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RECOMMENDATIONS FOR For
the temporary storage of radioactive waste in the laboratory, we recommend
a step-on type container for hands off use.
While plastic is adequate for beta emitters, it is
recommended that you purchase metal containers for gamma emitters. For
low energy beta emitters such as 3H, 14C, and 35S,
all standard materials will provide adequate shielding of the waste. For
32P, acrylic is a good shielding material.
If purchasing an acrylic waste container or beta-shields for bench
top work, a minimum thickness of 3/8 inch is recommended.
This thickness will stop all of the beta particles. For
shielding gamma emitters such as 125I or 51Cr, lead
may be used. The exposure
rate from a gamma emitter is a function of the energy of the gamma, the
total activity of the source, and the distance from the source.
The exposure rate from 125I is 0.07 mR/hr per mCi at 1
meter. Lead with thickness of
1/8 inch will reduce the exposure to 0.4% of the original rate.
The exposure rate from 51Cr is 0.016 mR/hr per mCi at 1
meter. Lead with thickness of
1/8 inch will reduce the exposure to 68.6% of the original rate. Our yellow plastic bags are 20" W x 30" H and are 8 mil in thickness. The
following containers are acceptable: Rubbermaid
model 6142--4.5 gallon capacity, 13.25"DIAM x 15.5"H.
Approximately $ 61. White color. (Lab Safety catalogue number 3BK-13764).
Rubbermaid
model 6143--8 gallon capacity, 16.25"W x 15.75"D x 17.13"
H. Approximately $ 68. Beige, red or white color. (Lab Safety catalogue
number 3BK-22022).
Rubbermaid model 6144--12 gallon capacity, 16.25"W x 15.75"D x 23.6" H. Approximately $ 72. Beige, red or white color. (Lab Safety catalogue number 3BK-22023). Rubbermaid model 6145--18 gallon capacity, 19.75"W x 16.13"D x 26.13" H. Approximately $ 82. Beige, red or white color. (Lab Safety catalogue number 3BK-16444). United Metal Receptacle Corp model ST7E--7 Gallon capacity, 12" Sq x 17" H. With retainer band for plastic liners. Approximately $ 91. White or red color. (Lab Safety catalogue number 3BK-9600). United Metal Receptacle Corp model ST12E--12 Gallon capacity, 12" Sq x 23" H. With retainer band for plastic liners. Approximately $ 113. White or red color. (Lab Safety catalogue number 3BK-9601). All are available from: The
Milford Products Company, 1514 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Phone
412-281-8748. Lab
Safety Supply (janitorial equipment, step-on waste containers)
1-800-356-0783. A variety of acrylic beta shield products and lead shielding products are available from Research Products International Corporation. Phone 1-800-323-9814.
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Radiation Safety Office Webmaster Revised July 23, 2003 |
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