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News and training for radiation workers at Northwestern University                           Number 55         September, 2002

 

Rules for Radwaste: Aqueous Waste Collection

 

Aqueous waste is a solution, the primary constituent of which is water, along with any solubilized organic or inorganic constituents in quantities and forms that do not result in phase separation or precipitation. Avoid generating mixed wastes. See the Radiation Safety Handbook, section 22, for complete instructions.

 

·        Do not collect more than two radionuclides in any container. See acceptable combinations below.

·        Only use the standard radwaste containers provided or approved by ORS (e.g., no chemwaste containers).

·        Adjust the pH as close to neutral as possible; it must be between pH 5 and pH 9. Solutions should be buffered if necessary to maintain pH in the acceptable range.

·        Treat the waste in the laboratory to reduce any nonradiological hazards and inhibit bacterial growth.

·        Do not overfill containers. Leave at least three inches of space at the top of the container.

·        Keep a written record of the radionuclide, activity, and date each time you place waste into each container. Prior to calling for a pickup, attach a properly filled-out radioactive waste card to each container. Acceptable units are total microcuries (uCi), millicuries (mCi), or becquerels. Activity concentrations such as microcuries per milliliter and nonstandard units such as  l  are not acceptable.

·        Aqueous wastes containing I-125 should be neutral or basic, securely capped, and stored in a well-ventilated area. Adding a solution of 0.1 M sodium hydroxide, 0.1 M sodium iodide, and 0.1 M sodium thiosulfate may control volatility in liquid radioiodine wastes.

·        Avoid spills and contamination. Use a funnel when pouring waste into the container. Use secondary containment -- a tray, for example, under the waste jug. Keep the outside of the jug, and the surface under it, clean.

 

Acceptable Combinations of Radionuclides in Aqueous Waste

H-3

C-14

P-32

P-33

S-35

Ca-45

Cr-51

Rb-86

I-125

H-3

X

X

X

X

X

 

X

X

 

C-14

X

X

X

X

X

 

X

X

 

P-32

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

P-33

X

X

X

X

X

 

X

X

 

S-35

X

X

X

X

X

 

X

X

 

Ca-45

 

 

X

 

 

X

 

X

 

Cr-51

X

X

X

X

X

 

X

X

 

Rb-86

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

I-125

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

X

X

 

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

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X

X

 

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/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