Edition 15, October, 1998 

State Scans System, Cites Safety Sins

Inspectors from the Illinois Department of Nuclear Safety visited NU the week of September 28. They went over the books with a fine-toothed comb and visited about 20 laboratories on both campuses. We would like to say thank you to everyone who assisted with the inspection and especially to those whose labs were in great shape. Within the context of a generally good report were a number of citations for violations of the license or regulations, to which the vice president for research must respond. Her response will specify that retraining has been provided; your radiation workers’ review of this information and signatures on the back of this form will document that training. It is a good idea to have all your radiation workers read and sign off on all NUtrinos. 

1. Immediately record radioactive material usage on inventory forms. 

If a stock vial has been opened and the inventory form is blank, that may violate an accountability regulation.  

2. Coffee cups and drinking water are prohibited in rad labs.  

Create a space outside of the laboratory where people can eat and drink. The enforcement policy means three strikes and you are out. No loopholes in this rule. Also, no bananas, breath mints, pizza, cookies, .... 

3. Always do a performance check before you use your survey instrument. 

It doesn’t have to be elaborate. First, check the battery. Then, aim the detector at the waste container or a stock vial. If you get a reading, the meter probably is working OK. We can recommend check source options. 

4. Secure your laboratory when it is unattended. 

Inspectors were able to walk into an unattended laboratory and stroll around unchallenged. Don’t let someone enter your lab with mischief in mind. Security is required by regulation, so lock the door when no one is home! 

5. Radwaste goes in labeled radwaste cans, trash goes in trash cans. 

Don’t mix them up. That’s a rude and dangerous thing to do to persons who handle the trash. And, it is illegal. 

6. Wear gloves when handling potentially contaminated material. 

In the heat of the moment some individuals did not put on gloves when inspectors asked to see sources. We know you just forgot. Contamination spread to mouth or eyes could be a serious problem; gloves prevent injury.  

7. Correlate inventory forms with stock vials. 

Some PIs had a tough time linking inventory forms to their stock vials. This is another security/accountability matter. Set up a simple accounting system: write the control number on the vial. OR, write the lot # and batch # on the inventory form. If multiple shipments have the same numbers, you could add a prefix or suffix.