Sealed & Unsealed Radioactive Sources Flashcards

Flashcards on Sealed and Unsealed Radioactive Sources

Sealed Radioactive Source Definition

A radioactive substance sealed in a capsule or closely bound in a solid form to prevent escape or dispersion of the radioactive substance and allow the emission of ionizing radiation.

Sealed Source Uses

Generally used for radiography or radiation therapy and in situ to produce a specific type of radiation that is easily measurable.

Plated Sources

Radioactive material coats a disk or planchette; coating may be covered by Mylar, aluminum, steel, or plastic.

Capsule Sources

A capsule, usually made of metal, surrounds the radioactive material; often placed on handling rods, or a mixture of compounds is placed in a container and sealed.

Activated Metal Sources

Metal wire or foil exposed to a neutron flux to irradiate the metal and create a radioactive isotope; may have plastic or epoxy coating.

Unsealed Source Definition

Any radioactive substance that is not a sealed source and can be removed and handled, commonly found in liquid solutions.

Unsealed Source Examples

Liquid sources and reactor fuel elements.

Sealed Source Handling

Do not handle with hands; use forceps or thongs, maintain distance, and provide shielding. The working area should be well indicated and marked.

Sealed Source Storage

Unused sealed sources should be kept in a store recognized by the AELB.

Unsealed Source Work Area

All works involving unsealed sources should be done in controlled or supervised areas. Eating, drinking, smoking, and cosmetics are forbidden.

Unsealed Source Safety

Use protective clothing (lab coat, hand gloves, etc.), ensure working areas are well-ventilated, and wash hands before leaving the area.

Emergency Condition Priority

In any accident involving the spillage of unsealed radioactive material, priority should be given to the treatment of any personal injury or personal contamination.

Personal Decontamination - Skin

Wash contaminated skin with soap and water or Decon solution; do not use hot water or organic soap. Monitor again after washing.

Personal Decontamination - Eyes

Wash eyes only with water or sterile solution, being careful not to swallow or inhale contamination. Monitor again after washing.

Area Decontamination - Minor Spills

Use protective clothing and disposable gloves. Blot the spill with an absorbent pad/paper from the edge towards the center.

Area Decontamination - Large Spills

The RPO should immediately be informed and directly supervise the clean-up. Use radiation shields and wash the affected area with water or Decon solution.

Accident Reporting

Notify the RPO and the appropriate authority of all accidental exposure and emergency exposure within 24 hours. Submit a full accident investigation report within 30 days.