Hazardous Materials

• Leave the area of the spill first and proceed to a safe location nearby. Then assess if you have the proper training and protective gear to clean up the spill
• If you are able to clean up the spill, follow proper cleanup procedures and use proper personal protection. Manage the generated waste as appropriate. Consult your supervisor if necessary
• Isolate the spill area to keep everyone away, and post signs as necessary

• During normal business hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m., M-F), you can call Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) directly at Ext. 66485 or 410-546-6485.
• During off-hours, call University Police at Ext. 36222 or 410-543-6222. University Police will call EHS.

Release or spillage of <100 microcuries of a radionuclide in a nonvolatile from can generally be regarded as minor. In such cases:

1. Notify all other persons in the room at once.

2. Clear the room of all persons except those needed to deal with the spill.

3. Confine the spill immediately.

   • Liquids: Drop absorbent paper or chemical (calcium bentonite) on the spill.

   • Solids: Dampen thoroughly, taking care not to spread contamination. Use water, unless a chemical reaction would release air contaminants; otherwise use oil.

4. Notify the laboratory supervisor, if applicable.

5. Notify the environmental safety officer at 410-543-6485 or Ext. 36485.

A spill of >100 microcuries of a radionuclide outside a fume hood or the release of any amount of a radionuclide in a volatile form, should be considered a major spill. In such cases:

1. Evacuate the room immediately, shutting doors and windows on the way out.

2. Notify the laboratory supervisor, if applicable.

3. Notify the environmental safety officer at 410-543-6485 or Ext. 36485.

4. Post a “Keep Out” sign on the laboratory door.

5. Assemble those persons who were present in the laboratory when the spill occurred, but remain far enough away to assure everyone’s safety.

6. Wait for assistance.

Medical assistance is of first priority when an accident involving personal injury occurs. Administer first aid and/or call 911 for emergency assistance. Do not delay or impede medical assistance, but notify emergency personnel that radioactive materials are involved in order to prevent the spread of contamination and to prevent the risk of exposure to medical personnel. Notify the Environmental Safety Manager as soon as possible. When the injured person is removed from the scene of the accident, follow the procedure for “Minor Spills” or “Major Spills,” as appropriate.

1. Notify the environmental safety officer immediately.

2. Remove all contaminated laboratory personal protective clothing (lab coat, gloves, etc.)

3. Wash contaminated area with mild soap and water.

4. Monitor the contaminated area.

5. Repeat washing as necessary.

In the event that surfaces or equipment within the laboratory are suspected or determined to be contaminated with radioactive material, the radionuclide user must initiate and complete appropriate decontamination procedure. For most relatively minor contamination incidents, the following general steps should be taken upon discovery of the contamination:

1. Mark the perimeter of the contaminated area.

2. Notify the Environmental Safety Manager, of the contamination so that she/he can more accurately assess the extent of the contamination and advise and assist in the decontamination effort.

3. Assemble cleaning supplies such as paper towels, detergent in water, plastic bags, and plastic gloves.

4. Proceed with scrubbing the area from the borders to the center, cleaning small areas at a time.

5. Periodically monitor the effectiveness of the decontamination effort with surface wipes and portable instrument surveys.

6. Place all contaminated cleaning materials such as paper towels, rags, and gloves in a plastic bag and label as radioactive waste.

7. Notify the environmental safety officer upon completion of the decontamination effort so that a follow-up contamination survey can be made.