Radioactive Materials - Waste Management
The control of radioactive material extends over the associated waste that is produced as a result of research activities. This waste may be comprised of the remnants sources of radioactivity that are no longer useful to the researcher. These may be sealed sources that have insufficient activity for experimental purposes; or sealed source in a device where the equipment has failed and requires disposal. Alternately, the waste may be associated with open sources and be characterized as the remains of radioactivity found in a stock vial or the waste associated with experimental procedures.
The main waste disposal streams associated with the University are solid waste (off-site or decay), liquid waste (off site (liquid scintillation) or municipal sewer (aqueous waste that meets CNSC requirements)), and biomedical (off-site). Regardless of the waste stream, CNSC regulates what may be disposed of and what activities are authorized. If off-site disposal is used, Transport Canada and Ontario Ministry of the Environment regulations are engaged.
The University has an established monitoring and tracking system that are initiated at the point of generation and extended to the storage and final disposal of the waste. ORM is responsible for establishing procedures and monitoring the process to ensure compliance, as well as maintaining long term records. In addition, CNSC requires annual reporting of the waste generated and disposed of.
To address these requirements, ORM has implemented a series of wastes tracking logs and waste disposal forms that must be completed. These accompany the waste, and copies are sent to ORM. Disposal of radioactive sealed source, sealed sources incorporated in a device and biological samples containing radioactivity must be addressed on a case by case basis, therefore contact ORM to determine what steps must be followed. Additional waste management information may be found in the Radiation Safety Manual.
- Procedures for Radioactive Waste Management
- Open Source - Use and Disposition Form
- Liquid Scintillation Waste Log
- Radioactive Solid Waste Log