Radiation Safety Clearances

1. Notify EHS of intended move at 737-2121 giving the following information:

a) Principal Investigator, Department, Contact Name, Phone and Fax Numbers
b) Time and Date of the projected move
c) Location of lab(s) being vacated
d) Location of new lab(s), if any (Are you leaving the University?)

2. Determine and set the last day of active isotope use. Notify EHS of that date. When all radioactive material use ceases, collect all radioactive waste and EHS at 785-3551 to have it removed. Consolidate all unwanted lead items (pigs, shields, sheets, etc.) into one area or container so they can be removed when radioactive waste is removed.

All radioactive material not designated as waste must be removed from the lab as:

A. An Inventory transfer within the workplace (the material is relocated but never taken outside);
B. A Radioactive material transfer within the University (transported between University facilities using New Haven city streets) or
C. A Radioactive material transfer to another institution. See the Radiation Safety Manual, appendix VII for complete details related to these modes of transfer.

Note: For modes B) and C) EHS must be contacted (737-4128) to provide assistance and ensure your shipment is in compliance with all NRC and DOT regulations. Please remember, the requested decommission survey cannot begin until all radioactive material is removed.

3. Lab staff must perform both meter and wipe test surveys on all items that currently are, or PREVIOUSLY HAD been, used with radioactive materials. This survey must be documented for future reference. Items found to be contaminated with radioactive material must be cleaned and resurveyed until all removable contamination is removed (< 100 CPM). Documentation of decontamination surveys must also be maintained. EHS must confirm that all radiation-related items are officially decommissioned prior to being removed from a Yale building. An official clearance will be issued for these items and should be made available to those concerned (movers, etc.)

4. After all equipment has been surveyed and removable contamination cleaned, lab staff must perform a routine monthly lab survey, which should include meter and wipe test surveys.

5. As noted above, Yale Custodial Services or “outside” professional movers are often used to move heavy/bulky items (freezers, centrifuges, etc.). Any such item that was also radiation-related must be identified so it can be checked by EHS before movers arrive. Special arrangements must be considered when transferring frozen or refrigerated materials. When a lab is relocating within a Yale facility with no need to bring items outside of that facility, it is strongly recommended that responsible lab personnel survey and safely transport smaller radiation-related items such as pipetmen, vortex mixers, glassware, etc.

6. Plans to clean, paint, or otherwise renovate vacated labs may be formulated. However, under no circumstances will this type of work be permitted to begin until the Radiation Safety Section grants an official clearance of the respective labs.

7. The EHS representative assigned to monitor the relocation of your lab(s) will supply specific instructions to facilitate the move. Contact the representative as soon as possible. Transfer techniques, helpful advice, and information concerning official policy is available. The cooperative efforts by EHS, lab workers, departmental staff and others are vital to ensure regulatory compliance, and above all, safe working conditions for all involved.

8. Be aware that EHS often needs to be consulted prior to disposal of equipment. For example, liquid scintillation counters normally contain lead and a radioactive source that must be removed prior to disposal. Refrigerator/freezers contain Freon, which also needs to be removed prior to disposal. This will be removed by Physical Plant once RSS has issued a clearance for the refrigerator/freezer.

Note: Any equipment or instrument that may have contained a chemical or biological material must be emptied completely, and when necessary, decontaminated appropriately by laboratory staff. If a Biosafety label is affixed to a piece of equipment slated for disposal or repair, lab personnel must decontaminate it and attach a “Biosafety Decommission Notice”. Bio-decontamination must occur and the notice posted prior to EHS personnel performing any surveys on these items.