27 Radioactive Materials Safety Manual Environmental Health and Safety I Radioactive Waste Radioactive Waste Handling EH&S is responsible for the collection, processing, and disposal of all radioactive waste generated at ISU. For radioactive waste collection, submit an online waste removal request form. More information found here. A radioactive waste tag must be affixed to the waste container prior to pickup. In order to facilitate waste management, RAM users are required to follow a number of specific procedures regarding radioactive waste generated in their laboratories. These procedures guide the user in segregating their waste by both physical and chemical forms, and according to the radionuclide’s half-life. Segregation by half-life sorts the radionuclides into three categories: • Very short-lived – half-lives less than 15 days • Short-lived – half-lives between 15 and 90 days • Long-lived – half-lives greater than 90 days Diagrams of the waste segregation schemes can be found in the appendixes and on the EH&S website. It is possible that multiple waste containers will be required for proper segregation. Waste bins for solids must be lined with a plastic bag. Other criteria are listed below. Summary of solid waste criteria • Separate and label according to whether it is combustible (plastics, paper, etc.) or noncombustible (glass, metal, etc.). • Sharp items such as needles, razor blades, and broken glass must be placed in rigid, leak proof, puncture-resistant, plastic containers. Items that are also contaminated with biohazardous material must be packaged according to the criteria above and be denatured before EH&S collection. • Lead (Pb) source containers and source vials must be bagged separately from other solid waste. • RAM waste consignment sheets must be submitted with the source vials, but must not be placed inside the waste bag. Summary of liquid waste criteria • Liquid radioactive waste must be separated and labeled according to whether it is aqueous (miscible in water) or bears solvents. • The PI must inform the RSO if solvent bearing wastes containing radionuclides will be generated.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTkwNTUw