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Staffing Changes in Evanston ORS

 

Our Health Physicist on the Evanston campus, Brian Wimmer, has left the University for other employment. ORS is actively engaged in recruiting his replacement. During the transition, Health and Safety Specialist Andrew Fidler is the point person for all routine matters pertaining to the radiation safety program in Evanston. He is supported by Radiation Safety Officer Todd Leasia, Health Physicist Joe Princewill, and Health Physics Assistant TJ Whittenhall, who work on the Chicago campus.

 

General Guideline for Waste Pickups

 

Avoid unnecessary delays and the inconvenience of not having your radwaste picked up on first request. Have the containers prepared and ready for pickup. ORS will examine your waste at the time of pickup, and will not proceed with pickup if the following violations are observed:

 

ü      Needles/sharps in radioactive waste container: Collect all sharps and needles in a sturdy, puncture proof container before sealing it and placing it into the waste container.

ü      Shipping containers present in radioactive waste container: Stock vials, outer shipping containers and lead "pigs" are not permitted in radwaste drums. Collect them in a separate box.

ü      Biohazard bags present in radioactive waste container: Biohazard bags, including red and orange bags and any other bags bearing the word "biohazard" are not allowed in radwaste drums.

ü      Unknown liquid waste in solid radioactive waste container: Only residual liquids in very small amounts not exceeding one or two milliliters in microfuge tubes or other small vessels are allowed.

ü      Animal parts or bedding in radioactive waste container: Contaminated animal bedding and animal parts must not be placed into drums with ordinary dry radwaste.

ü      Liquid waste containers too full for safe removal: 5-gallon jugs should have at least 3 inches of space left at the top, and 1-gallon jugs should have at least 1 inch of space at the top.

ü      Scintillation vials must specify the type of cocktail. Write the specific product name on the waste card. The use of solvent-based cocktail is strongly discouraged.

ü      Waste card incomplete: Each container designated for the removal of any form of radioactive waste from the laboratory must have a completely filled out radioactive waste card attached. Be sure to include the radionuclide and an estimate of the activity.

ü      Rad labels and signs in waste containers: Equipment used with radioactivity must be properly identified with cautionary labels and signs. All such radiation labels and signs must be defaced or obliterated prior to placing them into the radwaste container.