Radioactive Material User Safety Training
University of Houston
Radiation Safety
713‐743‐5858
www.uh.edu/ehls
Why Do We Study Radiation Effects?
Safety
• Compliance
• Knowledge
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Radiation is everywhere!
Common Sources:
Cosmic
Ground
Electrical Devices 1
Human‐produced Sources
‐ Industrial and medical x‐rays
‐ Nuclear medicine and cancer therapy
‐ Consumer products
‐ Accelerator
History
• November 8, 1895
• X Rays Discovered by W.K. Röntgen
• January, 1896
• First diagnostic x‐ray
• First x‐ray injury
History
• March 1896
• Natural Radioactivity Discovered by H. Becquerel
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History
• 1898 ‐ The word “Radioactivity” coined by Marie Curie
• 1898 ‐ Polonium and radium discovered by Pierre and Marie Curie
• 1902 ‐ The Curies isolate 0.1 g of radium
Basic Principles
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Atomic Structure
Alpha Beta Gamma
X‐ray
Atomic Structure
• An electron has a negative charge and a very small mass
• A proton has a positive charge and a large mass
• A neutron has no charge and a large mass
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Characteristics of Radiation
• Radioactivity ‐ The process by which unstable atoms spontaneously transform into different atoms and usually become stable
• Radiation ‐ The emissions of particles or energy from a radioactive atom
Types of Radiation
• Ionizing Radiation‐
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Radiation that interacts with matter to form ions
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‐ Examples: x‐rays, gamma (γ), alpha (a), beta •
(ß–),Positrons (ß+), neutrons, protons, heavy nuclei
• Non‐Ionizing Radiation‐
• Radiation that does not form ions when interacting with matter
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‐ Examples: microwaves, heat, light (lasers), UV, IR
Alpha () Decay
• Neutron deficient atoms
• Emit heavy, doubly charged particles
•  particles are two protons + two neutrons
•  particles have a short range in air
• Almost all  particles can not reach basal epithelium
•  emitter are only an internal hazard
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Typical  Emitters
• All emit s with approximately the same high energy
– Ra‐226
– Rn‐222
– Po‐210
– Am‐241
Beta () Decay
• Proton deficient atoms
• Emit high speed electrons •  particles have a short range
•  emitters are an external and internal hazard
•  particles can be shielded with low atomic number (Z) material such as plexiglass
Typical  Emitters
Energy
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H‐3
C‐14
Cs‐137
P‐32
Low
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High
High
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 range is a function of energy
 emitters are frequently used as sealed sources in electron capture detectors and in unsealed form
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Gamma ray and X‐ray
• Gamma ( rays ‐ photons emitted from within the nucleus of an atom, frequently monoenergetic or several discrete energies
• X‐rays ‐ photons emitted from outside the nucleus of an atom, frequently a combination of broad spectrum bremsstrahlung and characteristic radiation with discrete energies
Gamma () Emitters
Photons are electromagnetic radiation
 rays may follow  or  decay
Result from excess energy in nucleus after decay
External and internal hazard
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Almost no attenuation in air
Shielded with high Z materials
Typical  Emitters
Mode
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Am‐241
Tc‐99m
Ba‐137m
Co‐60
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Energy
Low
Medium
High
High
•  attenuation is a function of energy
•  emitters are used in gauges
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Attenuating Radiation
Sources of Background Radiation
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Natural
~ 310 mrem
- Radon
- Cosmic ray
- Rocks and Soil
- Food and drink
~ 200 mrem
~ 35 mrem
~ 40 mrem
~ 35 mrem
Man‐made ‐ Medical
‐ Consumer products
‐ Research
~ 315 mrem
Total Background Radiation 625 mrem/year
~ 300 mrem ~ 13 mrem
~ 2 mrem
Half‐life
Half-life is the time it takes for any quantity of
radioactive material to decrease its activity to
half the original value
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Half Lives
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C‐14
H‐3
S‐35
I‐125
Cr‐51
P‐32
5730 years 12.3 years
87.4 days
59.6 days
27.7 days
14.3 days
Quantity of Radioactive Material
Radioactivity
The traditional unit of activity is the curie (Ci)
The SI unit of activity is the becquerel (Bq) = (dps)
1 Ci is the quantity of radioactive material that undergoes 3.7 x 1010 disintegrations per second (dps)
• Approximately equal to 1 g of radium‐226
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Exposure
• Defined only for photons, not for other types of radiation
• Traditional unit ‐ röntgen or roentgen (R)
• SI unit ‐ C/kg
• Comparison
• 1 R = 2.54 x 10‐4 C/kg
• 1 C/kg = 3876 R
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Absorbed Dose and Dose Equivalent
• Results from all types of radiation
• Absorbed Dose
Traditional unit ‐ rad
SI unit ‐ gray (Gy) Comparison
1 Gy = 100 rad
1 rad = 0.01 Gy
• Dose Equivalent
Traditional unit ‐ rem
SI unit ‐ sievert (Sv)
Comparison
1 Sv = 100 rem
1 rem = 0.01 Sv
Absorbed dose x Radiation Weighting Factor = Dose Equivalent
Biological Effects
• Radiation causes damage in tissue
• No adverse effects have been found in humans from low level exposure
• Effects depend on many factors
‐ The dose
‐ The portion of body exposed
‐ The rate at which exposure was accumulated
‐ The health of the person
Biological Effects of Radiation
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Biological Effects of Radiation
• Acute Dose – Primarily Concern is Early deterministic Effects
• Stochastic Effects Later in Life
• An individual receives a large, short‐term, dose. Early deterministic effects may be observed within a few minutes to days
• Acute primary doses from analytical x‐ray beams are limited to small areas. Whole body acute doses are not possible.
