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News and training for radiation workers at Northwestern University                           Number 56         October, 2002

 

 

Rules for Radwaste: Liquid Scintillation Waste

 

Solvent-based scintillation media are harmful to the health, bad for the environment, and expensive to get rid of. There really is no need to use them, as "biodegradable" substitutes are available for every application. This is borne out by the fact that many schools -- including some with much larger research bases -- ban the use of solvent-based media. NU is heading in that direction. If you are among that tiny minority who still insists on using solvent-based media, you are required to put the name of the media on the waste card; ORS cannot lawfully offer it for transport without knowing the chemical constituents. Following are the rules for handling all types of scintillation waste that you may generate.

 

Segregation by Nuclide and Activity

 

·        Vials containing H-3 and/or C-14 must be collected separately and must have a separate waste card.

·        Scintillation waste containing H-3 and/or C-14 with averaged activity of less than 0.05 uCi/gram of media should be collected separately from all other scintillation waste.

 

Collection Requirements

 

·        Return vials to original trays and boxes; store them upright.

·        If you use another type of box, use a strong plastic liner. Do not contaminate the box.

·        Make sure all caps are securely tightened.

·        Store the vials in well-ventilated area, especially if you use a solvent-based cocktail.

·        Never mingle scintillation vials with any other waste type, such as shipping containers.

·        Never put scintillation waste into a dry waste container.

 

Recordkeeping Requirements

 

·        Attach a waste card for each box or each 5 trays of vials.

·        Do not contaminate the waste card.

·        In the absence of data, either recount a representative number of vials or make realistic estimates of activity. Remember that materials counted in scintillation typically contain very low activity.

 

For complete information on radioactive waste safety and compliance, see section 22 of the Radiation Safety Handbook at http://www.northwestern.edu/research-safety/rad/index.htm.

 

 

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

span style='font-family:Univers'>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