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The new lab space must be ready to receive the transfer of radiological materials and equipment, such as scintillation counters and lasers, from the lab being deactivated. Inspection and approval of the new space by the EH&S Health Physics Program is mandatory and the PI should schedule at least 60 days in advance of the move. Additional requirements related to the use of radiological materials are found in the University’s Radiation Safety Manual.

Removal of Unwanted Radiological Materials and Wastes from Labs

  • All radioactive materials and wastes must be properly transferred or disposed. Submit pickup requests at least one week in advance to EH&S on-line at: http://radwaste.stanford.edu
  • The Rad Waste inventory form must also be faxed at the same time as the pickup request and the pickup will typically be scheduled within 3-5 working days.
  • Identify and properly package all radioactive waste for disposal. Labeling and packaging procedures will not differ from those normally used.
  • Radioactive waste boxes with any amount of waste must be to be picked up by the Radioactive Waste Program and the log sheet must indicate that boxes are not be replaced in the lab being vacating. Users should request delivery of new radioactive waste boxes by the Radioactive Waste Program to the new location. Lab personnel can transfer empty, unused waste boxes to the new lab.
  • Discard unwanted radioactive materials in appropriate waste containers and log all entries.
  • Rooms, facilities and apparatus used by the project must be decontaminated so that, when measured by the Health Physics Program, they meet the standards for uncontrolled areas.
  • When terminal radiation surveys have been completed, the Health Physics Program will remove signs from rooms and equipment, take custody of project radiation safety records, and terminate the project, if appropriate.

Transporting Radiological Material

  • Radioisotopes must be packed and transported on-campus by designated lab personnel only. With few exceptions, vendors are not allowed to transport radiological materials.
  • Pack radiological materials in unbreakable secondary containers with enough absorbent material to absorb twice the amount of liquid in the container. Label with the isotope, activity and date.
  • Depending on the circumstance, the Health Physics Program may require additional oversight and safeguards including accompanying the materials during transfer. The Health Physics Program must be consulted prior to the transfer of any radiological materials.

Equipment and Work Surface Decontamination

  • Equipment and work surfaces associated with radiological material use must be thoroughly decontaminated and pass a terminal radiation survey prior to the move date. Lab personnel most familiar with the equipment and material use are responsible for decontamination.
  • The Health Physics Program, working in conjunction with the manufacturer, will assist with the removal and reinstallation of radiological sealed sources in equipment such as scintillation counters. If applicable, and with the pre-approval of Health Physics, equipment with intact sealed sources can be transferred by trained individuals familiar with the specific equipment and manufacture’s requirements. 
  • -80 degree freezers should be moved with contents in-place whenever possible as long as ice within the freezer does not melt. Freezers should be labeled with PACKED WITH CONTENTS if applicable. The exterior surface of the freezer must be decontaminated and pass a terminal survey prior to transfer.
  • If -80 degree freezers cannot or should not be moved fully packed, the users are responsible for unpacking and transferring contents to dry ice chests.

Terminal Radiation Surveys

  • A terminal radiation survey that encompasses all surfaces and equipment designated for radiological material use is mandatory.
  • All radiological decontamination work must be completed prior to performance of the terminal survey. The PI and lab staff should use the Lab Work Termination Date (LWTD) to estimate when decontamination tasks will be completed and then schedule a terminal survey with the Health Physics Program.
  • Health Physics will return and remove or deface warning signs, stickers and labels upon successful completion of the terminal survey.