radiation safety training short course at msum radiation safety officer joseph j provost

Radiation Safety Radiation Safety TrainingTraining

Radiation Safety Radiation Safety TrainingTraining

Short course atShort course at

MSUMMSUMRadiation Safety OfficerRadiation Safety Officer

Joseph J ProvostJoseph J Provost

IntroductionIntroduction

Radiation and radioactive Radiation and radioactive materials can be valuable tools materials can be valuable tools in researchin research

There are 3 labs using There are 3 labs using radioactive isotopes at MSUMradioactive isotopes at MSUM

Radioactive materials are used in Radioactive materials are used in a variety of disciplines, ranging a variety of disciplines, ranging from the biological sciences to from the biological sciences to physics… even art!physics… even art!

Radiation and YouRadiation and You Radiation and radioactive materials are safe if Radiation and radioactive materials are safe if

used properlyused properly Background radiationBackground radiation is the ionizing radiation is the ionizing radiation

emitted from a variety of natural and artificial emitted from a variety of natural and artificial radiation sourcesradiation sources

QuickTime™ and aTIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

Your exposure can Your exposure can never realistically be never realistically be zero, because zero, because background radiation is background radiation is always presentalways present

DecayDecay

Radiation from Radiation from radioactive materials radioactive materials is the result of is the result of radioactive decayradioactive decay. . An atom with an An atom with an unstable nucleus will unstable nucleus will “decay” until it “decay” until it becomes a stable becomes a stable atom, emitting atom, emitting radiation as it radiation as it decays.decays.



IntroductionIntroduction

Radioactivity comes from the atomic Radioactivity comes from the atomic nucleus, nucleus, notnot from the electron from the electron cloud.cloud.

Without instruments, radioactivity Without instruments, radioactivity cannot be seen, felt, smelled, cannot be seen, felt, smelled, tasted, or detected by human beings.tasted, or detected by human beings.

For this reason, it went For this reason, it went undiscovered until this century.undiscovered until this century.

Where Does It Come From?Where Does It Come From?

Radiation results from an unstable nucleusRadiation results from an unstable nucleus

e- e-

H-3

e-

e-He-3

This is called radioactive decay

Who found it?Who found it?

18961896 Henri Becquerel Henri Becquerel discovered natural discovered natural radiation - Uranium energy captured by radiation - Uranium energy captured by phosphorus and X-Ray filmphosphorus and X-Ray film

Marie Curie - Marie Curie - student of Henri, student of Henri, determined the emissions were radiation determined the emissions were radiation and found the radioactive element - and found the radioactive element - Radium and Polonium. First person to Radium and Polonium. First person to win two Nobel Prizes in two fields (1903 win two Nobel Prizes in two fields (1903 and 1911) one with HB and one with her and 1911) one with HB and one with her husbandhusband

Irene Joliot-Curie - Irene Joliot-Curie - induction of induction of radioactive material Ni, P and Si (1935 radioactive material Ni, P and Si (1935 Nobel Prize)Nobel Prize)

DecayDecay

For example, the H-3 (also known as For example, the H-3 (also known as tritium) nucleus consists of one tritium) nucleus consists of one proton and two neutrons. When proton and two neutrons. When undergoing radioactive decay, one undergoing radioactive decay, one of the tritium neutrons emits an of the tritium neutrons emits an electron and becomes a proton electron and becomes a proton resulting in He-3, which has three resulting in He-3, which has three protons and one neutron.protons and one neutron.ee--

33HH 33HeHe

Sometimes a substance will Sometimes a substance will progress through several progress through several radioactive decays until it radioactive decays until it reaches a stable state.reaches a stable state.

Radiation results Radiation results from an unstable from an unstable nucleusnucleus

e-e-

H-3 He-3

Where Does it Come From?Where Does it Come From?

This is called radioactive decayThis is called radioactive decay

Nuclear ArithmeticNuclear Arithmetic

Protons andand neutrons are collectively are collectively called called nucleonsnucleons

wherewhere

1. Number of neutrons = A-Z1. Number of neutrons = A-Z

2. The 2. The nucleon number of an isotope is written as of an isotope is written as a suffix to the name ex. a suffix to the name ex. Hydrogen - 2Hydrogen - 2

X = chemical symbol

A = nucleon number (sum of p and n)

Z = atomic number (# of p)

X = chemical symbol

A = nucleon number (sum of p and n)

Z = atomic number (# of p) ZAX

Transmutation

Not all nuclei are radioactiveNot all nuclei are radioactive OF ALL OF THESE ARE ISOTOPES, OF ALL OF THESE ARE ISOTOPES,

ONLY ONE IS RADIOACTIVE! ONLY ONE IS RADIOACTIVE!

C12 6 C613 C6

14

StableStable RadioactiveRadioactive

Stable

Transmutation

Not all nuclei are radioactive.Not all nuclei are radioactive. Some nuclei are stable Some nuclei are stable while other are radioactive; those that are radioactive while other are radioactive; those that are radioactive are sometimes referred to as are sometimes referred to as RADIOISOTOPESRADIOISOTOPES..

C12 6 C613 C6

14

StableStable RadioactiveRadioactive

Stable

Radioactive DecayRadioactive Decay

Radioactive decay Radioactive decay is a random eventis a random event

Half life is the Half life is the time it takes for time it takes for half of the half of the nuclei is a nuclei is a substance to substance to undergo undergo radioactive decayradioactive decay Time

# of unstable nuclei

long half life

short half life

Half LifeHalf Life

Radioactive Radioactive decay occurs decay occurs randomlyrandomly, that , that is, it is not is, it is not known whenknown when



individual atoms will undergo decay. individual atoms will undergo decay. However, although the decay of However, although the decay of individual atoms is random, a individual atoms is random, a radioactive substance, consisting of radioactive substance, consisting of many atoms, will decay according to many atoms, will decay according to a known pattern.a known pattern.

