|
Number
40
|
May,2001
|
Laboratory Radiation Safety Self-Audit
It has been six months since the inspection by Illinois Department of Nuclear Safety. This is a good time to perform a self-audit of radiation safety and compliance in your laboratory. Review this checklist with your radiation workers. Their signatures on the back of this NUtrino provide documentation of required annual refresher training.
| ____ | The laboratory door is locked when the laboratory is unattended. |
| ____ | Every stock vial has a corresponding inventory form. |
| ____ | Radiation workers wear disposable gloves when handling potentially contaminated items. |
| ____ | A written log is maintained of radionuclides placed into waste containers. |
| ____ | Workers immediately record all use of radioactive material on the inventory form. |
| ____ | Inventory forms are returned promptly to ORS. |
| ____ | All radiation workers are registered with the Office for Research Safety. |
| ____ | All radiation workers are trained in laboratory-specific radiation safety practices and controls. |
| ____ | Annual refresher training is provided to all radiation workers (use NUtrino as a refresher training tool). |
| ____ | Initial and annual refresher training is documented in writing (dates, names and topics). |
| ____ | Eye protection is worn whenever hazardous materials are handled. |
| ____ | Contamination checks are performed on a routine basis. |
| ____ | Contamination is cleaned up immediately upon discovery. |
| ____ | All containers of radioactive material bear a warning label. |
| ____ | Storage locations (freezers, refrigerators) have a visible warning sign or label. |
| ____ | Workers know the bioassay requirements and complete the bioassay column on inventory forms. |
| ____ | Complete, legible names are entered onto inventory forms (no initials). |
| ____ | Proposed transfers of material between investigators are reported to ORS in advance of the transfer. |
| ____ | Plastic shielding is used for P-32 and other high-energy beta emitters. |
| ____ | Wipe tests counted in liquid scintillation are used to find H-3 contamination. |
| ____ | Consumption, preparation and storage of food and beverages in the lab is prohibited. |
| ____ | Survey meters have been calibrated within the past year, have good batteries and are in operating condition. |
| ____ | Survey meters are checked with a source of radiation for proper performance each time they are used. |
| ____ | Mixed wastes are never generated without specific, advance approval from ORS. |
Mixed Waste Generation Something to Avoid
ORS recently shipped for disposal several liters of chloroform contaminated with tritium at a cost exceeding $750 per liter. Avoid having to pay such costs out of your laboratory funds. Whenever possible use procedures and protocols that do not generate mixed wastes. Clear any suspect procedures with ORS in advance.
Use this NUtrino as a training tool. Circulate it among the radiation workers in your group and have them sign and date the training form on the back. File it with your authorization and other radiation safety documents for review during regulatory inspections. Discuss it during laboratory meetings. We have back issues, or you can print them off the Web.