Autoclaving radioactive materials

["Jim F. Herrold" <Herrold@uwyo.edu>]

Howdy.

Our Biological Safety Officer is updating her procedures. We were wondering
if there are written general guidelines concerning autoclaving waste
contaminated with radioactive materials. I've seen others on RADSAFE talking
about autoclave bags with charcoal filters, etc. How much of a concern is
contamination of autoclaves? Does it really happen, or is it an old wives
tale? We routinely wipe test autoclaves, but have never found any
contamination (so far). 

PS Thanks to all who have responded to my question on tagging toads.

Jim Herrold
Radiation Safety Officer
University of Wyoming

herrold@uwyo.edu
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