A property often used to A property often used to describe a radioactive substance describe a radioactive substance is known as the is known as the half-life.half-life.

The half life is the time it The half life is the time it takes for half of the unstable takes for half of the unstable nuclei in the radioactive nuclei in the radioactive substance to undergo radioactive substance to undergo radioactive decay.decay.

For example, the half-life of

P-32 is 14.3 days. If you start with 100 microcuries(the If you start with 100 microcuries(the unit of the microcurie will be unit of the microcurie will be explained later) of P-32 , after 14.3 explained later) of P-32 , after 14.3 days there would be 50 microcuries days there would be 50 microcuries left.left.

After another 14.3 days there would be After another 14.3 days there would be 25 microcuries left.25 microcuries left.

After 10 half-lives, only about After 10 half-lives, only about 1/1000th (actually 1/210, which is 1/1000th (actually 1/210, which is 1/1024) of the original will be left.1/1024) of the original will be left.

There is a wide range of There is a wide range of half-lives for isotopes;The half-lives for isotopes;The half-life of P-32 is only half-life of P-32 is only 14.3 days whereas the half-14.3 days whereas the half-life of C-14 is 5730 life of C-14 is 5730 yearsyears

Radioactive decay Equation

Activity(A)Activity(A):number of nuclei (N) that :number of nuclei (N) that decay per unit of timedecay per unit of time

A(t) = dN/dt = -A(t) = dN/dt = -N(t)N(t) A(t) = A A(t) = AOOee--tt

is called the decay constant

initial activity

time(t)

# of undecayed nuclei

(N)

AO

Half-life & the Decay Constant

Half-life (tHalf-life (t1/21/2) is related ) is related

to the constant to the constant according to this according to this equation:equation:tt1/21/2= (ln 2)/= (ln 2)/

AAOO

Timett1/21/2 tt1/21/2

1/2 A1/2 AOO

1/2 A1/2 AOOA

ctiv

ity

Radioactive Emissions

Alpha particlesAlpha particles

Beta particlesBeta particles


Alpha particlesAlpha particles contain two protons contain two protons and two neutrons (a helium nucleus). and two neutrons (a helium nucleus). They have an atomic number of 2.They have an atomic number of 2.

Properties-Alpha Particles

consist of 2 protons and 2 neutrons consist of 2 protons and 2 neutrons have +2 chargehave +2 charge can only travel up to a few centimeters in can only travel up to a few centimeters in

airair are stopped by the protective layer of your are stopped by the protective layer of your

skinskin+2

Alpha emittersAlpha emitters

We do not currently use We do not currently use isotopes which emit alpha isotopes which emit alpha particles particles

Generally these are elements Generally these are elements which are very heavy which are very heavy Atomic Number greater than 83Atomic Number greater than 83 Thorium, radon and so on.Thorium, radon and so on.



Beta particlesBeta particles



Beta particlesBeta particles are simply electrons. are simply electrons. Beta radiation is a stream of electronsBeta radiation is a stream of electrons..

Properties - Beta Particles

Beta particles:Beta particles: are either an electron (-1 charge) or positron are either an electron (-1 charge) or positron

(+1 charge)(+1 charge) travel about 12 feet per MeV in airtravel about 12 feet per MeV in air Higher energy betas should be shielded Higher energy betas should be shielded

with low Z materials such as with low Z materials such as Plexiglas/Lucite or woodPlexiglas/Lucite or wood

Typical beta isotopesTypical beta isotopes

We use several ß emitters at MSU. These We use several ß emitters at MSU. These can be classified as low or high energy can be classified as low or high energy particlesparticles

IsotopeEnergy

MeV 1/2 Life3H 0.018 12.3 years14C 0.155 5570 years

32P 1.71 14.2 days33P 0.215 25 Days35S 0.167 87.1 days

Radioactive EmissionsRadioactive Emissions

Gamma raysGamma rays

Positron emissionPositron emission


Gamma raysGamma rays are a high energy form of are a high energy form of electromagnetic radiation. They are similar electromagnetic radiation. They are similar to light waves but have shorter wavelengths to light waves but have shorter wavelengths and are more energetic.and are more energetic.

Positron emissionPositron emission

Properties - Gamma Rays

Gamma rays:Gamma rays: are photons that originate from the nucleus are photons that originate from the nucleus

of the atomof the atom do not carry a chargedo not carry a charge can cause ionization when they interact can cause ionization when they interact should be shielded with high Z materials, should be shielded with high Z materials,

such as lead, if appropriatesuch as lead, if appropriate

Some possible gamma emittersSome possible gamma emitters 2222NaNa 3636ClCl 125125II 131131 I I


Gamma rays Gamma rays are a high energy form of are a high energy form of electromagnetic radiation. They are similar electromagnetic radiation. They are similar to light waves but have shorter wavelengths to light waves but have shorter wavelengths and are more energetic.and are more energetic.