• Most common injuries are to skin or eyes
• Same long term hazard as equal chronic dose
Acute dose (continued)
• Acute Radiation Syndrome ‐ Deterministic Effect
• symptoms : nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, general malaise, loss of appetite, infections, fever, hemorrhage, and sometimes death
• These early effects only occur for massive doses, which are usually a result of industrial accidents or war‐related exposures
Biological Effects of Radiation
• Chronic Dose – Primary Concern is Later Stochastic Effects
• An individual receives a dose over an extended period
• Chronic dose may cause cancer or genetic defects
• Cataracts (a deterministic effect) resulting from doses to the lenses of the eyes
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ALARA
• The guiding principle behind radiation protection is that radiation exposures should be kept “As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA)”
• Economic and social factors are taken into account
• Radiation doses for both workers and the public are typically kept lower than their regulatory limits Protection From External Sources
• Achieving ALARA
• Time
• Distance
• Shielding
Time
• Decrease the amount of time you spend near the source of radiation, and decrease the amount of radiation exposure you receive
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Distance
• The farther away you are from a radiation source, the less exposure you will receive
Shielding
• Used when time and distance are not enough
Safety Equipment to be Used
• Remote Handling Devices
‐ Tongs
‐ Forceps
‐ Tweezers
• Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE)
‐ Disposable gloves
‐ Lab coats
‐ Safety glasses
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Principles of Radiation Protection
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Injection
Ingestion
Inhalation
Absorption through the Skin
Personnel Monitoring Procedures and Guidelines • The Radiation Dosimetry Program is administered by Radiation Safety • Radiation badges are only required to be issued to radiation workers likely to receive 1/10 the maximum permissible exposure limits (500 mrem), which is generally unlikely at UH • Radiation Safety badges primary users of High beta and gamma sources
• Area badges are positioned in or around potentially higher exposure labs for Public Dose monitoring. Personnel Monitoring Devices
• If issued, dosimeters must be worn when working with sources of radiation
• The radiation badge should only be worn by the individual whose name is on the badge • Dosimeters are exchanged quarterly • Dosimetry records are kept by the Radiation Safety Officer for inspection
• A dose assessment is required for lost or damaged badges • Radiation workers receiving radiation badges must fill out a Radiation Badge Request Form and send it to Radiation Safety at EHLS‐1005 13
Personnel Monitoring Procedures and Guidelines
• The radiation badge should always be worn when working with RAM
• The radiation badges should be kept in a location free from radiation exposure when not in use
• DO not take badges out of the building/campus
• If a badge is lost or damaged, notify the Radiation Safety Officer immediately for a replacement badge
• Notify the Radiation Safety Officer if you terminate and turn in your badges • The previous radiation badge must be turned in promptly when a new badge is issued Personnel Monitoring Procedures and Guidelines
• The radiation badge in no way provides protection from radiation
• Its sole purpose is to measure the amount of radiation to which it is exposed
• Do not experiment with a radiation badge by exposing it deliberately to radiation
• The radiation badge is only for occupational exposure measurement
Personnel Monitoring Devices
• Whole Body Dosimeter
• Wear on your trunk between your waist and your collar
• Use caution to prevent contamination
• Wear under a lab coat.
