Radioactive spills

Spills of radioactive products tend to be classified into two groups, Major Spills and small Spills, on the basis of the level of product spilled.

1. Consult the nuclide chart below and figure out which Group the spilled radionuclide belongs to.
2. Estimate the actual quantity of radioactivity, in millicuries, which has been spilled.
3. Glance at the requirements for significant Spills and small Spills below to determine which collection of procedures you should follow.

Criteria: Group 1 > 10 mCi ; Group 2 > 1 mCi ; Group 3 > 0.1 mCi : Group 4 > 0.01 mCi

Actions to take:

1. CLEAR THE LOCATION. Notify all individuals not involved in the spill to vacate the space.
2. STOP THE SPREAD. Protect the spill with absorbent shields or diatomaceous earth, but don't make an effort to cleanse it up. Confine the activity of workers possibly corrupted to avoid the scatter.
3. SHIELD THE ORIGIN. If necessary, the spill ought to be shielded, but as long as you can accomplish it without further contamination or without increasing or notably upping your radiation exposure.
4. CLOSE THE AREA. Leave the space and lock the door(s) to stop entry.
5. CALL FOR ASSIST. Notify the Radiation protection Officer immediately at 206.543.0463 or 206.543.6328.

Requirements: Spills under significant spill volumes

1. NOTIFY. Notify persons in the area that a spill has actually taken place.
2. PREVENT THE SCATTER. Cover the spill with absorbent paper or spread diatomaceous earth.
3. CLEAN UP. Utilize disposal gloves and remote control tongs. Carefully fold the absorbent paper and pad. Scoop up any absorbent diatomaceous planet with cardboard. Insert it into a plastic case and dump it in radioactive waste container. In addition place to the synthetic bag all other polluted materials like disposable gloves.
4. STUDY. With a low-range, thin-window GM study meter, check the location across the spill, arms, and clothes for contamination. Study H-3 and C-14 spills with wipes counted in a Liquid Scintillation Counter.
5. REPORT. Report the event into Radiation Safety Officer at 206.543.0463 or 206.543.6328.
6. PERSONNEL DECONTAMINATION. Polluted garments should-be eliminated and stored for further assessment by the Radiation security Officer. If the spill is on the epidermis, flush carefully after which clean with moderate detergent and warm liquid.