WHAT IF YOU BECOME CONTAMINATED

If a contamination monitoring instrument indicates that you might have contamination on your clothes or skin:

Remain in the immediate area
Stay calm
Identify the location of contamination
Minimize cross-contamination
Move and touch as little as possible
Cover the contamination (e.g., glove)



Obtain assistance from a Radiation Protection Specialist for removing contaminated clothing.

Identify the location of contamination

Treat all items used to remove the contamination as contaminated

Inform a Radiation Protection Specialist of any additional items you may have cross-contaminated (e.g., car, radio)

Radioactive contamination on skin and hair can be quickly and easily removed with mild soap and lukewarm water.

Skin doses (if applicable) can be readily eliminated

If radioactive material is taken into the body (through ingestion, inhalation, absorption, or injection), the emitted radiation bombards the body from the inside out and could pose a health hazard.


Response to Contaminated Personnel

When dealing with the public and others who may not be aware of the real hazards vs. perceived hazards associated with exposure to radiation or contamination, stay calm.

The public will watch the way you react to the problem and act accordingly
Avoid using commonly used slang terms such as “crapped up” or “hot”




Once it is determined some one is contaminated, the actions taken will be controlled by three basic radiological control factors:

Physical condition of the worker

Location of the contamination on the worker

Activity of the radionuclides(s) present

Primary consideration should be given to the physical condition of the person.
The major concern should be whether or not the individual has a serious injury
When a person sustains a serious injury, the primary concern is the first aid or assistance to their needs



Determine the location and extent of the contamination.

Pay particular attention to:

Is contamination localized on general skin surface?
Is contamination located on or near a body orifice?

Is contamination located near a break in the skin?

Is there a wound present in the vicinity of the contamination?


Moving Contaminated Individuals

If the contaminated individual must be moved to another location (e.g., hospital, decontamination facility), contain the contamination as much as possible before allowing the person to move:

Remove and bag shoes and/or cover feet with plastic shoe covers/booties

Cover contaminated hands with gloves, (e.g., “surgical” gloves)

Don a clean set of protective clothing over contaminated clothes, or wrap the individual with any covering