24.1 Radiation protection: major spillage of radioactive body fluids through incontinence and/or vomiting

Essential equipment: spillage kit

  • Absorbent pads/paper
  • Gloves
  • Overshoes
  • Apron and/or gown
  • (COSHH) radiation waste bag
  • Radiation warning tape
  • Hand‐held radiation monitor

Optional equipment

  • Decon 90™, an approved solution for neutralizing isotopes
  • 1.
    Put on the protective clothing found in the spillage kit and immediately cover the spillage with absorbent material.To absorb contamination and to contain the area of spillage (DH [15], C).
  • 2.
    Inform the medical physics department immediately.So that the medical physics department can advise on radiation protection as soon as possible, to ensure local policy is adhered to (DH [15], C).
  • 3.
    If medical physics department staff are not immediately available, use a radiation monitor to assess the extent of the spillage.To define extent of contamination and determine what further measures need to be taken (DH [15], C).
  • 4.
    Any waste that cannot be flushed down the toilet or macerated must be placed in a black polythene bag with a radiation label and the medical physics staff informed.To prevent contamination of the environment (DH [15], C).
  • 5.
    Follow the advice of the medical physics department staff in clearing the spillage using the designated spillage kit.To prevent spread of contamination (DH [15], C).