[Nhcoll-l] Safe handling and storage procedures for radioactive/radon gas bearing specimens

[Sagebiel, J. Chris]

I would be very interested to see the recommendations from an industrial hygienist. I went through this once, but it was somewhat cursory.

At the San Bernardino County Museum, we did a quick survey for radioactivity in the collections and found some alarming levels among the Barstow Fossil beds material - higher readings than the uranium ore in the mineral collections!
I consulted a hygienist, but having moved on, I do not have the written results any longer. My recollection being that because storage solutions were dependent upon the types of radioactive decay exhibited by the materials, (and our materials being greatly varied) it was doubtful that we could have a one-size-fits-all storage solution. I do recall that lead-lined cabinets was not the answer, and would/could actually promote radon gas buildup.

It was thought that because ingestion of dust (air, dirty hands) was the biggest threat to staff, most of the radiation hazards could be mitigated through lab practices. So the results were:

It became standard practice to wear PPE by all prep staff, namely dust masks and nitrile gloves. Ventilation and a dust-collection system were recommended as well.
In the collections, hand-washing before and after handling specimens was recommended.
It was recommended that each cabinet be opened about once a week to allow the air to exchange. Because radon is relatively heavy, it will tend to dump out of the bottom of the cabinet. We also would open cabinets before researchers came to visit to allow the radon to circulate out. Our HVAC circulated enough air through the collections to keep the radon levels low. Of course one can't know that unless there is monitoring for it.

I'd be interested to see what you all come up with.

Sincerely,

Chris

J. Chris Sagebiel, Collections Manager
Texas Vertebrate Paleontology Collections
The University of Texas, J.J. Pickle Campus
10100 Burnet Road, Bldg. 6 (VPL)
Austin, TX 78758

Office: (512) 232-5514
Fax: (512) 232-5518

sagebiel at austin.utexas.edu




From: Nhcoll-l <nhcoll-l-bounces at mailman.yale.edu> On Behalf Of Janet Gillette
Sent: Wednesday, June 19, 2019 1:24 PM
To: nhcoll-l at mailman.yale.edu
Subject: [Nhcoll-l] Safe handling and storage procedures for radioactive/radon gas bearing specimens

Hi All,

The Museum of Northern Arizona (MNA) was recently awarded a collection improvement grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). In addition to funds to purchase new cabinetry for our paleontology collection, we also have support to work with an industrial hygienist to test for, and resolve potential health and safety issues.

We have a large collection of fossil vertebrates and petrified wood from the Triassic Chinle Fm. and Jurassic Kayenta Fm., both of which can be associated with elevated radioactivity and radon gas. As part of the project we'll develop safe handling and storage procedures for radioactive/radon gas bearing fossils.

Does anyone have written protocols that you would be willing to share? What precautions do you take? Do you have any advice re: personal protective equipment (PPE)? Note: we are in the process of purchasing dosimeters and have both radiation and radon detectors available.

Thanks in advance for any ideas or thoughts you could share. I'm happy to reciprocate and share what we learn as a result of our project.

Cheers,
Janet

Janet Whitmore Gillette
Natural Science Collections Manager
Museum of Northern Arizona
3101 N. Fort Valley Road
Flagstaff, AZ  86001
(928) 774-5211 ext. 265

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