Emergency Handling of Radiation Accident Cases

Binghamton University is licensed by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) to handle and store a specified limited quantity of radioactive materials and x-ray emitting equipment for research purposes. All use of radioactive materials for research or instructional purposes must be approved by the Radiation Safety Committee (RSC), with general oversite for compliance and safety being the responsibility of the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) from the office of Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S). In the event of a radiation emergency, these individuals and entities work together to mitigate exposure to the campus and public as a whole.

There are four main types of radiological accidents that have the potential to occur: external exposure to ionizing radiation, internal (ingestion) exposure to ionizing radiation, environmental contamination of radioactive materials, or internal exposure from cross-contamination of radioactive materials.

In any emergency event involving ionizing radiation, the RSO is to be notified immediately by phone, with all steps of the emergency response to be under the supervision of the RSO. If outside of working hours, contact University Police Department (UPD) dispatch immediately for emergency contact of the RSO.

The following spill procedures and injuries to personnel involving radiation hazard are for a quick reference from the Radiation Safety Manual. For more detailed guidance, this manual can be found on the Radiation Safety page of the Environmental Health and Safety website. 

A.      Spill Procedures

           I.   Minor Spills: A spill is considered minor if:

1. 1. 1. 1.  It is confined to the immediate work area (i.e., table top or tray).
         2.  No one is contaminated.
         3.  No shielding is required to perform the experiment.
         4. There are no gases, vapors or volatile solutions.
         5. It is easily cleaned up by the user.

         II.    Steps to take:

1. 1. 1. 1. NOTIFY: Notify persons in the area that a spill has occurred.
         2.  PREVENT THE SPREAD: Cover the spill with absorbent paper.
         3. CLEAN UP: Use disposable gloves and remote handling tongs. Carefully fold the absorbent paper and pad. Insert into a plastic bag and dispose of in the radioactive waste  container. Also insert into the plastic bag all other contaminated materials such as contaminated gloves.
         4. SURVEY: With a low-range thin-window GM survey meter, check the area around the spill, hands, and clothing for contamination.
         5. REPORT: Report incident to the RSO.

       III.     Major Spills: A spill is considered major if:

1. 1. 1. 1. Shielding is required to perform the experiment.
         2. It is not confined to the immediate work area.
         3. Anyone is contaminated or injured.
         4. There are gases, vapors or volatile solution.
         5. A fire is involved.
         6. It is very difficult for the user to clean up. (i.e. more than three decontamination attempts).

       IV.    Steps to take:

1. 1. 1. 1. CLEAR THE AREA:  Notify all persons not involved in the spill to vacate the room.
         2. PREVENT THE SPREAD: Cover the spill with absorbent pads, but do not attempt to clean it up. Confine the movement of all personnel potentially contaminated to prevent the spread.
         3. SHIELD THE SOURCE: If possible, the spill should be shielded, but only if it can be done without further contamination or without significantly increasing your radiation exposure.
         4. CLOSE THE ROOM: Leave the room and lock the door(s) to prevent entry.
         5. CALL FOR HELP: Notify the RSO immediately.
         6. PERSONNEL DECONTAMINATION: Contaminated clothing should be removed and stored for further evaluation by the RSO. If the spill is on the skin, flush thoroughly and then wash with  mild soap and lukewarm water.

         V.     The RSO will supervise the clean-up of the spill and will complete a report. See emergency contact information in section 4(A) of this manual. 

B.      Injuries to Personnel Involving Radiation Hazard

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Wash minor wounds immediately under running water while spreading the edges of the gash.
            2. Campus Phone-Dial Ext. 911 and ask for a Binghamton University New York State Police Officer to transport the injured person to the infirmary or hospital. Indicate to the Officer the amount of radioactivity and type used.
            3. Cell Phone-Dial (607) 777-2222 and ask for a Binghamton University New York State Police Officer to transport the injured person to the infirmary or hospital. Indicate to the Officer the amount of radioactivity and type used.
            4. Report all radiation accidents to personnel to the RSO at (607) 777-3589 as soon as possible. Complete the Accident Report form supplied to you by the RS
            5. Permit no person involved in a radiation injury to return to work without the approval of the RSO and of the attending physician.
            6. Prepare a complete history of the accident for the RSO records.

In the extremely rare event that the radiological emergency has any threat to rescue personnel, members of the campus population, or the general public, the RSO will immediately report the incident to the NYSDOH Bureau of Environmental Radiation Protection (BERP) by phone for further consultation and response measures. Specific areas where BERP staff can assist in planning for or responding to a radiological emergency include:

• •   Assessment and Evaluation of potential radiological contamination;
  •   Guidance on location of hot/cold zone, contamination control, required protective measures, turn back values, decontamination protocols for first responders, etc.;
  •   Technical assistance to hospitals/clinics that request it;
  •   Preparing key messages for emergency workers, and affected members of the public;
  •   Collecting environmental samples and triage analyses to be able to:

• • • Determine type and concentration of radioactive materials in the environment;
    • Determine need for evacuation/relocation/restrictions (food, water, etc.);
    • Prepare advisories to the public and emergency workers;

Additional information helpful for rescue personnel:

Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) – Patrick M. Reardon
Office Phone: 607-777-3589 (7-3589) 

Back-up Radiation Safety Officer – Joseph Biscardi
Office Phone: 607-777-5799 (7-5799)

Director, Environmental Health & Safety – Connie E. Corey
Office Phone: 607-777-2259 (7-2259) 

Radiological Safety Committee (RSC):

Chair – Lynda Ruffini
Office Phone: 607-777-5810 (7-5810) 

Binghamton University Radiation Safety Manual
https://www.binghamton.edu/offices/environmental-health-safety/pdfs/radiationsafetymanuallicense588march2024.pdf

Broome County Office of Emergency Services
Telephone: 607-778-2170

Location(s) of survey equipment:
Environmental Health & Safety Office, Decker Health Services, Building IN101
Chemical and Radioactive Storage, Building 133