Corrective actions are those taken after something goes wrong. For non-emergency situations such as discovery of low-level surface contamination, loss of a sign required to be posted, etc., simply contact the Radiation Safety Office for any device or assistance needed. Document the situation and its correction. For emergency situations, human psychology can easily interfere with efficient handling and cause over-reaction or under-reaction. In event of a major spill, explosion, fire, or other emergency where radioisotopes are involved:

a. Alert all persons nearby; take steps necessary to preserve life if the situation is immediately life-threatening.

b. If certain that it can be done safely, take immediate steps to preserve facilities such as shutting off electricity, water, gas and exhaust. DO NOT gamble; consideration of humans comes before consideration of facilities.

c. IMMEDIATELY notify the Radiation Safety Officer. Phone 7-2227; if after hours or no answer, phone Police and Security at 7-3010 and request they notify the Radiation Safety Officer.

Emergencies which pose an immediate threat to life are extremely rare; emergencies which pose an immediate threat to facilities are also very rare. In all reasonably expected emergencies where radioisotopes are involved, an additional minute or two of delay will not cause significant harm. Taking time to notify Radiation Safety immediately causes the individual to pause for a minute or two, permitting time to calm down a bit and think rationally about the emergency and the corrective actions needed. It also permits Radiation Safety to provide timely advice, and assistance where appropriate, rather than after-the-fact platitudes. Radiation Safety also can then handle any necessary notifications to regulatory agency officials.