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Emergency Guidelines for the Campus Community
Radioactive Material Incident
A radiation incident includes a spill of radioactive material, the discovery of widespread contamination, contamination of skin or clothing or possible overexposure to an x-ray source.- During normal working hours call Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) at 8-5294
- Outside normal working hours call Public Safety at 8-3134. Public Safety will contact EHS personnel.
- For an emergency involving fire, explosion or serious injury, call 911.
- Radioactive materials workers should refer to section 1 of the Radiation Safety Manual for detailed procedures about how to clean up a spill or to perform decontamination.
- Individuals not authorized to work with radioactive materials should not attempt to clean up a spill. Follow the notification procedures listed above.
- Remove contaminated clothing.
- Notify EHS immediately.
- Note original meter reading and location of contamination.
- Wash skin with mild soap and lukewarm water for 2-3 minutes. Do not use hot water or abrade the skin. Avoid abrasives, organic solvents, and highly alkaline soaps.
- Repeat until contamination is gone or until contamination cannot be reduced further without harm to the skin.
- Note final count rate and report results to EHS.
- Contain the spill, if possible.
- Notify all personnel in lab.
- Notify EHS.
- Block off area. Keep bystanders away.
- Assemble and survey all people who may have come in contact with the contamination or entered the contaminated area.
- Perform cleanup under the supervision of EHS personnel.
©2003 The Trustees of Princeton University. Last modified
04-Mar-2004 9:33
by Robin M. Izzo