K. Surveys

Survey records must be documented on a Radiation Survey Data Sheet and filed in the Radionuclide Inventory and Survey Book. These records must be kept for three years.

It is always good practice to perform an area survey with a Geiger-Mueller (GM) meter after each procedure in which detectable beta- or gamma-emitting radionuclides are used to determine the presence of gross levels of contamination. Surveys should include the individual performing the experiment, laboratory bench, equipment, and the floor in the immediate area. If a survey is performed, whether or not it was required (per the tables below), any elevated readings warrant a more extensive survey (e.g., wipe survey) and decontamination or shielding as appropriate.

A direct survey is required and must be recorded after each experiment using unsealed quantities of the activities specified below:

AFTER EACH EXPERIMENT (Table 1)

A direct survey is required and must be recorded each month (calendar month) in all areas where unsealed quantities of the radionuclides specified below are used or stored:

MONTHLY (Table 2)

If the results of the direct survey indicate a radiation source, other than contamination that exceeds 2 mR/hr (or equivalent count rate) at 30 cm, shielding must be utilized. This includes stock vials, waste containers, etc.

If contamination is present, the area must be decontaminated and resurveyed (using both direct and wipe surveys) until background levels are achieved.

Survey of lab coats, personal clothing, and shoes are recommended following the use of radioactive material, before laundering (especially lab coats), or before leaving the laboratory.