LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL

Site Map of Manual

Lab Safety Manual
1st Page

Chapter 1
Emergency Response

Chapter 2
General Safety

Chapter 3
Chemical Hygiene Plan

Chapter 4
Radiological Safety

Chapter 5
Biological Hygiene Plan

Chapter 6
Laser Safety

Chapter 7
Administrative Concerns

Chapter 8
Standard & Special Operating Procedures

Chapter 9
Facility Data

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Appendicies

Bibliography

Glossary

Index

On-Campus Contact Information

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1st Rule of Lab Safety

Haz-Waste No-No

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Updated January 2003

Emergency Response
Section 1.2 - Radiation Spills

Emergencies will generally be in the nature of spills, fires, or explosions, as a result of which radioactive materials are spread around the installation. In the event of such DISSEMINATION OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS, the following general procedures are given as a guide to be adapted to the specific nature of the emergency. (See also Chapter 4: Radiological Safety Handbook)  All spills involving radioactive material shall be reported by phone to Environmental Health & Safety (744-7241) with a written follow-up submitted within five working days (unless this spill or discharge results in a fatality).

A. Minor Spills Involving No Radiation Hazard to Personnel

1. Notify all other persons in the room at once.
2. Permit only the minimum number of persons necessary to deal with the spill into the area.

3. Confine the spill immediately.

   1. Liquid Spills:
      • Don protective gloves

      • Drop absorbent paper on the spill

   2. Dry Spills:
      • Don protective gloves

      • Dampen thoroughly, taking care not to spread the contamination

4. Notify the faculty member in charge of the laboratory and the Radiation Safety Officer as soon as possible.
5. Monitor all persons involved in the spill and cleaning.
6. Decontaminate the area according to the directions of the Campus Radiation Safety Officer.
7. Permit no person to resume work in the area until a survey is made, and approval of the Radiation Safety Officer is secured.

8. Prepare a complete history of the accident and subsequent activity related thereto for the records of the Radiation Safety Officer.

B. Major Spills Involving Radiation Hazard to Personnel

1. Notify all persons not involved in the spill to vacate the room at once.
2. If the spill is a liquid, and the hands are protected, right the container.
3. If the spill is on the skin, flush thoroughly.
4. If the spill is on clothing, discard outer or protective clothing at once.
5. Shut off air conditioning units serving the laboratory.
6. Vacate the room.
7. Notify the faculty member in charge and the Radiation Safety Officer as soon as possible.
8. Take immediate steps to decontaminate personnel involved, as necessary.
9. Decontaminate the area per the recommendations of the Radiation Safety Officer. (Personnel involved in decontamination must be adequately protected.)
10. Monitor all persons involved in the spill and cleaning to determine adequacy of decontamination.
11. Permit no person to resume work in the area until a survey is made and approval of the Radiation Safety Officer is secured.
12. Prepare a complete history of the accident and subsequent activity related thereto for the records of the Radiation Safety Officer.