Welcome to the Welcome to the ISRI Safety & Environmental ISRI Safety & Environmental

CouncilCouncil

May 25-27, 2010May 25-27, 2010

Institute of Scrap Recycling Institute of Scrap Recycling IndustriesIndustries

Basics of Radiation SafetyBasics of Radiation Safetyand Radiation Applications and Radiation Applications

John GilstrapJohn Gilstrap

Director of SafetyDirector of Safety

If the news reported that a If the news reported that a “radioactive source” had been “radioactive source” had been found in your child’s school, found in your child’s school,

what would be your first what would be your first reaction?reaction?

PANIC!!PANIC!!

After September 11After September 11thth, growing , growing

apprehension thatapprehension that by shrouding by shrouding a core of a core of

conventional explosives around a conventional explosives around a

radioactive source….radioactive source….

Terrorist use of radioactive materialTerrorist use of radioactive material

=+

……..contamination could be spread ..contamination could be spread

over a wide area…over a wide area…

…and terror created!!

We all know the harmful effects We all know the harmful effects of radiation, right?of radiation, right?

CancerCancerSterilitySterilityThe ability to read a book in a dark room The ability to read a book in a dark room

by your own glowby your own glow

““Don’t make me angry. You Don’t make me angry. You wouldn’t like me when I’m wouldn’t like me when I’m

angry.”angry.”

--Dr. David Banner--Dr. David Banner

Most of what you “know” is wrongMost of what you “know” is wrong

Forget everything you have Forget everything you have learned in movies, tv shows or learned in movies, tv shows or from the newsfrom the news

Don’t look for the “glow”Don’t look for the “glow” Radioactive materials can Radioactive materials can

make certain chemicals glowmake certain chemicals glow Unlikely to be seen unless very darkUnlikely to be seen unless very dark Not very many of these left out in Not very many of these left out in

industry (except for tritium exit signs)industry (except for tritium exit signs)

Basics of RadiationBasics of Radiation

Radiation is energy passing through space or Radiation is energy passing through space or tissuetissue

Because it is energy, it is easily detectedBecause it is energy, it is easily detected Coming from material that is radioactiveComing from material that is radioactive

It has too much energyIt has too much energy Quantity of radioactive material is measured in CuriesQuantity of radioactive material is measured in Curies

Need to protect yourselves with Need to protect yourselves with TimeTime DistanceDistance ShieldingShielding

Electromagnetic Radiation Spectrum

10^2110^2010^1910^1810^1710^1610^1510^1410^1310^1210^1110^1010^910^810^710^610^510^410^310^210^1

Frequency (Hz)

Radio Waves

Micro Waves

Infrared Rays

Visible Light

Ultraviolet Rays

X-rays

Gamma Rays

This is the This is the electromagnetic electromagnetic SpectrumSpectrum

Ionizing forms of Ionizing forms of electromagnetic includeelectromagnetic includeGamma RaysGamma RaysX-raysX-rays

UV forms the cusp but UV forms the cusp but is non-ionizingis non-ionizing

Non ionizing are not Non ionizing are not address in this moduleaddress in this module

Radioactive DecayRadioactive Decay Nuclei that have excess energy are radioactive. They Nuclei that have excess energy are radioactive. They

emit particles and energy to remove the excess.emit particles and energy to remove the excess.

Nucleus of atom:protons/neutrons

Electron shells

Energy (gamma and x-ray)

Particles(neutron, alpha and beta)

Half LifeHalf Life

The rate at which an atom decaysThe rate at which an atom decaysThorium: 14 billion yearsThorium: 14 billion yearsUranium: 4.5 billion yearsUranium: 4.5 billion yearsTechnetium 99: 6 hoursTechnetium 99: 6 hoursFluorine 18: 110 minutesFluorine 18: 110 minutes

In 7 Half-life Periods theIn 7 Half-life Periods the Radioactivity of the Radioactivity of the Material Has Decayed Material Has Decayed to Less Than 1% to Less Than 1%

100

50

2512.5 6.25

3.1251.56

0.78

1 2 3 4 5 6 7TIME

OneHalf-lifePeriod

ACT(mCi)

