Radiation Safety Review

Flashcards on Radiation Safety

Ionizing radiation

Particles which have the ability to ionize matter.

Radioactive atoms

Unstable atoms that give off radiation when they decay.

Radioactive contamination

Radioactive material on surfaces or in liquids that might be easily transferred to surfaces or personnel.

Ionization

The process of removing electrons from atoms.

REM unit

Takes into account the biological harm from different types of radiation.

22,000 dpm (disintegrations per minute)

Every minute, 22,000 atoms decay and give off radiation.

Gamma-rays

Radiation that consists of no mass or charge and, therefore, are less likely to interact in a given thickness of material than beta particles.

Ionization

Process that causes damage to cells from radiation exposure.

Acute dose

Large dose of radiation in a short period of time.

Prenatal exposure

Dose received by an embryo/fetus during pregnancy.

Chronic dose

A relatively small dose over a long period.

Prompt somatic effect

Effects that are burn to the skin as a result of radiation exposure.

Latent Somatic effect

Induction of cancer due to radiation exposure.

ALARA

Keep radiation exposure As Low As Reasonably Achievable.

Basic controlling principles in implementing ALARA

Time, distance, and shielding.

Supplemental dosimetry (SRPD)

Allows for closely tracking radiation dose when working in areas with elevated radiation levels.

Prompt radiation

Radiation from the electron beam consists primarily of gamma radiation.

CARM (Continuous Area Radiation Monitor)

Monitors radiation levels in the interlocked beam enclosure.

Rotating magenta beacon

Alerts personnel to the potential existence of high radiation levels.

Radiation Area

Indicates dose rates greater than 5 mrem/hr.

Radiation and High Radiation Area

Area designations are based on radiation dose rates measured 30 cm (1 ft) from the source of radiation.

Radiological Work Permits (RWPs)

To inform you of radiation levels for entry and to make you aware of the requirements.

Groups typically involved in the initiation of a Job-specific RWP

The supervisor of the group performing the work and the RCD.

RaDCon

Who should be notified when moving a component that is known to be radioactive from one location to another, even within an RCA

To remove an item from the beam enclosure which was present during beam operations

They must survey it by RadCon.

How would someone know they are in the beam enclosure during potential beam-on conditions?

Run/Safe box with a red light.

Who should be notified first in the event of a direct beam exposure?

Crew Chief