During normal work hours, call Radiation Safety 919-515-2894 or 911
After working hours, call University Police at 911, who will notify Radiation Safety of the event.

Minor Spills of Radioactive Materials (microcurie amounts)
If the spill occurs, attend to the spill as soon as possible. Cover the area to prevent tracking or contamination to other areas. Use appropriate personal protective equipment (e.g. gloves, laboratory jacket, etc.).

Major Spills of Radioactive Materials or Radiation Emergencies (millicurie amounts)
Radiation emergencies, as is applicable for NC State, are incidents which involve actual or suspected exposure to uncontrolled sources of radioactivity that cause or threaten to cause an external dose in excess of five (5) rem to the whole body, or gross radioactive personnel contamination resulting in ingestion, inhalation, injection, or skin absorption of radioactive material leading to comparable risk.

Laboratory Fires Involving Radioactive Materials
In the event of a laboratory fire involving radioactive materials, the fire is the first priority. If the fire is not controllable with an extinguisher, evacuate the laboratory immediately, close the lab doors, activate the nearest pull station and report the fire by calling 911.

Emergency Procedures for Radiation Producing Devices
Emergency telephone numbers should be available to everyone who works in the lab, posted near the telephone or outside the entrances to the lab. Individuals who suspect that they have been exposed to the direct beam from any x-ray producing equipment must

  • Immediately turn off the equipment
  • Call the emergency numbers listed above
  • Notify their supervisor

Miscellaneous Incidents and Emergencies

The following may constitute a radiation incident or emergency:

  • Loss or theft of any radioactive material or radiation-producing device
  • High or potentially high radiation exposure to an employee or member of the general public.
  • Intake of radioactive material by inhalation, ingestion, skin absorption, or injection through the skin or wound.
  • Deceptive or potentially deceptive exposure of a dosimeter.
  • Personnel contamination which cannot be removed after two washes with soap and water.
  • Spills involving significant activities of 125I or 131I with the potential for inhalation.
  • Removable contamination in unrestricted areas (e.g. hallways, offices, vehicles, etc.) which exceed the limits outlined in 15A NCAC 11.
  • Radiation fields in unrestricted areas which exceed the limits specified for members of the general public in 15A NCAC 11.
  • Accidental or unmeasured releases of radioactive material to the environment.
  • Fire or floods which threaten to release radioactive material to the environment or which threaten to expose emergency response personnel.
  • An on-site transportation accident involving radioactive material.
  • Personnel injuries which may involve radioactive material contamination of the wound.
  • Additional situations deemed pertinent by the Radiation Safety Committee or Radiation Safety Officer.
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