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Sharing Radioactive Materials

 

Sharing is good. Helping out your colleague with a little tritium or P-32 is a neighborly and collegial thing to do. We would not want you or your neighbor to be hurt by the generosity, however; you both should be aware of the following requirements. Also see http://www.northwestern.edu/research-safety/rad/radwor/Rad-Radiation_Safety_Handbook-v1.4.pdf.

 

An intracampus transfer can be made only to an investigator who is authorized by license to receive it. Notify ORS in advance of any transfer. ORS will:

·        verify that the recipient is authorized,

·        confirm that the recipient will not exceed the limit by accepting the material,

·        adjust the inventories for both donor and recipient, and

·        issue a new inventory form for the recipient, if required.

 

Inter-campus transfers also must satisfy the requirements of the Department of Transportation (DOT). Call ORS for instructions. ORS will determine if the package can be carried by personal vehicle or only by a courier authorized to transport radioactive materials, such as Fed Ex. The law prohibits carriage by vehicle unless stringent requirements for packaging, labels, inspection, training, and shipping papers have been met.

 

Transfers between institutions always require that you use an authorized courier. In addition, we must have prior approval from the recipient institution and a copy of their radioactive materials license.

 

When you want to receive something from another institution, call ORS for approval. We will provide a copy of the University's license to the other institution on request. All radioactive material must be shipped to ORS.

 

PPE and Appropriate Laboratory Attire

 

Personal protective clothing and equipment (PPE) appropriate for handling unsealed radioactive material includes a lab coat, gloves, and protective eyewear. A few general rules are:

·        Use gloves that are appropriate to the hazard. For example, nitrile gloves may be superior to latex gloves for certain compounds, such as NaI. Wash your hands after removing them, and before leaving the laboratory. ORS can advise you on glove selection. Do not wear gloves outside of the laboratory.

·        Regular reading glasses are not protective eyewear. Safety glasses (for which prescription lenses may be available), goggles, or face shields should be used whenever hazardous materials are handled or processes could create the potential for eye injury.

·        Don't wear shorts and sandals in the laboratory. Wear shoes that will protect against spills, and long pants that will protect the legs. Warmer weather is coming, and as tempting as shorts may be, safety comes first!