Other Disposal Methods
A licensee may adopt methods of radioactive waste disposal different from
those mentioned here, provided regulatory agency approval is obtained.
Impact of such disposal methods on environment, nearby facilities, and
population is heavily weighed before approval. Incineration of solid radio-
active waste and carcasses of research animals containing radioactive
materials is allowed by this method. Radioactive gases such as^133 Xe and
(^127) Xe are released by venting through the fumehood, as long as their
maximum permissible concentration at the effluent side of the exhaust to
the atmosphere does not exceed the NRC limits. Radioactive waste con-
taining 0.05mCi (1.85 kBq) or less of^3 H or^14 C/g of medium used for liquid
scintillation counting or animal tissue may be disposed of in the regular
nonradioactive trash.
Records must be maintained as to the date of storage and the amount
and kind of activity stored in a waste disposal log book. The stored pack-
ages must be labeled with pertinent information. The date of disposal and
the amount of disposed activity must also be recorded in the log book, along
with the initials of the individual disposing of the waste.
Radioactive Spill
Accidental spillage of radioactivity can cause unnecessary radiation
exposure to personnel and must be treated cautiously and expeditiously.
Appropriate procedures must be established for handling radioactive spills.
There are two types of spills: major spill and minor spill. No definitive dis-
tinction exists between a minor and a major spill. A major spill usually
occurs when the spilled activity cannot be contained in a normal way and
can cause undue exposure to personnel. In the case of a major spill, the
RSO should be notified immediately. In either case, the access to the area
should be restricted. Areas, personnel, and equipment must be decontami-
nated, keeping in mind the principle of containment of radioactivity. Survey
and wipe tests must be performed after decontamination. The RSO will
investigate the accident and recommend corrective action if a major spill
occurs.
Recordkeeping
Records must be maintained for the receipt, storage, and disposal of
radioactive materials, as well as for various activities performed in the radi-
ation laboratories. According to the NRC regulations, these records must
contain specific information and must be kept for a certain period of time
specified by the NRC.
282 16. Radiation Regulations and Protection