Boston University Medical Center
CALL THE RADIATION SAFETY OFFICER WHENEVER QUESTIONS ARISE CONCERNING A RADIATION HAZARD OR PROPER PRACTICES IN WORKING WITH RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL. EMERGENCY EXTENSIONS DURING THE DAY – X 8-7001
(NON-EMERGENCY X 8-7052) OFF-HOURS CONTROL CENTER X 8-6666
REGULATIONS GOVERNING
THE USE OF RADIOISOTOPES
AUTHORIZATION
Only those individuals authorized by the Radiation Safety Officer may use, bring into, or remove from the Center any radioisotopes. Every individual working with radioisotopes or in radiation-controlled areas must be registered with the Radiation Safety Office.
TRAINING
Only those individuals who have been appropriately trained to ensure safe working habits and prevention of exposure to others or contamination of the surroundings may work with radioisotopes.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Work with radioisotopes must be done in accordance with the BUMC Safety Manual issued by the Radiation Safety Officer and available from his office.
These regulations cover maximum exposure limits, posting of areas, monitoring procedures, procurement, delivery, storage, waste disposal, records, transportation, protective clothing, contamination, work habits, and procedures, accidents, and termination of work.
NOTIFICATION
The Radiation Protection Office (8-7052) must be promptly notified of all accidents involving possible personnel and area contamination. This includes overexposure to radiation, spread of contamination, or difficulty cleaning up a contaminated area.
The Radiation Protection Officer must be notified in the event of loss or misplacement of radioisotopes and sources. The Radiation Safety Officer shall be promptly notified of any unsafe practices with radioactive materials.
RULES FOR EFFECTIVE
RADIATION SAFETY
- Ensure that only individuals authorized by the Radiation Protection Office have access to radioactive materials.
- Keep external radiation exposure to a minimum by planning your work habits with minimum exposure in mind. Do not linger unnecessarily in radiation areas. Use remote handling tools and shielding for significant sources.
- Ensure work practices prevent or minimize the potential for ingestion, inhalation, and dermal absorption of radioactive materials by considering time, distance, and shielding.
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves, lab coat, and close-toed shoes when in the laboratory.
- Do not drink, store, or eat food in any laboratory or laboratory area.
- Wash and monitor hands when operations are completed.
- In the event of a significant spill or accidental release:
Restrict access to contaminated area(s).
Prevent spread of contamination with absorbent material.
Notify the Radiation Protection Office.
- In the event of personnel contamination (suspected or known):
Remove and isolate any contaminated clothing.
Wash contaminated skin with soap and water for at least 3 minutes.
Notify the Radiation Protection Office.
BOSTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER
RADIATION PROTECTION OFFICE
EXT. 8-7052
CALL THE RADIATION SAFETY OFFICER WHENEVER QUESTIONS ARISE CONCERNING A RADIATION HAZARD OR PROPER PRACTICES IN WORKING WITH RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL. EMERGENCY EXTENSIONS DURING THE DAY – X 8-7001
(NON-EMERGENCY X 8-7052) OFF-HOURS CONTROL CENTER X 8-6666