Radiation Incident

Radiation Incident Steps

Minor Spills

Incidents that involve the release or spillage of fewer than 100 microcuries of a radionuclide can generally be regarded as "minor." In such cases:

Notify all other persons in the room at once.
Clear room of all persons except those needed to deal with the spill.
Confine liquid spills by dropping absorbent media on spill.
Confine solid spills by dampening thoroughly, taking care not to spread contamination:

Use inert absorbent material (kaolin clay, "Kitty Litter").
Otherwise use paper towels, if no chemical reaction will result.

Notify your laboratory supervisor immediately.
Notify the Radiation Safety Office at 405-744-7890.
After hours, dial 911 and notify the Radiation Safety Officer at 405-744-7890.

Major Spills or Release

An incident that occurs outside a fume hood and that involves the release of more than 100 microcuries of a radionuclide should be considered "major." In such cases:

Evacuate the room immediately, shut doors and windows on the way out.
Notify the laboratory supervisor.
Notify the Radiation Safety Office at 405-744-7890.
After hours, dial 911 and notify the Radiation Safety Officer at 405-744-7890.
Post a "Keep Out" sign on the laboratory door.
In a safe place, assemble all persons who were present in the lab.
Wait for assistance.

Personnel Contamination

Notify the Radiation Safety Office immediately at 405-744-7890.
Remove all contaminated laboratory personal protective clothing (lab coat, gloves, etc.).
If possible, wash the contaminated area with mild soap and water.
Flush eyes with clean water only. Repeat washing as necessary.
REMINDER: Never impede or delay medical assistance because of radiation contamination.