Protocol for receiving radioactive material packages
Laboratories that use radioactive materials in their research will be receiving packages regularly. In order to get a package processed for delivery to a lab, there is a protocol that must be followed. The Radiation Safety Office will manage the receipt of all radioactive packages.
What to do when shipments of radioactive materials arrive:
The Radiation Safety Office performs package surveys as required by Georgia state regulations (290-5-23-.03(3) (g)3. and 4.) for external contamination and radiation levels. After the survey is performed and the package is authorized by staff for delivery and RSO personnel will transport the package to the lab. A Radioisotope Receipt and Disposal Form will be sent with each item. Lab personnel must survey the source vial, record the results on the form, record disposal information as the material is used, and return the form to the Radiation Safety Office when all radioactive material has been disposed of.
Lab personnel should open the package upon receipt using the following procedures:
Put gloves on to prevent hand contamination.
Visually inspect package for damage. If damaged, immediately notify the Radiation Safety Office.
Immediately upon receipt, open the package and verify contents against the packing list and purchase order.
Sign the Receiving Report for return with the delivery. Note: Discrepancies noted by the department representative must be reported to Materials Management (706-721-2218) within 48 hours of receipt to preclude being charged incorrectly.
Wipe the final source container and count with an appropriate measuring instrument (liquid scintillation counter, gamma counter, etc.). If removable contamination is greater than 200 DPM/100 Cm2 when counted with a scintillation counter or twice background when counted with a GM counter, notify the Radiation Safety Office.
Monitor the packing material. If contaminated, treat as radioactive waste. If not contaminated, obliterate radiation wording and symbols before discarding in regular waste.
Document the above on the Radioisotope Receipt and Disposal Form.
Radiation Safety Office
Health Sciences Campus
Environmental Health & Safety Building
CI-1002
706-721-9826
706-721-9844
Radiation Safety Tech:
706-664-8607
Campus Emergency:
706-721-2911
When it is necessary to transfer radionuclides from one user or location to another, approval must be obtained from the Radiation Safety Office. When transfers are made from one Authorized User to another, receipt and disposal records must be used to maintain accurate inventory records. When material is transferred from one room to another or one building to another, the Radiation Safety Office will need to evaluate the proposed transfer with regard to the packaging, container and method to ensure that it can be accomplished safely. Specifically, liquids should be transported only in sealed containers with secondary containment if there is a possibility of spillage, breakage or leakage. The Radiation Safety Office must confirm that the room to which the radionuclides are transferred is approved for radionuclide use.
All transfers of radioactive materials off-campus must be made through the Radiation Safety Office to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements.
