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Answer to Question #2772 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"Category: Radioactive Waste Disposal — Disposal The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field: Q
Our company recently cleared out low-level biotechnology laboratory waste stored in drums in a storage room. Where might I find some type of guidance document regarding what type of samples and documentation are necessary to demonstrate that the room is free of contamination for unrestricted use?
A
The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) document "Consolidated Guidance about Materials Licensees: Program-Specific Guidance About Medical Use Licenses" (NUREG-1556, Volume 9) contains excellent information in Section 8.28 regarding waste management at medical facilities. Although you stated that you are at a low-level biotechnology laboratory, the guidance provided in this section, as well as in Appendix W, of this NUREG provides model procedures for waste disposal by decay-in-storage, generator return, and licensed material return. NUREG-1556, Vol. 13 regarding commercial radiopharmacy licensees may also be of use. You may also want to contact your regulator directly (either one of the NRC regions if you hold an NRC license, or the Agreement State radiation control program office to see if either has additional information that may be of assistance). Monitoring with appropriate instrumentation, documenting the survey results, and keeping records of these surveys are all important steps that are required for ensuring that an area is safe for unrestricted use. See also 10 CFR Part 20.2001(a), Section 20.2003, Section 20.2006, Section 20.2108, and 10 CFR 30.51. NUREG-1336, Vol. 9 and Vol. 13 can be found on the NRC Web site. Cynthia G. Jones, PhDATE Editor
Answer posted on 21 August 2003. The information and material posted on this Web site is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Web site. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.
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