9: Radiation Emergency Procedures Flashcards
The most serious emergencies occur when… (2)
- Worker is unaware of source location and handles unshielded source assembly
- When an untrained member is in possession of source
Emergencies always involve…
Operator error/poor judgment
What are the 2 types of emergencies?
- Operational
2. Non-operational
What is always your first priority in case of an emergency?
Ensure safety to all workers and the public
What is a non-operational emergency?
Did not occur during the operation and does not involve “source retrieval”
ex. device stolen, involved in fire or involved in vehicle accident
What is an operational emergency?
Happened during radiographic operations
ex. damage to pigtail/guide tube/drive cable or source stuck in exposed position
Who is allowed to take control and give directions during an emergency situation?
Retrieval expert
If your dosimeters are damaged, what do you assume?
Source is fully exposed
Which guidelines must be followed when designing a source retrieval plan?
ALARA, licensee’s operating and emergency manual
What is the condition for use of an exposure device that was involved in an accident?
Can’t be used until an inspection of qualified personnel establishes that it’s functioning properly
When must a licensee make a full report of a theft of nuclear substance?
Within 21 days
According to regulation 31 of NSRD, which unusual condition must be reported to licensee immediately?
Damaged, lost or stolen.
Dose higher than 2 mSv/h
Source separated from exposure device
Source can’t be safely returned to device
What is a tenth-value layer?
The amount of shielding required to attenuate radiation to one-tenth of it’s initial value
What’s the first thing you do when you recognize an emergency situation?
Ensure that no one is unnecessarily exposed to radiation
For use in field locations, the most suitable instrument to measure the dose rate from a gamma source is:
Survey meter
