Department of Energy (DOE) Radiological Control Manual

Chapter 5. - Radiological Health Support Operations

Part 4 - Handling Radiologically Contaminated Personnel

Table of Contents (Articles 54x)

• 541 Skin Contamination
• 542 Contaminated Wounds
• 543 Exposures to Airborne Radioactivity

Article 541 - Skin Contamination

1. Survey techniques shall be established to determine the extent of skin contamination.

2. When personnel detect skin contamination, they shall notify the Radiological Control Organization.

3. The extent of skin contamination should be determined prior to initiating decontamination procedures.

4. Skin decontamination methods should be established for site- specific radionuclides. Skin abrasion should be avoided during the decontamination process. Intrusive decontamination methods, such as tissue removal, require medical assistance.

5. Levels of skin contamination that trigger the need for dose assessments should be established for site-specific radionuclides. These trigger levels should not exceed 100 mrem.

6. Personnel with skin contamination that triggers the need for dose assessment should be informed of the initial dose estimate to their skin as soon as practicable, preferably prior to the end of their work day.

7. Personnel with skin contamination for which dose assessment was not performed should be informed of the nature of the contamination and an upper estimate on the potential dose (such as less than 10 mrem) as soon as practicable, preferably prior to the end of their work day.

8. An assessment of skin exposure requires time to conduct a detailed evaluation. Assessments shall be conducted in accordance with Appendix 2C and, promptly after completion, the results should be explained to the persons affected.

Article 542 - Contaminated WoundsManual Applicability and Control

1. Emergency medical care should be administered immediately for injuries involving radioactive materials in accordance with National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements Report Number 65. Medical treatment of injuries takes precedence over radiological considerations.

2. The treatment of contaminated injuries should include the following:

3. Treatment of contaminated wounds by medically qualified personnel
4. Monitoring of wounds and associated bandages for contamination, including alpha emitters if applicable
5. Identification of the radionuclides involved
6. Medical determination of the need for therapeutic intervention such as blocking or chelating agents
7. Initiation of appropriate bioassay monitoring
8. Determination of need for work restrictions.

• An injured person should be counseled promptly on the medical and radiological implications resulting from contaminated wounds that result in internal doses greater then 2 percent of the Table 2-1 limits. The counseling should be performed by senior radiological control and medical professionals. Return to Chapter 5, Part 4 Table of Contents

Article 543 - Exposures to Airborne Radioactivity

Potential intakes of radioactive material are indicated when personnel without respiratory protection are exposed to airborne radioactivity or when respiratory protection has been compromised. If intakes of radioactive material are indicated which could result in an individual receiving a committed effective dose equivalent greater than 100 mrem, the following actions should be taken:

1. Identify personnel potentially exposed to airborne radioactivity

2. Obtain nasal smears for qualitative indication of intakes where appropriate

3. Analyze air samples to determine airborne concentrations where appropriate

4. Determine duration of potential exposure to airborne radioactivity

5. Perform bioassay appropriate for the type and quantity of radionuclides involved

6. Evaluate dose prior to permitting the worker to return to radiological work.