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