Positron emissionPositron emission equal in mass to beta equal in mass to beta particles but opposite in chargeparticles but opposite in charge

Radiation particlesRadiation particles

Properties - Characteristic X-rays

CharacteristicCharacteristic X-raysX-rays are generated when are generated when electrons fall from higher energy to lower electrons fall from higher energy to lower energy electron shellsenergy electron shells

+ +

e-

e-

e-

e-

e-

e-

X

Properties - Bremsstrahlung X-rays

Bremsstrahlung X-raysBremsstrahlung X-rays are created when are created when electrons are slowed down in the field of a electrons are slowed down in the field of a nucleus nucleus

+

e-

e-

X

Penetrating PowerPenetrating Power

The penetrating power of radiation varies in part The penetrating power of radiation varies in part due to their masses and their chargesdue to their masses and their charges

Protection from radiation - distance and shieldingProtection from radiation - distance and shielding

Penetrating PowerPenetrating Power

AlphaAlpha - outside of body little damage, not able to - outside of body little damage, not able to penetrate skin. Inside of the body causes much penetrate skin. Inside of the body causes much damage to tissues cells DNA and Proteinsdamage to tissues cells DNA and Proteins

BetaBeta - some harm but much less than alpha can go - some harm but much less than alpha can go through skinthrough skin

GammaGamma - is the most - is the most harmful easily penetrates harmful easily penetrates skin and damages DNA skin and damages DNA and Cells as it “rips” and Cells as it “rips” throughthrough

ExposureExposure

Elements tend to Elements tend to concentrate in concentrate in certain parts of certain parts of the bodythe body

I - ThyroidI - Thyroid S - SkinS - Skin P - BoneP - Bone H - ThroughoutH - Throughout

Radiation UnitsRadiation Units

There are specific units for the amount of There are specific units for the amount of radiation you receive in a given time and radiation you receive in a given time and for the total amount of exposure you are for the total amount of exposure you are subjected to.subjected to.

Measuring radioactivity rates -What Is a Curie?

This is the amount of radioactivity in a sample This is the amount of radioactivity in a sample (the amount of radioactivity = activity)(the amount of radioactivity = activity)

A commonly-used unit for measuring activity is A commonly-used unit for measuring activity is the curie(Ci)the curie(Ci)

1 curie is equal to 2.2 x 101 curie is equal to 2.2 x 101212 disintegrations per disintegrations per minute (dpm)minute (dpm)

Typical activities found in a university lab are in Typical activities found in a university lab are in the microcurie (the microcurie (Ci) to millicurie (mCi) rangeCi) to millicurie (mCi) range

Measuring radioactivity rates- What is a Becquerel (Bq)Measuring radioactivity rates- What is a Becquerel (Bq)

The amount of radioactive material which The amount of radioactive material which decays at a rate of one disintegratration per decays at a rate of one disintegratration per second (dps)second (dps)

This is the SI unit of radioactive material or This is the SI unit of radioactive material or activityactivity

CPM & DPM

CPM is the counts per minute that a detector CPM is the counts per minute that a detector “sees”“sees”

DPM are the actual disintegrations (release of DPM are the actual disintegrations (release of energy) by a radioactive sample [disintegrations energy) by a radioactive sample [disintegrations per minute]per minute]

Since detectors aren’t 100% efficient...Since detectors aren’t 100% efficient...

DPM = CPM / Detector EfficiencyDPM = CPM / Detector Efficiency(the detector efficiency for the specific (the detector efficiency for the specific

radioisotope, that is)radioisotope, that is)

Radiation Dose vs RateRadiation Dose vs Rate

Dose is the amount of radiation you were actually Dose is the amount of radiation you were actually exposed to:exposed to:

RoentogenRoentogen - This can only be used to describe an - This can only be used to describe an amount of gamma and X-rays, and only in air. amount of gamma and X-rays, and only in air. One roentgen is equal to depositing in dry air One roentgen is equal to depositing in dry air enough energy to cause 2.58E-4 coulombs per kg. enough energy to cause 2.58E-4 coulombs per kg. It is a measure of the ionizations of the molecules It is a measure of the ionizations of the molecules in a mass of air. (NOT in a mass of air. (NOT aa or or bb particles) particles)

What is a REM?

REMREM - The most common used unit for measuring - The most common used unit for measuring radiation dose in people is the remradiation dose in people is the rem

REM = REM = Roentgen equivalent for manRoentgen equivalent for man, a roentgen , a roentgen (an international unit of X- or gamma-radiation) (an international unit of X- or gamma-radiation) adjusted for the atomic makeup of the human bodyadjusted for the atomic makeup of the human body

Since the rem is a relatively large unit, it is more Since the rem is a relatively large unit, it is more common to use the millirem (mrem), which is common to use the millirem (mrem), which is 1/1000th of a rem1/1000th of a rem

Rem is a Dose equilaventRem is a Dose equilavent

The Dose equivalent is the product of the absorbed The Dose equivalent is the product of the absorbed dose in tissue times a quality factordose in tissue times a quality factor

This relates the absorbed dose in human tissue to This relates the absorbed dose in human tissue to the effective biological damage of the radiation. the effective biological damage of the radiation.

Not all radiation has the same biological effect, Not all radiation has the same biological effect, even for the same amount of absorbed dose.even for the same amount of absorbed dose.

