Radioactive Permits
Purchasing of these natural uranium compounds is not regulated, so a Radioactive Material Permit (RAM permit) is not required to purchase or use uranyl acetate or nitrate. However, there is not an exemption for the treatment of waste, which must follow radioactive waste disposal rules. For that reason, we encourage labs to request a RAM permit for the use of uranium compounds, which will allow them to take advantage of the LION’s tools for managing RAM inventory and waste disposal.
Alternatives
Labs are advised whenever possible to consider alternatives such as uranium-free products and can be collected and disposed of as non-hazardous waste.
Waste Segregation and Disposal – Avoid Mixing
Uranium containing wastes must be discarded following radioactive waste requirements. Obtain radioactive waste labels from Environmental Health & Safety.
Laboratories are strongly advised not to mix waste containing uranyl acetate or nitrate with any hazardous chemicals (flammable, toxic, corrosive, reactive) including other staining compounds or solvents that will render the waste “mixed” (radioactive and chemically hazardous). If you are using methanol or ethanol, it must be <10% dilute. Uranyl acetate and uranyl nitrate should also be collected separate from each other.
Chemicals commonly found mixed into uranyl acetate or nitrate waste in our labs include: lead citrate, osmium tetroxide, sodium or potassium ferricyanide, and ethanol. Disposing of such mixed waste will be very costly. Avoid mixing these compounds with samples containing uranyl acetate or uranyl nitrate and collect wastes in separate containers.
Dry solid waste such as paper towels, pipettes, gloves, bench liner and plastic ware can generally be disposed as ordinary waste, unless they are heavily contaminated.
Training
In addition to lab safety trainings, users are required to complete TC7050 Radiation Safety Training for Uranyl Compound Users in Rascal.
