Frequent surveys performed by laboratory personnel are the main line of defense to detect spills and to prevent the spread of contamination within and beyond the laboratory.

    Before using your survey meter:           

All Laboratory Personnel must conduct individual work area surveys (surveys of floors, benchtops, handles, experimental equipment, telephones, etc.) and personal surveys (surveys of one's person and clothing), with a survey meter, under the following conditions:

• Whenever you suspect any contamination;

• At the end of an experimental procedure using P-32 or I-125; (At the end of each day for multi-day procedures)

• Frequently during the manipulation of millicurie quantities of radioactive materials; (When using all isotopes, except H-3)

• Following withdrawals from stock vials containing more than 1mCi; (When using all isotopes, except H-3)

• During and following the opening of radioactive material packages, when labeled as such; (See Receipt and Opening of Radioactive Packages)

• Prior to exiting the laboratory. (For personal surveys)

If any contamination is found, corrective action must be taken. Contamination of an item or area is defined as three times background or more. (See Emergency Procedures)

• Establish a contamination zone until contamination is removed.

• Decontaminate and re-survey.

• Perform wipe tests to determine if there is any removable contamination.

• Decontaminate until there is less than 200 dpm/cm² of removable contamination.

• Document results and corrective actions on a Laboratory Incident Report and forward to the Radiation Safety Officer.

If contamination is considered to be widespread, or wipe test results exceed 2000 dpm in a restricted area and 200 dpm in an unrestricted area, contact the Radiation Safety Officer. (X8925) [See Area Definitions Below]

Contamination is defined to be widespread if it is found in several locations and/or found in areas not normally expected to be contaminated.

A monthly survey/wipe test will be performed by staff from the Safety Department. Permanent records are kept on file in the Safety Office.

The monthly survey/wipe will consist of:

• A measurement of radiation levels with a survey meter sufficiently sensitive to detect 0.1 mR/hr.

• A series of wipe tests to measure contamination levels. The method for performing wipe tests will be sufficiently sensitive to detect 100 dpm per 100 square centimeters.

AREA DEFINITIONS

Restricted:

• Radioactive Waste Areas
• Radioactive Work Areas
• Areas Restricted Against Unauthorized Entry
• Radioactive Storage Areas

Unrestricted:

• Areas designated for eating, drinking or applying cosmetics
• Common Resource Areas
• Conference Areas
• Hallways