Faculties of Medicine - Lowy Cancer Research Building
Protocol for the Use of Radioactive Sources within the Lowy Cancer
Research Building
Procedure
Use of Radioactive Sources in Lowy Cancer Research Centre.
Document Number
Authorised by
Wendy Jessup, Lowy Radiation Safety Supervisor
Version and Effective Date
1.0; February 2010
Date of Previous Versions
N/A
Related Documents
Ionising Radiation Procedure [OHS 601]
Reliability testing for ionising radiation detectors [OHS436]
Ionising radiation gamma/X-ray emitters spill procedure [OHS302]
Ionising radiation beta emitters spill procedure [OHS303]
SWP For Use of Room LG01
1
Contacts.
Position
Name
Location
Telephone
Lowy Radiation Safety
Supervisor
Wendy Jessup
CVR
9385 1219
w.jessup@unsw.edu.au
Lowy L3
Sian Cartland
CVR
9385 2532
Estella Sanchez
Lowy L3
9385 8639
UNSW Radiation
Health and Safety
Coordinator
Robert Armstrong
Chancellery
9385 2912
b.armstrong@unsw.edu.au
Level 1
Chair, UNSW
Radiation Safety
Committee
Vincent Murray
9385 2028
v.murray@unsw.edu.au
Biological
Sciences
(Room 208a)
Adult Cancer Centre
Radiation Contact
Anthony Don
Lowy L2
9385 1003
Wendy Jessup
CVR
9385 1219
w.jessup@unsw.edu.au
Lowy L3
Mimi Tajbakhsh
CCIA
MTajbakhsh@ccia.unsw.edu.au
Lowy level 5
Ken Wyse
Lowy L4
Lowy Radiation Safety
Assistants
anthonyd@unsw.edu.au
CVR Radiation
Contact
CCIA Radiation
Contact
Faculty of Medicine
OHS Coordinator
(Lowy)
k.wyse@unsw.edu.au
2
9385 1653
9385 2456
Executive Summary
Responsibilities of Individual Researcher
• Complete appropriate radiation training.
• Read, understand and conform to local procedures.
• Obtain EPA License to Use (as appropriate).
• Ensure students undergo training and appropriate supervision.
• Obtain and wear TLD (as appropriate).
• Develop SWPs and risk assessments for all protocols involving isotopes.
• Submit all projects involving isotopes to UNSW Radiation Committee for approval.
• Ensure working areas for isotopes are clearly marked and shielded.
• Store isotopes in secure location.
• Maintain records of:
Isotope storage, use and disposal
Monitoring of work areas for contamination
• Store active waste for disposal according to local procedures.
Responsibilities of Centre Managements (CCIA, CVR, ACC)
• Ensure that the type and amounts of isotopes ordered by researchers is covered by their current
EPA License to Use.
• Maintain records of all isotope purchases and forward these to Lowy RSS on a regular basis.
• Registration of premises.
3
Responsibilities of Lowy Radiation Safety Supervisor
• Allocation and collection of personal radiation monitors (TLD)
• Assistance in issue and renewal of radiation licenses
• Monitoring and managing radioactive waste disposal
• Assistance in developing Standard Operating Procedures
• Identifying local radiation risk areas
• Maintaining records of:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Register of radiation users in Lowy
Register of personal radiation monitor users
Register of radiation apparatus, acquisition and disposal
Results of surveys of radiation apparatus
Register of sealed radioactive sources, acquisition, use and disposal
Register of unsealed radioactive sources, acquisition, use and disposal
Register of ionising radiation emitting apparatus
Register of results of laboratory contamination monitoring
Register of accidents and incidents involving radiation
Radiation Safety Training register.
Register of radiation researchers and laboratories
4
1. Purpose and Scope
This document indicates how the UNSW Ionising Radiation Procedure is applied within the Lowy
Cancer Research Centre.
All persons in Lowy Cancer Research Centre who purchase, store, use and/or dispose of radioactive
isotopes or irradiating apparatus.
2. Definitions
ARPANSA:
Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency.
EPA:
Environmental Protection Agency (now part of the NSW Department of
Environment, Climate Change, and Water).
TLD
Thermoluminescent dosimeter (a type of radiation dosimeter).
Registered users.
Staff and students of Lowy who have appropriate training and licensing for
work with radioactive substances and who are listed on the Lowy register of
radiation users.
