Scenario 2: Emergency procedures part 1
This blog post highlights the emergency procedures to be undertaken during major/minor spills of radioactive material, as well as the procedures to be carried out during airborne contamination of radioactive materials.
Minor Spill
Minor Spill
A minor spill involves the spill of radioactive material under 2.5L or 25 square feet. If a minor spill occurs,
- Notify others in the room immediately.
- Limit the number of people in the area.
- Wear protective clothing.
- Take immediate steps to confine the spill. For liquid spills, place absorbent paper on the spill. For dry spills, place damp absorbent materials over the spill, ensure the contamination does not spread. Water may generally be used, unless chemical reaction with water generates an air contaminant. Oil may then be used as a substitute.
- Block off contaminated areas to ensure that others will not enter.
- Do not allow anyone to leave the contaminated area without being monitored. Take note of all people involved with the spill.
Major Spill
A major spill involves the spill of radioactive material over 2.5L or 25 square feet. If a major spill occurs,
- Notify all persons NOT involved in the spill to vacate at once.
- Flush thoroughly if spill is on the skin.
- Discard outer or protective clothing at once If the spill is on clothing.
- Vacate and secure the room to avoid re-entry.
- Limit the movement of persons involved in the spill to a specified area, preventing the spread of contamination. Do not allow people to leave the area without being monitored. Note persons involved in the spill.
Possibility of Airborne Contamination
An airborne emission of radioactive material may occur due to evaporation; vaporization; explosion; combustion; formation of a smoke, dust or spray; gas escape, etc. If an airborne release occurs:
- Evacuate everyone from the area immediately.
- Shut all doors to the room.
- Put up appropriate signs to ensure that no one re-enters the room or area.
- Gather people who were present at the incident near the contaminated area to minimize the spread of contamination, but far enough to prevent continued involvement. Do not permit these persons to leave the place of assembly until after the Health Physicist has arrived, except in instances of medical emergency
- If contamination of the skin or clothing is known or suspected, begin personal decontamination as elaborated in the next post.
References:
Elmer, P. (2011). Guide to the Safe Handling of Radioactive Materials in Research. Retrieved from http://shop.perkinelmer.com/content/manuals/gde_safehandlingradioactivematerials.pdf
Furr, A. K. (2000) CRC Handbook of Laboratory Safety. (5th ed.). FL: CRC Press.
Nave, C., R. (2011). Radioactivity. Retrieved from http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/nuclear/radact.html
Princeton University. (2007). Radiation Safety Guide. Retrieved from http://web.princeton.edu/sites/ehs/radsafeguide/rsg_sec_17.htm
United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2011). Radiation Protection: Health Effects. Retrieved from http://epa.gov/radiation/understand/health_effects.html
Labels: emergency procedures, major, minor, spills
posted by Michelle, Bernadette, Shanna, Karen, Su Wei, Shi Ting @ 16:48
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