Safe Handling of Radioisotopes

General health precautions while handling the radioisotopes or radiochemicals are must for all professionals associated with radioisotopes or radiochemicals. Regardless of the quantity of radioisotope or radiochemical, strict precautions and personal cleanliness awareness are indispensable. Some important tips in this regard are listed below:

1. Laboratory coat should be worn to protect the clothing.


2. Rubber or plastic gloves should be worn.


3. All handling of radioisotopes or radiochemicals should be done on the surfaces lined by absorbent material.


4. Dispensing of radiochemicals should be done over stainless steel, aluminium or plastic trays to contain any spillage.


5. Eating and smoking should be avoided in a hot laboratory (the laboratory where radioisotopes are used is called hot laboratory).


6. At the end of each procedure, the person responsible should cleanup his/her work space, dispose off any contaminated material in a suitable fashion.


7. If a spill occurs, that should be dealt with immediately and brought to the notice of Radiation Safety Officer.


8. The hot laboratory should be monitored periodically for unknown radiation from accidental spillage of radiochemicals.