Radioactive Materials Safety Manual

28 Radioactive Materials Safety Manual Environmental Health and Safety • Compatible liquid waste can be co-mingled, otherwise multiple waste containers are required. • Appropriate secondary containment is required. • Flammable solvent bearing waste, such as those containing toluene or xylene, must be placed in containers specifically approved for flammable liquids. Original solvent containers are acceptable. Other important considerations Radioactive animal carcasses, viscera and blood must be sealed in a plastic bag or plastic container, labeled, and frozen prior to removal by EH&S. Laboratory personnel must also notify EH&S in advance of any special problems regarding the waste (animal size, fluid leakage, putrefaction, biohazard, etc.) and be prepared to provide assistance at the time of removal. Unless approved by EH&S, all scintillation vials must be emptied into a liquid waste container and recapped prior to disposal. The only exceptions are plastic vials with biodegradable cocktails containing 14C or 3H. All radioactive waste awaiting collection by EH&S must be properly packaged and labeled, and placed in a designatedwaste accumulation area. Solid and liquid waste containers, plastic bags, and radioactive waste labels are supplied by EH&S. EH&S will provide guidance for unwanted RAM that do not fit established disposal processes. Items may include equipment with embedded RAM sources such as gas chromatographs and liquid scintillation counters, or contaminated equipment, abandoned legacy materials, and materials with multiple hazards. Disposal of Equipment with Embedded Sources Disposal of equipment containing embedded sources will be completed through ISU Surplus and the equipment manufacturer, under guidance of EH&S. Disposal will be completed following the laboratory equipment disposal method through ISU Surplus website. If the equipment manufacturer cannot be located or refuses transfer then EH&S will assist the PI or department with an alternate disposal method. The PI and/or department may be responsible for all costs associated with current and legacy equipment disposal. Equipment storage is not permitted to avoid disposal expense. Non-operational equipment containing embedded sources should be identified, repaired, transferred or disposed within a reasonable amount of time. Common equipment containing embedded sources includes gas chromatographs, liquid scintillation counters, emergency exit signs and static elimination devices. Note: Storing items for the purpose of avoiding disposal fees is not allowed. Note: The PI may be responsible for disposal costs.

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