5
3. Protocol.
3.1 Overview.
Work with radioisotopes is regulated under the NSW Radiation Control Act (1990), and
Radiation Control Regulation 2003, and as described in Australian Standard 2243.4 Safety in
Laboratories Part 4: Ionizing Radiations.
Use of radioisotopes at UNSW must comply with the above regulations and also with UNSW
OHS Ionising Radiation Procedure (2007). This latter document encapsulates the NSW regulations
and interprets their practice in the specific local context.
The current document provides additional information on how these regulations operate
specifically within the Lowy Cancer Research Centre.
Useful links.
UNSW Radiation Safety Website.
http://www.hr.unsw.edu.au/ohswc/ohs/ohs_radiation.html
UNSW OHS Ionising Radiation Procedure (2007)
www.hr.unsw.edu.au/ohswc/ohs/pdf/pro_radiation_ionising.pdf
NSW Radiation Control Regulation 2003
http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/viewtop/inforce/subordleg+615+2003+first+0+N
6
3.2. Lowy Radiation Safety Supervisor (Lowy RSS).
Work with radioactive substances within the Lowy Cancer Research Centre is supervised by the Lowy
Radiation Safety Supervisor. Each research centre within Lowy also has a local contact who liases
regularly with the Lowy RSS. All names and contact details are listed at the front of this document.
The responsibilities of the Radiation Safety Supervisor include:
• Allocation and collection of personal radiation monitors (TLD)
• Assistance in issue and renewal of radiation licenses
• Maintaining records (see below)
• Monitoring and managing radioactive waste disposal
• Assistance in developing Standard Operating Procedures
• Identifying local radiation risk areas
Radiation Registers.
11 radiation registers are identified in UNSW Radiation Procedure as the requirements to be kept by
Radiation Safety Supervisors to satisfy the Radiation Control Act 1990. These registers provide an
audit trail to ensure there is an appropriate management system to control ionising radiation issues.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
Register of radiation users
Register of personal radiation monitor users
Register of radiation apparatus, acquisition and disposal
Results of surveys of radiation apparatus
Register of sealed radioactive sources, acquisition, use and disposal
Register of unsealed radioactive sources, acquisition, use and disposal
Register of ionising radiation emitting apparatus
Register of results of laboratory contamination monitoring
Register of accidents and incidents involving radiation
Radiation Safety Training register.
Register of radiation researchers and laboratories
It is the responsibility of all radiation users and laboratory managers to assist the Lowy RSS in
maintenance of these registers, by providing information as requested.
It is therefore essential that the Lowy Radiation Safety Supervisor is kept informed of all users
and of all radiation work planned or in progress.
7
3.3 Definition of radioactive substance.
The NSW Radiation Control Regulation (2003) defines a radioactive substance as
“any substance which emits ionising radiation spontaneously with a specific activity greater than 100
becquerels per gram AND which contains more than the prescribed activity (40kBq, 400 kBq, 4MBq
or 40 MBq for radionuclides in Group 1, 2 3 or 4 respectively)”.
This is significant because it determines the level at which a substance is recognized officially as
radioactive and therefore subject to the relevant legislation. From our point of view, it determines
whether an individual user is required to obtain an EPA License to Use and also if the locations where
isotopes are stored and used need to be licensed by EPA Premises Registration.
Examples of some of the more commonly used isotopes in each Group are provided in this Table.
Radiotoxicity
Group
Examples
Limit
approximately
equivalent to..
Class 1
241Am
40kBq
1Ci
Class 2
125I, 133I, 60Co, 45Ca
400kBq
10Ci
Class 3
32P, 35S, 14C, Se75
4MBq
100Ci
Class 4
3H
40MBq
1mCi
If an individual does not at any time purchase, store and/or use an amount of isotope above the
relevant limit, they do not require an EPA License to Use. However for most individual workers will it
be necessary to obtain a license.
In contrast, from a local OHS perspective, there is no lower limit on the amount of a radionuclide that
is considered ‘radioactive’. Whatever the amount used at any time, all work with radioisotopes in
Lowy must comply with the UNSW OHS Ionising Radiation Procedure (2007).
8
3.4 Before you start work: Requirements.
There are strict legislative and OHS controls on training and supervision of staff and students
working with radioactive substances, how and where this work can take place and on who can
purchase radioactive substances. Compliance with these regulations is obligatory.