HALF-LIFEHALF-LIFE

Definition: Time it takes for half of the atoms to decay away

Summary of Types of RadiationSummary of Types of Radiation Alpha particles Alpha particles

Stopped with paperStopped with paper Only a danger if internalizedOnly a danger if internalized

Beta particles Beta particles Stopped with cardboard or PlexiglasStopped with cardboard or Plexiglas Can be a danger to skin or if internalizedCan be a danger to skin or if internalized

Gamma rays Gamma rays Stopped with increasingly dense materialStopped with increasingly dense material Mostly an irradiation hazardMostly an irradiation hazard

Neutrons Neutrons Stopped by waterStopped by water Irradiation and activation hazardIrradiation and activation hazard

EXPOSURE AND DOSEEXPOSURE AND DOSEMEASUREMENTSMEASUREMENTS

ROENTGENROENTGEN

RADRAD

REMREM

Exposure and Dose MeasurementsExposure and Dose MeasurementsRoentgen (R) Measures exposure from X-Roentgen (R) Measures exposure from X-

rays or gamma rays in airrays or gamma rays in airWhat a Geiger Mueller (GM) counter will readWhat a Geiger Mueller (GM) counter will readUsually in mRoentgens/Hr (mR/hr)Usually in mRoentgens/Hr (mR/hr)

Photon

Exposure and Dose Measurements Exposure and Dose Measurements (cont.)(cont.)

rad (Radiation Absorbed Dose)rad (Radiation Absorbed Dose)A measure of the energy transferred to the A measure of the energy transferred to the

mediummediumNot a unit you have to knowNot a unit you have to know

Incident radiation

Exposure and Dose Measurements Exposure and Dose Measurements (cont.)(cont.)

rem (Roentgen Equivalent Man)rem (Roentgen Equivalent Man)Measurement of energy absorbed into the bodyMeasurement of energy absorbed into the bodyMeasured using a dosimeter Measured using a dosimeter The unit used for dose limitsThe unit used for dose limits

Incident radiation

Radiation Sources and BackgroundRadiation Sources and Background

Radiation SourcesRadiation Sources Natural backgroundNatural background

AirAir WaterWater Ground MineralsGround Minerals CosmicCosmic Internal (body tissues – ingested Internal (body tissues – ingested

food/tobacco)food/tobacco)

Man madeMan made MedicalMedical Consumer ProductsConsumer Products WeaponsWeapons

Terrestrial RadiationTerrestrial Radiation

Varies greatly with locationVaries greatly with location Uranium, thorium, radium Uranium, thorium, radium

GroundGround 28 mrem/yr28 mrem/yr Granite, minerals, soils, water Granite, minerals, soils, water

RadonRadon 200 mrem/yr200 mrem/yr TotalTotal 228 mrem/yr 228 mrem/yr

Internal SourcesInternal Sources

Our body tissuesOur body tissues 39 mrem/yr39 mrem/yr Carbon-14Carbon-14 Potassium-40Potassium-40 Radium-226Radium-226

DietDiet WaterWater FoodFood

Brazil nutsBrazil nuts No SaltNo Salt WhiskeyWhiskey MilkMilk Salad OilSalad Oil

Consumer ProductsConsumer ProductsUS Average US Average 11 mrem/yr11 mrem/yrProducts include:Products include:

Orange fiesta wareOrange fiesta wareCeramicsCeramicsPorcelainsPorcelainsLuminous dialsLuminous dialsSmoke DetectorsSmoke DetectorsLantern MantlesLantern Mantles

Medical ExposuresMedical Exposures

Doses vary tremendously based on type of Doses vary tremendously based on type of treatmenttreatment

US Average:US Average: 53 mrem/yr 53 mrem/yr

Examples:Examples: Chest x-ray (~20 mrem)Chest x-ray (~20 mrem) Dental x-ray (hundreds of mrem)Dental x-ray (hundreds of mrem) CAT Scan (50-5000 mrem)CAT Scan (50-5000 mrem) Cardiac Catherization (~10 rem)Cardiac Catherization (~10 rem) Radiotherapy (~200 rem each)Radiotherapy (~200 rem each) Nuclear Medicine (2000mrem/target organNuclear Medicine (2000mrem/target organ

