Standard Operating Procedure

Title:General Radioactive Material Safety

Dept:Agronomy

Lab:Agronomy G313, B411, B406

Supervisor:Randy Shoemaker

1. Do not perform this procedure unless and until you have first completed the "Radiation Safety Training" course

taught by ISU Environmental Health & Safety.

2. Know the location of the ISU-EH&S Radiation Safety Manual.Read and familiarize yourself with the requirements

for safe use and disposal of radioactive materials.

3. Know the location of the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all hazardous chemicals used in this procedure

(sodium hydroxide, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium chloride, sodium citrate, sodium phosphate, and 2-

mercaptoethanol ). Read and become familiar with the safe use of these chemicals. If you have a question or

concern regarding health or safety with respect to a specific chemical, consult the laboratory supervisor or the

principal investigator before proceeding.

4. Always wear protective clothing when performing this procedure. Contamination of the skin with P-32 is extremely

dangerous. An approved laboratory coat, latex gloves, safety glasses, shoes and long pants must be worn to

avoid contamination of the bare skin. Use the shielding as much as possible, and use remote handling tools

(forceps or tongs) when appropriate.

5. Note especially that sodium hydroxide is toxic, highly corrosive and an irritant; sodium lauryl sulfate is an irritant;

and 2-mercaptoethanol is extremely toxic. You must use a fume hood and appropriate protective clothing when

preparing stock solutions of these chemicals.

6. Wear an approved dosimeter (ring badge) and conduct frequent radiation and contamination surveys during work
with P-32.

7. In case of spillage of radioactive materials, isolate the contamination and notify the laboratory supervisor or the
principal investigator immediately (unless further contamination would occur by leaving the room). Then consult
page 19 of the Radiation Safety Manual and proceed as directed in the Manual.

8. Do not take radioactive material from designatedrooms.

9. Whenever you have a question or concern regarding health or safety with respect to a specific procedure, consult
the laboratory supervisor or the principal investigator before proceeding.