3.4.1 Lowy Radiation Induction Checklist
First, please complete the Lowy Radiation Induction Checklist. The purposes of this checklist are to
inform the Lowy RSS of your intention to use isotopes, to assist you in complying with the UNSW and
legislative requirements and planning your work and to obtain a TLD (where required).
The checklist is available electronically online (add web site details when available), by email from the
Lowy RSS or at the end of this document (Appendix A).
Please forward the completed checklist to the Lowy RSS well in advance of your anticipated
start date.
3.4.2 Training and Radiation Licenses.
All staff and students who plan to work with radioisotopes must first undergo appropriate safety
training and, where appropriate, obtain an EPA License to Use or an Exemption Certificate.
EPA License to Use.
Staff who work with licensable amounts of radioisotopes (see Section 4.3), or who supervise students
working with radioisotopes must hold a current EPA License to Use. The license must specifically
state which isotopes will be used and the maximum amounts of each isotope that will be held and/or
used at any time.
To apply for an EPA Licence to Use, contact the Lowy RSS, who will provide you with the relevant
forms and information about the additional documentation required. Evidence of completion of an
accredited training is required to obtain an EPA License to Use. The UNSW Radiation Training
Course is accredited by EPA.
An EPA License To Use can be issued for one or three years. The current one-year license
application fee is $117 and a three-year license application fee is $226. Renewal fees are currently
$67 for a single year and $176 for three years. It is recommended that you allow up to one month to
receive your license.
9
Please note that EPA Licences to Use are issued to individuals rather than to organisations.
Therefore please notify the Lowy RSS as soon as you receive your license, so that the details can be
recorded in the relevant radiation registers for Lowy. This will also assist the RSS to ensure that your
license renewals are maintained and that you remain legally able to carry out ionising radiation work.
NSW Radiation License portal. http://www.licence.nsw.gov.au/Licence_Launchpad_RAD.htm
Radiation License Application Forms
http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/radiation/formdownload.htm
Student Exemption Certificate
Students who work with radioisotopes must first attend the UNSW Radiation Training course. They
are not required to obtain an EPA License, but must be supervised by a member of staff who holds a
current License. The supervisor’s license must cover the specific isotopes and amounts to be used.
A Student Exemption Certificate (Appendix B) must be completed and signed by the Lowy RSS and
a spreadsheet recording all students exempted displayed in the area where the student works with
isotopes.
To obtain a Student Exemption Certificate, please complete the student and supervisor sections of
the form and bring/send it to the Lowy RSS together with a copy of your Radiation Training Course
certificate and of your supervisor’s License to Use. The form is not valid until it is countersigned by
the Lowy RSS.
The UNSW Radiation Training Course
The course is run approximately monthly by the UNSW Radiation Health and Safety Coordinator
(Human Resources). Details of the dates of training sessions and registration are available online.
Online registration for Radiation Training Course:
http://www.hr.unsw.edu.au/ohswc/ohs/ohs_training.html
3.4.3 Planning the project.
Standard Operating Procedures and Risk Assessments.
Researchers should prepare a SOP for all work involving radioisotopes. This should be accompanied
by a risk assessment that gives consideration to the hazards (to the researcher and other workers in
the laboratory) associated with the use of radioisotopes, in addition to other chemical and physical
hazards.
10
Project approvals.
UNSW also requires that Researchers submit a Project/ Program approval form to the Radiation
Safety Committee for their approval before any new research work involving radiation is undertaken.
A copy of the Project/Program approval form (OHS695) is provided in Appendix C. The form should
be accompanied by a copy of the relevant SOP and risk assessment.
Radiation Safety Committee contacts and project submission deadlines are available online:
http://www.hr.unsw.edu.au/ohswc/ohs/ohscomm.html
3.5 Purchasing Radioisotopes.
UNSW requires that purchases of radioactive materials or radiation apparatus should be authorised
by the Lowy RSS before an order is placed. For practical purposes, the Lowy RSS will delegate this
authority to the individual researcher and their Centre purchasing officer, subject to the following
conditions:
1. The responsible researcher and their Centre purchasing officer or laboratory manager are
responsible for ensuring that the type and amount of isotope ordered is covered by the researcher’s
current EPA License to Use.
2. Students are not permitted to order isotopes; these orders must be placed by their responsible
supervisor.
