Radiation Detection Flashcards
The operation goal of the Maritime Radiation Detection Program is to utilize Coast Guard boardings and inspections as a means to ___ and ___ illicit radioactive materials…”
detect and intercept
What device does the Coast Guard use that “… shall be deployed with all Coast Guard Boarding/Inspections teams…” to detect radiation levels?
Personal Radiation Detectors (PRD’s)
What is an atom?
Building blocks of all matter.
Atoms are made of:
- Protons- Positive charge, part of the nucleus
- Neutrons- Neutral charge, part of the nucleus
- Electrons- Negative Charge, orbits the nucleus
What is an isotope?
A different form of the same element, having a different number of neutrons than what is normal.
What are the four types of Ionizing radiation?
Alpha Particles, Beta Particles, X-Rays/Gamma Rays, Neutron Particles
Give the range, hazard type, and shielding for Alpha Particles.
Alpha particles have a 1-2in range, internal hazard, shielding is paper, cloth, and skin
Give the range, hazard type, and shielding for Beta particles.
Beta particles have a 10ft range, internal and external hazard, shielding is thick clothing, 1/4in aluminum, 1/4in plastic
Give the range, hazard type, and shielding for Gamma/X-Rays.
Gamma/X-Rays range is relative to the rate of decay, whole body hazard, shielding is 1in lead, 3in steel, 6in concrete, 9in dirt or water
Give the range, hazard type, and shielding for neutrons.
Neutron range is 100ft, whole body hazard, shielding is 10in plastic, 1ft concrete, 3ft dirt or water
Of the four, which two types of radiation is detectable by PRD’s?
Gamma/X-Ray and Neutron
Define Background Radiation.
Ionizing radiation comes from natural and man-made sources, and is always present in the environment. Will be lower over water.
Define Neutron Ship Effect.
An increase in the neutron background generated by cosmic rays near large masses of metal, such as ship hulls.
Can our 5 senses detect any form of radiation?
No.
Define Radioactive Material Contamination and give the three types of contamination.
Radioactive Material in an unwanted place:
- Air- (gas or particle suspension)
- Fixed- (material that cannot be transferred by casual contact)
- Transferable- ( easily moved and/or transferred usually by casual contact
What are the health hazards of radiation?
Acute exposure or chronic exposure to ionizing radiation can lead to: nausea and vomiting, hair loss, minor bleeding, lesions, burns, central nervous system damage, convulsions, coma, and death.
What is a SMAC level?
A safety threshold for the maximum dose rate a person should receive.
What does the Acronym SMAC stand for?
Stop, Move Away, Alert, Close-off
Federal law sets the “operational exposure” lever to ____ per year.
5rem
What is the Inverse Square Law?
By doubling the distance from the source, the exposure rate will be reduced by 75%.
What is ALARA?
As Low As Reasonably Acheivable- reduces external and internal radiation dose
What three things will help to achieve ALARA?
(STD-shielding, time, distance)Maximize distance from source of radiation, Minimize time spent near source of radiation, use shielding between source and body.
What is the max level of radiation a BTM can be exposed to?
Gamma/X-Ray 4500 microREM
Neutron less than or equal to 20 cps (counts per second)
What are the goals of Rad Detection Procedures? (4)
- Detect ALL radiological sources
- Verify their legitimacy
- Localize and characterize unknown sources prior to engaging external agencies
- maintain personnel safety and security
What are the Operational Procedures for Radiological Monitoring?
- PRD worn by ALL USCG during boardings
- Localization/identification of a radioactive source should always be treated as a potentially hazardous operation
- Positive control shall be maintained by boarding personnel until the situation has been resolved.
