L. Decontamination and Shielding Requirements

3. Decontamination of Skin

  1. One important aspect of decontaminating skin is to avoid using overly aggressive decontamination efforts which may damage the skin. Abrasion of the skin may allow the radioactivity to enter the body. Use mild decontamination efforts only.
  2. As with the decontamination of areas and equipment, a wipe survey and direct radiation survey (if applicable) should be performed to ascertain the level and extent of the skin contamination.
  3. Initial skin decontamination efforts involve washing the affected area with soap and water for two or three minutes followed by a survey of the area. This process may be repeated up to four times. If this contamination is not immediately removable, notify the RSO.
  4. It may be useful to employ a slightly abrasive hand soap (e.g., "Lava") along with a soft brush should initial decontamination efforts be ineffective. An alternative to this is to make a paste-like mixture of 50% powdered detergent (e.g., "Tide") and 50% cornmeal. This mixture should be applied with moderate pressure utilizing a soft brush. For oily substances, a waterless hand cleaner (e.g.,"Goop") may be helpful.
  5. There are commercially available solutions which are specifically manufactured for decontamination. The directions for use of these products should be reviewed carefully to assure they are safe for use on skin.
  6. Following decontamination of the skin, it is helpful to use some type of skin cream to minimize drying and chapping of the skin.
  7. The RSO should be contacted when contamination of the skin is detected.

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