Rad controls for low quantities of alpha emitters

[Kathleen=McIntyre%occsafe%sep@sep2.sep.bnl.gov]

Forwarded to:      smtp@gateway[radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu]
          cc:      
Comments by:       Kathleen McIntyre@occsafe@sep

   -------------------------- [Original Message] -------------------------      
We are planning modifications to two existing labs that will be dedicated to 
low quantities of alpha emmitters.  Specifically, each lab may handle:
	1. natural uranium salt solutions: 1 gram total, 1L of 1000 ug/ml
	2. uranium contaminated waste sludge: .4 g total,  
	3. possibly Am-241: quantity to be determined (but in the same ball 	
	park)
	4. MAYBE Pu-239: again very low concentrations (not yet decided)

In addition to the routine posting, adequate procedures, training and source 
accountability, the following has been recommended:
	1. filtering and transfer of materials will occur within a HEPA hood
	2. calibrated alpha frisker to monitor personnel 
	3. routine smear surveys
		a. alpha counter for smears 
	4. anterooms for final personnel monitoring (designated as "clean")
	5. negative airflow within the labs and anterooms (with respect to 	
	the common hallway)
		a. sealing windows 
	6. general air sampling: as the experiments evolve, the type of 	
	sampling will be determined 
	7. personal protective clothing (lab coats and gloves)  
	                                                      
Since the floor is tiled, we've been thinking about applying a sealant.  Any 
suggestions? Should this extend to the benchtop and interior of the hood?  
What obvious things have I over looked?!

Any thoughts re: this issue would be valuable...and thanks in advance...

my direct e-mail address is mcintyre@bnl.gov