3. Requisitions include the license number of the responsible researcher or supervisor.
4. The Centre purchasing officer/laboratory manager shall keep a record of all isotope purchases
(name of researcher, EPA license number, type and amount of isotope ordered, date ordered).
5. These records are forwarded to the Lowy RSS on a regular basis, and will be available for
inspection on request.
3.6 Record of the Storage and Use of Isotopes.
We have a legal obligation to maintain written records of the acquisition, storage, use and disposal of
radioactive isotopes. This is the responsibility of the individual licence holder.
In practice, this record can be effectively maintained by using a log-book, in which a single page
records the fate of an individual bottle of isotope from the time of its arrival until its complete disposal.
A template for this is provided in Appendix D. You are strongly recommended to use this template or
a similar document. All log sheets should be stored in a central location and should be held even
when the isotope is all used and disposed. The Radiation Safety Supervisor will collect copies of
these records on a regular basis.
11
3.7 Locations where isotopes can be stored and used in Lowy.
3.7.1 Premises Registration
The EPA requires annual registration of laboratories where licensable amounts of radioisotopes are
stored or used. The definition of licensable amounts for the most common isotopes are shown in
Section 4.3.
In practice, it is likely that in most Centres that a single location/room can be used to store and use
licensable amounts of radioisotopes. Please note that Premises Registration is required even if
licensable amounts of isotopes are only purchased and stored (i.e. even if all experiments use sublicensable amounts). Premises Registration should be arranged through the Lowy RSS.
For more information, see the relevant EPA/DECCW web site:
https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/radiation/premisesrego.htm
3.7.2 Work with sub-licensable amounts of activity
Work with lesser amounts of radioisotopes can be performed in non-registered laboratory areas,
provided that adequate containment and shielding is provided to protect both the researcher and
other workers in the area. This work should be confined to a specific designated area, which is
clearly marked and segregated from general laboratory areas. Equipment used in these areas should
also be clearly marked and should not be moved between radioactive and general work areas.
3.7.3 Medium Level Radioisotope laboratory.
Lowy contains one Medium level radioactive laboratory within the Centre for Vascular Research on
Level 3. This is suitable for work with larger amounts of radioisotopes, to the limits shown in the
following table. Access to this laboratory is available to other Lowy staff, but is restricted to registered
users. To request access and induction to this area, contact the Lowy RSS.
Radiotoxicity
class
Examples
Amount
approximately
Class 1
241Am
0.2MBq-20MBq
5.0Ci – 500Ci
Class 2
125I, 133I, 60Co, 45Ca
20MBq-2GBq
500Ci-50mCi
Class 3
32P, 59Fe, 35S, 14C
2GBq-0.2TBq
50mCi-5.0Ci
Class 4
3H
0.2Tbq-20TBq
5.0Ci-500Ci
equivalent to …
12
3.8 Working with Radioisotopes.
3.8.1 Containment.
• Work with radioactive sources must be segregated from other work. Where possible it should be
performed in a separate room; where not, a separate work area reserved for isotopes should be
identified and clearly labelled with a radiation symbol.
• Work with liquid sources must be performed in a double container or a large tray (plastic or steel)
lined with absorbent paper to restrict the spread of any spilled liquid.
• All radioactive preparations should be clearly marked with the radiation symbol, details of the
chemical compound, radionuclide, date and name of the responsible user.
• Operations that may produce vapour, spray, dust or radioactive gas should be performed in a fume
hood or glove box.
• Where necessary, appropriate shielding must be in place to protect both the user and other staff in
the laboratory at all times.
• Gloves, labcoat, goggles and a personal dosimeter should be worn whenever radioactivity is used.
Make sure gloves are changed frequently.
• Always remove gloves before leaving the active area. Protective clothing worn in radioisotope
laboratories should be removed before leaving and left in, or immediately outside, the 'active' area.
• All reagents, apparatus and tools used in the 'active' area must, where possible, be clearly labelled
and normally remain in the 'active' area. Where any item needs to be taken out of this area, it must
first be monitored and decontaminated where necessary. It is the responsibility of the person
removing the item from the active area to ensure that the item is decontaminated.
• Separate waste receptacles for contaminated solid materials (e.g. gloves, paper tissues,
contaminated plastic pipette tips should be provided. They should be strong plastic lined with a
plastic bag. Where necessary, these containers must be shielded. Filled waste bags should be
sealed and labelled and disposed of as described in Section 4.9.
