4-33. PERSONNEL EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE RADIATION

TM 5-6635-386-12&P at 0.2 mrem/hr or more at a distance of 2.5 centimeters (about one inch). (2) Place clothing in a container. Seal and label the container as radioactive waste. A garbage can with attached lid, and a plastic bag that has been sealed shut with tape are both considered to be sealed containers. f. Rags. Place all clean-up rags in sealable containers. g. Disposing of radioactive waste. Comply with AR 385-11 when disposing radioactive waste. 4-33. PERSONNEL EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE RADIATION. The following actions shall be taken should an individual receive a dose of ionizing radiation from the tester which exceeds 1.25 rem per calendar quarter, or an accumulated dose in excess of 5 rem per calendar year. Refer to Para 5-30, AR 40-5, for procedures for personnel exposed to excessive radiation. a. The individual shall immediately seek advice from the medical officer, and then notify the unit commander of the overexposure. b. The unit commander shall remove the individual from duties involving occupation exposure to radiation until subsequent exposure limitations are established by proper medical authority (AR 40-14). c. The unit commander, with assistance from the LRPO, shall prepare and submit a written report of circumstances leading to the overexposure. The report shall include the following. (1) Serial number of the tester that caused the overexposure. (2) Action taken to prevent recurrence of overexposure. d. Overexposure reports shall be forwarded, through command channels, to the Commander, TACOM, ATTN: AMSTA-CZ. 4-34. DECONTAMINATION OF EQUIPMENT AND AREA a. If the radioactive source is determined to be leaking or broken open, it may contaminate surroundings requiring decontamination efforts. Make sure not to spread the contaminant during the decontamination process. (1) Ensure that contamination has not spread by monitoring the area of contamination with survey instrumentation while wearing protective clothing and shoe covers. (2) During the decontaminating process, always work from the areas of least contamination toward the areas of greatest contamination. (3) Use the minimum amount of decontaminating solutions. Remain alert to the fact that run-off solutions, mops, rags and brushes are contaminated. b. Accomplish decontaminating methods in the following order of priority. (1) Damp mopping. Wipe the contaminated area with a damp rag or a damp mop. Keep changing the wiping surface of the rag or mop to minimize spreading the contaminant. (2) Water and detergent. Wet the contaminated area with a rag or mop which has been dampened with a minimum amount of detergent solution. Then, wipe the area dry with absorbent gauze or cloth. WARNING Before proceeding to the next decontamination level, contact the Commander, TACOM. ATTN: AMSTA-CZ for guidance concerning respiratory protection. Failure to wear respiratory protection may result in overexposure to radiation. (3) Steam cleaning. (4) Cleaning with solvents other than water. (5) Surface removal by use of chemicals, abrasives, sand blasting and grinding. 4-12