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2007 Radiation Spillages Policy (54 kB) |
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Page updated 30 April 2007
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Handle radioactive material with great care If a possible radioactive spill occurs, follow the procedure outlined below |
Radioactive material in the hospital is handled with great care by expert staff who follow detailed rules to ensure safety. Radiosotopes may be administered to patients for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
Inpatients having radioisotopes return to the ward with a radiation protection form from the Nuclear Medicine department. This should be filed in the patient's notes
Radioisotopes are usually handled by a member of the nuclear medicine team. If a spillage occurs (eg a syringe is dropped on a ward),
OR
In the extremely rare case that such a patient should vomit or urinate in a uncontrolled way particularly while moving between the Radiotherapy or Nuclear Medicine Department and a ward or other area, it is possible that the urine or vomit may be radioactive and contamination could occur.
If this possibility is suspected, the procedure is to to contact a Radiation Protection Supervisor or one of the following:
The radiation protection supervisor will check and, if necessary, decontaminate the area.
Until the radiation protection supervisor arrives, ensure that all the direct contact with the vomit or urine is avoided by other staff or members of the public.
The List of Wastes ( England ) Regulations 2005 No. 895.
The Hazardous Waste ( England and Wales ) Regulations 2005 No. 894.
Hazardous Waste - Interpretation of the definition and classification of hazardous waste - Technical Guidance WM2.
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