Rem = Quality factor x dose in radsRem = Quality factor x dose in rads

SievertSievert is the SI unit of dose equivalent is the SI unit of dose equivalent

Quality factorsQuality factors

X and gamma raysX and gamma rays 11

Beta particlesBeta particles 11

Thermal NeutronsThermal Neutrons 22

Fast NeutronsFast Neutrons 1010

ProtonsProtons 1010

Alpha particlesAlpha particles 2020

Other “Dose” UnitsOther “Dose” Units

RadRad (Radiation Absorbed Dose)- this is the (Radiation Absorbed Dose)- this is the amount of exposure to any type of material amount of exposure to any type of material from any type of radiation measured in from any type of radiation measured in Joules/kg tissueJoules/kg tissue

TheThe GrayGray is the absorbed dose that is the absorbed dose that corresponds to the transfer of 1 joule to 1 kg corresponds to the transfer of 1 joule to 1 kg of material (SI unit). Does not relate to of material (SI unit). Does not relate to biological effects.biological effects.

“Background” Radiation

Natural sourcesNatural sources = 300 mrem = 300 mrem MedicalMedical = 53 m = 53 m OccupationalOccupational = 0.9 mrem = 0.9 mrem Nuclear Fuel Nuclear Fuel = 0.05 = 0.05 mremmrem

Consumer productsConsumer products = 5-13 mrem = 5-13 mrem Misc. environmentalMisc. environmental = 0.06 mrem = 0.06 mrem

From NCRP Report 93

Occupational Radiation Exposure Limits

Whole body = 5,000 mrem/yearWhole body = 5,000 mrem/year Extremities = 50,000 mrem/yearExtremities = 50,000 mrem/year Eye = 15,000 mrem/yearEye = 15,000 mrem/year Fetus = 500 mrem/gestation period (declared Fetus = 500 mrem/gestation period (declared

pregnancy)pregnancy) Minors = 500 mrem/yearMinors = 500 mrem/year Rad workers = 100 mrem/year over Rad workers = 100 mrem/year over

backgroundbackground

ReviewReview

Rate - of disintegrationRate - of disintegration DPMDPM CurieCurie Becquerel (SI)Becquerel (SI) NOT CPMNOT CPM

Dose - amount of radiation Dose - amount of radiation exposedexposed

RoentogenRoentogen RadRad Gray (SI)Gray (SI) REM (equivalent)REM (equivalent) Sievert (SI equivalent)Sievert (SI equivalent)

Declared Pregnant Woman

A woman who has A woman who has voluntarily informed the voluntarily informed the

Radiation Safety Section Radiation Safety Section in in writing writing of her pregnancy of her pregnancy

and estimated date of and estimated date of conception conception

Relative Risk -A Comparison

Action Min. lifeexpectancy lost

buying a small car 7000

coast to coast drive 1000

smoking a cigarette 10

1 mrem of radiation 1.5

Examples of relative risk adapted from Cohen and Lee, “A Catalogue of Risks,” Health Physics, vol. 36, June 1979.

Reduction in life spanReduction in life span

ActivityActivity Avg. ReductionAvg. Reduction

Living in a city Vs countryLiving in a city Vs country 5 years5 years

Single Vs. MarriedSingle Vs. Married 5 years5 years

Male Vs femaleMale Vs female 3 years3 years

RadiationRadiation

CosmicCosmic 25 days25 days

MedicalMedical 30 days30 days

TerrestrialTerrestrial 50 - 100 days50 - 100 days

World falloutWorld fallout 1 day1 day

Biological effectsBiological effects

Two types stochastic and non-stochasticTwo types stochastic and non-stochastic

Stochastic effectsStochastic effects Stochastic effects are associated with long-term, low-level Stochastic effects are associated with long-term, low-level

(chronic) exposure to radiation.(chronic) exposure to radiation. ("Stochastic" refers to the ("Stochastic" refers to the likelihood that something will happen.) likelihood that something will happen.)

Increased levels of exposure make these health effects more likely Increased levels of exposure make these health effects more likely to occur, but do not influence the type or severity of the effect.to occur, but do not influence the type or severity of the effect.

The severity of the ultimate effect is not linked to the amount of the The severity of the ultimate effect is not linked to the amount of the dosedose

There is NO threshold for the effects to be observed - Rad safety There is NO threshold for the effects to be observed - Rad safety assumes no safe amount.assumes no safe amount.

Somatic, “Prompt” Effects

Acute Dose (rem) Syndrome

1 - 25 No detectable effects

25 - 100 Slight sickness RBCs drop

100-1000 Hemopoietic

1000-5000 Gastointestinal

5000-10000 Central Nervous System

Gamma RadiationGamma Radiation

Absorbed DoseAbsorbed Dose Survival ProbabilitySurvival Probability

100 rad Virtually certain

100 - 200 rad Probable

200 - 450 rad Probable

500 - 600 rad Almost impossible

900 - 1200 rad Possible in some cases

with bone marrow t-plant

Non-stochastic effectsNon-stochastic effects

Severity of the result is related to the dose Severity of the result is related to the dose (usually high dose).(usually high dose).

Adverse effect happens soon after exposure Adverse effect happens soon after exposure and can be directly linked to exposureand can be directly linked to exposure

Generally related to a large dose over a short Generally related to a large dose over a short timetime

There is a threshold level - observed effects There is a threshold level - observed effects follow typical distribution around a dosefollow typical distribution around a dose

Cancer Risks

Excess Cancer Deaths after Acute, one-time exposure to 10 rem per 100,000 People (BEIR V)

Adult Leukemia 95

Cancer of digestive system 230

Cancer of Respiratory System 170

Leukemia risk (without excess 10 rem) was 685 excess deaths per 100,000 people (1980 Vital Statistics of the U.S.)

Teratogenic Effects

Another class of biological effects of concern are called the teratogenic effects.


are needed to see this picture.QuickTime™ and a

TIFF (Uncompressed) decompressorare needed to see this picture.

