In the event of a spill or an emergency involving radioactive material, the immediate objectives are to:

1. render first aid, if necessary;
2. prevent or reduce the chance of personal contamination;
3. prevent dispersal of the contaminant;
4. begin personnel decontamination, if necessary; and
5. decontaminate the area under the supervision of the Radiation Safety Program personnel. All individuals working with radioactive materials should be familiar with these procedures.

UWM Police:   9-911 from a campus phone; 229-4627 from WATER Institute or UWM Field Station

UWM Police are able to contact Radiation Safety Program staff 24 hours/day.

Radiation Safety Program:   229-4275 or 229-6339 (business hours)

Refer to Appendix R for additional emergency numbers.

Minor spills and emergencies are those spills of a few microcuries of activity where the radionuclide does not become airborne and emergencies where there is no personal injury. Most minor spills can be handled by lab personnel utilizing the spill kit provided to each laboratory by the Radiation Safety Program. Detailed procedures to follow are:

1. Notify all individuals in the room at once.
2. Limit access to the area to those persons necessary to deal with the spill.

   Do not let other persons into the area until the spill is decontaminated.

3. Open the lab spill kit and obtain necessary supplies.
4. Confine the spill immediately.
   1. LIQUID SPILLS:

      Put on protective gloves and clothing.

      Drop absorbent paper or vermiculite on the spill.

   2. DRY SPILLS:

      Put on protective gloves and clothing.

      Dampen area thoroughly, taking care not to spread the contamination. Generally, water may be used, except where a chemical reaction with the water could generate an air contaminant or a chemical or physical hazard. Mineral oil or another predetermined organic solvent should then be used.

5. Notify Radiation Safety of the spill at the first opportunity. If after hours notify campus police who can contact members of the Radiation Safety Program staff.
6. Survey personnel involved with the spill before they disperse; decontaminate or change clothes as necessary.
7. Complete a systematic decontamination based on a pre-established plan of action.
8. Submit a written report of the accident to the Radiation Safety Officer.

   Include a complete history of the accident, subsequent corrective measures which were taken and signatures of all individuals involved.

Major spills and emergencies are those spills involving millicurie or greater activity, where airborne contamination occurs, or personal injury or fire are involved. These situations require additional assistance and these procedures should be followed:

1. During working hours, notify the Radiation Safety Officer (229-4275 or 229-6339) at once. During holidays, evenings, and weekends, call the UWM Police (9-911 from campus phones; 229-4627 from WATER Institute or UWM Field Station). Campus police will contact a member of the radiation safety staff. Consult emergency phone list for additional numbers.
2. Remove personnel from the area of the spill and hold them nearby until they can be checked for contamination by Radiation Safety Program staff.
3. If an individual is injured, apply immediate first aid as necessary. Do not let the possibility of radioactive contamination hinder first aid efforts. Decontamination of wounds, etc., can always be done after the victim's medical condition has been stabilized.
4. If the spill is liquid and the hands are protected, right the container by hand; otherwise, use tongs, a stick, or similar lever.
5. If the spill is on the skin, flush thoroughly with water and wash with soap or detergent.
6. If the spill is on clothing, remove the article at once and discard it in a plastic bag.
7. Shield the source spill if possible but only if it can be accomplished without further contamination or without significantly increasing your radiation exposure.
8. If the spill is airborne, evacuate the area at once. Switch off all ventilators and fans. Physical Plant should be contacted: 229-4742 during business hours or 229-4652 after hours.
9. Vacate and seal the room and go to a safe area, avoiding additional contamination of personnel. As practical, take precautions to limit the spread of contamination to other areas.
10. Take immediate steps to decontaminate personnel involved.
11. Decontaminate the area following a pre-established plan. The RSO or another member of the Radiation Safety staff will direct the decontamination procedure.
12. Monitor all personnel involved in a spill and cleanup.
13. Submit a written report of the accident to the Radiation Safety Officer.

    Include a complete history of the accident, as well as corrective measures taken, and signatures of all individuals involved.

The following is a guide to preparing histories or reports as required in this section:

1. What happened (i.e. type of accident, cause, how discovered, etc.)?
2. When (time and date)?
3. Where (building, floor, area, etc.)?
4. Who was involved (names and responsible staff members)?
5. Who was exposed to radiation or physically injured (name and extent of exposure or injury)?
6. Damage to facilities (University and non-University)?
7. Is radioactive contamination a problem?
8. What corrective actions were taken?

All individuals involved in the incident should sign the report. Once complete, forward the report to the Radiation Safety Officer (Lapham Hall, Room B217) who it will reviewed it and process it further, as necessary.