1. 2 nd February 2011Safelab Module II1 Radiation Safety & Legislation Dr. Rosaleen Devery Radiation Safety Officer

2. 2 nd February 2011Safelab Module II2 Radiation License 0211-0169-09 Sealed Sources Am-241, Be7, Hg-7, Ag-105,Th-232, Yt- 169, Ba-133, Cd-109, Cs-137, Cs-137/Zn- 165, Co-57, Co-60, Mn-54, Ni-63, Ra-226, Na-22, Po-210,Sr-90, Ur-238,uranyl nitrate, Thorium oxide, Thorium carbonate School of Physical Sciences NG13, NG24 Unsealed sources Iodine-125, Phosphorous-32, Sulphur-35, Tritium, Carbon -14, Calcium-45 School of Biotechnology (X175) & NICB (B01) X ray equipment Schools of Physical Sciences (NG04, NG22, N205), Chemical Sciences (XB12) & Electronic Engineering (S124 & NG11) DCU Exwell Medical Centre

3. 2 nd February 2011Safelab Module II3 ALARA Principle All radiation should be kept as low as is reasonably achievable Keep time to minimum –Practice using ‘dry runs’ Keep distance to a maximum –Use forceps –Use adequate shielding Restrict access

4. 2 nd February 2011Safelab Module II4 General Rules for working with unsealed radioactive materials Conduct risk assessment Control quantities of materials Contain materials Confirm dose rates and lack of contamination The Laboratory Personal Behaviour Wear TLD when working with 32 P and 125 I Contamination Monitoring Receiving & storing Radioactive waste Housekeeping –Registration Form –Isotope record form –Record all disposal in log book

5. 2 nd February 2011Safelab Module II5 General Rules for working with sealed radioactive materials & X ray equipment Handle all sealed sources by forceps Ensure annual wipe test Ensure supplier provides take back clause Use Radiation survey meter Return dosimeter badge to RPII Arrange with school/unit secretary for keeping records

6. 2 nd February 2011Safelab Module II6 Annual Limits Normal employees 1 mSv General Public 0.05 mSv Natural Background Ireland 2.5 mSv

7. 2 nd February 2011Safelab Module II7 New users of radioisotopes Discuss with supervisor Complete and Submit to RSO –Registration form –Isotope record form Obtain relevant copy of : –Requirements for working with unsealed/sealed radioisotopes (  and  emitters) –Intervention Plan for dealing with a radiological emergency –L:\ALL\Radiation

8. 2 nd February 2011Safelab Module II8 Intervention Plan for dealing with a radiological emergency Avoid panic Never touch a radioactive source Prevent unauthorised access to site of incident Retire to safe distance, plan subsequent actions and implement Seek advice of experts Seek additional assistance Initial identification Incident response recovery Follow up

9. 2 nd February 2011Safelab Module II9 Procedures in Emergency Situations Theft/ Loss RSO Gardai USOSecurityRPII Calculate Likely exposure Review Security system Report to Head of School/ Unit, School Safety Officers, H&S committee

10. 2 nd February 2011Safelab Module II10 Procedures in Emergency Situations Damage –Initiate personal decontamination –Evacuate –Place barrier at safe distance from source –Identify area as radiation hazard –Report to RSO Time, date, place Names involved/affected Results of dose assessments Probable cause of incident

11. 2 nd February 2011Safelab Module II11 Procedures in Emergency Situations Malfunction of irradiating apparatus –Switch off X ray unit –Refer to Beaumont Hospital for medical examination –Put up ‘MUST NOT BE USED’ sign on unit –Disconnect, lock –School safety officer to contact Service/repair representative –RSO to seek accurate assessment of dose; report etc

12. 2 nd February 2011Safelab Module II12 Procedures in Emergency Situations Spillage / aerosol release Stop work ; secure cause Warn others Isolate and absorb hot spot Don’t spread Seal hot spot with bench coat/perspex /lead Treat all cleaning materials as radioactive waste Check for contamination of people, floor, bench Inform supervisor & RSO RSO to determine quantity of radioisotope, volume of spillage and assess exposure dose School safety officer and RSO to conduct enquiry into cause RSO to report

13. 2 nd February 2011Safelab Module II13 Procedures in Emergency Situations Ingestion/inhalation Get buddy / first aid staff to call Beaumont Hospital Poison Centre / ambulance Warn others Leave immediately Secure lab

14. 2 nd February 2011Safelab Module II14 Procedures in Emergency Situations Damage during transport –Monitor package for surface contamination –Obtain contact details for distributor –Contact distributor –Replace in emergency container box –Seal, label and arrange for replacement –RSO to report

15. 2 nd February 2011Safelab Module II15 Emergency equipment Contamination monitors ( eg Mini monitor E series) Latex gloves, white coat, perspex glasses Perspex screens, warning notices Long handled forceps Storage container (perspex, lead, concrete) Equipment manuals Bags of lead shot, lead sheet Fire blankets, extinguishers

16. 2 nd February 2011Safelab Module II16 http://www.rpii.ie/ Thank you Any questions?