Teratogenic effects are effects which occur in offspring as a result of exposure to a hazard while in-utero

Maternal Factor Pregnancy Outcome Occurrence

Smoking< 1 pack/day> 1 pack/day

Babies weigh 5-9 oz less than avgInfant deathInfant death

1 in 51 in 3

Alcohol2 drinks/day2-4 drinks/day> 4 drinks/dayChronic alcoholism

Babies weigh 2-6 oz less than avgFetal alcohol syndromeFetal alcohol syndromeFetal alcohol syndrome

1 in 101 in 31 in 3 to 1 in 2

Radiation1 rem1 rem

Childhood leukemia deaths before 12 yrsOther childhood cancer deaths

1 in 33331 in 3571

Maternal Factors & Pregnancy

Occupational Dose

Annual Limits For WorkersAnnual Limits For Workers Whole body(active blood forming organs) 5 REMWhole body(active blood forming organs) 5 REM Eyes - 15 REM ; Extremities - 50 REMEyes - 15 REM ; Extremities - 50 REM Minors (10% of adult limits)Minors (10% of adult limits) Embryo/Fetus - 0.5 REM over the entire Embryo/Fetus - 0.5 REM over the entire

pregnancy.pregnancy.

Annual Limits For General PublicAnnual Limits For General Public Total Effective Dose Equivalent < 0.1 REMTotal Effective Dose Equivalent < 0.1 REM

ALARA

AAss

LLowow

AAss

RReasonablyeasonably

AAchievablechievable

MSUM is committed to MSUM is committed to keeping radiation keeping radiation

exposures to exposures to personnel ALARApersonnel ALARA

ALARA

Education - Education - Ensure proper training and use Ensure proper training and use reduces unnecessary exposurereduces unnecessary exposure

DoseDose - The lower the dose the better, but all - The lower the dose the better, but all within reasonwithin reason

ReasonableReasonable - is determined on a case by case - is determined on a case by case basis with the PI and RSObasis with the PI and RSO

ProtectionProtection - Use proper shielding and reduce - Use proper shielding and reduce time of exposuretime of exposure

Radiation Protection

The three principles of radiation protection:

Time

Distance

Shielding

Time

Decreasing the time spent near a radiation source decreases radiation exposure

Distance

Increasing the distance from a radiation source decreases radiation exposure

Increasing the shielding of a radiation source decreases radiation exposure

Shielding

shield

Shielding Beta Emitters

H-3, C-14, S-35 do not require shielding for the H-3, C-14, S-35 do not require shielding for the quantities typically in use.quantities typically in use.

Higher energy beta-emitters, such as P-32, may Higher energy beta-emitters, such as P-32, may need to be shieldedneed to be shielded

Shield with low Z materials, such as Plexiglas or Shield with low Z materials, such as Plexiglas or woodwood

Do NOT shield with high Z materials, such as Do NOT shield with high Z materials, such as lead- you can actually generate additional lead- you can actually generate additional radiation in the form of x-rays!radiation in the form of x-rays!

Shielding Gamma Emitters

Lead Shielding is not required for most Lead Shielding is not required for most quantities of gamma emitters in use, such as quantities of gamma emitters in use, such as I-125 or Cr-51I-125 or Cr-51

If lead shielding is used, be careful not to If lead shielding is used, be careful not to contaminate it with long-lived radioisotopescontaminate it with long-lived radioisotopes

Protective Clothing

GlovesGloves Lab CoatLab Coat EyewearEyewear Closed toe Closed toe

footwearfootwear

Contamination Control

Watch out where you put your “hot” little Watch out where you put your “hot” little hands during an experimenthands during an experiment

Monitor yourself and your work area Monitor yourself and your work area frequently for radioactivityfrequently for radioactivity

Make sure to wash your hands after Make sure to wash your hands after finishing an experimentfinishing an experiment

Avoid Ingesting Radioactive Material

Don’t bring hands or objects to your mouth Don’t bring hands or objects to your mouth when performing an experimentwhen performing an experiment

Eating, drinking, smoking, and applying Eating, drinking, smoking, and applying cosmetics are strictly forbidden in cosmetics are strictly forbidden in radioisotope use areasradioisotope use areas

Never mouth pipetteNever mouth pipette Food doesn’t belong in a refrigerator which Food doesn’t belong in a refrigerator which

stores radioactive materialsstores radioactive materials

Avoid inhaling radioactive material

Make sure that you Make sure that you have proper have proper ventilation for your ventilation for your experimentexperiment

When using volatile When using volatile materials, use a materials, use a fume hood which fume hood which has been certifiedhas been certified

Radioactive Signs & Labels

* Radioisotopes use areas should be clearly marked

* Use warning signs/ labels on - work areas - rad waste containers - sinks - refrigerators - equipment

Using H-3 (Tritium)

Betas from H-3 are stopped by the protective Betas from H-3 are stopped by the protective layer of your skin- shielding is not needed layer of your skin- shielding is not needed for quantities typically in use at MSUMfor quantities typically in use at MSUM

H-3 tends to “creep” - do not store tritiated H-3 tends to “creep” - do not store tritiated water in refrigerators or freezers without water in refrigerators or freezers without keeping in a sealed containerkeeping in a sealed container

Can not detect by Geiger counter - Can not detect by Geiger counter - must use must use a wipe testa wipe test..

