Equipment and Surface Decontamination

DOE-STD-1136-2004

Guide of Good Practices for Occupational Radiological Protection in Uranium Facilities

e. Dry the skin area with cleansing tissue.

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,

4-28