Some
14C-labeled compounds may
penetrate gloves and skin. Handle these compounds remotely, wear two
pairs of gloves and change the outer layer frequently. Special caution
should be observed when handling
14C-labeled halogenated
acids. These compounds can be incorporated in the skin and deliver local
dose commitments in the order of 10-100 rad per µCi (3-30 Gy per MBq)
deposited.
1. Designate area for handling
14C
and clearly label all containers.
2. Prohibit eating, drinking, and smoking in room where
14C
is handled.
3. Use transfer pipettes, spill trays and absorbent
coverings to confine contamination.
4. Handle potentially volatile compounds in ventilated
enclosures.
5. If enhanced containment is necessary, handle volatile
compounds in closed systems vented through suitable traps.
6. Sample exhausted effluent and room air by drawing a
known volume through a membrane filter followed by an impinger
containing dilute NaOH.
7. Wear disposable lab coats, wrist guards and gloves
for secondary protection.
8. Select gloves appropriate for chemicals handled.
9. Maintain contamination and exposure control by
regularly monitoring and promptly decontaminating gloves and surfaces.
10. Use pancake or end-window Geiger-Mueller detectors
or liquid scintillation counter to detect
14C.
11. Submit periodic urine and breath samples (as
appropriate) for bioassay to determine uptake by personnel.
12. Isolate waste in sealed, clearly labeled containers
and dispose according to approved guidelines.
13. Establish air concentration, surface contamination
and bioassay action levels below regulatory limits. Investigate and
correct any conditions that may cause these levels to be exceeded.
14. On completing an operation, secure all
14C;
remove and dispose of protective clothing and coverings; monitor and
decontaminate self and surfaces; wash hands and monitor them again.
CARBON-14 
