12.9 Decontamination of Apparatus
199
12.9.2 Disposal of Radioactive Waste
Unlike chemical laboratory, where chemicals and washings coming out of the apparatus are normally thrown into the drainage, in the radiochemical laboratory, a very
special care has to be taken for disposing any radioactive chemicals, because it might
cause danger to the public, as well as to the personnel working in the building of
the radiochemical laboratory. Therefore, safe disposal of radioactive waste material
arising as a result of the experimental work in a tracer laboratory should be considered before such work commences. The disposal of active material must also be done
with the consent of local Medical Officer (Safety Officer) of Health and a record of
it should be kept for checking. However, the following precautions must be adhered
to while disposing the radioactive waste:
1. Short-lived materials should be stored in some unfrequented place until their
activities have decayed to a sufficiently low level for disposal as an inactive
waste.
2. The long-lived radioactive isotopes, especially highly toxic isotopes, such as
Strontium-90, or α-emitter isotopes are concentrated and sent to the Atomic
Energy Establishment. However, moderately toxic or slightly toxic isotopes are
disposed into water drainage, provided the dose-rate at the surface of the tap is
not above the maximum permissible level.
3. It is preferable to dilute carrier free materials of high specific activity with a nonradioactive carrier (which should be in the same chemical form as the active material). This decreases the specific activity and reduces the health hazard. Radioactive diluted liquids should be poured into those sinks which are directly connected
to the main drainage system of the building by closed drains. The dose-rate at the
surface of the tap should not exceed 10 mrad/8hr a day.
4. In the tracer laboratory, gas disposal is not normally necessary. However, the gases
coming out of the fume cupboards are filtered and filtered gases are disposed to
the atmosphere. It is preferable to monitor the filter periodically in order to check
radiation level due to any possible radioactive dusts.
12.10 Discipline in the Radioactive Laboratory
The object of discipline in the radioactive laboratory is to prevent radioactive contamination and to safeguard the health of the worker. In each radioactive laboratory
certain rules are set up by the Safety Officer, and the workers must obey them.
The following are a few brief outlines of such rules:
1. A laboratory coat or apron with a film badge should always be worn while in the
active area and must be taken off when coming to the inactive area. This rule is
made to minimize contamination.
2. Rubber gloves should be worn when performing chemical manipulations with
radioactive materials. If there is any cut on the hand, the rubber gloves must
199
12.9.2 Disposal of Radioactive Waste
Unlike chemical laboratory, where chemicals and washings coming out of the apparatus are normally thrown into the drainage, in the radiochemical laboratory, a very
special care has to be taken for disposing any radioactive chemicals, because it might
cause danger to the public, as well as to the personnel working in the building of
the radiochemical laboratory. Therefore, safe disposal of radioactive waste material
arising as a result of the experimental work in a tracer laboratory should be considered before such work commences. The disposal of active material must also be done
with the consent of local Medical Officer (Safety Officer) of Health and a record of
it should be kept for checking. However, the following precautions must be adhered
to while disposing the radioactive waste:
1. Short-lived materials should be stored in some unfrequented place until their
activities have decayed to a sufficiently low level for disposal as an inactive
waste.
2. The long-lived radioactive isotopes, especially highly toxic isotopes, such as
Strontium-90, or α-emitter isotopes are concentrated and sent to the Atomic
Energy Establishment. However, moderately toxic or slightly toxic isotopes are
disposed into water drainage, provided the dose-rate at the surface of the tap is
not above the maximum permissible level.
3. It is preferable to dilute carrier free materials of high specific activity with a nonradioactive carrier (which should be in the same chemical form as the active material). This decreases the specific activity and reduces the health hazard. Radioactive diluted liquids should be poured into those sinks which are directly connected
to the main drainage system of the building by closed drains. The dose-rate at the
surface of the tap should not exceed 10 mrad/8hr a day.
4. In the tracer laboratory, gas disposal is not normally necessary. However, the gases
coming out of the fume cupboards are filtered and filtered gases are disposed to
the atmosphere. It is preferable to monitor the filter periodically in order to check
radiation level due to any possible radioactive dusts.
12.10 Discipline in the Radioactive Laboratory
The object of discipline in the radioactive laboratory is to prevent radioactive contamination and to safeguard the health of the worker. In each radioactive laboratory
certain rules are set up by the Safety Officer, and the workers must obey them.
The following are a few brief outlines of such rules:
1. A laboratory coat or apron with a film badge should always be worn while in the
active area and must be taken off when coming to the inactive area. This rule is
made to minimize contamination.
2. Rubber gloves should be worn when performing chemical manipulations with
radioactive materials. If there is any cut on the hand, the rubber gloves must