Vital Radiation Safety Practices
Channel: Universität Bern
Date: 2021-06-30

You can minimize the risks at our university by following these safety practices. Before any activity with radioactive sources, you must contact them for a risk assessment and instructions.

Radioactive sources emit ionizing radiation in the form of alpha and beta particles, as well as gamma rays. They are divided into sealed and unsealed sources. Sealed sources are designed to prevent the release of radioactive substances. Unsealed radioactive sources are not encapsulated and pose the risk of contamination.

To keep exposure to radiation as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA), limit your exposure time. Keep as much distance from the radiation sources as possible, for example by using remote handling devices. Use appropriate shielding according to the type of radiation, for instance aluminum for beta particles or lead and concrete for gamma rays. Most importantly, avoid internal exposure, such as inhalation, ingestion, and contact with open wounds.

While working, monitor yourself using film badges and dosimeters. After working with unsealed sources, monitor your clothing and the working area using the appropriate radioactivity detectors and counters.

As instructed by the Radiation Safety Officer, the container must be labeled with the name of the radionuclide, the corresponding radioactivity level, the acquisition date, the name of the person responsible, and the radiation symbol.

All transports of radioactive sources must be approved by your Radiation Safety Officer and must be carried out solely by trained personnel.

When disposing of radioactive sources, return the source to the supplier, if possible, or reuse it.
If radioactive material must be disposed of, separate liquids from solids.

Label and store radioactive material only in the original, UN-approved disposal containers provided by the Radiation Safety Officer.

Materials with half-lives of less than 60 days must be inactivated in a decay room. After inactivation, remove any radiation symbols and dispose of it as hazardous waste. For tritium, carbon-14, and sources with half-lives of over 60 days, different regulations for disposal apply.

In case of emergency, switch off sealed sources, if possible, leave, block off, and secure the area. In the event of a spill of unsealed sources, leave the contaminated area.
Alert the Radiation Safety Officer and the emergency organization.

We want to protect your health and the environment.
We are here to make your workplace safer.

https://www.risiko.unibe.ch