Safe Handling

Designate an area for using radionuclides and clearly label all radioactive containers with “ Caution Radioactive Material ” signs.
Wear lab coats, gloves, and safety glasses when working with radioactivity.
Increase your distance (e.g., forceps with rubber sleeves) when handling unshielded stock solutions with high-energy beta or gamma emitting nuclides.
Perform a “dry” run whenever you plan to do a new procedure.
Control potential contamination by covering work areas with absorbent paper, use drip trays, and frequently survey & clean your work area.
Survey your hands frequently during and at the end of procedures involving the use of radioactivity. Survey your work at the completion of your work and document that survey.
Mouth pipetting, eating and drinking and applying cosmetics are prohibited in radionuclide labs.
If you think you have ingested or inhaled any radioactive material, contact the RSO immediately.
Use a fume hood to perform all potentially volatile procedures.
Dispose of radioactive waste when generated.
Do not work over open radioactive containers. Utilize time, distance and shielding.

For additional information contact the Radiation Safety Program at 439-7743.

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