radguide

40 Radiation for Radionuclide Users 9. Work involving relatively large volumes or activities of liquid radioactive material should be performed in a spill tray lined with absorbent paper. 10. Procedures involving radioactive materials should be well planned and, whenever possible, practiced in advance using non-radioactive materials. 11. Protective clothing which is appropriate for the work conditions shall be worn when working with radioactive materials. This includes laboratory coats, gloves, and safety glasses. Appropriate footwear must always be worn (sandals cannot be worn when working with radioactive materials). 12. Dosimeters shall be worn when working with relatively large quantities of radionuclides which emit penetrating radiation. 13. All containers of radioactive materials and items suspected or known to be contaminated shall be properly labeled (i.e. with tape or tag bearing the radiation logo and the word “radioactive”). 14. All contaminated waste items shall be placed in a container specifically designated for radioactive waste. Sharp items such as needles or razor blades shall be placed in a cardboard box, glass bottle or “sharps” container. 15. A radiation survey shall be performed and recorded by the radionuclide user at the end of each procedure involving radioactive materials (the survey may be made using a portable survey instrument, wipes, or both depending on the radionuclides used). All items found to be contaminated shall be placed either in the radioactive waste container or an appropriately designated area. Any surfaces found to be contaminated shall be labeled and decontaminated as soon as possible. The survey should always include a check of personnel for possible contamination. The RSO shall be notified immediately if extensive contamination is found within the laboratory or if any personnel are found to be contaminated. 16. A record of the types and quantities of radionuclides possessed by each principal investigator at a given time shall be maintained. 17. Radioactive materials shall be protected from unauthorized removal or access at all times.