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Clean Laboratory Conditions and Containment

1. Maintain neat and clean work areas. Clutter, debris and crowded conditions interfere with the careful handling required in hazardous materials use.
2. Follow experimental procedures carefully. Radioisotope approvals are contingent upon following the procedures, statements and representations made in the principal investigator's approval. Departures from the procedures may place the approval in jeopardy.
3. Use absorbent poly-backed laboratory paper, with the plastic side down, to protect surfaces from inadvertent spills or splashes. Laboratory benches, fume hoods, trays containing samples, waste areas and floors in the radioactive work areas are some of the locations where absorbent paper is useful.
4. Use secondary containment for all radioactive solutions, samples, liquid waste or any other hazardous materials which may be spilled. Use trays, boxes, bus trays and other types of secondary containment to catch spills, splashes and possible container ruptures.
5. When transporting radioactive materials, use a cart; this will prevent accidentally dropping or tipping the container.
6. Clean up the work areas and survey for contamination after work is finished. If contamination is present, decontaminate or dispose of the contaminated materials.
7. Use tightly sealed or capped containers when moving, heating, centrifuging or vortexing. Spills, evaporation, gases, container breakage or splashes may occur in any procedure where energy is put into the system.
8. Label all radioactive materials and areas where radioactive materials are used, stored or disposed.

Unattended Operations

Radiation Safety Manual Table of Contents