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Personnel Monitoring Devices
• Extremities Dosimeter
• Wear on the hand you use most often with the label side facing RAM
• Wear under gloves to prevent contamination
Maximum Permissible Exposure Limits
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Whole Body
Any individual organ or tissue Eye Skin or extremity
Minor (Under 18 years old) Individual member of public Embryo/Fetus (During pregnancy) 5 rem/year
50 rem/year
15 rem/year
50 rem/year
0.5 rem/year
0.1 rem/year
0.5 rem/10 months Personnel Monitoring Procedures and Guidelines
• A pregnant radiation worker is required by law to voluntarily declare, in writing, to her employer of her pregnancy and give the estimated date of conception • This is accomplished via the Radiation Safety Officer • A monthly fetal badge will be issued to be worn at the waist and the dose will be monitored during the entire pregnancy as stipulated in the State Radiation Regulations • A pregnant radiation worker may undeclare the declaration, in writing, to her employer any time during the pregnancy without explanation
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Break
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Basic Safety Practices
Wear your lab coat and keep it closed
Wear gloves and change them regularly
Wear eyewear
Wear close toed shoes Leave your PPE in the lab
Label work area and equipment with RAD tape
Use and check your survey meter regularly
Survey your work area after every RAM use including the floor
Survey yourself after every RAM use
If you find contamination, clean it up ASAP or contact radiation safety immediately
• Use and change out plastic backed absorbent papers regularly
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RAMs Laboratory Safety Guidelines
• Wear laboratory coats or other protective clothing at all times in areas where radioactive material is used
• Wear disposable gloves at all times while handling radioactive material
• Do not eat, drink, smoke, apply lip balm, or apply cosmetics in any area where radioactive material is stored or used
• Do not store food, drink, or personal effects with radioactive material
• Dispose of radioactive waste only in specially labeled and properly shielded receptacles
• Never pipette by mouth
RAMs Laboratory Safety Guidelines
• Absorbent paper shall cover workbenches, trays, and other surfaces where radioactive material is handled
• Monitor hands and clothing for contamination after each procedure or before leaving the area
• Survey areas where radioactive material is used in uncontained form after each procedure and/or at the end of the day (Decontaminate immediately if necessary) • Radioactive material in liquid form should be stored and transported in double containers
• Work should be planned ahead, and whenever possible, a practice run should be performed to test the procedure
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RAMs Laboratory Safety Guidelines
• The laboratory should be kept clean and orderly at all times
• Survey meters should be checked routinely with a source of radiation to see if they are responding properly and a battery check should be performed before each use
• Radiation Badges shall be worn at all times while in areas where radioactive material is stored or used if assigned • All radioactive material shall be securely stored
Radioactive Material Handling in Vacuum/ Pressure Equipment
• Implosion/ collapse of vacuum systems due to weak spots in the system is typical (glove box, vacuum lines in biomedical research, etc)
• Use of radioactive material (sealed or open) in such systems without approval from Radiation Safety is prohibited.
• Vacuum cleaners must not be used to clean up radioactive material spill.
RAMs Laboratory Setup Guidelines
• General
Radioactive material is to be used only in those facilities which have been approved by the Radiation Safety Committee
• Signage
Signage for all radioactive materials labs will be provided and posted by Radiation Safety
• Postings
Radioactive materials laboratories will be posted with copies of the Notice to Employees and the Radiation Emergency Procedures provided by Radiation Safety
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RAMs Laboratory Setup Guidelines
• Restrictive Access
Access to all radioactive material laboratories should be limited to authorized personnel only Ancillary personnel may be allowed into these areas to perform their functions under the supervision of laboratory personnel who can assure their safety All radioactive material laboratory doors are recommended to be closed all times and the doors must be locked if no one is present Radioactive material must remain secure at all times from unauthorized removal
RAMs Laboratory Setup Guidelines
• Survey and Analytical Instrumentation
A survey meter must be obtained or available for users of high energy beta and/or gamma emitting radioisotopes Analytical instrumentation must be available for Principal Investigators to perform their required wipe tests
Users must be properly trained to use the Liquid Scintillation and/or gamma counters
DPM = Net CPM (cpm – background cpm)
Efficiency
RAMs Laboratory Setup Guidelines
• Handling Equipment
Vessels which contain more than 100 microcuries of gamma or high energy beta activity should not be handled long period of time. Use tongs, forceps, or some other remote handling tool should be used if applicable Liquid or loose radioactive materials should be contained in a secondary unbreakable corrosive resistant container.
