SECTION 17: Emergency Procedures

• Emergency Assistance
• Radiation Emergency Guidelines
• Radiation Emergency Follow-up
• Spills of Small Quantities of Radioisotopes
• Emergencies in Unattended Facilities
• After Hours Notification

Emergency Assistance (top)

Assistance for any emergency at the University, including one involving radiation, is obtained by dialing 911 and providing the information requested. A Radiation Emergency Procedures Poster (EHS-HP Form #400) which provides emergency phone numbers for health physics staff members of the Office of Environmental Health and Safety is posted in each laboratory, preferably near a telephone. This poster also provides abbreviated radiation emergency procedures. The "Authorized User" responsible for the laboratory or facility should also be notified. In the event of a minor radiological incident (below), it is not necessary to notify Public Safety.

Radiation Emergency Guidelines (top)

In the event a radioactive substance escapes from its normal confines (by spill, evaporation, vaporization, combustion, escape of gas, liquid or solid, etc.) in an amount which may exceed ten times the quantities listed in Appendix C, the "Health Physicist" shall be notified promptly. Immediately after the occurrence of the incident and pending the arrival of the "Health Physicist," certain steps, as described below, should be taken. Although each incident is unique, and some of the following steps may not apply or other actions may be called for in a particular emergency situation, the actions listed here provide good guidelines for appropriate preliminary emergency response.

Minor Spill

A minor spill involves the spill of radioactive material in such quantities or under such circumstances that a significant internal or external radiation hazard is not created, and which will not produce significant airborne contamination. If a minor spill occurs,

• Notify all other persons in the room at once.
• Limit the number of person in the area to those needed to deal with the spill.
• Don protective clothing.
• Take immediate steps to confine the spill. For liquid spills drop absorbent paper on the spill. For dry spills, dampen thoroughly or place damp absorbent materials over the spill, taking care not to spread the contamination. Water may generally be used except where chemical reaction with water would generate an air contaminant. Oil may then be a reasonable substitute.
• Delineate and block off the contaminated area to insure that others will not walk through the area.
• Do not allow anyone to leave the contaminated area without being monitored. Make note of the names of all persons involved with the spill.

Major Spill

A major spill of radioactive material occurs in such quantities or under such circumstances that a significant internal or external radiation hazard to personnel, including those outside the immediate vicinity of the spill, exists, but which does not produce significant airborne contamination. If a major spill occurs:

• Notify all persons not involved in the spill to vacate the room at once.
• If the spill is liquid, and the hands are protected, right the container.
• If the spill is on the skin, flush thoroughly.
• If the spill is on clothing, discard outer or protective clothing at once.
• Vacate and secure the room to prevent re-entry. Keep the area clear of spectators.
• Limit the movement of persons involved in the spill to a specified area of assembly to prevent the spread of contamination. Do not allow anyone to leave the area of assembly without being monitored. Make note of the names of all persons involved in the spill.

Possibility of Airborne Contamination

An airborne release 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 all persons from the room or area immediately.
• Shut all doors to the room or area.
• Post guards, as needed, to insure that no one re-enters the room or area and to keep the general area clear of spectators.
• Assemble all persons who were present in the room or area at the time of the incident. The place of assembly should be near the contaminated area to minimize the spread of contamination, but far enough removed to prevent continued involvement. Do not permit these persons, except in instances of clear medical emergency, to leave the place of assembly until after the "Health Physicist" has arrived.
• If contamination of the skin or clothing is known or suspected, begin personal decontamination as follows:
• Remove all contaminated clothing.
• Wash contaminated areas of skin with mild soap and water.
• Do not allow anyone to remain in or re-enter the area in which airborne contamination occurred unless it is certain that the person has adequate respiratory and personal protection.

Contamination of Wounds

Flush contaminated minor cuts with large volumes of tepid running water, while spreading the edges of the gash.

Ingestion of Radioisotopes

Unless vomited is contraindicated:

• Induce vomiting by placing a finger well back in the throat.
• Have the victim drink a pint of water, and induce vomiting again.

First Aid

When a serious injury requiring prompt first aid has occurred, the first aid should not be delayed or withheld because of the possibility that the victim is contaminated. Protective clothing is generally available and should be worn when appropriate.

Radiation Emergency Follow-up (top)

The guidelines provided above describe immediate action to be taken by laboratory personnel before the arrival of the "Health Physicist". The "Health Physicist" will assist in the management of the incident by providing additional monitoring capabilities as necessary, assessing radiation doses (both internal and external), recommending decontamination plans, investigating the incident, providing required documentation, and developing recommendations to prevent re-occurrences.

Spills of Small Quantities of Radioisotopes (top)

The spill of a radioisotope in an amount less than ten times the quantity indicated in Appendix C need not be treated as an incident for the purposes of this section. The area must be decontaminated and the matter should be discussed with the "Health Physicist".

However, cases involving the contamination of the skin and the ingestion or inhalation of radioisotopes, regardless of the quantity, must be reported to and discussed with the "Health Physicist".

Emergencies in Unattended Facilities (top)

Emergencies in laboratories and other facilities may occur at times, such as after normal working hours and during weekends and holidays, when no knowledgeable personnel are present. In these cases it is imperative that persons possessing specific knowledge of the facility and current knowledge of its activities be contacted at the earliest possible time. This is important to insure the safety of those attempting to cope with the emergency, and to permit an effective response which will minimize the adverse effects of the emergency on ongoing research and operational activities. For these reasons the "Authorized User" must post, on or near the entrance to each facility in which "Sources of Radiation" are used, a completed Emergency Information Poster (EHS-GS Form #31). This form is used University-wide and is readily recognized as a source of emergency information. This form:

1. Provides names and phone number of the "Authorized User" and other knowledgeable personnel
2. Identifies special or unique hazards
3. Provides special instructions for emergency response personnel.

After Hours Notification (top)

For emergencies which occur during other than normal working hours, emergency assistance is requested as described in paragraph A, and the "Health Physicist" and the "Authorized User" should be contacted. Names and phone numbers for the "Health Physicist" are given on the Radiation Emergency Procedures Poster (EHS-HP Form #400), while names and phone numbers for the "Authorized User" are provided on the Emergency Information Poster (EHS-GS Form #31).