Waste Disposal - Radioactive Waste
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The amount of radioactive waste should be kept to a minimum in the laboratory.
Please ensure that radioactive waste is shielded by the correct shielding (shield I125 with lead sheet, and P32 with Perspex screens). Chromium work is done in the fume hood unit on the 3rd floor, which is surrounded by lead bricks.
Different types of radioactive wastes (i.e. C14, P32, I125, etc) should be bagged separately, and identified as “high” (greater than 10 counts per minute), or “low” (10 or less counts per minute) level waste.
All waste should be in “wet” waste bags, no more than 80% full and sealed with staples.
Bags must be clearly labeled with isotope and Department Information (526). Radioactive waste should be stored in the appropriate area in the Designated Waste Storage Area.
The appropriate Radioactive Waste Sticker and containers can be obtained from Bay 3 of the Departmental Store.
Remember to include the following information:
- Department Number (526)
- Lab Name
- Date
- Contents / Isotope
- University EHS Radioactive Waste Sticker
Radioactively labeled animals should be properly shielded and stored in a freezer or cold room until they have decayed to a level lower than 5mCi (or 6,000 cpm/gm of tissue), they then should be disposed of as biological waste via Medi-waste.
Radioactive Waste Summary Table
Download Radioactive Waste Summary Table (pdf) or Waste Summary Table - all categories (pdf).
Item |
Designated AreaValid from 8/9/08 until further notice |
Container |
Comment |
| 3H | Room 3.22 | Solid waste in wet bag, place in designated area
Liquid waste (from harvester) collected in 10 litre carboy |
Keep total volume of isotopes small and remove from lab as soon as possible. Isotopes must be bagged separately, and identified as “high or “low” level waste. The amount of isotope should be indicated if known. High level 51Cr waste remains in Room 3.08, see Radiation Safety Officer Apply University EHS "Low Level Radioactive Waste" sticker if applicable Questions?See Radiation Safety Officer |
| 14C | Room 3.22 | Wet bag, place in designated area | |
| 32P | Room 3.22 | Wet bag, place in Perspex box | |
| 35S | Room 3.22 | Wet bag, place in Perspex box | |
| 51Cr | Room 3.08 (high level waste), or Room 3.22 (low level waste) |
Sharps container, e.g. for syringes |
|
| 125I | Room 3.22 | Wet bag, place in lead-lined container |