspect the shipment for any obvious
indications of damage. The external surfaces of the packages will then be wipe
tested for removable contamination.
3. The level of removable contamination will be determined using a Capintec CRC15W well counter. If the contents are leaking the RSO will immediately be
notified.
4. After survey, the RSO/EHS personnel will take the package to the lab that ordered
it.
5. After delivery, all radioactive materials are stored in the lab’s designated storage
location.
6. An incoming receipt record will contain the date received, box or log number,
results of monitoring shipment and the initials of the individual receiving the
shipment. Records will be maintained on a user managed computerized record or
a hard copy record.
XVI. Student Training
The following coursework must be completed prior to a student using radioactive
material in the nuclear medicine lab:
1. Nuclear medicine physics and Radiation physics
2. Radiation Biology
3. Radiation Safety and Protection
4. Radionuclide Chemistry and Radiopharmacy
5. Instrumentation
XVII. General Laboratory Instructions
1. Only those students who have completed the required coursework will be allowed
to use radioactive material in the lab. Students are only allowed to use (quantity)
per experiment.
2. Wear lab coats, nonabsorbent gloves and closed-toe shoes when working with
radioactive material. When injecting the radio- isotope in a phantom use syringe
shields. When preparing the dose for injection work behind the lead “L” shield.
3. Work behind the lead “L” shield when handling unit doses or kits.
4. After each day of use conduct area exposure and wipe surveys of the use areas.
Use the Ludlum 14C with the pancake probe conduct the area exposure surveys.
Wipe surveys will be counted using the Capintec CRC-15W well counter.
5. Conduct personnel surveys prior to leaving the lab.
6. Radioactive materials are only to be used in the lab.
7. Store all radioactive materials in the designated area for the lab. Make sure all
containers containing radioactive material are clearly labeled. Any contaminated
articles or glassware will be placed in a designated waste container located in the
lab. The lab must remain locked at all times to prevent the unauthorized removal
of any radioactive material or contaminated waste.
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8. All students routinely working with radioactive materials will be provided with a
whole body badge and a ring badge. The student will be instructed to wear the
ring badge on the dominant hand. Monitoring devices are obtained from suppliers
approved by the agency.
9. A usage log kept in the lab will contain the date used, isotope description,
quantity dispensed, and student initials. Contaminated items and unused material
will be disposed of properly through the Environmental, Health and Safety
Department for disposal. The return record will contain the date of return,
prescription number, isotope and student initials. For ancillary waste kept in
decay-in-storage a disposal log will also be kept. The log will contain the radioisotope, date of closure, date of disposal (no sooner than 10 half lives),
background survey readings, survey results (indistinguishable from background),
instrument used, disposal mode, and initials of individual performing the disposal.
All records will be kept on a user managed computerized record (or hard copy).
10. See Appendix B for Radioactive Material Laboratory Guidelines
XVIII. Emergency Procedures
A copy of the Emergency Procedures will be posted in each lab in which radioactive
materials are used.
See Appendix C for Emergency Procedures
XIX. Area Exposure and Contamination Surveys
1. The student will perform daily (or on each day of use) area exposure and wipe test
surveys of the lab areas in which isotopes were used.
2. Results of the daily (each day of use) area surveys will be maintained in the user
managed computerized record or in a record file. The area survey form indicates
the date of survey, instruments used, diagram and locations, action levels, survey
results in mR/hr and disintegration's per minute (DPM), corrective action if
necessary and initials of surveyor. See “Area Survey” and “Exposure and Wipe
Test Record” forms in Appendix D.
3. The radiation exposure rate action level is 0.5 mR/hr over background for
restricted areas and 0.05 mR/hr for a public area. The action level for the
contamination wipe test surveys is 1000 dpm/100cm2.
4. Radiation exposure rates are measured with an instrument whose sensitivity is at
least 0.01 mR/hr. Wipe contamination surveys are performed using a survey
instrument capable of detecting and quantifying a removable contamination action
level of 1000 dpm/100cm2.
5. The RSO may request more frequent surveys of the area if deemed necessary by
results of the weekly surveys.
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TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY KINGSVILLE
Radiation Protection Program
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Appendix A: Package Receipt Opening Procedures
Receipt
1. Put on gloves to prevent hand contamination.
2. Check the user request to ensure that the material received is the material that was
ordered.
3. Visually inspect the package for any sign of damage (e.g., wet or crushed). If
damage is noted, stop and notify the RSO.
4. Make a record of the receipt.
External Survey
1. Measure the exposure rate a 1 meter from the package and at the package surface.
If it is higher than expected, stop and notify the RSO.
NOTE: The “transport index” noted on packages with “Yellow II” or “Yellow III”
labels is the approximate dose rate, in millirem per hour, at 1 meter from the
package surface; the surface dose rate for such packages should not exceed 200
millirem per hour. The dose rate from packages with “White I” labels should be
less than 0.5 millirem per hour at the package surface.
