COMPLIANCE INFO_2021 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

RadNet HAZARDOUS MATERIALS BUSINESS PLAN MRI Manual / Regulatory Affairs Original Effective Date: April 28, 2021 Hazardous Materials Definition California Health and Safety Code, Section 25501, defines a"hazardous material"as any material that, because of its quantity, concentration, physical or chemical characteristics poses a significant present or potential hazard to human health and safety or to the environment if released into the workplace or the environment. California requires a HMBP if a facility has a hazardous material quantity at any one time equal to or greater than 55 gallons for liquids, 500 pounds for solids, or 200 cubic feet for compressed gas. Helium tanks used with MRI equipment contain or may contain over 200 cubic feet of compressed gas, requiring the center to submit a Hazardous Materials Business Plan. Exemptions for the Hazardous Materials Business Plan The State of California exempts the following hazardous materials from the HMBP requirements: • Compressed air used for emergency response and safety in any amount; • <1000 cubic feet of oxygen, nitrogen or nitrous oxide used at a health care facility; • <1000 cubic feet of gases in closed fire suppression systems; and • Radioactive materials, which are only reportable if handled in quantities requiring an Emergency Plan per Schedule C of Part 30, Part 40, or Part 70 of 10 CFR Chapter 1. Reference: https://hazmat.sccgov.org/programs-and-services/hazardous-materials-business-plans/hmbp-exemptions Radnet Hazardous Materials Helium used with MRI equipment meets the definition a hazardous material due to the maximum quantity stored and used at any one time in RadNet centers. Health Effects of Helium and Danger to Humans • Humans possess no senses that can detect the presence of helium. • It is odorless, colorless, tasteless, and non-irritating, making you unaware of its presence. • Although helium is non-toxic and inert, it can act as a simple asphyxiant by displacing the oxygen in air to levels below that required to support life. • Inhalation of helium in excessive amounts can cause dizziness, nausea, vomiting, loss of consciousness and death. • Death may result from errors in judgment, confusion, or loss of consciousness that prevents self-rescue. • At low oxygen concentrations, unconsciousness and death may occur in seconds and without warning. • Personnel, including rescue workers, should not enter areas where the oxygen concentration is below 19.5%, unless provided with a self-contained breathing apparatus or air-line respirator. Handling of Helium in RadNet Centers • Radnet center staff do not handle cryogenic containers of helium at the centers. • Helium tanks are delivered by GE engineers. • Initial filling and refilling of cryogenic containers are performed by GE engineers. • Freestanding helium tanks must be secured to prevent them from accidentally tipping over, such as being secured by a strap or chain. 3