Using C-14 & S-35

Shielding is not needed for quantities Shielding is not needed for quantities typically in use at MSUMtypically in use at MSUM

““Spot checks” for contamination can be Spot checks” for contamination can be performed using direct monitoring, but performed using direct monitoring, but contamination surveys must be performed contamination surveys must be performed using a “swipe” surveyusing a “swipe” survey

These isotopes can not be detected by These isotopes can not be detected by Geiger counter.Geiger counter.

Using P-32

If shielding is needed, use a low Z material If shielding is needed, use a low Z material such as wood or Plexiglas such as wood or Plexiglas

Do NOT use lead shielding- x-rays can be Do NOT use lead shielding- x-rays can be generatedgenerated

Geiger counter or wipe test will measure Geiger counter or wipe test will measure this isotope.this isotope.

Using Carrier-free I-125

Perform iodination as quickly as possible in Perform iodination as quickly as possible in a certified fume hooda certified fume hood

Reduce (iodine to iodide) all fractions, liquid Reduce (iodine to iodide) all fractions, liquid waste and equipment used ASAPwaste and equipment used ASAP

Store unused portions and items which Store unused portions and items which cannot be reduced inside a sealed bag with cannot be reduced inside a sealed bag with activated charcoal in a fume hoodactivated charcoal in a fume hood

Geiger counters will detect this isotopeGeiger counters will detect this isotope

General Spill Procedures

When cleaning up a spill, When cleaning up a spill, place absorbent material place absorbent material around the edges of the spill and clean from the around the edges of the spill and clean from the outside edges of the spill towards the center to outside edges of the spill towards the center to avoid spreading contaminationavoid spreading contamination

Place materials used to clean the spill into the Place materials used to clean the spill into the appropriate radioactive waste containersappropriate radioactive waste containers

The Radiation Safety Officer can provide advice to The Radiation Safety Officer can provide advice to lab personnel regarding decontamination lab personnel regarding decontamination proceduresprocedures

Minor Radioactive Spills

A minor spill is one that involves small A minor spill is one that involves small quantities/activities/energies of radioactive quantities/activities/energies of radioactive material confined to a relatively localized areamaterial confined to a relatively localized area

Most spills that occur in the lab are minor, and Most spills that occur in the lab are minor, and should be cleaned up by lab personnel ASAPshould be cleaned up by lab personnel ASAP

You do not need to inform the Radiation Safety You do not need to inform the Radiation Safety Officer in the event of a minor spillOfficer in the event of a minor spill

Intermediate Spills

An intermediate spill may involve larger An intermediate spill may involve larger amounts of radioactive material spread over amounts of radioactive material spread over a greater areaa greater area

Intermediate spills can also involve small Intermediate spills can also involve small amounts of more hazardous radioactive amounts of more hazardous radioactive materials, e.g., higher energy emittersmaterials, e.g., higher energy emitters

Intermediate Spills- What to Do

Confine contamination with absorbent materialsConfine contamination with absorbent materials Check yourself for contamination before leaving Check yourself for contamination before leaving

area; remove contaminated clothing and shoes.area; remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Restrict access to the spill areaRestrict access to the spill area If the spill involves a volatile material, increase If the spill involves a volatile material, increase

ventilation; if it is a dry spill, decrease ventilationventilation; if it is a dry spill, decrease ventilation

Intermediate Spills- What to Do(cont..)

If contamination is widespread outside the If contamination is widespread outside the lab, it may be necessary to contact campus lab, it may be necessary to contact campus police to assist with traffic controlpolice to assist with traffic control

Contact the Radiation Safety Officer Contact the Radiation Safety Officer (5085/4323) to report the spill(5085/4323) to report the spill

Do not attempt decontamination unless the Do not attempt decontamination unless the situation threatens to become much worsesituation threatens to become much worse

High Level Spills

Protecting personnel is the FIRST priority Protecting personnel is the FIRST priority If high level exposures or airborne If high level exposures or airborne

contamination are possible:contamination are possible:- evacuate area immediately- evacuate area immediately

- rid yourself of - rid yourself of contaminationcontamination - keep others - keep others out of areaout of area

And Another Thing About Spills…

You will not be penalized for reporting a spill, but on the other hand….

Radiation Survey Requirements

When should Surveys be conducted?When should Surveys be conducted?-- Whenever radioactive materials are present in Whenever radioactive materials are present in

the lab, contamination surveys MUST be the lab, contamination surveys MUST be performed and documented at least once a week. performed and documented at least once a week.

The area you are working with must be surveyed The area you are working with must be surveyed before finishing for the day.before finishing for the day.

If no experiments are being conducted, it is If no experiments are being conducted, it is permissible to halt tests until starting again.permissible to halt tests until starting again.

Contamination Surveys

Direct monitoring with a Geiger counter can be Direct monitoring with a Geiger counter can be performed when using P-32 and other high energy beta performed when using P-32 and other high energy beta emittersemitters

““Swipe” surveys must be performed for low energy beta Swipe” surveys must be performed for low energy beta emitters (e.g., H-3, C-14, S-35) and must be counted in emitters (e.g., H-3, C-14, S-35) and must be counted in a liquid scintillation counter or equivalent instrumenta liquid scintillation counter or equivalent instrument

Direct monitoring with a low energy gamma probe Direct monitoring with a low energy gamma probe (NaI) can be performed when using gamma emitters (NaI) can be performed when using gamma emitters such as I-125such as I-125

General Survey Information

Randomly survey selected areas outside of Randomly survey selected areas outside of normal radioisotope use areas at least once a normal radioisotope use areas at least once a monthmonth

Using a map of your lab can make documenting Using a map of your lab can make documenting surveyed areas easiersurveyed areas easier

Look for levels twice as large as the backgroundLook for levels twice as large as the background Check for contamination wherever human Check for contamination wherever human

hands normally go...hands normally go...

