Edition 16, April 1999

Radiation Safety Monthly Focus Debuts

This month we introduce Monthly Focus, an integrated training approach wherein each month we will zero in on a particular radiation safety or compliance topic. You will read about it here in NUtrino and also have a chance to interact with our friendly and helpful radiation safety staff as they give the topic a little extra attention during lab surveys. Be sure to circulate NUtrino among all your radiation workers and have them sign the training form on the back. Give the whole set to any new radiation workers, too.

Correlating Inventory Forms with Stock Vials

Our first Monthly Focus takes up the required one-to-one relationship between your yellow inventory forms and the stock vials of radioactive material in your refrigerator. Accounting for all material in storage and use is an important responsibility under the law and one that state inspectors unfailingly look at closely during inspections. You may be asked to locate a specific vial for which you have an active inventory form. This can lead to embarrassing moments as one rummages around stacks of blue and gray and yellow containers hoping that one vial is still in the lab. There is a simple method for correlating forms and vials that satisfies the regulatory requirement and helps you keep things organized:

• Keep the stock vials inside the plastic shipping containers.
• Write the inventory form control number on the shipping container (a felt-tip marker works well).
• Write the date received on the shipping container.
• Remember to destroy all labels and properly dispose of the shipping container when you return the inventory form to ORS.

Why do you need to do this? First, because you are required to maintain records of receipt, usage, and disposal for each shipment. Second, you need to demonstrate that all of your radioactive materials are secure and under your control. Don't delay; do a physical inventory now. ORS can provide copies of inventory forms if you can't find yours. And remember, always wear disposable gloves when you handle the stock vials or shipping containers.

Of Continuing Interest:

• Make sure your posted radiation worker list is current, and notify ORS when radiation workers leave.
• Are you using intermediate waste containers (e.g., benchtop bags, non-standard cans or jugs)? Each must be labeled with a "caution, radioactive material" label. This was cited in the last IDNS inspection.
• Radiation work areas should be clearly defined and work surfaces protected; potentially contaminated tools and equipment should be confined to them.
• Post surveys and dosimetry reports so that all radiation workers have a chance to see them.