HAZ 004: Radiation Flashcards
What is radioactivity?
The disintegration of the atoms of a substance, emitting energy in the form of particles or electromagnetic waves
What things could indicate the involvement of radioactive materials at incidents?
Six answers
Prior knowledge or intelligence that radioactive material are in a building
A radioactivity warning placard on the vehicle or package
The caller may state that radioactive materials are present
An electronic personal dosemeter (EPD) alarm actuates
A survey meter shows a dose rate above background
Terrorist or other malicious acts
What is the unit in which radiation is measure?
Sievert (Sv)
Millisieverts and microsieverts
What are the two aspects to how a radiation dose is received?
The absorbed dose is the measure of how much radiation has been absorbed. The higher the absorbed dose, the higher the risk to health
The dose rate specifies how fast a dose is being absorbed and is measured as the amount of radiation that would be absorbed in an hour
What are the four types of radiation?
Alpha
Large, and do not travel very far. Alpha particles cannot even penetratate the dead layer of skin that covers the human body
Beta
Much smaller and travel further in air. Slightly stronger than alpha radiation rays
Gamma
Consists of electromagnetic rays and does not have any mass
X-ray
Also electromagnetic rays. Similar to gamma radiation although the source is not radioactive material
What equipment does the LFB use to detect and measure radiation?
Three answers
Electronic personal dosimeter (EPD)
Rados RDS 200 universal survey meter
Electra radiation contamination meter
