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Radiation is energy in the form of waves or moving subatomic particles. It can be classified in two categories: ionizing or non-ionizing. The most common use of the word "radiation" refers to ionizing radiation. Radioactive material is a physical material that emits ionizing radiation.

Ionizing radiation has many practical uses in medicine, research, construction and other areas. However, it also presents an external and internal health hazard to humans if used improperly.

Personnel Injuries

For personnel injury involving radioactive material contamination:

• Provide first aid immediately for serious injuries.
• Call 911.
• Notify Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) at 979-862-1111 or the appropriate Health Science Center contact.
• Monitor the injury. If it is possible to remove the contaminated clothing without harming the victim, do so.

Radioactive Contamination

For radioactive contamination of personnel:

• Remove and bag all contaminated clothing.
• Call Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) at 979-862-1111 or the appropriate Health Science Center contact to report the incident.
• Skin contamination should be cleaned using mild soap and tepid water. Use a portable survey meter to monitor for remaining contamination. If the victim is not free of contamination, re-wash and re-survey.
• Survey for contamination elsewhere on the body as well as on clothes, shoes, floor, door handles, telephones, etc.
• Document the entire incident with either a signed memo/letter or an email from an official university email account to EHS.

Spills

For radiation spill or release:

• Stop work and confine the spill immediately using an absorbent, enclosure, etc.
• Call Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) at 979-862-1111 or the appropriate Health Science Center contact to report the incident. Warn others of the hazard and isolate the area.
• Monitor personnel during and after cleanup for contamination.
• Collect all used cleanup materials as radioactive waste and bag all contaminated clothing or cleaning items for removal by EHS.
• Commence wipe surveys and decontamination. Perform surveys of surrounding areas to ensure that all contaminated areas are identified.
• Document the entire incident with either a signed memo/letter or an email from an official university email account to EHS.