13
3.8.2 Contamination monitoring
• Routinely monitor the working area for contamination before, during and after radioactive use. All
contaminated areas must be thoroughly decontaminated.
• Keep a written log of all monitoring and decontamination for each area where isotopes are used.
• Handheld monitors for detection of surface contamination by 32P and 125I should be used. These
must be calibrated annually. For locations and assistance with their use and maintenance, contact
your Centre local radiation contact person or Lowy RSS.
• 3H, 35S and 14C are not easily detected with monitors. These are measured by performing a swipe
test:
Wipe area(s) and/or equipment with a small damp cloth or tissue. Ethanol swabs are useful.
Place the cloth into a scintillation vial containing scintillant (and have a background control; scintillant
only, no swipe). Measure radiation in a beta-scintillation counter.
• In addition to monitoring before and after experimental procedures, it is the responsibility of the
Laboratory/Centre Manager to ensure that areas used for radioactive work are regularly monitored
and written records of this monitoring are maintained.
• Workcover or EPA may ask to inspect these records.
14
3.9 Radioactive Waste Disposal
UNSW cannot dispose of licensable amounts of radioactive waste. Radioactive material must be
stored at the University until the level of activity has decayed to sub-licensable levels. Minimization of
the amount and volume of radioactive waste is therefore imperative.
3.9.1 General procedures for management of radioactive waste.
• Plan for waste disposal before beginning any experimental work, and design experiments to
minimise the amount and volume of waste generated.
• Keep radioactive and non-radioactive waste separate.
• Keep individual radionuclides separate. If this is not possible, treat the combined waste as the more
hazardous of the radionuclides.
• Solid waste should be collected into double biohazard bags, securely taped shut, within an
appropriate shielding container.
• Liquid waste should be carefully poured into tightly screw-capped plastic bottles, within an
appropriate shielding container.
• Liquid scintillant vials and contents may be disposed together if the activity is below 100 Bq per
gram. Put vials into double biohazard bags within an appropriate shielding container.
• ALL waste must be labeled with the following information:
Name / Laboratory/Date/Isotope/Approximate activity in Bq (1mCi = 37MBq)
• For long-half life isotopes (3H, 14C) the total amount of activity in any single bag or bottle must not
exceed the licensable amount for that isotope (3H=1mCi, 14C=100Ci)
• Do not store waste in the general laboratory areas. At the end of each experiment the radioactive
waste should be transferred to the Lowy radiation waste store.
15
3.9.2 Radiation waste store.
• The Lowy radiation waste store (Room LG01) is located close to the main lifts on lower ground floor.
Access is restricted by swipe card to registered isotope users. Contact Lowy RSS if you have any
problems with access or any comments on the use and state of the store-room.
• The room is monitored regularly by the Lowy Radiation Safety Assistants (names and contact details
at front of this document), who also arrange for regular collection and disposal of low-level waste or
transfer of material requiring either long or medium term storage to the University’s radiation store.
• All waste must be packaged in tape-sealed double bags, or in securely screw-capped plastic bottles
and fully labelled (as described above).
• All such waste must be placed into an appropriate waste container.
• Separate containers are provided for solid, liquid and scintillant waste. There are separate
containers provided for 3H, 14C , 35S, 125I and 32P.
• If you cannot find a container appropriate for your particular type of waste, contact the Lowy
Radiation Safety Assistants or Lowy RSS.
• You must complete the appropriate form for the waste container you have used for EVERY
waste deposit. These forms are in a folder in the radiation waste room.
This is a legal obligation.
• If a waste container is nearly full, please ensure that you inform a Lowy Radiation Safety Assistant
or Lowy RSS, who will arrange for their disposal. Do not overfill containers.
3.9.3 Transport of radioactive waste from laboratory to the storage room
16
• Before leaving the laboratory area, waste should be double-bagged, sealed, labelled and placed in
an appropriate shielding container (as described above).
• The shielded waste should then be placed on a trolley and transported to the waste storage room
via the Goods lift.
• The researcher should remove lab coat and gloves before leaving the laboratory area. They should
continue to wear their TLD (where appropriate).
• Clean gloves are provided in the waste storage room, which may be used when lifting the waste
from the trolley into the appropriate container. These gloves should be removed before leaving the
room. A waste bin for the used gloves is provided.
17
3.10 Radioactive Spills and Incidents.
• Working procedures and a contingency plan taking into account every radiation spill that can
reasonably be foreseen should be reviewed periodically.
