Appendix I: Radioisotope Laboratory Rules
Updated May 2020
Appendix I: Radioisotope Laboratory Rules
Introduction
These rules are designed to limit unnecessary radiation exposure and contamination of facilities and equipment, and to minimize the consequences of a radiation accident if one should occur. Copies of these rules should be posted in laboratories that use radioisotopes for reference.
General Rules
| NO Eating, drinking, or smoking | Eating, drinking and smoking is prohibited in laboratory areas where radionuclides are being used or stored. |
| Frequent Hand Washing | Wash hands after handling any radioactive material and before going about any other work. Always wash hands before leaving the laboratory. |
| Proper Pipetting | Never pipette anything by mouth. Use filter tips when working with radioisotopes. |
| Protective Clothing | Always wear gloves, and consider using double gloves, when handling radioactive material. Lab coats must be worn in the laboratory and left in the laboratory. |
| Confine Activity | The spread of radioactive contamination may be minimized by working on a tray lined with absorbent material. Radioactive materials that are being transported within the laboratory or building should be transported in a closed lid secondary container which should be shatterproof. |
| Spill Notification | Notify the DMPRS of all spills. NOTE: Contamination surveys must be performed and documented even after a minor spill. |
| Proper Labeling | Label radioactive material samples with date of preparation, radionuclide, and quantity of radionuclide. |
| Proper Clean-Up | Before leaving the laboratory, clean up and monitor your work area and yourself using an appropriate radiation detection instrument. Remove your lab coat and wash your hands. |
| Proper Disposal of Liquid Radioactive Waste | Liquid radioactive waste should be stored in plastic bottles whenever possible. The radionuclide, quantity, and date of disposal must be recorded on the waste container. Small amounts of nontoxic waste may be disposed of in the sanitary sewer as directed by the RSO. |
| Proper Disposal of Solid Radioactive Waste | Solid radioactive waste must be placed in plastic-lined containers. The radionuclide, quantity, and date of disposal must be recorded on the waste container. |
| Proper Disposal of Liquid Scintillation Fluid | Organic based Liquid Scintillation cocktails containing 3H or 14C at concentrations below 0.05 Ci/ml (1.11×10^5 dpm/ml) are disposed of as toxic waste without regard to radioactivity (that is, it is considered non-radioactive). Disposal of scintillation fluid via laboratory sinks is NOT permitted unless approved by the RSO. Contact Environmental and Waste Management for more information. |
| Hoods | Hoods or glove boxes must be used when handling stock solutions of volatile radioactive materials. |