Guide to the Safe use of Radionuclides at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Section 5: Radionuclide Laboratory Classification
Each laboratory in which radioactive materials are used is classified as a Type 1, 2, 3 or 4 laboratory. These lab types define the minimum facility and equipment requirements for the use of various types and quantities of radioactive materials that are used within each laboratory.
Using the table at the end of this section, the laboratory type is based on the relative toxicity and the authorized possession limits of the radionuclides involved.
5.1 Laboratory Type 1 - General Purpose Laboratory
Floors, walls and working surfaces made of materials that are easily kept clean. At least one sink shall be available. Radionuclide working areas should have adequate lighting. There shall be sufficient space designated for accumulating and storing radioactive waste. If the physical form of the radioactive material is such that the material can readily become airborne, then ventilation is necessary.
5.2 Laboratory Type 2 - Basic Chemical Laboratory
All requirements of laboratory type 1. Additionally, floors, walls and working surfaces shall be made of low porosity materials or well sealed. Working surfaces shall be covered with absorbent paper or other suitable absorber, laboratory must have adequate exhaust ventillation, and the shielding needs for beta and gammaray materials must be assessed.
5.3 Laboratory Type 3 - Dedicated Chemical Laboratory
All requirements for laboratory types 1 & 2. Additionally, floors and walls made up of materials that do not readily absorb; fume hood of adequate design and flow rate (minimum 100 linear feet per minute face velocity), working surfaces of nonabsorbable material and/or covered with absorbent paper or other suitable absorber, or work performed in trays made up of non-absorbent materials.
5.4 Laboratory Type 4 - Specialized Laboratory
Specific requirements depend on radionuclide and/or combinations of radionuclides; quantities of the radionuclides or combinations there of; and chemical and physical form of the radionuclides. For quantities greater than 10 times those listed, special shielding, handling devices, ventilation, glove boxes, etc. may also be required.
Table 1: Radioactive Laboratory Classification Scheme
Radionuclides |
Relative |
Lab Type |
|||
| 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | ||
| 3H, 14C, 18F, 51Cr, 71Ge, 85Kr, 99mTc, 113mIn, 133Xe | Low | > 10,000 mCi | ·10,000 mCi |
·1000 mCi |
100 mCi |
| 33P,35S, 47Ca, 47Sc, 55Fe, 57Co, 67Ga, 72Ga, 99Mo, 103Pd, 115Cd, 141Ce, 177Lu, 197Hg, 201Tl, 202Tl | Medium- Low |
> 1,000 mCi | ·1,000 mCi | ·100 mCi | ·10 mCi |
| 22Na, 32P, 36Cl,42K, 45Ca, 46Sc, 54Mn, 58Co, 59Fe, 63Ni, 65Zn, 74As, 75Se, 85Sr, 86Rb, 90Y, 95Nb, 99Tc, 103Ru, 105Ag, 109Cd, 111In, 113Sn, 123I, 129mTe, 129I, 132Te, 140Ba, 140La, 147Pm, 153Gd, 192Ir, 169Yb, 198Au, 203Hg | Medium | >100 mCi | ·100 mCi | ·10 mCi | ·1 mCi |
| 60Co, 125I, 131I, 134Cs, 137Cs, 144Ce | High | >10 mCi | ·10 mCi | ·1 mCi | ·0.1 mCi |
| 90Sr, 210Po | Very High | >1 mCi | ·1 mCi | ·0.1 mCi | ·0.01 mCi |
For other radionuclides listed in 10 CFR 33.100 the lab classification will be determined by matching the activity in schedule A, Column II with the activity in the Lab Type 2 column of this table.
Updated February 27, 2008 by SAK