Re: Avoiding improper use of isotopes in the laboratory

["Sandy Perle" <sandyfl@earthlink.net>]

> Based on the frequency of these events (almost never) and the
> potential for serious injury (almost none), why would you waste even
> a second's thought on the subject? 

John is absolutely correct in his assessment. Considering frequency 
and risk, no further actions need be taken, assuming that all 
reasonable actions have been institutionalized through procedures and 
training. 

Regulations and procedures already exist to handle issues that arise 
from licensee negligence and direct violation of governing procedures 
and regulations. We can't regulate willful acts, that can not be 
foreseen and where no contingency plans can be implemented. Hindsight 
is always interesting, yet not actionable.

Expending large sums of $$ on man, methods or materials, where no 
observable benefit (reasonable benefit considering the risks of 
failure) can be defined, is a waste, and the net result can be 
detrimental. All one needs to do is look at the US nuclear power 
program today. In my opinion, all of the added redundancy over the 
years, where not really necessary to mitigate a potential problem, is 
one of the primary causes of the fiscal mis-management of the 
industry. These regulatory driven costs have caused many to question 
the economic feasibility of nuclear power. A reasonable and realistic 
nuclear policy by governmental agencies is sorely needed.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sandy Perle					Tel:(714) 545-0100 / (800) 548-5100   				    	
Director, Technical				Extension 2306 				     	
ICN Worldwide Dosimetry Division		Fax:(714) 668-3149 	                   		    
ICN Biomedicals, Inc.				E-Mail: sandyfl@earthlink.net 				                           
ICN Plaza, 3300 Hyland Avenue  		E-Mail: sperle@icnpharm.com          	          
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Personal Website:  http://www.geocities.com/scperle
ICN Worldwide Dosimetry Website: http://www.dosimetry.com

************************************************************************
The RADSAFE Frequently Asked Questions list, archives and subscription
information can be accessed at http://www.ehs.uiuc.edu/~rad/radsafe.html