10 Most Often Contaminated Sites

10.10. Soap/towel Soap/towel dispenserdispenser

9.9. Microwave Microwave ovenoven

8.8. Radio dialsRadio dials

7.7. PhonesPhones

6.6. Pens/pencilsPens/pencils

5.5. ChairsChairs

4.4. Drawer Drawer handleshandles

3.3. RefrigeratorRefrigeratorhandleshandles

2.2. Lab booksLab books

1. Geiger counters

Documenting Surveys

Contamination surveys must be documented Contamination surveys must be documented Record the following:Record the following:

- date performed- date performed- area(s) surveyed ( a map helps!)- area(s) surveyed ( a map helps!)- results- results- identity of surveyor- identity of surveyor- instrument used- instrument used- action taken is contamination is found- action taken is contamination is found

Wipe Test Analysis Date__________________________________ Name-_____________________________________

Wipes will be taken once each week in the designated areas ( see attached map) of Science Lab 222, except during weeks in which no radioisotopes are used nor waste handling/d isposal is conducted. DPM will be determined using the Beckman LS 3801 liquid scintillation counter. Counts will be done using the appropriate channel(s) for the isotope(s) which was (were) used during that week; counts will be conducted a minimum of 5 minutes/count. Wipes will be taken with water moistened filter paper or cotton swabs, wiping a 100 cm2 area, and placed in a vial with an appropriate volume of water-soluble liquid scintillation cockta il (5.0 ml for the small vials). Wipe results of greater than 3X background counts will indicate the need for re-washing and re-assessment of the area. Any add itional areas (based on use) will also be wiped. Additional wipes will be marked on the map with a number indicating the area and the resulting counts included below. If additional wipes are needed, Simply re-number this form for your needs and not the act ivity and reason on an attached page . All counts are to be stored in the log.

Avg Background Cou nts:__________

Area DPM Area DPM Area DPM 1 21 41

2 22 42

3 23 43

4 24 44

5 25 45

6 26 46

7 27 47

8 28 48

9 29 49

10 30 50

11 31 51

12 32 52

13 33 53

14 34 54

15 35 55

16 36 56

17 37 57

18 38 58

Step-by-step Guide to Direct Monitoring - Before You Start

1 Don protective 1 Don protective equipment (e.g. gloves)equipment (e.g. gloves) 2 Check your Geiger2 Check your Geiger counter:counter:

- battery test- battery test- note background - note background radiation levelradiation level- turn on speaker- turn on speaker- check probe with- check probe with check sourcecheck source

Step-by-step Guide to Direct Monitoring, How-to

3 Switch Geiger counter to lowest multiplier, 3 Switch Geiger counter to lowest multiplier, usually X1usually X1

4 Hold probe window 1 cm from the surface 4 Hold probe window 1 cm from the surface you are surveyingyou are surveying

5 Move probe over surface at a rate of about 1 5 Move probe over surface at a rate of about 1 cm/secondcm/second

6 If surveying for alpha or beta contamination, 6 If surveying for alpha or beta contamination, do not cover probe with parafilm or plastic wrapdo not cover probe with parafilm or plastic wrap

Step-by-step Guide to Swipe Surveys- General Tips

Change gloves frequentlyChange gloves frequently Avoid cross-contaminating samplesAvoid cross-contaminating samples Use filter paper or cotton swabsUse filter paper or cotton swabs

Step-by-step Guide to Swipe Surveys, How-to

1. Don protective equipment (e.g., gloves)1. Don protective equipment (e.g., gloves) 2. Lightly moisten swipe with alcohol or 2. Lightly moisten swipe with alcohol or

waterwater 3. Using uniform pressure, “swipe” an area 3. Using uniform pressure, “swipe” an area

about 100-200 cmabout 100-200 cm2 2 (survey a discrete area (survey a discrete area so that if contamination is found the area so that if contamination is found the area will be easier to identify)will be easier to identify)

Radioactive Material Delivery

Deliveries are generally performed every weekday Deliveries are generally performed every weekday afternoon except for University holidaysafternoon except for University holidays

All packages are delivered the same day that they are All packages are delivered the same day that they are received; we will not hold a package unless absolutely received; we will not hold a package unless absolutely necessarynecessary

If you did not receive a package you were expecting, If you did not receive a package you were expecting, contact your business office, the vendor and the carrier contact your business office, the vendor and the carrier before calling the Radiation Safety Officerbefore calling the Radiation Safety Officer

Receipt of Radioactive Materials

Open containers with volatile, gaseous or readily Open containers with volatile, gaseous or readily dispersible materials in a fume hooddispersible materials in a fume hood

When you receive your shipment, check the inner When you receive your shipment, check the inner container for leakage- a simple swipe test is sufficientcontainer for leakage- a simple swipe test is sufficient

If there is a problem with the shipment, notify the If there is a problem with the shipment, notify the Radiation Safety Officer immediatelyRadiation Safety Officer immediately

Remember to document the receipt if radioactive Remember to document the receipt if radioactive material in your lab’s recordsmaterial in your lab’s records

Personnel Monitoring

Personnel monitoring Personnel monitoring devices are assigned at the devices are assigned at the discretion of the Radiation discretion of the Radiation Safety Officer in Safety Officer in accordance with all accordance with all applicable rules and applicable rules and regulationregulation

