Skip Navigation

University at Buffalo - The State University of New York
  1. About
    1. Contact Us
    2. News, Alerts and Tips
  2. EH&S Programs
    1. Accident Reporting
    2. Asbestos and Lead
    3. Battery Recycling
    4. Biological Safety
    5. Chemical Safety
    6. Construction Safety
    7. Environmental Protection
    8. Fire and Life Safety
    9. General Safety
    10. Hazardous Waste
    11. Industrial Hygiene
    12. Laboratory Safety
    13. Public Health
    14. Radiation Safety
    15. EH&S Projects
    16. Small Claims
  3. Policies
    1. Building Evacuation Plans
    2. Campus Commitment to Safety
    3. Corridor Use Policy
    4. Excavation Marking and Dig Safely Procedure
    5. Guidelines for Drain Disposal of Lab Waste
    6. Lab Facilities & Equipment Servicing Release
    7. Outdoor Projects
    8. More...
  4. Forms
    1. Biosafety Forms
    2. Chemical Safety Forms
    3. Equipment Release Certification Form
    4. Fact Sheets
    5. Fire Safety Forms
    6. Hot Work Permit
    7. Laser Registration
    8. Material Safety Data Sheets
    9. Radiation Safety Forms
    10. Small Claims Incident Report Form
  5. Training
    1. Lab Safety Training
    2. Radiation Safety Training
    3. Right-to-Know Training

Home > Departments > Environment, Health & Safety > EH&S Programs > Radiation Safety > Radiation Emergencies

Radiation Emergencies

In the event of an emergency, Contact Environment, Health and Safety at 829-3281 for assistance. After normal working hours, call University Police at 645-2222.

Note: At the Center of Excellence (COE) in Bioinformatics, contact RPCI Security at 845-3333 for emergency assistance. Then call EH&S or University Police.

Spills

  • Stop the spill. Turn the container up right and/or apply absorbent material to minimize spread of contamination.
  • Warn others. Notify all other persons in the room to avoid the spill.
  • Isolate the spill. Prevent others from entering the area. 
  • Minimize exposure. For small spills initiate decontamination. Otherwise obtain assistance from EH&S. Begin at the periphery and work towards the center. Place contaminated items in the proper waste containers.
  • Survey the area. Perform and document the decontamination.

Personnel Contamination

  • Notify all other persons in the area and ask for assistance.
  • If contamination is found on skin or personal clothing or internal exposure (inhalation/ingestion) is suspected, immediately notify EH&S.
  • Remove contaminated clothing.
  • Wash contaminated skin or hair with mild soap and water. Do not irritate the skin.
  • Do not leave the area until found free of contamination.

Loss of Radioactive Material or Release to Environment

  • Notify EH&S immediately if radioactive material is missing or inadvertently released to the sewer, non-radioactive trash or air.