Cruise Preparation | Radioactive Materials

Scientists planning to use radioactive materials on board CAPE HATTERAS must complete an Application for Use form. These forms are available from the Executive Officer and must be returned to him at least thirty days prior to the start of the cruise. Once on board, the Chief Scientist is responsible for conducting a swab survey of the laboratory before work begins and after work ends. Report any counts over background to the Master. Note that there is only one sink on board with isolated plumbing that can be used for radioactive materials. The sink is located in the wet lab. No other sink can be used for work with radioactive materials. Investigators are responsible for the removal of all radioactive materials from the CAPE HATTERAS. The amounts and kinds of radioactive isotopes normally used on board generally pose little risk from exposure; however, ingestion of these isotopes can be hazardous.

For the safety of all on board, the following apply when radioactive materials are used on CAPE HATTERAS:

1. Food and drink are prohibited in labs and therefore cups, plates and eating utensils are not to be brought into them.

2. Lab coats and gloves are not allowed on mess deck or in living areas.

3. Radioactive materials are not allowed on mess deck or in living areas.

If a spill occurs, proceed as follows:

1. Wash hands if they are contaminated as result of the accident; soap and water washing normally is sufficient. Put on gloves to prevent contamination of hands.

2. Place absorbent material or absorbent paper on spill to limit spread of contamination.

3. Mark off or isolate the contaminated area.

4. Inform the Master and Chief Scientist.

5. Start decontamination procedures as soon as possible. Normal cleaning agents should be adequate for decontamination. Proceed from outermost edges of contaminated area inward, systematically reducing the contaminated area. Keep cleaning supplies to a minimum and place all solid material in plastic bags and seal the bags after use.

6. Assume area is contaminated until verified clean by swabs or instrument readings. The Master has a hand-held Geiger-Muller counter available for emergency readings.

7. Keep all solid contaminated objects in labeled and sealed plastic bags to prevent the spread of contamination.