35 Radioactive Materials Safety Manual Environmental Health and Safety L Laboratory Safety The Laboratory Safety Manual outlines the minimum requirements for safe laboratory operations at ISU. PIs and authorized personnel will be subject to the requirements of the Laboratory Safety Manual. The potential hazards associated with working with RAM and other sources of ionizing radiation can be minimized through the use of appropriately designed and constructed facilities and by adherence to standard laboratory safety rules and practices. Facility Requirements The majority of research laboratories at ISU can be classified as chemical laboratories. In most cases, these laboratories are adequate for the use of RAM. For certain types and uses of RAM, however, additional facility requirements must be met. The specific requirements, which will likely vary from one situation to another, are determined by EH&S. General minimum facility requirements for use of RAM: • Floors must have smooth, nonporous, easily cleanable surfaces. Appropriate floor materials include vinyl, tile and sealed concrete. Benches must have nonporous, easily decontaminated surfaces. Surfaces of high-quality plastic laminate or stainless steel are preferable. Sinks should be stainless steel or of seamless molded construction. • Hoods, when required, must be currently tested and certified by EH&S, preferably constructed of stainless steel or molded fiberglass. For additional guidance see the Laboratory Safety Manual. • ISU’s current design manual states that laboratories will be designed with eight air exchanges per area occupied; four air exchanges unoccupied. The actual rate required will vary with the potential for radionuclide release to the air within the particular laboratory. • Shielding must be provided when appropriate (for laboratories using large quantities of gamma or high-energy beta-emitting radionuclides). Specific requirements will be determined by EH&S on a case-by case basis. In addition to the above requirements, the following guidelines should be considered for facilities used to house animals containing RAM: • Floors should be designed so that they may be cleaned and the wash water either drained to the sanitary sewer or to a container that can be removed for proper disposal.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTkwNTUw