Use of Hazardous & Radioactive Materials Aboard Ship
Hazardous Material
Scientists planning to use hazardous materials on board need
to provide a list of materials by chemical name, common name,
type and classification using the Hazardous Material Inventory
form.
MSDS
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) will be required for all
hazardous material brought aboard, and the Master will need
the MSDS forms at loading.
Spill Kit
The science party must supply spill kits for large amounts
and unique Hazardous Materials.
Personal Protective Equipment
The science party must bring the proper safety equipment
required for the hazardous material. This includes items such
as safety glasses, lab coats, gloves, etc.
Hazardous Waste
It is the responsibility of the Investigator to make arrangements
to properly dispose of their hazardous waste at the end of
their cruise. For cruises in and out of Woods Hole this can
be accomplished through the Environmental Health & Safety
Office. Non-WHOI Investigators will be responsible for any
charges resulting from this disposal.
For
advice or information regarding Radioactive Material aboard ship please
feel free to contact the Marine Resource Coordinator.
Radioactive Material
Authorization from the WHOI Radiation Safety Officer must
be received before any Radioactive Material can be used aboard
ship.
» Radioactive Material Use Authorization
Request Form
» Radioactive Material Use Authorization
Amendment Request
Typically radioactive material is confined to an Isotope
Lab. The Lab is usually a 20ft laboratory van to isolate the
radioactive material from the rest of the vessel for contamination
issues. Consideration can be made for the use of radioactive
material outside of the Isotope Lab with advance arrangement.
Consideration must be given to the loading and removal of
radioactive material as special arrangements are typically
needed for radioactive material.
The WHOI Marine Resource Coordinator may be consulted directly
for specific information or advice.
Radioactive Material Logistics (Shipping, waste disposal, swipe tests)
Shipping
The Investigator is responsible for shipping their radioactive
material to the vessel’s location. Consult your institution’s
Radiation Safety Officer on the best method to ship your radioactive
material. It is advisable to ship the material to the RSO
of a nearby Institution.
Waste Disposal
The Investigator is responsible for all hazardous waste disposal.
Consideration must be given for the minimal space that is
available for Radioactive waste.
Swipe tests
Swipe tests are required before any work is done, during
the cruise and then a final swipe test at the end of the cruise.
A Liquid Scintillation counter is provided specifically for
this purpose. The final swipe test report should be given
to the Chief Mate and a copy kept for your records. A copy
of your report will be requested by the Marine Resource Coordinator.
You can consult the Marine Resource Coordinator for specific
information or advice.