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DOE-STD-1136-2004
Guide of Good Practices for Occupational Radiological Protection in Uranium Facilities
e. Dry the skin area with cleansing tissue.
f.
After the skin is thoroughly dry, survey it for any remaining contamination.
g. If no contamination is detected, apply a good-quality hand cream to prevent chapping.
Another effective non-abrasive decontamination method involves placing the contaminated hand in a
cotton glove and then a Latex glove (causing the hand to perspire).
The decontamination factor is the ratio of the initial contamination level to the contamination level
after decontamination methods are applied, as determined by survey instrument readings. Non-abrasive
methods should be repeated until the decontamination factor between washes drops below 2 or 3 with
significant contamination still remaining.
If contamination persists on the skin, a more abrasive decontamination method may be necessary. The
decision to proceed with a more abrasive method should be based on the effectiveness of the
decontamination. An abrasive soap should be applied with a moist gauze sponge or soft brush while
rubbing the skin to develop a soapy lather. Care should be exercised to prevent damage to the skin surface.
If contamination persists after using the abrasive soap, potassium permanganate (KMnO4) and sodium
bisulfite should be considered. Paint the contaminated skin with KMnO4 using cotton-tipped applicators,
allow the solution to dry, and paint it again two or three more times, allowing the solution to dry thoroughly
between each application. The skin will then appear almost black. Applicators should be discarded after
each use to avoid spreading contamination to the solutions. Then, rub the treated area with KMnO4 using
cotton applicators, until the brown discoloration is removed. Rinse the skin with water to remove the
remaining KMnO4, and dry the area thoroughly and survey it for contamination.
If contamination persists after all the above decontamination efforts, wrap the contaminated area to
control the contamination and consult with medical personnel.
Liberal irrigation with room temperature water or saline solution (preferable) is recommended for
eye, nose, and mouth contamination. These procedures are performed by the medical staff to remove
contamination.
4.4.2 Equipment and Surface Decontamination
Decontamination of surface areas may be as simple as hosing off the floors with water, washing
surfaces with detergent and water, or wiping with household dust cloths. Waste material generated from
decontamination activities (e.g., water and wipe material) must be contained and disposed of as radioactive
waste. For some locations, vacuuming the surfaces may be appropriate. If vacuuming is used, HEPA-
filtered vacuum systems are required to keep airborne radioactive material out of the vacuum exhaust.
For some operations, periodic surface flushing with water may be adequate to maintain acceptable
contamination levels. Precautions should ensure control and collection of run- off water so material may be
recovered and waste water analyzed before discharge. Depending upon which isotope of uranium is
involved, geometrically safe containers may be required for collecting and holding the liquid.
Depending upon the physical and chemical form of the uranium and the type of surface, uranium
may become imbedded in the surface. Removal of embedded material may require physical abrasion,
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