Cleaning Minor Radioactive Spills

Note: If more than 100 microcurie (uCi) activities are involved in a spill or if the contamination extends beyond a single room, Environmental Health and Safety must be contacted immediately to supervise the decontamination effort.

1. Put on gloves and protective clothing such as a laboratory coat to avoid body and clothing contamination.

2. Absorb spilled material with absorbent paper or cloth to limit the spread of contamination.

3. Define and mark off contaminated area. Do not remove objects or allow people to leave contaminated area until monitored.

4. Decontaminate area by cleaning with ordinary cleaning solutions. Start at the least contaminated area and proceed towards area of greatest contamination.

5. Dispose of contaminated cleaning papers, cloths, and other materials in radiation waste receptacles.

6. Survey area and objects with survey meter and with swipe tests to insure contamination is removed.

7. Monitor personnel involved with spill and remove any contamination.

8. Slight contamination of skin and hands can usually be removed by using ordinary hand soaps or detergents and lukewarm water. Decontamination of eyes or wound should only be accomplished under the supervision of a physician

9. Notify Radiation Safety about the spill and remedial action taken at 568-6585.