• Fume Hoods
Experiments that generate aerosols or use volatile compounds of radioisotopes must be performed in an approved fume hood All iodinations must be performed in an approved fume hood. 19
RAMs Laboratory Setup Guidelines
• Waste containers – need dependent on type of radioactive material used; design to prevent loss of radioactive material: closed at all times
• Remote handling equipment – auto pipettes, tongs, etc. to reduce exposures
• Plastic or metal trays – to contain spills
• Vial shields – to reduce external exposure
• Furniture – keep to minimum; easily cleared
• Work station shields – to reduce external exposure
Incident Notification
• Individuals working with radiation must assume the responsibility for their own safety and must ensure that their actions do not result in a hazard to others.
• In the event of a suspected or known exposure, immediately stop work and notify your Principal Investigator and the Radiation Safety Officer. • If it is determined that there is an acute localized exposure, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Radiation Spill, Accident, Decontamination, and Emergency Procedures
• Spill – DO NOT PANIC!!!!!
• If you rather not to clean up, please call the Radiation Safety immediately!!
• Notify all personnel in the area
• Contain or secure the radioactive material if possible
• Take care of injuries and remove injured personnel from the area when possible
• Notify the Radiation Safety Officer as soon as possible
• Permission from the Radiation Safety Officer must be obtained to continue or return
• Apply decontamination procedures when possible
• The Radiation Safety Officer will notify the appropriate agencies of any incidents required to be reported
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Radiation Spill, Accident, Decontamination, and Emergency Procedures
• Decontamination
Area
All persons not involved and not contaminated should leave the area
Put on lab coat, protective eyewear, gloves and shoe covers if available before entering the room or area
Prevent liquids from spreading by placing any absorbing material over it
Monitor the spill, equipment, and people involved to determine the radiation exposure levels
Radiation Spill, Accident, Decontamination, and Emergency Procedures
Personnel
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For contamination of the skin, use light pressure with mild soap. Rinse and monitor and use care not to scratch or erode the skin
Use warm not hot water, and avoid reddening the skin
Contaminated clothing, including shoes, should be removed before the individual leaves the area This clothing shall be labeled and held for storage until decayed, decontaminated, or properly disposed Thorough washing, preferably showers, should be accomplished immediately where major personnel contamination has occurred
Monitor personnel after washing. Repeat if necessary
Minor cuts should be encouraged to bleed, thereby reducing absorption Treatment of major cuts should be considered before decontamination
Missing Materials
• If the material is suspected of or confirmed to be missing, report to the Radiation Safety Officer immediately!
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Radioactive Waste
• Three types of waste
Dry Liquid Scintillation
Radioactive Waste Disposal Procedures
• Radiation Safety is responsible for the pickup and disposal of all radioactive waste from the labs • Radiation Safety personnel must directly handle, repackage, and physically dispose of the radioactive waste • Radiation Safety will cite radioactive waste violations such as sharps found in solid waste bags which pose an immediate danger • Poor radioactive waste disposal practices also lead to a higher threat of radioactive material contamination and spills • Noncompliance items are expected to be corrected immediately and then procedures put in place to prevent recurrence.
Radioactive Waste Disposal Procedures
• PIs are responsible for implementing effective radioactive waste management procedures in the labs • PIs must provide adequate radioactive material labeled receptacles for each radioisotope and type of radioactive waste generated • The disposal of all radioactive waste must be recorded on the Radioactive Waste Disposal Form • Radioactive waste isotopes and activities must be recorded as accurately as possible by lab personnel who have first hand knowledge of the waste. 22
Radioactive Waste Disposal Procedures
• Radioactive waste is not to be stockpiled in the lab • A radioactive waste area should be located away from heavy traffic or constantly used areas • Enough room for shielding should be considered and high energy beta and gamma emitters must be stored behind the appropriate shielding material. • Plan for containment of liquid waste in the event of a spill or failure of the plastic carboy. • Do not, place radioactive waste where it might be picked up by housekeeping personnel and be disposed of as ordinary waste
• Accidental or improper radioactive waste disposal must be reported immediately to Radiation Safety. Radioactive Waste Disposal Procedures
• Before requesting a radioactive waste pickup, make sure the containers are properly sealed and Radioactive Waste Disposal Forms are completely filled out and attached • All requests for radioactive waste pickups will be completed online at http://www.uh.edu/ehls/waste/
• Provide specific information such as PI, location, waste type, number of containers, etc. and indicate if additional yellow radioactive material bags, carboys or sharps containers are needed
• Each radioactive waste pickup request is issued a reference number • Waste containers that require shielding should not be left outside of shields while awaiting pickup
Radioactive Waste Disposal Procedures
Radioactive waste must be segregated according to radioisotope except for Tritium (3H) and Carbon‐14 that can be placed in the same container. Radioactive waste must also be segregated into following basic physical forms: Solid ‐ Solid radioactive waste includes work surface coverings, gloves, tubing, etc. ‐ Dispose only in yellow radioactive material bags supplied by Radiation Safety ‐ The yellow radioactive material bags must be placed in closed waste receptacles ‐ Deface or remove all radioactive labels ‐ Do not place anything in the bags in such a way that may tear it ‐ Inspect the plastic waste bag for leaks and use a second yellow bag to if necessary
‐ Do not mix liquid scintillation vials, lead pigs, and stock vials in with the solid waste
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Radioactive Waste Disposal Procedures
Liquid
• Radioactive liquid waste can be divided into aqueous, acids and bases, and pump oils • Aqueous liquids are water‐based liquids with a pH between 5.0‐9.0, such as saline and buffer solutions or washings from contaminated laboratory glassware ‐ Dispose in 5 gallons plastic containers called carboys supplied by Radiation Safety ‐ Carboys are not to be filled more than 4/5th full ‐ No radioactive liquid is to be poured down the sink ‐ Sinks will be checked during routine lab surveys and wipe tests ‐ Pipettes and other such items must not be placed in the carboys ‐ All biological material in the carboys must be properly deactivated ‐ Do not mix liquid waste types in the carboys except H‐3 and C‐14.