Opening
Opening the package with the following precautionary steps:
1. Remove the packing slip.
2. Open the outer package following the supplier’s instructions, if provided.
3. Open the inner package and verify that the contents agree with the packing slip.
4. Check the integrity of the final source container. Look for broken seals or vials,
loss of liquid, condensation, or discoloration of the packing material.
5. If anything is other than expected, stop and notify the RSO.
Interior Survey and Wipes
1. Wipe the external surface of the final source container and remove the wipe
sample to a low-background area. Assay the wipe sample to determine if there is
any removable radioactivity. Wipe samples will be assayed using the approved
counter for your lab.
2. If it is determined the package is contaminated notify the RSO immediately.
3. Monitor the packing material and empty packages for contamination with a
Geiger Mueller (GM) survey meter before discarding.
If contaminated, treat this material as radioactive waste.
If not contaminated, remove or obliterate the radiation labels before
discarding in in-house trash.
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Appendix B: Radioactive Material Laboratory Guidelines
a. Keep the laboratory clean and orderly at all times.
b. Ensure non-essential personnel are not in the laboratory when radioactive material
is used.
c. Wear laboratory coats, closed-toe shoes and other protective clothing as needed
where radioactive materials are used. Protective clothing must be left in the lab.
d. Label all radioactive material containers with a trefoil and pertinent information.
e. Wear disposable, non-absorbent gloves when handling radioactive materials.
f. Do not eat, drink, smoke or apply cosmetics where radioactive materials are used.
Do not store food, drink, or personal effects with radioactive materials.
g. Wear personnel monitoring devices when required while in areas where
radioactive materials are used or stored. These devices will be worn at chest or
waist level. Personnel monitoring devices, when not being worn to monitor
occupational exposures, should be stored in a designated low background area, as
should the control badge.
h. Check survey meters regularly with a radioactive source to assure that they are
functioning. Check batteries before each use.
i. Survey preparation and use areas for contamination after each use or at the end of
the day.
j. Plan your work ahead of time to minimize exposure time. Practice without isotope
if possible.
k. Work over surfaces that are easily cleaned or covered with disposable absorbent
coverings when handling liquid radioactive material. Work only in designated
restricted use areas.
l. Dispose of radioactive waste only in properly labeled and shielded receptacles.
m. Monitor hands, clothing and writing instruments for contamination after each use
of before leaving any use area.
n. Treat all work materials and gloves associated with radioactive material
preparation and use as contaminated until proven otherwise.
o. Always leave restricted areas locked when trained personnel are not present to
assure security over such areas.
p. Report radiation accidents involving radioactive material resulting in suspected or
known overexposure or cross-contamination of a worker to the RSO as soon as
possible.
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Appendix C: Emergency Procedures
Handling of Minor Contamination (<1mCi)
a. Limit the spill by dropping absorbent material over the spill. Dampen the
absorbent material SLIGHTLY if the spill is a powder. Do not walk into the spill
area and do not allow other to do so. Notify the Principal Investigator or RSO of
the spill.
b. If the spill did not get on any persons skin or article of clothing (shoes, Lab coat,
etc.), proceed to item c. If articles of clothing are contaminated they must be
removed, placed in a plastic bag and saved for decay or decontamination. If the
spill came in contact with the hands or other skin areas, these areas must be
washed thoroughly with soap and water. Washing must be repeated until the
affected area is indistinguishable to background when monitored with the survey
meter. DO NOT use harsh or corrosive chemical agents or strong abrasives on the
skin.
c. Put on two layers of plastic (non-absorbent) gloves and obtain a plastic bag for
storing the contaminated wastes that will be generated during decontamination.
Begin decontamination by blotting the spill area with absorbent material
(dampened if dealing with dry residues) and dropping the used material in the
plastic bag after each use. Repeat until all visible residue has been removed.
d. Clean the affected area using small amounts of a detergent solution or special
decontamination solutions and more absorbent material. Repeat these procedures
three times using clean absorbent pads each time. Then check the area with the
survey meter with the detector about 2” form the surface. If readings are not
indistinguishable to background levels repeat the washing procedure. If after
repeated cleaning the readings are not to acceptable levels, mark the area with
residual contamination, cover it with plastic material and contact the RSO for
further instructions.
e. Place all contaminated articles and lastly the plastic gloves worn into the plastic
waste bag. Seal the bag, tag and date it, and store in a protected area until decayed
to indistinguishable background levels. The bag may then be disposed of via
normal trash disposal procedures provided you obliterate or remove all
radioactive tags and labels.
f. Check hands and shoes with survey meter after clean up to be sure you have not
inadvertently contaminated yourself during the clean-up. Then wipe-test the spill
and surrounding area, as done in the daily area survey tests. Record results on
survey form.
g. Document the spill and cleanup with concise but pertinent statements in your
laboratory use log or incident report form. State what the final survey meter
readings were in the affected area. Report results of final wipe test of the area.
Date and sign the entry.
