HEALTH PHYSICS AND RADIATION PROTECTION 109 



gloves. Gloves should always be handled so as to avoid contamination 

 of the inside surfaces. 



7. Operations involving radioactive materials higher than counting 

 levels should be performed over trays bedded down with disposable 

 absorbent paper (diaper paper). Radioactive solutions should be han- 

 dled in double containers so as to avoid spread of contamination in case of 

 breakage. 



8. Pipetting or the performance of any similar operation by mouth 

 suction should be prohibited. Glass blowing in the laboratory should be 

 discouraged. 



9. Hoods should be used when radioactive solutions are to be distilled 

 or heated or when there is formation of volatile compounds or spray. 

 Hood fans should not be turned off while the hood contains radioactive 

 materials. 



10. When dusty radioactive materials are handled, a dry box should be 

 employed, or if the operation is performed in a hood, the worker should 

 wear a face mask. 



11. If, in the course of the work, personal or laboratory contamination 

 is suspected, a survey w'ith a suitable instrument should be made imme- 

 diately, to be followed by required cleansing. Group I and II radioiso- 

 topes should be reduced to a level of less than 1000 counts/min, and 

 group III to less than 100 counts/min, as measured with a Geiger counter 

 of about 2-in." flat window area. 



12. In the event of a spill, the liquid should be blotted up with absorb- 

 ent paper. When the surface is dry, a survey should be made with an 

 appropriate survey meter and the surface then cleaned until the permis- 

 sible level is reached. 



Disposal: 



13. Solid waste and contaminated materials should be placed in prop- 

 erly labeled trash cans for disposal according to regulations. 



14. Radioactivity should not be put into the drain or contaminated 

 apparatus washed in the sink unless the levels have been calculated as 

 appropriate for disposal by this route. Rubber tubing attached to the 

 faucet should not be allowed to dip below the surface of the waste in the 

 sink and thus allow the waste to be siphoned back into the water lines in 

 the event of water-pressure failure. 



15. Contaminated glassware or efiuipment should not be returned to 

 central stores for general use or sent away from the laboratory for repair. 



Upon Leaving Laboratory: 



16. Open radiation sources should be plainly marked for the protection 

 of custodial or repair men. 



