Emergency Response Guide
Radiation Spill
See INJURY tab for procedures for radiation contamination to skin
or eye.
RADIATION SPILL
- Alert people in immediate area of spill.
- Attend to injured or contaminated persons.
- Prevent the spread of contamination by restricting access to the
contaminated area and ensuring that peoples’ shoes have been
monitored and are not contaminated.
- Request assistance from the Environmental Health and Safety
Department Number if:
- the spill involves more than 10 microCuries;
- has spread outside the immediate lab bench area; or
- involves personnel contamination.
Close and placard the door to prevent entry to the affected area.
Assign personnel familiar with the incident and the lab to assist emergency
personnel.
- Attempt cleanup only if you have received appropriate training. If
the spill is small enough for your lab to clean,wear safety goggles,
disposable gloves, shoe covers, and long sleeve lab coat.
- Place absorbent paper towels over liquid spill. Place towels dampened
with water over spills of solid materials.
- Handle soiled absorbent towels with forceps and place in plastic
bag.Dispose in radioactive waste container.
- Clean area using standard cleaning agents.Dispose of cleaning
materials in radioactive waste container.
- Monitor area, hands, and shoes for contamination with an appropriate
survey meter. Repeat cleanup until contamination is no
longer detected.
