Radiation Protection
The three principles of radiation protection.
What are time, distance, and shielding?
ALARA stands for this.
What is As Low As Reasonably Achievable?
This must be worn before entering a contamination area.
What is anti-contamination clothing (anti-C)?
This type of PPE protects the eyes from radioactive splashes or particles.
What are safety goggles or face shields?
This alarm means you must evacuate immediately
What is a criticality or evacuation alarm?
The area around a radiation source where you must limit time spent.
What is a high radiation area?
This is the first step before entering a radiological area.
What is reviewing the RWP (Radiological Work Permit)?
This step is required before leaving a contamination area.
What is a frisk or personal contamination survey?
If your dosimeter is lost, you must do this immediately.
What is notify Radiation Protection or Health Physics?
If you suspect contamination on yourself, you must first do this.
What is stop work and notify Health Physics?
When dose rate doubles, your time in the area should be cut by this amount.
What is half (50%)?
This documentation is used to evaluate and reduce potential radiation exposures before work begins.
What is a pre-job ALARA review or checklist?
These are used to prevent contamination spread on floors
What are step-off pads or sticky mats?
This is worn on the hand when extremity dose is expected.
What is finger rings?
This is the first thing you should do when discovering a spill.
What is alert others and secure the area?
This is used to track a worker’s cumulative external radiation dose.
What is a dosimeter or TLD/OSL badge?
Minimizing this can drastically reduce internal dose risks.
What is airborne contamination or inhalation of particles?
Gloves should be changed this often in contaminated areas.
What is frequently, or when contaminated/damaged?
Double gloving is used primarily for this reason.
What is added contamination protection or quicker glove changes?
This acronym reminds you how to respond to a radiation spill: SWIMS. What does it stand for?
What is Stop, Warn, Isolate, Minimize, Secure?
This protective measure absorbs or blocks radiation exposure
What is shielding (e.g., lead, concrete, polyethylene)?
Using long-handled tools and remote manipulators helps reduce this ALARA component.
What is time spent near the source (or direct handling)?
This should always be done to tools and samples before removing them from a controlled area.
What is a contamination check (or wipe test/frisk)?
PPE must be inspected for this before every use.
What is holes, tears, or wear (damage)?
Evacuation routes and assembly points should be reviewed this often
What is during every drill or pre-job briefing?