Radiation spill

Emergencies in laboratories utilizing radioactive material will usually be limited to minor spills. The potential exists, however, for emergencies that create significant radiation hazards. These incidents may be complicated by injuries to personnel.

In all emergency situations, the primary concern must always be the protection of personnel from radiation and non-radiation hazards. The secondary concern is to confine contamination. Medical assistance should not be withheld or delayed due to personnel contamination with radioactive material.

Spills

Notify all other persons in the room at once.
Confine the spill immediately, but make no attempt to clean it up.
For liquid spills, put on protective gloves and place absorbent paper on the spill.
Notify the Office of Radiation Safety (ORS) immediately (see contacts page).
For dry spills, put on protective gloves and lightly place moistened absorbent paper over the spill, taking care not to spread contamination.
If the spill is on the skin, flush thoroughly with water. If the spill is on clothing, discard/bag the outer clothing immediately.
Do not allow anyone to resume work in the area or leave the premises without approval of the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) or his/her designated representative.

Incidents involving radioactive dusts, mists, fumes, organic vapors and gases

Notify all personnel to vacate the room immediately.
Hold breath, close all windows and escape valves, and switch off the circulating air.
Vacate the room.
Notify the ORS at once.
Ascertain that all doors giving access to the room are closed and locked. If necessary, post guards to prevent accidental door openings.
Do not re-enter the room or permit anyone to leave the premises until approval of the RSO or his/her designated representative is obtained.

Injuries to personnel involving radiation hazards

Wash minor wounds immediately under running water.
Report all radiation accidents (wounds, overexposure, ingestion and inhalation) to the ORS immediately.
Do not permit personnel involved in a radiation injury incident to return to work or leave the premises without the approval of the RSO or the physician.
Obtain medical attention at ASU Health Services by calling the number listed on the contacts page, Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. or seek help from other, local medical resources.

Spill on the body

Remove/bag contaminated clothing.
Rinse the exposed area thoroughly with water.
Obtain medical attention at ASU Health Services, Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m.- 1 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. or seek help from other, local medical resources.
Report the incident to the supervisor and ORS Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. At night and on weekends, call the ASU Police or a local law enforcement agency.

Burns

Shut off the machine - Do not alter the machine configuration until a Radiation Safety Officer inspection has been completed.
Obtain medical attention at ASU Health Services Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. or seek help from other, local medical resources.
Report the incident to the supervisor and ORS Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Nights and weekends, call the ASU Police or a local law enforcement agency to report the incident and request medical assistance if needed.