Decontamination of Surfaces

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

DOE-HDBK-1079-94

Tritium Primer

If mouth-to-mouth resuscitation must be given to a contaminated victim, the victim's

mouth should first be wiped with a damp cloth.

Decontamination of Surfaces

Following a tritium spill involving a liquid with high specific activity, the area may have to be

isolated and other protective measures taken before cleaning up the liquid. Monitoring for

possible airborne tritium must be started to determine the need for respiratory protection or skin

protection. After the spill has been cleaned up, residual contamination will remain. Depending

on the level of contamination, any further steps needed to prevent the spread of contamination

and reduce the level to an acceptable value should be determined.

Following a release of tritium gas, surfaces would not be expected to be heavily contaminated.

If tritiated water vapor is released, the contamination may be greater, depending on the amount

and activity of the released vapor. In any case, smear and air surveys will be used to determine

the course of action needed to control and reduce the contamination safely.

Tritium

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