Radiation Safety

**Complete the Request for Radiation Monitoring Service Form**
**Complete the Change or Cancel Radiation Monitoring Services Form**

Individuals at SIU Carbondale working with x-ray producing machinery or certain radioisotopes are required to utilize personnel exposure monitoring devices when they are being occupationally exposed, as specified in the SIUC Handbook of Radiological Operations. In most cases a film badge is worn while at work to monitor exposure. A few individuals are issued ring badges as well.

The Radiation Safety Section is responsible for issuing the monitoring devices as well as maintaining records of individual exposure. Each individual who is issued a film badge or ring badge is responsible for wearing the monitoring device in a proper manner respective to the type of device as specified by the Radiation Safety Officer. The monitoring device shall not be worn when the individual is not at the workplace, or when the individual is undergoing medical diagnosis or therapy procedures. When not being worn, the monitoring device shall be stored in an area away from any radiation other than normal background, excessive heat, moisture, etc.

As a general rule, if you are working at SIU's Carbondale Campus and are issued a monitoring device, the device should be worn during the normal course of the workday. Some individuals mistakenly think that because they are not directly participating in some type of work which utilizes x-ray producing machinery or radioisotopes, that they are not at risk from radiation exposure. If individuals are working in areas in which others may be utilizing x-ray producing machinery or radioisotopes, monitoring devices should be worn. The monitoring devices should be worn whenever there is a chance of occupational exposure. The accuracy of each monitoring device to measure an individual’s monthly exposure to radiation while working at the Carbondale Campus is limited by the decision of each individual to wear the device when there is a chance of occupational exposure, to wear the device properly, and to store the device properly when not in use.

If you have any questions regarding monitoring device usage please feel free to contact the Radiation Safety Section at 618-536-2015 or radcon@cehs.siu.edu.

Requesting or Changing Radiation Monitoring Services

Radiation monitoring devices are issued in accordance with state and federal regulations. In addition to these regulations, the university has established that radiation monitoring devices are required for individuals that meet any of the following criteria:

• When working with beta emitters of energy 0.25 Mev or greater
• When working with gamma emitters of any energy
• When working with neutron sources of any type When working with x-ray producing devices other than dental diagnostic x-ray producing devices
• When working with devices used for accelerating charged particles
• When working in areas where exposure in excess of 10 mrem per day is expected.

This procedure is to be used as a tool for the novice purchaser and also as a review for established personnel. The following information will be the minimum required in obtaining an order in a timely manner. Most of the information requested can be obtained from the vendors' catalog applicable to the particular isotope.

• The name of the nuclide requested- (P-32) The physical description- (alpha datp)
• The catalog number- (CAT. # AH3234). The specified Curie amount of the order- (50 mCi.).
• The name of the RLS requesting the order- (Dr. Einstein).
• The approved Purchase Order #- (6-xxxxx). 
• Date required for timely arrival Quote information so that purchasing will not have to back track discounted prices.

Most of the data requested above should be centrally located in the body portion of a standard purchase requisition. The listing of the above information should be in a logical order that is easy to interpret. For questions, contact CEHS.

Immediate Steps To Be Taken

Evaluate situation as to whether the emergency is a:

• Major Spill-Involving radiation hazard to personnel
• Minor Spill-Involving No radiation hazard to personnel

Call the following numbers in order as required. Give your name, location, and any other pertinent assessment of the emergency.

• If Fire Department assistance is required: 911 or 618-457-4131
• If Medical assistance is required (Ambulance): 911 or 618-684-5678
• If Department of Public Safety (Police): 911 or 618-453-2381
• Radiological Control response call:

Matt Barnstable
Radiation Safety Officer
Telephone (618) 453-3841

Emergency Procedures For A Major/Minor Spill

Major Spill (Involving radiation hazard to personnel)

1. Notify all persons not involved in the accident to vacate the room at once.
2. Notify the RST and the RLS. The Radiation Safety Technician will notify the RSO and respond to the spill.
3. Make no immediate attempt to clean up spill; if a radiation-producing device is involved, shut off power to the equipment.
4. Switch off all fans, if possible, when airborne dust or gaseous contamination is possible or suspected.
5. If spills on the skin are involved, follow the rules for personal decontamination. If spills are on clothing, discard outer clothing at once, leaving the contaminated clothing in the contaminated area.
6. Vacate the room and prohibit entrance to the contaminated area.
7. Hold departing personnel in a nearby safe area until their body surfaces and clothing can be checked for contamination.
8. If time and safety considerations permit, the use of absorbent materials to slow or prevent the flow of radioactive liquids into cracks, crevices or drains may be employed.
9. Every attempt should be made to shut down ventilation systems and fume hoods if the contamination is airborne. Other areas of the building which may be contaminated shall also be vacated.
10. In shutting down ventilation systems and closing of windows, doors and vents, persons securing the above.
11. Under no circumstances shall untrained persons attempt to examine or clean up the radioactive materials without the explicit direction of the RSO.
12. If a fire is involved, notify the fire department and the police department, and evacuate all persons in the building as soon as possible.

Minor Spill (Involving No radiation hazard to personnel)

1. Notify all other persons in the room and the RLS at once.
2. Restrict access to the area to only the minimum number of persons necessary to deal with the accident.
3. Limit contamination to as small an area as possible with absorbent materials or coverings.
4. Notify the RST as soon as possible. The Radiation Safety Technician will notify the RSO and respond to the spill. Don protective gloves and remove contamination with appropriate materials.
5. Permit no one to resume work in the area until approval of the RSO is secured.
6. If the accident involves radiation from radiation-producing devices, follow the above procedures and turn off the power.