Radiological Spills
Minor Liquid spills (<100ml or 10mCi)
- Laboratory staff can clean up minor spills (less than 100ml or 10 mCi), following these instructions:
- Notify all other persons in the room that a spill has occurred.
- Prevent the spread of contamination by covering the spill with absorbent paper.
- Clean up the spill using disposable gloves, absorbent paper and remote handling tongs. Carefully fold the absorbent paper with the clean side out, and place it in a plastic bag for later disposal as radioactive waste. Also put contaminated gloves and other contaminated disposable material in the bag.
- Survey the area with an appropriate low-range radiation detection survey meter, or by wipe tests for removable contamination, as appropriate. Check the area around the spill. Also check hands, clothing and shoes for contamination.
- Report the incident to the EHS: (646) 962-7233. On weekends, or weekdays after 6 p.m., contact Security: 6-0911. Request that Security contact the EHS Radiation Safety Emergency Responder.
Minor Dry Spill (<10mCi)
- Wear rubber or plastic gloves. Place a damp absorbent paper over the spill.
- Take care not to spread the contamination.
- Decontaminate as necessary.
- Report the incident to EHS: (646) 962-7233. On weekends, or weekdays after 6 p.m., contact Security: 6-0911. Request that Security contact the EHS Radiation Safety Emergency Responder immediately.
- Permit no person to resume work in the area until EHS has confirmed a survey.
Major Spills (liquid or dry > 100ml or 10mCi)
- EHS does not recommend that laboratory personnel clean up major radiological spills.
- Notify all persons not involved with the cleanup to vacate the room at once.
- If the spill is liquid, right the container wearing appropriate gloves. Prevent the further spread of contamination by covering the spill with absorbent paper, but do not attempt to clean up the spill.
- Limit movement of all personnel who may be contaminated, to prevent the spread of contamination.
- Shield the source, if possible. This should be done only without further contamination or significant increase in radiation exposure.
- Leave the room and lock the door(s) to prevent entry.
- Notify EHS: (646) 962-7233 immediately. On weekends, or weekdays after 6 p.m., contact Security: 6-0911. Request that Security contact the EHS Radiation Safety Emergency Responder immediately.
Personal Decontamination
- Contaminated clothing should be removed and stored for further evaluation by EHS.
- If a spill is on the skin, flush thoroughly with lukewarm water and wash with mild soap, applying moderate pressure to avoid abrading the skin. This process may have to be repeated several times.
- Notify EHS: (646) 962-7233 immediately. On weekends, or weekdays after 6 p.m., contact Security: 6-0911. Request that Security contact the EHS Radiation Safety Emergency Responder immediately.
Radioactive Dusts, Mists, Fumes, and Gases
- Notify other persons to evacuate the room, hold their breath, close valves, and turn off air-circulating devices as time permits. Vacate the room.
- Close all doors. Notify EHS: (646) 962-7233. On weekends, or weekdays after 6 p.m. contact Security: 6-0911. Request that Security contact the EHS Radiation Safety Emergency Responder immediately. Report suspected inhalations of radioactive materials.
- Detail all persons suspected of being contaminated. Decontaminate as instructed by EHS. EHS must perform an air survey before work can be resumed.
Injuries Involving Radiation Hazards
- Wash minor wounds immediately under running water, spreading the edges of the wound(s). Report all radiation accidents and personnel injuries to EHS: (646) 962-7233 immediately. On weekends, or weekdays after 6 p.m., contact Security: (212) 746-0911. Request that Security contact the EHS Radiation Safety Emergency Responder.
- Have employees proceed to
Workforce Health and Safety, the NYP Emergency Department, or a location instructed by EHS. In the case of traumatic injury, call (212) 472-2222 for medical assistance.
