BASICS
The acronym NORM stands for
Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material
NORM is regulated by these three agencies or types of agencies
EPA, OSHA, State
Two types of radiation exposure
Acute and Chronic
Exposure to NORM must be kept as ___ as is reasonably possible
Low
____ and _________ on the skin should be kept covered
Cuts, Abrasions
A type of human activity than can cause NORM to surface
Mining or Oil and Gas Operations
The regulation of Federal Radiation Standards for the public is managed by this agency
EPA
NORM is a serious ______ hazard
Health
If there is a threat of NORM exposure, it should be discussed ______ work begins
before
You should never do these two things in potentially contaminated work areas
Eat or Drink
The term used to describe radioactive material that has been disturbed and concentrated by human activities.
Technologically Enhanced NORM or TENORM
The agency has authority over hazardous material in the workplace
OSHA
The primary health concern when dealing with NORM is
Cancer
Workers should minimize creating ____ in areas where NORM may be present by avoiding activities such as grinding, chipping, or sanding
Dust
Radiation areas should be labeled with visible radioactive material _______
Signage
Two examples of radioactive isotopes
Potassium, Radium, Radon, Lead-210, or Polonium-210
Some ______ may also have NORM specific regulations, may pertain to both clean air, and clean water acts, as well as waste mangement
State
NORM exposure usually happens these two ways
Inhalation and Ingestion
This type of control is often the best control method to reduce risk of NORM exposure
Engineering
This control method is the last line of defense
PPE
Three examples of where NORM can be encountered
Deposits within ground formations
Older manufacturing facilites
Abandoned wells
Waste water
Build up on equipment
Contaminated scrap metal
Employers should provide employees with a _______ ____, if an employee is exposed to levels above an exposure limit
Medical Exam
Name three of the effects that acute NORM exposure can cause
Changes in blood chemistry, nausea, fatigue, skin irritation, and death
Three ways to protect workers from radiation include:
Time, Distance, and Shielding
Workers should _____________ as soon as possible, by removing all clothing that may have been contaminated, and washing hands, face, and other possible skin exposure.
Decontaminate