Radioactive Waste Disposal Procedures
• Double containment of the carboy in a tray or pan is recommended against leakage or a spill
• This will also control accidental overflow and drips due to pouring • At a minimum, plastic backed absorbent paper shall be placed under all liquid waste containers • Carboys should be kept as free of contamination as possible Radioactive Waste Disposal Procedures
Liquid Waste Containers • Glass containers must never be used for storage of radioactive liquid waste unless plastic incompatible contaminated acids or bases are used
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Radioactive Waste Disposal Procedures
Liquid Scintillation Vials
Liquid Scintillation Vials are glass or plastic vials containing organic or aqueous based liquid scintillation fluid Dispose in the original cardboard trays if available and place in a yellow radioactive material bag Loose vials must be double bagged in yellow radioactive material bags
Check that vial tops are on tight because all scintillation fluids will dissolve plastic in time
Radioactive Waste Disposal Procedures
Biological Waste
• This includes radioactive waste containing biological, pathogenic, or infectious material including by‐product animal waste, labeled culture media, etc. • Dispose in either yellow radioactive material bags supplied by Radiation Safety and labeled with biological waste stickers or red biological bags labeled with radioactive material stickers • Liquids must be absorbed into another material such as paper towels, sponges, gauze, etc. prior to placing into bags • Pathogenic and infectious waste must be sterilized by chemical treatment or autoclaving as appropriate • Autoclaves must be checked for radioactive contamination if used
Radioactive Waste Disposal Procedures
Animal Remains
• This covers radioactive animal carcasses and by‐product waste including viscera, serum, blood, excreta, tissue, etc. • Animal remains containing radioactive material are subject to handling according to the guidelines stated in the Radiation Safety Procedures for the Use of Radioactive Materials in Animals • Disposed in yellow radioactive material bags supplied by Radiation Safety • Every bag must be securely sealed and have a completed with Tag showing the date, radioisotope, total activity, and the Principal Investigator tied to the bag • Liquids must be absorbed into another material such as paper towels, sponges, gauze, etc. prior to placing into bags 25
Radioactive Waste Disposal Procedures
Source Vials
• These are the original vials that the radioactive material came in and includes full, partially full, and empty disposed vials • All source vials must be disposed by Radiation Safety, even if decayed • Radiation Safety will do a final survey on all source vials prior to disposal • Source vials must be kept separate from the solid waste
• A Radioactive Waste Disposal Form is not required • Segregation by radioisotope does not apply to source vials Radioactive Waste Disposal Procedures
Lead Pigs
• These are the original lead and lead impregnated shielding containers surrounding the source vials • Lead is a hazardous waste and must be disposed accordingly • Lead pigs and lead impregnated shielding containers must be kept separate from the solid waste • A Radioactive Waste Disposal Form is not required • Segregation by radioisotope does not apply to lead pigs. 26
Survey Meters
G‐M Portable Survey Meter
• Counts the emissions from a radioactive source
• Responds with an audible tone
• Two types of probe:
‐ pancake‐style probe measures surface contamination (in cpm)
‐ energy compensated probe measures exposure rate (in mR/hr) Pancake Probe
• A pancake probe is used to measure surface
contamination
• Use the pancake probe to measure  & 
contamination and to detect  radiation
• Do not use a pancake probe to measure
exposure rate
Energy Compensated Probe
• Use an energy compensated probe to measure exposure rate
• An energy compensated probe may detect high energy beta particles
• Do not use an energy compensated probe to measure contamination
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Survey Techniques
• Make certain it is in calibration
‐ Check the background
‐ Check battery before each use
‐ Use check source to make sure the meter is operational
‐ Leave the instrument on while work is in progress
Survey Techniques
‐ Hold the probe as close to the surface as possible without touching
‐ Proceed slowly ‐ Survey all surfaces you have worked on or by to check for contamination
‐ If count rate is constantly more than twice background, contact the Radiation Safety Officer immediately
Calibration
• Instruments must be calibrated at least once every calendar year
• Do not use if past calibration date
• Contact the RSO if your instrument is not functioning properly or out of calibration
