Guidance for Radiation Accident Management

Introduction

Basics of Radiation

Detection

Measurement

Safety Around Radiation Sources

Types of Radiation Injury

Managing Radiation Emergencies

 Is it safe to be around radiation sources?

Working Safely Around Radioactive Contamination

Emergency Services | Hospital

 

Emergency Services

  1. Avoid contact with contaminants.
  2. Wear protective clothing (such as fire turnout gear, coveralls, gloves, and boots) that, if contaminated, can be removed.
  3. Use full respiratory protection if fire, smoke, fumes, gases, or windblown dusts are present.
  4. As soon as possible after proper care of the victim and resolution of the emergency situation, wash any part of you that may have come in contact with contamination.
  5. Assume that all materials, equipment and personnel have been contaminated if they were in the immediate area of the incident. Radiological monitoring is recommended before leaving the scene.
  6. Do not eat, drink, smoke, rub eyes, or apply makeup within contaminated areas.
  7. If in doubt, assume contamination.

Like dirt, most contamination washes off with soap and water.

Hospital

General:

  1. If in doubt, assume contamination.
  2. Avoid contact with contaminants.
  3. Do not eat, drink, or smoke in areas where radioactive materials are located.

When providing emergency care:

  1. Set up a controlled area large enough to hold the anticipated number of victims.
  2. Prevent tracking of contaminants by covering floor areas and monitoring exits of controlled areas.
  3. Restrict access to the controlled area.
  4. Monitor anyone or anything leaving the controlled area.
  5. Use strict isolation precautions, including double bagging and protective clothing. (Protective clothing such as gowns, caps, masks, boots, gloves, that, if contaminated, can be removed.)
  6. Use a buffer zone or secondary control line for added security.
  7. Control waste by using large, plastic-lined containers for clothing, linens, dressings, etc.
  8. Control ventilation.
  9. Change instruments, outer gloves, drapes, etc., when they become contaminated.
  10. Use waterproof materials to limit the spread of contaminated liquids, for example, waterproof aperture drapes.
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