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THE
ORCBS > Radiation
Safety
> Radiation
Safety Manual
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 Labeling
Requirements
Work areas, trays,
racks, stock solutions, tools, equipment, etc., which contain radioactive
material or are contaminated must be labeled with radioactive materials
tape. The label must contain the radioisotope present, date, and
the total activity in disintegrations per minute (DPM) or microcuries.
It is not reasonable to expect that each tube or vial be labeled,
but the container, tray or rack that holds them must be labeled. (For
example, scintillation vials do not need to be individually labeled,
but the tray or box that they are stored in must have the above described
label). The "rule of thumb" is that if there is radiation
above the background in or on something, it must be labeled.
For contaminated
equipment which is in frequent use, the isotope, date and maximum
activity which may be present at any given time is to be written
on the radioactive warning label. For equipment which is used for
radioactive materials, but is not contaminated (equipment which
the staff wishes to identify for radioactive use), a label with
the radioactive materials warning, "Caution, Radioactive Materials",
may be used. Labels are not required if the equipment is not contaminated.
All radioactive
waste must be similarly labeled with the above described information.
Bench top waste containers are to be labeled in the same method
as for radioactive materials in use or storage. As soon as radioactive
waste is placed in the radioactive waste container, all information
on the waste tag must be filled out.
Work areas must
be labeled with the "Caution Radioactive Materials" sign,
or marked off with the radioactive warning label tape. If the area
is seldom used for radioactive materials, the area may be labeled
only for the duration of the use, providing that it is surveyed
for contamination and is free of contamination before the labels
are removed. If the work area is frequently used, it is best to
label the area permanently. For work areas frequently used for radioactive
materials work, and which may contain contaminated equipment, the
area may be labeled with a maximum reasonable amount of activity,
the radioisotope, the date and the "Caution Radioactive Materials"
warning.
Each room in
which radioactive materials are used must bear a label on doors
to the room. These labels must have the radioactive warning symbol,
and the name and telephone numbers of the principal investigator
and one other person who is knowledgeable about the radioactive
materials uses in the room(s). These labels are for emergency response
purposes, and should have the non-working hours telephone numbers
where a responsible and knowledgeable individual may be reached
in the event of emergency. These labels must not be disposed in
the regular trash.
Bioassays
Radiation
Safety Manual Table of Contents
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