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RADIATION SAFETY TRAINING MANUAL

CHAPTER 9
RADIOACTIVE WASTE DISPOSAL

CHAPTER 9 Table Of Contents

B. RADIOACTIVE DECAY

The UCSF Radioactive Materials License specifically prohibits the decay of radioactive waste materials and subsequent disposal into the ordinary trash or sanitary sewer by laboratory personnel. Decay programs are only authorized to be carried out by EH&S under the direct supervision of the RSO at State Radiologic Health Branch approved locations.

C. STORAGE CONSIDERATIONS FOR RADIOACTIVE WASTE

Radioactive waste must be stored in an approved secure radioactive materials use location. Each laboratory should designate a single location within the laboratory where waste will be consolidated for pick-up by EH&S technicians. The location should cleaned regularly and surveyed for contamination.

All waste prepared for disposal must be kept off of the floor, preferably in a dedicated waste containment vessel such as a metal trash can with a step lid or a lucite box. The containment vessel must be labeled for use with radioactive waste material. Color-coded container labels are available from EH&S. See Figure 9.2 for examples of radioactive waste container labels. Secondary containment is recommended for liquids.

Container Label Color Codes

Figure 9.2 Radioactive Waste Container Labels

D. CLASSIFICATION

If you cannot determine the proper category classification for your radioactive waste, contact your EH&S Department Safety Advisor. You may also submit a UCSF Low-Level Radioactive Waste Profile Form and EH&S will help you determine the proper category for your waste.

E. DOCUMENTATION

Appropriate forms must be completed and accompany all radioactive waste to be collected from radioactive waste generators by EH&S. The basic form is the Radioactive Waste Disposal Form which must be completed for ALL radioactive waste disposals.

The EH&S Chemical Waste Removal Form is a supplementary document that must be prepared for liquid bulk organic waste (Mixed Waste), special vials, and uranyl compounds.

Each package of radioactive waste must have the appropriate color-coded radioactive tag securely attached (with some exceptions, e.g., vials in trays, clinical dry waste). See Figure 9.3 for examples of radioactive waste tags.

Waste Tag Color Codes

Waste which has not been packaged according to established UCSF policies and procedures will not be collected by EH&S. A "Radioactive Waste Deficiency Form" will be left with the laboratory which identifies the reason that the waste was not collected. Upon correction of the deficiency, the waste will be picked-up.

Figure 9.3 Radioactive Waste Tags

F. SCHEDULING OF RADIOACTIVE WASTE PICK-UPS

If you regularly generate radioactive waste, contact EH&S to be placed on the radioactive waste collection schedule. Non-routine pick-ups can be scheduled by calling 476-1771 at the Parnassus campus. Call 476-9550 at SFGH.

If the EH&S Technician cannot complete the pick-up on the scheduled day (door locked, documentation incomplete or not available, laboratory closed, etc.), the technician will leave an Attempt to Pick Up Notice.

G. DOSE RATE LIMITS FOR RADIOACTIVE WASTE PACKAGES

Technicians have been instructed to only collect waste that is packaged in accordance with established UCSF policies and procedures.

Waste must be packaged so that the exposure rate at one meter from the surface of the package does not exceed 0.00005 Sv/hr (5.0 mR/hr) and the exterior of the package must not be contaminated. If the waste exceeds this exposure rate criteria, please notify EH&S prior to the pick-up so that appropriate shielding can be utilized.

H. BILLING

The costs of collecting and disposing of radioactive wastes are recharged to laboratories on a monthly basis. The recharge rate is based on waste category and waste volume. The billing data are taken from the Radioactive Waste Disposal Form and the EH&S Chemical Waste Removal Form, if applicable.

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