• A Spill Kit should be maintained in every area/laboratory where radioactive work is carried out.
Details of the recommended contents of a Spill Kit are provided in Appendix E.
• The objectives of a cleanup procedure are:
• to minimize the amount of radioactive material entering the body
• to prevent the spread of contamination from the spill area
• to remove any contamination from personnel
• to undertake area decontamination under qualified supervision. Inexperienced personnel
should not attempt unsupervised decontamination.
In any case of serious injury, the person should be treated immediately, taking care to
minimize spread of contamination. Emergency treatment for life-threatening injury should
take precedence over treatment for contamination.
3.10.1 Spill clean-up procedure.
Detailed procedures for spill procedures for beta (OHS303) and gamma (OHS 302) emitters are
provided in Appendix F and are available online at:
www.hr.unsw.edu.au/ohswc/ohs/pdf/pro_spills_radiation_beta.pdf
www.hr.unsw.edu.au/ohswc/ohs/pdf/pro_spills_radiation_gamma.pdf
(i) Containment
1. Notify all persons in the room. Instruct them to move to an alternate area in the room until
surveyed for contamination.
2. Remove gloves, place absorbent pad over spill area. Call supervisor/Radiation Safety Supervisor/
Radiation Health and Safety Coordinator, if advice/help is required.
3. Post a warning sign on the door.
4. Wait for any requested help to arrive.
18
(ii) Monitor contamination.
1. Survey all persons for contamination. If uncontaminated, allow them to leave.
2. Survey the spill area for the extent of contamination. Record counts on a floor plan of the area
affected.
(iii) Decontamination.
1. Apply fresh gloves and shoe covers (if necessary).
2. Outline spill area with a grease pencil to contain liquid spread.
3. Kneeling on lined absorbent pad, using tongs and gauze, soak up liquid, working from the outside
to the centre. Blot with paper towels.
4. Monitor the area when no visible spilled material remains, to check progress of decontamination.
5. Continue decontamination as necessary to reduce the levels to <2 x background.
If necessary, apply detergent, solvent or scouring powder. Treat all materials used as contaminated
waste.
6. Monitor all persons involved in the decontamination process.
7. Remove all contaminated clothing and seal into plastic bags.
8. Replenish Spill Kit.
(iv) Reporting (see Section 3.10.2)
Personal exposure
Persons who may have had an accidental intake of radioactive material should be referred to the
Radiation Health and Safety Coordinator as soon as possible for consideration of bioassay
monitoring. Where necessary, they should also be referred to a medically qualified person with
knowledge to reduce the effect of, or assist elimination of, internal radioactive contamination.
In the specific instance of suspected inhalation of 125I or 133I, a course of iodine tablets is available
from the Radiation Safety Supervisor. This course should be commenced immediately, and then
further medical advice and monitoring sought.
19
Depending on the area of the body contaminated, the following procedures may be considered.
1. Wash hands with soap and water, scrubbing lightly with a soft nail brush. If necessary,
repeat using detergent.
2. If the above does not remove contamination from the hands, wear cotton gloves covered by
tight-fitting rubber gloves for several hours to allow perspiration to assist removal of
contamination.
3. Rub skin other than hands with a cotton wool pad soaked in complexing agent (e.g.
Cetavlon).
4. Wash out mouth several times with a hydrogen peroxide solution (1 tablespoon of 10
volume solution in a tumbler (~300ml) of water.
5. Irrigate eyes with saline solution (1 percent common salt solution).
• Continue personal decontamination until monitoring shows that it has been reduced to an
acceptable level. DO NOT CONTINUE IF THERE IS A RISK OF CONTAMINATION ENTERING THE
BLOODSTREAM THROUGH BREAKS OR ABRASIONS IN THE SKIN
3.10.2 Incident Reporting.
Following a radioactive spill or any other incident involving radioisotopes, Forms OHS 001 (OHS
Hazard, Incident, Injury and Illness Report Form) and OHS 005 (Radiation accident report :
supplementary form) should be completed and forwarded to Manager, OHS&WC Unit, and copied to
Chairperson of your Workplace OHS Committee or OHS Representative, the Faculty/Divisional OHS
Coordinator and retain a copy in your School/Divisional Unit Incident Register
Link to OHS Website for form downloads.
http://www.hr.unsw.edu.au/ohswc/ohs/ohs_forms_checklists.html
.
