Emergencies

Radiation spill

Inform

1. Campus Protection immediately on 021 650 2222 / 3
2. The health and safety manager 021 650 3552 / 2246 / 3873 / 2660, speed dial to cell phone 8016 / 8056
3. The building emergency controller

Step 1

1. Stop and contain the spill as far as possible.
2. Warn other persons in the area.
3. Isolate contaminated personnel in a restricted area.
4. Manage the clean-up operation.

Step 2 (for trained persons only)

1. Contact medical physics at Groote Schuur Hospital (GSH) on the following numbers and arrange with the person on duty to see the contaminated personnel as soon as possible.
• In normal working hours: dial 404 + extension, or hospital tieline (72) + extension 6266 or 6270.
• Emergency after-hours number: call GSH on 021 404 9111 and ask the operator to page the medical physicists, Dr Hering and Ms C Johnson.

Take precautions to prevent the spread of contamination to others, the immediate environment and the transport vehicle. Take the contaminated person to P4 entrance at GSH.

Step 3 (for trained persons only)

1. Follow the clean-up procedure for a small spill.
2. If the spill is large, then the Health and Safety office will arrange for emergency expert assistance.

Reporting of a radiation incident

1. Forms can be obtained from, and must be submitted to, the UCT Health and Safety Manager, Shell Court, Mowbray.

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