Safe Handling of Radioactive Isotopes

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U.S. Government Printing Office, 1949 - Dead - 30 pages

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Page 26 - Radioactive materials that present special hazards due to their tendency to remain fixed In the human body for long periods of time (ie, radium, Plutonium, and radioactive strontium, etc.) must, in addition to the packing...
Page 26 - All outside shipping containers must be of such design that the gamma radiation will not exceed 200 mr/hr or equivalent at any point of readily accessible surface. Containers must be equipped with handles and protective devices when necessary in order to satisfy this requirement...
Page 6 - It represents that dose which produces energy absorption of 93 ergs/gram of tissue. The actual energy absorption in tissue per roentgen is a function of the tissue composition and of the wavelength of the radiation. It ranges between 60 and 100 ergs/gram. For calculations of permissible exposure this variation is ignored, and a beta-ray LH Gray's "energy-unit".
Page 26 - Radioactive materials Group I, liquid, solid, or gaseous, must be packed in suitable inside containers completely surrounded by a shield of lead or other suitable material of such thickness that at any time during transportation the gamma radiation at one meter (39.3 inches) from any point on the radioactive source will not exceed 10 milliroentgens per hour. The shield must be so designed that it will not open or break under conditions incident to transportation. The minimum shielding must be sufficient...
Page iii - At a meeting of this committee in December 1946, the representatives of the various participating organizations agreed that the problems in radiation protection had become so manifold that the committee should enlarge its scope and membership and should appropriately change its title to be more inclusive. Accordingly, at that time the name of the committee was changed to the National Committee on Radiation Protection. At the same time, the number of participating organizations was increased and the...
Page 26 - The package must be such that no significant alpha, beta, or neutron radiation is emitted from the exterior of the package and the gamma radiation at any surface of the package must be less than 10 milliroentgens for 24 hours.
Page 27 - The inside containers must be surrounded on all sides by an absorbent material sufficient to absorb the entire liquid contents and of such nature that its efficiency will not be impaired by chemical reaction with the contents.
Page iv - With the increasing use of radioactive isotopes by industry, the medical profession, and research laboratories, it is essential that certain minimal precautions be taken to protect the users and the public. The recommendations contained in this Handbook represent what is believed to be the best available opinions on the subject as of this date. As our experience with radioisotopes broadens, we will undoubtedly be able to improve and strengthen the recommendations for their safe handling, utilization,...
Page iii - In order to distribute the work load, eight working subcommittees were established as noted below. Each of these committees is charged with the responsibility of preparing protection recommendations in its particular field. The reports of the subcommittees are approved by the main committee before promulgation.
Page 12 - RADIOACTIVE". Liquid waste that is too active for disposal through the drains should be collected in carboys. It is advisable to connect two of these in series in order to avoid the possibility of overflow. g. Special equipment Special equipment suitable for the type and level of activity being used should be provided for each type of operation. This should include handling tools such as tongs, forceps, trays, and mechanical holders. Long-handled tools provide adequate protection by distance where...