Radioactive Spill Response
The person who uses or purchases radioactive material
is responsible for cleaning it up if it spills.
Nuisance Spills -Nuisance spills contain less than 1,000mCi of less than 100mCi of other isotopes can be cleaned up, decontaminated and monitored under your own supervision.
Large Spills - Larger spills than those above must be cleaned up in the following manner:
Materials of high vapor pressure -leave the area, post “Do not enter” signs on all doors, seal entry ways leading into affected areas and call emergency.
Do not resume activities in the contaminated area until approved by the RSO.
Non-Volatile materials - may be cleaned up and decontaminated on your own. You must report the spill and swipe test results to the Authorized User and the RSO.
Contamination of areas beyond the spill can easily occur if you walk through or spread the radioactive materials during cleanup. Don’t leave the spill area without monitoring your shoes, body and hands. Remove all contamination or contaminated items before leaving the area.