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Radiation Spill

S.W.I.M.

Stop the spill

Warm others

|solate the area

Minimize your exposure

For personal contamination with radioactive material:

  1. Call 911 if ingested and for medical emergencies.
  2. If there is time, get count readings before and after decontamination. After each decontamination effort, check count readings. Attempt to reach background levels.
  3. Skin and hair:
    • Wash 2-3 minutes with soap and lukewarm water.
    • Repeat 3 to 4 times only. Use care not to harm skin.
  4. Eyes, ears, nose, mouth and wounds:
    • Do not stop to get count readings.
    • Flush with large amounts of water.
    • Take counts readings after flushing.
  5. Remove and bag contaminated clothing. Contaminated clothing must be handed over to Radiation Safety for decay or disposal as radioactive waste.
  6. Notify principal investigator (PI) and Radiation Safety at 310-794-1709.

How big is the spill?

Major spill

  • Involves a medical emergencies or volatile compounds
  • Personal contamination
  • Explosion or fire with spill
  • Generally greater than 100uCi

Minor spill

  • Can be handled by the lab
  • Spill on surfaces
  • Generally low radiation exposure

Important information

Know where to find your area’s spill kit, eyewash/shower location and first aid supplies. 
First Aid supplies.

How big is the spill?

Major radiation spill (millicurie quantities)

  1. Notify those not involved to evacuate (see “Building Evacuation” section)
  2. Call 911
  3. Cover spill to prevent spread
  4. Shield source, if possible
  5. Secure area to prevent entry and evacuate


Minor radiation skill (microcurie quantities)

  1. Notify others in the area.
  2. Cover spill to prevent spread.
  3. Initiate clean-up by lab staff.
  4. Notify your principal investigator (PI) and EH&S at 310-794-1709.