Emergency Operating Procedures

Question 1

In the event of a road accident involving the transport vehicle,
what should be done immediately?

Answer 1

Conduct a radiation survey to determine if the source is still in its shielded position.

Question 2

What is the first important step in an emergency situation?

Answer 2

1) Stop and think.

Question 3

What is the third important step in an emergency situation?

Answer 3

3) Plan the Source Retrieval.

Question 4

What is the second important step in an emergency situation?

Answer 4

2) Verify the Location of the Radiographic Source

Question 5

In the first step, rushing without thinking
puts this at greater likelihood of happening:

Answer 5

Further complicating the situation.

Question 6

In the second step, what are some survey practices that can help determine source location?

Answer 6

• when retracting the source, the levels should spike and then fall dramatically when it’s pulled into the shielded position. If levels stay THE SAME, it’s reasonable to assume the source is STILL AT THE END of the guide tube.
• if radiation intensifies but does not drop off, it’s reasonable to assume the source is STOPPED BY AN OBSTRUCTION INSIDE the guide tube.
• if radiation intensifies then drops off to shielded levels at the rear and sides of the device, it’s reasonable to believe the source has retracted inside but is not in the shielded position.

Question 7

In the third step, what should you do if you’re unsure about
what to do?

Answer 7

Limit your activity to maintaining the restricted area
and send for help (do not leave it unsupervised)
or call for help (if you have the means).

Question 8

What should happen immediately afterward
when the source’s transport vehicle is involved in a road accident?

Answer 8

Immediately conduct a radiation survey
to determine if the source is still in the shielded position.

Question 9

Who should be notified in the case of a traffic accident involving a source transport vehicle?

Answer 9

Notify the licensee or company RSO (radiation safety officer).

Question 10

What are the steps you would take when
high radiation levels are found after a traffic accident?

Answer 10

1. restrict & post the area
2. station someone at the site or maintain surveillance over the area
3. notify the licensee or RSO
4. plan the source recovery carefully

Question 11

Who should be notified if you have a leaking source capsule?

Answer 11

• the licensee

Question 12

With a leaking source capsule, who must create a report
and who does it submitted to as soon as possible?

Answer 12

The licensee must create a report as soon as possible and submit it to the CNSC.

Question 13

What should your foremost concern be in an emergency situation
involving a radiographic situation?

Answer 13

The safety of others and yourself.

Question 14

If nothing else, what can assure anyone’s safety in the
event of an emergency involving a radioactive source?

Answer 14

Distance from the source.