The Care and Feeding of Your Dosimeter

Always:Always: make available for make available for

exchange on the exchange on the appropriate exchange appropriate exchange datedate

report contamination report contamination of dosimetryof dosimetry

store away from store away from radioactive sourcesradioactive sources

Never:Never: share dosimetryshare dosimetry remove film from remove film from

holderholder expose to heatexpose to heat take off campustake off campus intentionally expose to intentionally expose to

radiationradiation

Wearing Dosimeters

Whole BodyWhole Body wear between neckline wear between neckline

and waist unless and waist unless otherwise instructedotherwise instructed

wear with name on wear with name on badge facing outwardsbadge facing outwards

ExtremityExtremity the label side of the the label side of the

ring should usually ring should usually face the palmface the palm

wear gloves over ring, wear gloves over ring, if possibleif possible

Missing Dosimeters

If you lose, damage or fail to make If you lose, damage or fail to make dosimeters available for exchange you will dosimeters available for exchange you will be required to provide a detailed description be required to provide a detailed description of all radioactive sources in use during the of all radioactive sources in use during the wear periodwear period

Storage of Radioactive Waste

Each radioactive waste container must have a Each radioactive waste container must have a “Caution Radioactive Materials” sign/label“Caution Radioactive Materials” sign/label

Radioactive waste containers Radioactive waste containers mustmust be stored in a be stored in a controlled areacontrolled area

Radioactive Waste Types

Solid

Liquid

Sharps Carcass

Solid Radioactive Waste

Segregate waste into three categories:Segregate waste into three categories: glass and plastic that cannot be decontaminated glass and plastic that cannot be decontaminated

easilyeasily paper, gloves, etc.paper, gloves, etc. short-lived waste (Tshort-lived waste (T1/21/2 < 90 days) to be held for < 90 days) to be held for

decaydecay Line containers with clear plastic bags at least 4 Line containers with clear plastic bags at least 4

mils thickmils thick Do Do notnot put liquids into the solid waste put liquids into the solid waste

Liquid Waste

OrganicOrganic store in 1 - 5 gal store in 1 - 5 gal

plastic carboys with plastic carboys with outer containmentouter containment

filter out solids (use filter out solids (use 60 mesh screen)60 mesh screen)

pH must be adjusted to pH must be adjusted to between 6.8 and 8.0between 6.8 and 8.0

AqueousAqueous low activity waste can low activity waste can

be disposed into the be disposed into the sanitary sewer system sanitary sewer system in specific amounts in specific amounts and/or concentrations and/or concentrations with prior approval with prior approval from the Radiation from the Radiation Safety Officer Safety Officer onlyonly

Radioactive “Sharps”

radioactive sharps are items such radioactive sharps are items such as Pasteur pipettes, syringes and as Pasteur pipettes, syringes and hypodermic needles hypodermic needles

most glass items (test tubes, vials, most glass items (test tubes, vials, etc.) can be decontaminated and etc.) can be decontaminated and should should notnot be disposed of as be disposed of as radioactive sharpsradioactive sharps

Radioactive Carcasses

Prior arrangements must be made with the Prior arrangements must be made with the Radiation Safety Officer for disposal of Radiation Safety Officer for disposal of

radioactive carcassesradioactive carcasses

User Definitions

Principle Investigator - Tenure Track MSUM Faculty. Approved by Radiation Safety Committee

Workers - Those staff or research students, who are using radioactive materials under the supervision of a principle investigator

User Responsibility

Principle Investigator -Ensure that all procedures are authorized and followed.- Ensure surveys are conducted and reported-Monitor use and disposal of isotopes-Ensure their workers are trained

Workers - Must be trained and pass short course test-Must practice ALARA and monitor use-Conduct surveys and report spills or contamination

SL 222 Access

Principle Investigator - Has full access to side rooms and main room keys

Workers - May only have access to outside doors of SL222 after passing test. Can not have full access to side rooms. Must get those keys from PI.

MSUM Radiation Safety Manual

The MSUM Radiation Safety The MSUM Radiation Safety Manual contains information Manual contains information

that all users of radiation that all users of radiation sources at MSUM should knowsources at MSUM should know

Permission to usePermission to use Worker and PI responsibilitiesWorker and PI responsibilities Health DefinitionsHealth Definitions Forms in the handbook and on the web Forms in the handbook and on the web web.mnstate.edu/provost/radsafe.htmlweb.mnstate.edu/provost/radsafe.html

MSUM Radiation AuthorizationNow What?Now What?

Rad Safe Test - take on your ownRad Safe Test - take on your own You must take the MSUM Rad Safe test and You must take the MSUM Rad Safe test and

pass with a score of 75%pass with a score of 75% The test is found on-line.The test is found on-line. Sign and agree to info on the test formSign and agree to info on the test form Complete forms 1 and 2 (also found online)Complete forms 1 and 2 (also found online) Turn forms and test to Dr ProvostTurn forms and test to Dr Provost

Orientation - you must make apptOrientation - you must make appt Conducted by RSO (Dr. Provost)Conducted by RSO (Dr. Provost) Tour / review of site and storageTour / review of site and storage Answer questions on use and proceduresAnswer questions on use and procedures Wipe test/Survey reviewWipe test/Survey review Key control / access privilegeKey control / access privilege Web site & Handbook reviewWeb site & Handbook review

radiation safety training short course at msum radiation safety officer joseph j provost

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