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News and training for radiation workers at Northwestern University                           Number 54         August, 2002

 

Rules for Radwaste: Dry Waste Collection

 

See: Radiation Safety Handbook, section 22, has the complete instructions. Every radiation worker has a copy.

 

Definition:  Dry radioactive waste consists of paper, plastic, glass, disposable gloves, other laboratory equipment or supplies contaminated with radioactive materials, and surplus stock materials in essentially dry form.

 

Prohibited Items:  The following items are prohibited in dry radioactive waste containers:

·        yellow chemical waste bags

·        red, orange, or clear biohazard bags

·        loose needles, syringes with needles, razor blades, broken glass, and other sharps

·        animal bedding (animal bedding is a biological waste)

·        animal carcasses and tissues

·        liquid scintillation vials containing scintillation media

·        lead shipping pigs

·        labels signifying the presence of radioactive materials (both tape and printed labels)

·        hazardous chemicals and items contaminated with hazardous chemicals

·        untreated pathogenic material

·        liquids

 

Allowable Combinations of Radionuclides:  Dry radwaste is segregated by radionuclide.

·        Radionuclides with half-lives of less than 90 days cannot be combined with any other radionuclide. This applies to P-32, P-33, S-35, Cr-51, Rb-86, and I-125. A separate container is required for each.

·        Radionuclides with half-lives of more than 90 days may be combined. This applies to H-3 and C-14.

 

Containers:  Dry waste must be placed into one of the standard fiberboard containers provided by ORS prior to pickup. You may use your own plastic beta boxes for short-term collection, but when you call ORS for a pickup the waste should be transferred into a standard container. Seal the inner bag and attach the lid. Do not overfill.

 

Records:  You are required to keep the following records. The Radionuclide Inventory Form, on which you are required to record usage, is convenient for logging waste disposal.

·        A written record of the date and the radionuclide and activity placed into each waste container is required.

·        A completely filled out Radioactive Waste Card must be attached to each container at the time of pickup.

 

Use this NUtrino as a training tool for new workers and required annual refresher training for current workers. 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 at http://www.northwestern.edu/research-safety/rad/nutrino/index.htm.

 

Office for Research Safety - Office of the Vice President for Research  - Radiation Safety Committee

Ward B-106 Chicago Campus, phone 3-8300                                    Tech NG71 Evanston Campus, phone 1-5581

nt-family:"CG Times"'> for new workers and required annual refresher training for current workers. 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 at http://www.northwestern.edu/research-safety/rad/nutrino/nutindex.htm.

 

Office for Research Safety - Office of the Vice President for Research  - Radiation Safety Committee

Ward B-106 Chicago Campus, phone 3-8300                                    Tech NG71 Evanston Campus, phone 1-5581