Radioactive Sources

[bindi]

We have sealed redioactive sources and I have been told I need to add a "safety procedure"/policy to our register.
We have the sources wrapped in lead and kept in a locked metal box. Labelled and locked in the chemical store. When used they are handled with forceps.
What else should I have?
Does anyone have one that I could take a look at please or suggestions that may help?

[ri]

Hi Bindi,
it sounds like they want a Risk Assessment, doesn't it?
The Chemical Safety in Schools package has in the Curriculum Support Section, 3.2.4.6 Ionising radiation,
documentation regarding the safe handling of radioactive sources.
Hope this helps,
~Robyn

[bindi]

Thank you Robyn, I will just take some extracts from that and it should do. We just use a Geiger counter and not cloud chambers or minigenerators.
I had a quick flick through the CSIS but didnt see it!
Thanks again

[Labbie]

From the course at St Marys on Thur & Friday a Steve Nugent, told us, we should have a log book, so each teacher signs it out and back in. A new box should be purchased each 5-7 years. But you can not throw out the old metal red box, keep it for collection. Gema should be in lead foil. Hope this may help

[Mother]

Hi Sue
Was there any mention of the age of radioactivity sources,as I have some in a metal box that has to be at least 20 years old. Does it lose its strength of radioactivity over time ??????
Cheers
Mother

[Labbie]

The chap at St Marys, its only loss, is very very little. Ours came with the school in 1961, and still going strong. We have been told, to buy a new box, every five years, as ours is still in the orginal box, but how to dispose of the box, no one can tell me.

Gena should be in lead covering
Beca should be in a tissue
also a log book should be in the box, each teacher needs to sign it out and back again, NSW safety law.

[rae]

Hi!

Don't you mean GAMMA should be in lead and
BETA should be in tissue.

Lorrae

[Labbie]

opps typing error sorry