21.0 Phosphorus-32 Use Procedures
When opening P-32 stock vials that contain greater than 1mCi, the fume hood should be used. This is only required for the initial opening of P-32 stock vials upon receipt in your laboratory from the radioisotope vendors.
Sources Greater Than 10 mCi:
- Low density shielding (e.g. Plexiglas) must be used in order to keep Bremsstrahlung radiation at a minimum.
- After each use, mandatory radiation survey and wipe tests must be performed with the results recorded in the User Laboratory Log Book.
- A finger type extremity badge must be worn by all users. (Request these from EH&S).
- A dry run shall be performed prior to the performance of unfamiliar procedures in order to avoid unexpected complications. A dry run is required for each new individual performing a procedure that is new to that person.
- Eye protection must be used for procedures that involve 10 millicuries or more.
- Use remote handling tools when possible while handling stock solutions.
- P-32 waste must be segregated to hold for decay.
- P-32 waste must be shielded if the waste creates a radiation area.
- The range that beta radiation travels on the average is about 7 feet with a maximum of 20 feet in the air.