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A Guide to Radiation Safety for Employees at the State University of New York at Buffalo

Radioactive material has been safely used in a wide variety of research programs at the University of Buffalo since the mid-1950's. Many University employees in the course of their duties are required to enter and work in areas where radioactive material is used or stored. This guide is designed for that employee who may have questions concerning radiation safety.

Radioactive Materials Use at the University at Buffalo

Possession and use of radioactive material at the State University of New York at Buffalo is authorized under a license issued by the New York State Department of Health.

EH&S Radiation Safety implements a Radiation Safety Program required under this license. This program is designed to protect the health and safety of the members of the University Community and the public by maintaining exposures to radioactive materials as low as reasonably achievable.

Radiation Cautionary Signs

All items used for radioactive materials work in the labs such as test tubes, glassware, refrigerators, bench tops, water baths, fume hoods, etc., are required to be labeled with "Caution - Radioactive Material" signs or stickers.

The basic cautionary sign is shown here. Actual signs are may vary in size and include other explanatory information. All work areas are designated with similar cautionary signs.

In addition, every laboratory authorized for radioactive material use is posted with a "Caution Radioactive Materials Laboratory" sign and one of several classification types. This classification system serves as a guide to determine the quantities of radioactive materials allowed in the labs and to alert others to the kinds of radioactivity and potential hazard in a particular area.

These classifications fall into the following categories: Low, Medium and High. In addition, there are a Sealed Source Lab Only, Teaching Lab and Waste Storage Only classifications.

Also indicated on the classification sign are emergency phone numbers.

Instructions for Employees

Under normal conditions, entry into any class radioactive materials laboratory for deliveries, housekeeping duties, etc. does not present a hazard. Such employees do not require film badges since their duties do not involve working directly with radioactive material. The following set of rules should be observed at all times:

OBEY all cautionary signs. They mean what they say.

• REPORT any unusual event, such as spilled material from a container labeled with a radioactive material sticker, a radioactive materials storage freezer without power (and defrosting), etc. These situations if left unchecked could develop into a more serious problem.
• Also, State law requires individuals to report any condition which may lead to unnecessary exposure to radiation or radioactive material.
• Report the incident to your SUPERVISOR and the PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR and then to RADIATION SAFETY at 829-3281. Between 5:00 pm and 8:30 am, RADIATION SAFETY can be reached by calling University Police at 645-2222.

DO NOT PERFORM any work on items labeled with radioactive cautionary signs.

• Before working on items suspected of being contaminated with radioactive material UNLESS a "safe to proceed" Maintenance work order has been issued or approval has been received from RADIATION SAFETY. Examples are: Changing the light bulbs in a fume hood, working on the plumbing in a lab sink, fixing a refrigerator, water bath, etc. which are used in a radioactive materials lab may result in contamination of tools, equipment or personnel.
• Before attempting to perform work like this, make sure the area has been properly inspected.
• IF IN DOUBT, CALL RADIATION SAFETY at 829-3281

DO NOT HANDLE items that are labeled with a Cautionary Signs.

• These items may be contaminated with radioactive material. In the lab, workers would normally handle such items wearing protective clothing and gloves.

DO NOT HANDLE or EMPTY radioactive waste containers.

• Radioactive waste must be disposed of properly. It must not be released to normal trash.

DO NOT DUST or CLEAN radioactive material work stations.

• Unless specifically told to do so by the Senior Investigator or the individual responsible for the lab, no housekeeping activities should be performed in radioactive work areas. For example, those areas that have a radioactive material sticker or other sign posted. Doing so may cause the spread of radioactive contamination.

DO NOT EAT, DRINK or SMOKE in radioactive material laboratories.

• Doing so increases the risk of accidentally ingesting radioactive material.

DO NOT attempt to CLEAN UP A RADIOACTIVE SPILL.

• Only trained individuals with the proper protective clothing should attempt to clean a radioactive spill. If not monitored with special equipment, contamination could spread to other areas.

Emergency Procedures

In case any worker becomes accidentally contaminated with radioactive material or if contamination is suspected:

1. INFORM OTHERS in the area to stay away from any suspected contamination.
2. REPORT the incident to your supervisor and then to Radiation Safety. During the hours of 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, call Radiation Safety at 829-3281. Between 5:00 pm and 8:30 am, call University Police at 645-2222 who will in turn contact Radiation Safety.
3. If accidentally contaminated on the skin, remain calm. You are not in any danger if you follow a few simple rules: WASH OFF with soap and water. Remove any contaminated clothing. MINIMIZE MOVEMENT to prevent further spread of the material. Stay near the area, do not walk around, have other individuals contact help. Do not eat, drink, smoke and avoid contact with the eyes, nose mouth or open wounds. DO NOT LEAVE the area until cleared by Radiation Safety.

The Radiation Safety staff is available anytime to answer questions concerning radiation safety at the State University of New York at Buffalo. Call us at 829-3281.