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Opening shipments

· Usually, the greatest amount of radioactive material is handled when the isotope stock bottle is opened. If the material is such that there is a possible pressure buildup during shipment or storage, the container should be opened in an appropriate containment.

· A fume hood is a good place to open packages.

· Always assume the outside of the primary container (the vial) is contaminated and handle with gloves.

Direct handling of radioactive materials

· The greatest source of inadvertent contamination is caused by contact with contaminated work gloves. Nearly all isotope work will involve some direct handling of open isotope containers. Whenever this occurs, assume your gloves are contaminated.

· Change gloves if a”clean” item is to be handled. Check your gloves/lab coat often (with a survey meter, except for H3).

· If you need to wear the gloves away from the work area be aware of the potential for contamination.

· A dry run may show when gloves should be changed.

· Cap solutions that are not to be used immediately.

· Do not pipette radioactive material by any mouth procedure.

Remote handling of radioactive materials

· Some isotopes may present an external exposure hazard.

· Some remote manipulation may be necessary.

· Use of tongs, forceps, pliers, etc., may lower radiation dose.

· Metal implements should be rubbertipped for a more secure grip.

· If you use an unfamiliar technique, it should first be practiced with lowhazard materials or a dry run.

· Handling tools are likely to become contaminated and should be checked and cleaned as needed.

· These tools need to be properly labeled.

Transferring radioactive materials off campus

Contact Radiation Safety at least 48 hours prior to shipment. Radiation

Safety will:

a) help you package the materials.

b) verify that the shipment is allowed (to new location).

c) take care of the paperwork.

d) help ship and track the shipment.

e) help resolve shipping problems (especially if the materials are being shipped out of the United States.

Transferring radioactive materials on campus

· Contact Radiation Safety before transferring radioactive materials between RUAs.

· When making liquid transfers, use double containment to prevent spills.

· For large volumes of radioactive solution or waste, a tray or tub should be used so all the liquid can be contained in case of a spill.

· When moving an isotope solution away from the bench, secondary containment is almost always needed.

· Use rigid, covered unbreakable carriers, if isotopes are to be transferred through public use areas (such as hallways).