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TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY KINGSVILLE
Radiation Protection Program
Revised February 2, 2011
Handling of Major Contamination (>1mCi)
a. Limit the spill immediately using any absorbent material at hand (dampened if
spilled material is a dry solid). Keep traffic out of the area and cover the spill with
absorbent materials to prevent any further spread.
b. Evacuate room avoiding the spill area, leave behind any possibly contaminated
articles (clothing, shoes, etc.). Have an uncontaminated person get and use the
survey instrument to check for contamination on all involved and potentially
involved individuals.
c. With the RSO’s supervision, remove and decontaminate involved persons, using
universal precautions, bagging contamination and changing outer gloves often.
Utilize two persons when possible, one “clean” assistant documenting survey
findings and providing supplies, and another performing tasks outlined previously
under minor surface contamination. Aggressive surface decontamination may be
required and equipment may need to be isolated, secured and posted for decay-instorage.
d. If further assistance is needed, the RSO will be the sole person in communication
with the Radiological Emergency Assistance - Texas Department of Health – 24
hour number (512) 458-7460
Personnel Contamination
a. Contamination on any point other than the hands will usually be contained on the
clothing.
b. After contaminated clothing is removed, survey the individual to determine if
other portions of the body are contaminated.
c. Place contaminated clothing in a labeled plastic bag for storage until such time as
radioactive decay assures background levels have been obtained.
d. To decontaminate skin, gently wash with damp cloths soaked in tepid tap water
and a mild detergent, and/or irrigate open wounds or eyes that appear
contaminated while avoiding spattering or rinsing contaminated wash water onto
other bodily areas;
e. Particularly notice if contamination exists on the face or neck area when
considering if internal contamination may have resulted and when suspected,
nasal wipes and urine samples may yield valuable information.
f. Skin contamination is usually focal and would not indicate whole-body showers.
Avoid using hot water and irritating brushes, which tend to increase absorption
(internal deposition) through increased vascularity. Often skin contamination
cannot be removed. These sites may be wrapped with gauze and then with plastic
taped over to promote “sweating” the isotope out.
g. If the contaminated individual also has a health condition that necessitates prompt
medical treatment, do not delay this treatment. Provide guidance and assistance to
contain the further spread of any contamination from the individual.
Decontamination can proceed after the individual is treated or stabilized.
h. For all contamination events, document the entire process and associated survey
results and consider risks and potential for internal contamination in all involved.
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TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY KINGSVILLE
Radiation Protection Program
Revised February 2, 2011
i. For serious contamination events, advice may be sought from health physicists at
Radiological Emergency Assistance Center/Training Site (REAC/TX) in Oak
Ridge, Tennessee, (615) 576-3131
Excessive Individual Exposures
a. In accordance with 25 TAC §289.202(xx) and §289.202(yy), Radiation Control
will immediately be notified by the RSO when an individual received a total
effective dose equivalent of 25 rem or more; a lens dose equivalent of 75 rems or
more; a shallow dose equivalent to the skin or extremities or a total organ dose
equivalent of 250 rads or more.
b. A written report will be submitted to Radiation Control within 30 days after
learning of an individual receiving doses in excess of 5 Rems for an adult;
500mRem for a minor or an embryo/fetus of a declared pregnant woman; and 100
mRem for individuals of the members of the general public.
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TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY KINGSVILLE
Radiation Protection Program
Revised February 2, 2011
Appendix D: Area Exposure and Wipe Test Records
Area Surveys
a. Have an uncontaminated worker check your hands/gloves for contamination
before you handle the survey instrument. If necessary, dispose of contaminated
gloves and check hands. Re-glove with fresh gloves before continuing the survey.
Do not handle the survey instrument if you are contaminated.
b. Use the lab’s approved survey instrument. Hold the probe about 2 inches above
the work surface and slowly move the detector over any areas that might have
been contaminated. Do the same for the floor below the work area.
c. If contamination is detected, follow the decontamination instructions in Appendix
C.
d. Record the results in the log book.
Wipe Surveys
a. Have an uncontaminated worker check your hands/gloves for contamination
before you begin to wipe the surface. If necessary, dispose of contaminated gloves
and check hands. Re-glove with fresh gloves before continuing the survey. Do not
attempt to perform the wipe test if you are contaminated.
b. Wipe any areas that might have been contaminated using an alcohol swab. Do the
same for the floor below the work area. Each swab should be used for about a
10x10cm (4x4 in.) area for consistency.
c. Assay the wipes using the lab’s approved meter. Be sure to apply the correct
sensitivity corrections for the isotope that was used.
d. If contamination is detected, follow the decontamination instructions in
Appendix C.
e. Record the results in the log book.
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TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY KINGSVILLE
Radiation Protection Program
Revised February 2, 2011
Appendix E: Authorized Users
In order to be added to the license as an authorized user of radioactive materials at Texas
A&M University - Kingsville, individuals must show the following:
a. Attend a Radiation Safety in-service class given by EHS.
b. Agree to abide by the conditions of the license and to follow the Operating,
Radiation Safety and Emergency Procedures.
c. Show previous experience working with radioactive materials in the academic
setting or attend a class on radioactive materials and radiation safety.
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