20
Appendices.
A. Lowy Radiation Induction Checklist
B. EPA Ionising Radiation Exemption Approval for Student working under Supervision.
C. OHS 695 Project/Program Approval Form
D. Isotope Record Sheet
E. Spill kit suggested contents.
F. Spill procedures for beta and gamma emitters.
21
Lowy Radiation Induction Checklist.
Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales.
This must be completed and returned to LCRC Radiation Safety Supervisor, with appropriate
documentation, before any purchase of or work with radioactive isotopes in LCRC is permitted.
Full Name:
UNSW ID No:
Department/Centre:
ARPANSA Centre number
11320
Contact Tel:
Email address:
Room number:
Date of Birth:
Gender (M/F):
ARPANSA Classification of Wearer
Occupation (See Appendix)
Are you a student?:
YES / NO
64?
(Circle as appropriate)
If YES, give name of your academic supervisor...................................................................
1. Have you read the UNSW Policy document 'Guidelines for the Use of Unsealed Radioactive
Sources and ' Lowy CRC Policy on Use of Unsealed Radioisotopes’?
If NO, you must do so before you can proceed.
If YES, you should sign the declaration form attached at the end of this document.
22
2. Have you completed a Radiation Safety Training Course?
YES / NO
If NO, you must attend and complete the UNSW Radiation Safety Training course before you can
proceed. Details of dates and on-line registration are on the OHS & WC Unit web site.
(http://www.hr.unsw.edu.au/ohswc/ohs/ohs_training.html)
If YES, attach a copy of the Certificate of Attendance to this application.
3. Do you hold a current EPA License to Use Radioactive Substances?
If NO and you are a student, go to [4].
If NO and you are a member of staff, go to [5].
If YES, provide the following information and attach a photocopy of your licence, then go to [6].
Licence number:
Expiry date:
Conditions:
(i) S8- List types and amounts of isotopes
(ii) Other conditions (e.g. G1-supervision)
4. Students working under exemption.
As a student you are exempted from obtaining a license, provided that you hold an Exemption
Certificate, supervised by a suitably qualified and licensed supervisor. You should discuss this with
the Radiation Safety Supervisor and your academic supervisor.
23
Do you wish to work under an exemption certificate?
YES/NO
If YES, you should not commence any radioactive work until an Exemption Certificate has
been issued and signed by you, your supervisor and the Lowy RSS (who is licensed to grant
exemptions). The signed form must be displayed on the wall in the area where you will work with
isotopes.
When this is completed, go to [6]. The RSS will contact you and your supervisor to issue an
Exemption Certificate.
If NO and you choose to obtain a personal radiation licence rather than to work under exemption, go
to [5].
5. Apply for an EPA Licence to Use Radioactive Substances.
Do you wish to apply for an EPA License to Use?
YES/NO
All staff who use unsealed radioactive sources must obtain the appropriate licence. The application
form is provided by the Radiation Safety Supervisor, and should be completed and returned directly to
them. You will need to provide all of the following documents.
• Completed EPA application form.
• Copy of your Radiation Safety Training Course Certificate of Attendance.
• Copy of proof of graduation from your highest degree attained.
• A short description of the type of radiation work that you plan to undertake.
These will then be countersigned by the UNSW Radiation Health & Safety Coordinator and submitted
to EPA. The license will be mailed directly to you.
6. Do you require a radiation badge (TLD)?
YES / NO
If in doubt, consult the Radiations Safety Supervisor for advice.
24
If YES, provide the following information: (circle appropriate items)
Type of badge required:
Chest / Finger
Isotopes to be used:
3H, 14C, 32P, 35S, 125I,
Have you previously been monitored?
YES / NO
other (specify)
If YES: Employer details
Years in which monitored.
Cumulative dose (if known)
7. Where will you be working with isotopes?
Please list details of rooms/designated isotope working areas to be used.
Level 3 – CVR
Level 2 – Adult Cancer
Levels 1 and 2 - CCIA
CHECKLIST.
Please make sure that the necessary documents are attached as required:
•
Signed declaration form
•
Copy of existing current EPA License to Use
•
Copy of Radiation Safety Training Course Certificate
25
APPENDIX
Classification of Wearer Occupations (ARPANSA)
61
Those using X-ray diffraction units and /or electron microscopes
62
Those working outside totally enclosed installation
63
Those working using non or partially enclosed radiation sources (other than 64)
64
Those using radioactive isotopes in tracer techniques
66
Teachers / Demonstrators
67
Students (other than post-graduate research included in above classifications)
68
Radiation safety officer
26
Lowy Cancer Research Centre
The University of New South Wales.
