Radioactive Materials Safety Manual

40 Radioactive Materials Safety Manual Environmental Health and Safety 4. After hours, notify Department of Public Safety (515) 294-4428 5. Restrict access to the laboratory by posting a “Keep Out” or similar sign on the laboratory door(s). 6. Assemble those persons who were present in the laboratory near the entrance of the laboratory and wait for EH&S assistance. Except for a medical emergency, do not leave the area until you have spoken with EH&S. Restricting Access to Areas Due to RAM Contamination IDPH must be notified when access to an area is restricted for more than 24 hours due to radioactive contamination. EH&Swill complete all notifications to IDPH, when required. If decontamination is completed in less than 24 hours, no notification is required. Accidents Involving Radioactive Material For any accident involving personal injury, medical treatment or assistance will always be the first priority. This may involve administering first aid and/or calling 911 for emergency medical assistance. In accidents involving RAM contamination and exposure control are also important, but should never delay or impede medical assistance. If any RAM is involved, EH&S must be notified as soon as possible to evaluate any potential for radiation contamination. If possible, assist injured or exposed personnel and administer immediate first aid, which may include: • Move injured personnel only if necessary to prevent their exposure to further harm. • For spills affecting small portions of skin, immediately flush with flowing water for at least 15 minutes. If no visible injury exists, wash with warm water and soap, removing any jewelry to facilitate proper decontamination. • For spills on clothes or large areas of skin, quickly initiate showering while removing all contaminated clothing, shoes and jewelry. It may be necessary to cut the clothes off in some instances to prevent contamination of the eyes. • Contact EH&S for guidance if clothing becomes contaminated. Never take contaminated clothing home. • Do not use creams, lotions, or salves, except to neutralize the spilled material (e.g., calcium gluconate gel for hydrofluoric acid exposure and polyethylene glycol [PEG 300] for phenol exposure). • For splashes into the eyes, immediately irrigate the eyes at an eyewash station for at least 15 minutes. Hold the eyelids away from the eyeball, moving eye in all directions to wash thoroughly behind the eyelids. • Administer first aid as needed. Note: Notify EH&S of any personnel contaminations!

RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTkwNTUw