Radiological Exposures and Spills
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Minor Radiological Spills
- Prevent access to the spill to prevent personnel exposure and the spread of radioactive contamination. Cordon off the area.
- Call Duke Police (911 from a campus phone or 919-684-2444 from a cell phone) and ask for Radiation Safety assistance.
- Wear personal protective equipment, including safety goggles, disposable gloves, shoe covers and long sleeved lab coat.
- Place absorbent paper towels over liquid spills. Place towels dampened with water over solid materials.
- Use forceps to place towels in plastic bag. Dispose of in a low-level, radioactive waste container.
- Monitor area, hands and shoes for any contamination with an appropriate survey meter or method.
- Repeat clean-up until contamination is no longer detected.
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Radiological Spill on Body
- Remove contaminated clothing.
- Rinse exposed area thoroughly with water.
- Obtain medical attention, if necessary.
- Call Duke Police (911 from a campus phone or 919-684-2444 from a cell phone) and ask for Radiation Safety assistance.
- Report incident to supervisor and Radiation Safety Office and complete a work-related injury/illness report as indicated under Personal Injury.
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Major Radiological Spills
- Attend to injured or contaminated persons and remove them from spill area.
- Seek medical attention for the injured persons immediately — this takes precedence over any radiation concerns.
- Have potentially contaminated personnel stay in one area until they have been monitored and shown free of contamination.
- Prevent access to the spill to prevent personnel exposure and the spread of radioactive contamination. Cordon off the area.
- Call Duke Police (911 from a campus phone or 919-684-2444 from a cell phone) and ask for Radiation Safety assistance.
- Have person knowledgeable of incident and area assist emergency personnel.
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Laser Exposure
- Seek medical attention immediately.
- Call Duke Police (911 from a campus phone or 919-684-2444 from a cell phone) and ask for Radiation Safety assistance.
- Report incident to supervisor and Radiation Safety Office and complete a work-related injury/illness report as indicated under Personal Injury.
OESO Radiation Safety Division
Non-emergency - (919) 684-2194
Emergency, call Duke Police - 911 or (919) 684-2444