Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Procedures

Emergency Radiation Procedure

Research, Environmental Health and Safety  |  Approved May 14, 2015

Purpose

Respond to unapproved contact or release of radioactive material on campus.

Applicability

General campus response to emergency radiation safety incident.  Trained professionals will administer additional emergency response and remediation, after initial assessment of the situation. 

Additional information can be found on the Office of Environmental, Health and Safety’s Emergency Procedure website.

Instructions

Minor Spill: 10 microcuries or less of radioactive material

1. Notify all persons in room.
2. Confine spill immediately and begin decontamination of the spill site.
3. Call the Office of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) at 6-7055 if assistance is needed.
4. Restrict access to the area until decontamination is complete and confirmed.

Major Spill: 10 microcuries or more of radioactive material

1. Notify all nonessential personnel to vacate the area.
2. Confine spill if possible, but do not attempt to clean up the spill until assisted by EHS.
3. Call EHS immediately.
4. No one is to re-enter the area until approved by the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO).

Airborne Release: Dust, Mist, or Gases

1. Notify all personnel to vacate the area immediately.
2. No one is to re-enter the area until approved by the RSO.
3. Call EHS immediately.

Personal Injuries

1. Notify all nonessential personnel to vacate the area.
2. Remove contaminated clothing and use mild soap and water to clean contaminated area.
3. Call EHS immediately.
4. No one to re-enter the room until approved by the RSO.

Fire

1. All personnel are to vacate the area immediately.
2. Do not attempt to extinguish the fire.
3. Call Campus Police and activate the nearest fire alarm.
4. Call EHS immediately.
5. No one is to re-enter the room until approved by the RSO.