It is GUMC policy that employees, students, and staff evacuate to the assembly area without attempting to fight the fire.

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"Are Common Chemicals Scrambling Your Hormones?" Washington Times USA Weekend, 13-15 February 98, 18.
The Environmental Protection Agency is increasing its research to determine whether synthetic chemicals cause reproductive and developmental problems, including falling sperm counts in men and early puberty in girls. Some researchers fear that chemicals in some shampoos, dyes, and detergents are absorbed through the skin and interfere with the hormonal system. The Chemical Manufacturers Association is also studying the problem. Sidebar: "Ways to Play It Safe" - offers tips for reducing your exposure to suspected hormone disruptors, and places to go for more information, including the following Web sites: (http://www.epa.gov/endocrine) and (http://www.wwfcanada.org/hormone-disruptors /index.html).

"Hospital to End Radioactive Waste Practices [Metro in Brief: The District]" Washington Post, 3 March 98.
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission announced that Washington Hospital Center has agreed to stop its improper handling of radioactive waste, including the unlicensed burning of radioactive waste in its incinerator.

"Radon Blamed for 18,000 Lung Cancer Deaths in U.S. Each Year." Washington Post, 20 February 98. "Research Ties Radon to as Many as 21,800 Deaths Each Year." New York Times, 20 February 98.
A panel from the National Research Council issued a report Thursday stating that radon is responsible for nearly 18,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States. About 90 percent of radon-related cancers occur in current or former smokers, and "most of the radon-related deaths among smokers would not have occurred if the victims had not smoked."

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Welcome Aboard

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ASK EH&S

Why Would I Use a Secondary Container?
Secondary containers are required when storing non-hazardous chemicals on the floor. Secondary containers prevent the release of spilled hazardous materials. Hazardous chemicals may not be stored on the floor even if inside secondary containers.

What is a Secondary Container?
A secondary container can be a plastic pan, beaker, bucket, tub, etc. that another container (the primary container) may be placed into. Secondary containers may not be glass.

Where Do I Get a Secondary Container?
EH&S (7-4712) has a wide variety of attractive colors.We saved a lot of money by purchasing kitty litter pans instead of costly labware.

Is This a Rule or Just a Good Idea?
This is a D.C. Fire Code requirement. Failure to comply has resulted in the issuance of costly fines.

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Know The Risk: Unmarried Men

Cause of Death	Single	Widowed	Divorced
All Causes	1.48	1.54	2.23
Tuberculosis	3.82	2.17	6.67
Cancer
Digestive	1.25	1.26	1.55
Respiratory	1.16	1.26	2.13
Genital	0.95	1.23	1.37
Leukemia	1.19	1.08	1.21
Diabetes	1.46	1.41	1.92
Stroke	1.37	1.50	1.81
Heart Disease	1.32	1.46	1.77
Cirrhosis of Liver	2.57	2.42	6.22
Motor Vehicle	1.51	2.27	4.20
All Other Accidents	1.51	2.27	4.20
Suicide	1.53	2.39	4.08
Homicide	1.03	2.69	7.22

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Rank	Deficiency No.	Deficiency Title
1	3.2.2	Removable Survey Not Performed at Required Frequency
2	3.2.1	Removable Survey Not Located at Time of Survey
3	3.3.1	Meter Survey Not Performed or Not Documented
4	3.3.2	Meter Survey Not Performed at Required Frequency
5	4.3.3	Waste Containers Not Properly Labeled
6	2.6.2	Training Not up to Date
7	3.2.3	Wipes Not Taken in Random Locations
8	3.3.6	Incorrect Meter Efficiencies or Information
9	2.5.3	Empty Package Survey Prior to Disposal
10	2.5.2	Wipe Test of Stock Vial Upon Receipt

Every calendar quarter, the Radiation Safety Office Staff conducts an inspection of all laboratories authorized for the use of radioactive materials. The results of these radiation record reviews and physical surveys are communicated to the authorized users on a Laboratory Inspection Report form. The top 10 list represents the most frequently found deficiencies during fourth quarter inspections of 1997. Here is a brief explanation of the nature of the deficiencies, as well as the rationale behind the requirements.

The four most prevalent deficiencies all relate to the performance and documentation of contamination surveys at the required minimum frequency. These surveys are a primary means of ensuring that there is not inadvertent radioactive contamination in and around areas where radioactive materials are used. These documented surveys, conducted at the required minimum frequencies, are an explicit condition of the institution's NRC license as well as the internal authorizations granted to RAM users. If survey responsibility is shared by numerous lab workers, a posted schedule or duty roster may be necessary. If one person routinely conducts the lab surveys, a substitute should be appointed to fulfill the duties in case of absence.

4.3.3 Containers Not Properly Labeled
Waste containers must be labeled with the following: -"Caution Radioactive Materials" -The name of the isotope it contains - "Aqueous" or "Organic" if it is a liquid

Most occurrences of improper waste container labeling are liquid wastes which are not designated as either aqueous or organic .The distinction between the two types of liquids is important because organic liquids can never be disposed into the sanitary sewer system. Aqueous liquids are eventually disposed through controlled sink releases by the Radiation Safety Staff, after assuring that the release conforms to the appropriate regulatory requirements.

2.6.2 Training Not up to Date
The Authorized User Training Record documents that all staff in the laboratory have received training by the authorized user or a representative. Training includes bothhe specifics of using radioactive materials in that particular laboratory and general Georgetown University Radiation Safety policies. Deficiencies in this area include not documenting the training of all lab workers, both RAM and non-RAM, and also failure to provide a resignation date for workers no longer in the laboratory.

3.2.3 Wipes Not Taken in Random Locations
In addition to testing for removable contamination in all areas where radioactivity is used or stored, wipes must be taken in random locations. These random wipes ensure that areas in the laboratory that do not require regular wipe monitoring are not contaminated. Random wipes may be taken in any location in the laboratory. Common locations are items that get handled such as door knobs, telephones, computer keyboards, and equipment controls. Wipes should also be taken on the floor.

3.3.6 Incorrect Meter Efficiencies or Information
While it may often be treated like boiler plate, the meter efficiencies, detector types, serial numbers and calibration dates that appear on survey forms and personal contamination monitoring forms serve an important purpose. The meter readings that are recorded on these forms can only be understood within the context of the current calibrated meter efficiencies. Meter information must be changed whenever a meter is calibrated. If a substitute meter is used, the meter information must be recorded.

2.5.3 Empty Package Survey Prior to Disposal
2.5.2 Wipe Test of Stock Vial Upon Receipt
These two deficiencies relate to the proper procedures for receiving radioactive material. After receiving radioactive material, a wipe test must be taken on the exterior of the stock vial prior to breaking the seal. The result of the wipe test should be entered on the designated area of the Radioactive Material Control Sheet and the counter printout must be attached. The box and the contents being disposed must be surveyed with a meter, and the results must also be documented on the Control Sheet. This process ensures that a leaking or contaminated stock vial is discovered immediately, before concentrated radioactive contamination is spread or disposed of in the trash.

Please note that the empty package must also have all references to radioactive materials defaced prior to disposal.

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The physics student: "It is a matter of (velocity * mass) * drag coefficient."

The engineering student: "It is a matter of terrain, weather, track conditions, fuel supply and operator skill."

The financing student: "Are all the passengers paid up?"

The marketing student: "Can we still sell seats on the trains?"

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Or email a message to: thompsonp@odrge.odr.georgetown.edu

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