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Laboratory Survey & Wipe Test
Surveys
• A survey with a portable, thin‐window detector, survey meter must be performed on all labs using isotopes other than 3H, 14C and 35S • Wipe tests are preceded by an overall survey in order to determine immediate external exposure hazards and which areas require greater attention in wipe testing
• Before using any survey meter, check for proper functioning by checking the batteries. If the batteries are weak, Please contact the Radiation Safety. • All probes are to be positioned so that the window is facing the area to be checked
Laboratory Survey & Wipe Test
• For the side window probe, the shield must be opened when surveying for beta emitter contamination
• Monitoring for contamination is performed by slowly moving the detector over all surfaces at a distance of approximately 1 centimeter
• The audio should always be on for easy detection
• Care must be taken not to contaminate the probe by touching the area being checked
• The survey meter should be turned on before entering any radiation area starting with the lowest setting
Laboratory Survey & Wipe Test
• Any area found to have an exposure rate of twice background or greater with the survey meter is considered contaminated • This area must be immediately decontaminated and then resurveyed to confirm that the area is below twice background
• Calibrations of survey meters are performed annually through Radiation Safety
• A calibration is also required after a repair or the replacement of parts (e.g. probe) • Radiation Safety will pick‐up the meter and provide a loaner meter while yours is being calibrated. 29
Laboratory Survey & Wipe Test
Frequency
• Radioactive Material Principal Investigators with active use of radioisotopes are required to perform monthly lab surveys and wipe tests on all listed labs in which there is use or storage • Listed labs in which there is no use or storage will require documentation as Inactive if surveys and wipe tests are not performed • All labs, including storage rooms, counting rooms, cold rooms, shared rooms, and other rooms where radioactive material work or processing is performed are included • Radiation Safety also performs lab surveys and wipe tests on a quarterly basis to verify compliance Laboratory Survey & Wipe Test
• Lab surveys and wipe tests are to be performed and due by the 15th of each month, and submitted to the Radiation Safety
• Lab surveys and wipe tests received late without previous notice will be cited for noncompliance • It is mandatory that all required lab surveys and wipe tests be completed each month • Only inactive Radioactive Material Principal Investigators without any radioactive material are exempt from these procedures • A Radioactive Material Principal Investigator may become inactive at any time by notifying Radiation Safety and properly disposing of all radioisotopes, samples, and waste. Laboratory Survey & Wipe Test
Wipe Tests
• Cotton swabs or small filter paper discs are used for wipe tests and either dry or wet wipe tests are acceptable • To perform a wipe test, first wipe the outer perimeter of least suspected contamination and then move to the center of highest possible contaminated last in order to prevent the spread of contamination • Personal protective equipment must be worn when performing wipe tests • Any area found to have a wipe test count of 200 dpm per 100 cm2 or greater from a liquid scintillation counter or a gamma counter is considered contaminated and must be immediately decontaminated until the wipe test shows a count below 200 dpm. 30
Laboratory Survey & Wipe Test
Areas to consider for testing include:
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work benches fume hoods
sinks and adjacent areas
isotope storage areas
refrigerator/freezer surfaces and handles
light switches
telephone handsets and key pads
centrifuge handles and controls
incubators
floors beneath work areas and around waste areas
Survey & Wipe Test :Contamination
• RADIOACTIVE CONTAMINATION – radioactive material in an undesirable location
• Two types:
‐ Fixed – not readily removed ‐ Can not be detected by wipe tests but may be by GM survey meter
‐ Removable – can be easily removed ‐ Can be detected by wipe test and maybe by GM survey meter
Survey & Wipe Test Documentation
Documentation
• Lab surveys and wipe tests must be recorded on the Radioactive Material Laboratory Survey and Wipe Test Form • Forms are supplied to PIs by Radiation Safety personnel
• Please use the Radioactive Material Laboratory Survey and Wipe Test Form issued by Radiation Safety, with the diagram of your lab already drawn • The location of each survey and wipe test must be properly identified on the form • Information on the form must be completely filled out.
