Decay-In-Storage

Separate the solid and liquid radioactive wastes by nuclides.

Radioisotopes having a physical half-life of 120 days or less may be disposed as non-radioactive waste after being held for decay for at least 10 half-lives.

The materials must be placed in room B-21 of the Greenhouse in appropriate containers labeled with the Permit Holder's name, name of the isotope, and the date sealed.

After 10 half-lives have elasped, each bag or container must be survyed in a low-background area using a calibrated survey meter. When radiation levels are indistinguishable from background, the waste can be disposed of as normal waste, provided all radiation labels are removed or obliterated prior to disposal.

Liquid Scintillation Counter Vials and Stock Vials

• LSC Vials should NOT BE EMPTIED. Place the used vials into the drums labeled with your appropriate Permit Holder name and nuclide name
• When the isotopes are decayed to at least 10 half-lives, then dispose as trash

Sewerage Disposal

Aqueous radioactive wastes that are readily soluble in water may be disposed of via the sanitary sewerage system. The concentration can not exceed the limits specified in Column 3 in the Allowable Dispoal Table

Records of disposal will be maintained by the Permit Holder

Major Spill Response Procedure

No matter how careful we are, we are all vulnerable to having accidents. If a major spill occures, please follow this general procedure

1. Immediately notify the laboratory supervisor

2. Stop the read of radioactive material. If there is any sign of hallway contamination, run a rope across the hall at least 10 feet from the door on both sides of the lab. USe Caution signs and duct tape. Enforce the no-pass rule, station someone to stop traffic

3. Warn others in the laboratory. This will help minimize the spread of contamination

4. Survey yourself and all lab personnel. Record the results i.e. Fred left shoe: 10,000 cpm GM at 1 cm; Betty palm of right hand: 950 cpm GM at 1 cm. Play particular attention to skin contamination

5. Instruct otheres to survey their own labs

6. Call for help
   Radiation Protection Officer: Vacant 
   • Ray Glahn (5-2452)
   • Leon Kochian (5-2454)
   • Cornell EH&S (5-8200)

Minor Spill Response Procedure

1. Monitor yourself

2. Avoid tracking spilled material

3. Repeatedly clean until no radioactive remains

4. Package clean-up material as radiactive waste

5. If help is still necessary, than contact:
   Radiation Protection Officer: Vacant
   • Ray Glahn (5-2452)
   • Leon Kochian (5-2454)
   • Cornell EH&S (5-8200)