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25 July 2008

Answer to Question #5684 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Decommissioning — Decommissioning and Decontamination Operations

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

My question relates to decontamination of a radiation laboratory, especially a laboratory exposed to low-level radiation. What are the procedures adopted for decontamination of instruments and labwares and management of decontamination as such? How safe is the area after cleaning with COUNT-OFF^TM liquid concentrate? What is the principle involved in such cleaning?

Perhaps one of the best sources of information on decontamination approaches is the Department of Energy's (DOE) Decommissioning Handbook, DOE/EM-0142P, published in March 1994. Chapter 9 provides information on a variety of decontamination techniques, including chemical decontamination. The handbook can be downloaded via a link from the Decontamination and Decommissioning Science Consortium (DDSC) Web site.

Another reference that may prove useful is the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences "Health and Safety Guidelines for Moving Laboratories." Attachment A of this document provides decontamination procedures for cleaning laboratory equipment and surfaces.

According to the product's Web site, COUNT-OFF^TM is a mild reagent with alkalinity equivalent to a 1 x 10^-2 molar sodium hydroxide solution. Further, the Web site states that for most applications COUNT-OFF^TM liquid concentrate should be diluted to 1:49 (COUNT-OFF^TM: warm water). Additional details can be found on the PerkinElmer Web site.

Eric W. Abelquist, CHP

Answer posted on 21 August 2006. The information and material posted on this Web site is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Web site. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.