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Procurement Procedures
• Radioactive Material can only be ordered on a Purchase Requisition • Contact your Department Business Admin
• Will go through Purchasing Department
• Manual Of Policies and Procedures (MAPP) • All Purchase Requisitions for radioactive material must be approved in advance by Radiation Safety 32
Procurement Procedures
• Purchase Requisitions • Faxed to 713‐743‐8035; or mailed to EHLS‐1005
• Scan and Email
• NOTES: • Purchasing will reject orders without Radiation Safety’s approval • Purchase Requisitions lacking the necessary information, improperly filled out, or outside the Principal Investigator’s authorization will be denied
Procurement Procedures
Purchase Order information must include:
• Radioisotope, e.g. P‐32, C‐14, etc. (Only one radioisotope allowed per Purchase Requisition)
• Maximum activity per vial, e.g. 500 microcuries, 500 uCi, 0.5 mCi, etc.
(not specific activity , e.g. Ci/mmole)
Compound(s), e.g. DCTP, Thymidine, etc.
• Total number of vials
• Name of the Principal Investigator authorized for the order
Directions to deliver shipment to:
Environmental Health and Life Safety
Radiation Safety
4211 Elgin St. Room 183, Bay 17
Houston, TX. 77204‐1005
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Package Receipts
• Receipts ‐ All radioactive material packages must be delivered to the Radiation Safety, Environmental Health and Life Safety
• Note: If a carrier (Fedex, UPS) delivers a package to you directly, FOR SAFETY REASONS: Do not open, please contact the Radiation Safety immediately!
• Packages are NOT accepted before or after normal business hours on weekends or holidays unless previously arranged with the Radiation Safety
Package Check‐In
• Performed by Radiation Safety Personnel
• Within three hours of receipt • Documentation:
Radioisotope Package Survey and Wipe Test & Radioisotope Tracking Form • Radiation Safety personnel delivers the radioactive material packages directly to the labs
Radioactive Material Inventory Number
• Each radioisotope is assigned a specific inventory number
• This is recorded on the vial, any vial container, and the Radioisotope Package Survey and Wipe Test & Radioisotope Tracking Form
• Radiation Safety maintains a Radioisotope Logbook and performs biannual inventory of all radioisotopes.
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Radioactive Material Record of Use • maintained on the Radioisotope Package Survey and Wipe Test & Radioisotope Tracking Form • Form must be kept up to date and filled out completely • The form must be returned to Radiation Safety at EHS department upon completion of the original stock solution. • Upon receipt of the completed form, the radioisotope will be deleted from the radioactive material inventory
Protection & Regulations
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Regulatory Agencies
• Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)
• Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) (Agreement State)
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)
• Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
RAM Regulations
• 25 TEXAS ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
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289. 201 General Provisions for Radioactive Material
289.202 Appendix DAC and ALI
289.202 ggg label,waste
289.202 national track source
289.202 standard protection
289.203 notices, instruction
289.251 Exemption and GL
289.252 Licensing
289.256 Medical and Veterinary Use of Radioactive Material
289.259 NORM
Signs and Postings
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Signs and Postings
RADIATION EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
IN CASE OF RADIOISOTOPE SPILL:
1. STOP WORK IMMEDIATELY
2. NOTIFY PERSONNEL IN AREA
3. CALL RADIATION SAFETY
DAY ‐ 35858
NIGHT ‐ 911
UH Procedures and UH Radiation Safety Regulations
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Radiation Safety Training Requirements
• All PIs and AUs of radioactive material, Class IIIb and IV lasers, X‐ray machines, must attend and pass the applicable radiation safety training course
• There is a test with each course which requires at least 70% to pass. If you do not pass, you can retake the test after additional study. This test is used to fulfill the requirement for users to demonstrate competence.
• Completion is not enough to become an Authorized User and start radiation work. You must be specifically added by your Principal Investigator to the sublicense or subregistration.