Declaration
I hereby certify that I have read and understood the
University of NSW “Ionising Radiation Procedure (2010)” and the
“Procedure for Use of Radioactive Sources in Lowy Cancer Research Centre.”
and that I will comply with these procedures .
Name:.............................................................................
Signature:.......................................................................
Research Group/Location:.............................................
Date:...............................................................................
All staff and students intending to use radioactive substances must complete this form and return it to
The Lowy Radiation Safety Supervisor.
27
EPA IONISING RADIATION EXEMPTION APPROVAL FOR
STUDENT WORKING UNDER SUPERVISION
[Notice of exemption must be displayed in the relevant laboratory and a copy retained by the student]
Student Name
Supervisor Name
Supervisor Radiation Licence No.
Location of work
Isotope(s) to be used.
(and approx. amount per procedure)
Details of the work involving isotopes.
(indicate ID and location of SOPs and Risk
Assessements for these protocols).
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1. The supervisor's licence must be current and valid for
supervision and for the above isotopes.
Conditions of work
2. The student must attend the RMU 'Radiation
Protection Training Course' before starting work with
isotopes.
3. The student must be instructed in the following
procedures in the laboratory
• location of isotope safety sheets, spill kit.
• procedures for isotope containment and disposal.
• procedures for spills and surface monitoring.
• logging of isotope use, disposal and monitoring.
4. The student must be issued with and wear a TLD
(where appropriate).
Student signature
..........................................................
Date................
..........................................................
Date................
..........................................................
Date................
Supervisor signature
Lowy Radiation Safety Supervisor
signature
29
OHS695
Project/Program Approval Form
Use of Radioactive Substances/Radiation Apparatus
Date:
/
/
Name of Chief Investigator/Licensee:
Position:
Tel:
Radiation Licence No:
School:
Fax:
Email:
Type:
Expiry Date:
Signature:
Location where the work is being conducted:
Tick appropriate boxes
Research renewal with change
Research renewal with out change
Documents attached :
Standard Operating procedures
Emergency procedures
waste procedures
risk assessment
Project/Program Collaborators
Name
Affiliation
Licence Number
(Not here if exempted)
30
Expiry Date
Project Title/Field:
Description of Radiation Use:
Unsealed Radiation Source Details
Radionuclide
Physical
Form
Chemical
Form
Maximum
Activity
Activity per
Experiment
Experience with radioisotope …… years
Storage Details:
Sealed Source/Radiation Apparatus Details
Source Type/ Activity
Apparatus – Make/Model/Serial No.
Risk Analysis
31
kV/mA
Purpose
Identified Hazards
Control Measures
External beta
External X/gamma
Internal
Environmental Contamination
Other
Emergency Procedures:
Monitoring
Personal
Area
Contamination
Using the UNSW Risk Rating System, rate the minimum risk according to your risk assessment with controls in
place:
Extreme
High
Medium
Details of Staff Training:
Details of Student Involvement:
32
Low
Waste Disposal Procedures:
Radiation Safety Supervisor’s (RSS) Name:
Signed:
Dated:
Radiation Safety Committee’s Comments:
Signed:
Dated:
33
ISOTOPE RECORD SHEET
Description
(Isotope/chemical form):
Product code:
Activity and Volume
Batch No.
Owner:
EPA Licence No.:
Date received:
Reference Date:
Storage location:
Record of Use.
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USER
DATE
QTY USED
QTY LEFT
SOLID
WASTE
35
LIQUID
WASTE
Spill Kit.
Prepare at least one Spill Kit for each area where radioactive work is carried out.
Suggested contents:
•
Radioactive warning signs and tape
•
Disposable gloves
•
Disposable overshoes
•
Small and large plastic bags
•
Masking tape
•
Grease pencil
•
Forceps/Tongs
•
Gauze sponges
•
Decontamination detergent
•
Commercial scouring powder
•
Identification tags
•
Filter paper wipes
•
Scissors
•
Disposable lined absorbent pads
•
Floor plan
Include personal decontamination items as follows:
•
Sponge
•
Nail brush
•
Bar soap
•
Box tissues
•
Paper towels
36