Contact Research Laboratory & Safety Services at (520) 626-6850 in the event of any emergency. If there is no answer, or if it is after hours, contact the University Police at (520) 621-8273.
A Spill is
- Any accidental or unplanned release of radioactive material to the environment
- The presence of contamination in any unrestricted area
- The presence of widespread contamination in any restricted area
- Any personnel contamination, and/or
- A ruptured or leaking sealed source
All Spills
Confine/contain the spill, if it can be done safely.
- Cover liquid spills with absorbent paper
- Carefully dampen or cover powders to prevent dispersion
- Turn off all devices which may spread contamination
- Turn containers upright
Minor Spills – Contained with no Significant Hazard to Personnel
- Notify the Approval Holder and the Approval Safety Coordinator
- Do not let personnel who may be contaminated leave the general are a until they have been cleared
- Keep personnel not essential to decontamination out of the spill area
- Decontaminate the area
- For assistance, call Research Laboratory & Safety Services
- Do not resume normal operations in the spill area until decontamination has been completed
Major Spills – Not Contained with Possible Significant Hazard to Personnel. Including all Iodine-125 Incidents
- Call Research Laboratory & Safety Services
- DO NOT attempt to decontaminate without the assistance of Research Laboratory & Safety Services
- Notify the Approval Holder, Approval Safety Coordinator, and personnel in the immediate area
- Leave the immediate area and lock the door. Remove contaminated garments before leaving area
- Prohibit entry to the contaminated area. Do not allow persons who are potentially contaminated to leave the vicinity of the spill
- Remain nearby to provide information when help arrives
- Research Laboratory & Safety Services will declare when operations can resume
Ruptured or Leaking Sealed Source
- Do not move source or device
- Follow procedure for “MAJOR SPILLS” above
Injuries or Ingestion
- For minor injuries, wash injury with mild soap and running water and administer first aid
- For serious injuries, call “911” and inform dispatcher radioactive material is involved
- Report all injury and ingestion incidents to Research Laboratory & Safety Services
Contact Research Laboratory & Safety Services at (520) 626-6850 or rlss@email.arizona.edu for additional information.