• Online Annual Refresher Training is required for all PIs and AUs of Radioactive material, Class IIIb and IV lasers, X‐ray machines. There is a test with each course which requires at least 80% to pass. Radiation Safety Responsibilities
• Radiation Safety Committee ‐ Technical Expertise, Approve Facilities and Usage, Review Radiation Safety Program, Support RSO
• Radiation Safety Officer and Staff ‐ Radiation Safety Manuals, Audits and Lab Reviews, Incident Investigations, Health Physics Services, PI Consultations and Technical Support
• Principal Investigators – Compliance, AUs Safety and Instruction
• Authorized Users‐ Work Safely, Follow the Rules
Sublicense Application Guidelines
• All radioactive materials use at the University of Houston must be approved by the Radiation Safety Officer and authorized by the Radiation Safety Committee • New Principal Investigators must fill out an Application for Radioactive Material Sublicense and send it to Radiation Safety at EHS‐1005, for review by the Radiation Safety Officer • This sublicense application must include all radioisotopes, users, and locations
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Sublicense Application Guidelines
• Anyone not listed on the sublicense permit must not be allowed to work with radioactive materials for any reason
• The information provided on the application will enable Radiation Safety to formulate necessary safety measures and assist the Principal Investigator in implementation
• Radiation Safety Personnel will perform a compliance inspection prior to allowing radioactive material use
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Sublicense Application Amendment Guidelines
• Authorized Principal Investigators planning to make a change to their sublicense must fill out a Sublicense Amendment Form and send it to Radiation Safety at EHLS‐1005, for review by the Radiation Safety Officer • This includes additions or deletions to the sublicense – rooms, personnel, radionuclides, etc.
• The Radiation Safety Officer submits all applications to the Radiation Safety Committee for approval Sublicense Application and Amendment Guidelines
• The Radiation Safety Officer may give interim approvals for the Radiation Safety Committee • Approved Principal Investigators will receive an Authorization Permit to work with Radioactive Materials, which is proof of radiation work authorization at the University of Houston and may be submitted with Grant Proposals • Once authorized, the Principal Investigator will remain so until subregistration termination by the Principal Investigator or revoked by the Radiation Safety Committee for noncompliance
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Principal Investigators’ Responsibilities
• Provide for personnel radiation monitoring including ‐
Radiation Badges, Bioassays, and Survey instrumentation
• Establish a consciousness of radiation safety in routine laboratory procedures. Promote by example ‐ Actions DO speak louder than words.
• Inform staff personnel of potential radiation hazards in the laboratory.
• Adopt and post written safety guidelines in the laboratory as necessary.
• Provide for continuous instruction of staff personnel in fundamental laboratory radiation safety practices and staff attendance of the Radioactive Materials Safety Course.
• Maintain accurate radioactive material inventory including Receipt, Transfer, Usage, Storage, and Disposal
Principal Investigators’ Responsibilities
• Perform periodic laboratory surveys and wipe tests.
• Provide for safe handling and removal of laboratory radioactive wastes including: • Daily Disposals ‐ Proper containers, shielding, and safety supplies available
• Record Keeping ‐ Accurate logging of isotope and activity on waste form
• Processing ‐ Proper labeling and packaging of radioactive waste
• Adhere to terms and conditions of authorizations. • Prompt notification of Radiation Safety including:
• Spills, incidents, or accidents.
• User changes ‐ additions, deletions, or transfers
• Lab changes ‐ additions or deletions
• Radioisotope changes ‐ additions, deletions, or amounts
• Changes in experimental procedures using radioactive material
• Implement and monitor a functional program that will ensure a safe laboratory environment for self and staff through the practical application of established Radiation Safety principles.
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Radiation Safety Violations
• Radiation Safety performs routine internal audits/inspections
• These help assure compliance with the UH Radioactive Material Broad License and prevent a Notice of Violation (NOV) as a result of a state inspection
• At UH, a Principal Investigator will be cited by Radiation Safety for violations which include any aspect of their subregistration conditions • Chronic violations of sublicense’s conditions can jeopardize a Principal Investigator’s authorization to use radioactive materials
Radiation Safety Violations
• The Radiation Safety Committee has established a strict policy to maintain compliance with monthly Principal Investigators lab surveys and wipe tests and prevent this most cited state violation; • A Principal Investigator may be put on probation for a year resulting in the loss of approval to purchase radioactive materials for a year for any additional violation Emergency Information
• EHLS office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. ‐ 5:00 p.m.
• For assistance with a radiation emergency or incident during normal office hours call EHLS. • In the event of an after hours radiation emergency, contact the UHDPS. EHLS maintains an on‐call mechanism to provide expertise in the event of an after hours situation requiring assistance.
• emergency information is available in the Radiation Safety Manual at http://www.uh.edu/ehls • If you call after normal office hours about a non‐emergency incident, you may leave pertinent information on EHLS’s telephone voicemail system.
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Emergency Telephone Numbers
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EHLS
(713) 743‐5858
RSO (713) 743‐5867
ARSO
(713) 743‐5870
HP
(713) 743‐5860
Health Center
(713) 743‐5151
DPS (Emergency) 911
DPS (Non‐Emergency) (713) 743‐3333
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