Skin Contamination - doe-hdbk-1106-97

DOE-HDBK-1106-97

Lesson Plan

Instructor's Notes

2. Changing out gloves or protective gear as necessary to

prevent cross-contamination of equipment.

C. Skin Contamination

Skin contamination normally does not cause physical

injury to the skin. Some nuclides and chemical forms allow

absorption through the skin (i.e., iodine and tritium).

Strong beta emitters may present a hazard to the skin.

EO12: IDENTIFY the normal

1. Concerns of skin contamination are:

methods used for

Cross-contamination by touching.

decontamination

Absorption through the skin.

Threat of uptake by ingestion, touching face, etc.

Discuss the need to involve

2. Skin decontamination

RadCon personnel as

appropriate. Refer to facility

Intact skin is an excellent barrier, so use gentle

specific requirement.

methods to decontaminate.

Normally, mild soap and lukewarm water are used to

decontaminate personnel. Good practices include:

Do not abrade skin.