CHAPTER IX - HEALTH PHYSICS EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

Health physics emergencies in laboratories utilizing radioactive material will usually be limited to minor spills. The potential does exist, however for emergencies involving the creation of significant radiation hazards. These incidents may be complicated by injuries to personnel.

In all emergency situations the primary concern must always be the protection of personnel from radiation and non-radiation hazards. The secondary concern is to confine contamination. Medical assistance should not be withheld or delayed because of contamination of personnel by radioactive material.

9.1 Minor Spills Involving No Radiation Hazard to Personnel

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

2. Confine the spill immediately, but make no attempt to clean up the spill.
   1. For liquid spills, don protective gloves and place absorbent paper on the spill.
   2. For dry spills, don protective gloves and place lightly moistened absorbent paper on the spill, taking care not to spread contamination.

3. If the spill is on the skin, flush thoroughly with water. If the spill is on the clothing, discard outer clothing at once.

4. Notify the ORS immediately.

   ORS	8 to 5 Mon.-Fri.	(480) 965-6140
   DPS	Nights/Weekends	(480) 965-3456
   Fire Department	(Do not dial 8)	911

5. Permit no one to resume work in the area or leave the premises without approval of the RSO or his/her designated representative.

9.2 Accidents Involving Radioactive Dusts, Mists, Fumes, Organic Vapors and Gases
1. Notify all personnel to vacate the room immediately.

2. Hold breath, close all windows and escape valves, and switch off circulating air.

3. Vacate the room.

4. Notify the ORS at once.

5. Ascertain that all doors giving access to the room are closed and locked. If necessary, post guards to prevent accidental opening of doors.

6. Do not re-enter the room or permit anyone to leave the premises until the approval of the RSO or his/her designated representative is obtained.

9.3 Injuries to Personnel Involving Radiation Hazards

1. Wash minor wounds immediately under running water.

2. Report all radiation accidents (wound, over-exposure, ingestion, inhalation) to the ORS immediately.

3. Call a physician as needed.

4. Do not permit personnel involved in a radiation injury incident to return to work or leave the premises without the approval of the RSO or the physician.

9.4 Fires
1. Use normal fire emergency procedures for control of the fire and evacuation of the personnel.

2. Notify the ORS immediately.