WeaponsWeapons

Dose depends on many factorsDose depends on many factors Size of bombSize of bomb Type of bombType of bomb Location Location WeatherWeather Time Time

Dirty BombsDirty Bombs

Average US Population DosesAverage US Population Doses

Natural BackgroundNatural Background ~ 295 mrem/yr ~ 295 mrem/yr From body tissues, terrestrial and cosmicFrom body tissues, terrestrial and cosmic

Man-made SourcesMan-made Sources ~ 65 mrem/yr~ 65 mrem/yr From products, medical and falloutFrom products, medical and fallout

Total Total ~ 360 mrem/yr ~ 360 mrem/yr

Note: statistics taken from NCRP Report #93Note: statistics taken from NCRP Report #93

?

Background SummaryBackground Summary

Doses are quite variedDoses are quite varied Medical can be quite highMedical can be quite high Tobacco is the wild card:Tobacco is the wild card:

Pack/day for a year 2-8 rem Pack/day for a year 2-8 rem StatisticsStatistics

Chance of dying of cancer ~20%Chance of dying of cancer ~20% Chance of getting cancer 38-46%Chance of getting cancer 38-46% 1000 mrem will increase chance of dying of 1000 mrem will increase chance of dying of

cancer by 0.04%cancer by 0.04%

Measurement of DoseMeasurement of Dose

Limits on doses-ALARALimits on doses-ALARABadged radiation workersBadged radiation workers

Total body-5000 mrem/year Total body-5000 mrem/year Eye dose-15000 mrem/yearEye dose-15000 mrem/yearSkin, extremity, organs-50000 mrem/yearSkin, extremity, organs-50000 mrem/year

Unbadged radiation workersUnbadged radiation workers500 mrem/year500 mrem/year

General publicGeneral public100 mrem/year; 2 mrem/hour100 mrem/year; 2 mrem/hour

Other country limits are lower than the USOther country limits are lower than the US

Stands for Stands for AAs s LLow ow AAs s RReasonably easonably AAchievablechievable

Requirement for all facilities and Requirement for all facilities and personnelpersonnel

ALARA can be achieved viaALARA can be achieved viaTraining/knowledgeTraining/knowledgeProtection methodsProtection methods

Allowable Limits for Scrap WorkersAllowable Limits for Scrap Workers

When a hand held reaches 1 mR/hr When a hand held reaches 1 mR/hr (1000microR/hr.) move personnel back.(1000microR/hr.) move personnel back.

If the meter reads 2mR/hr If the meter reads 2mR/hr (2000microR/hr), cover the suspect spot (2000microR/hr), cover the suspect spot with scrap and move personnel away.with scrap and move personnel away.

Notify as requiredNotify as required

ProtectionProtection

Greatest threat are sources coming into Greatest threat are sources coming into the yardthe yard

Many of these are hard to spot.Many of these are hard to spot.Must be quite energetic in order to be Must be quite energetic in order to be

seen by detectors—seen by detectors—even though the even though the detectors will high alarm at 50urem.detectors will high alarm at 50urem.

ProtectionProtection KnowledgeKnowledge Recognize your limitationsRecognize your limitations Recognize radiation warning labels and Recognize radiation warning labels and

shipping labelsshipping labels Become familiar with typical radioactive source Become familiar with typical radioactive source

“holders”“holders” Physical protection methods:Physical protection methods:

TimeTimeDistanceDistanceShieldingShielding

Protection Against Protection Against RadiationRadiation

•TimeTime•DistanceDistance•ShieldingShielding

Inverse square lawInverse square law

Source: 100 mrem/hr @1 foot

2 feet25 mrem/hr 10 feet

1 mrem/hr

100 mrem/hr100 mrem/hr

1/2 Thickness 1/2 Thickness

Shield Shield

50 mrem/hr50 mrem/hr

SHIELDSHIELD

One HalfOne Half

Value LayerValue Layer

Half Value Layer (inches)Half Value Layer (inches) RadionuclideRadionuclide LeadLead SteelSteel

Cesium-137Cesium-137 0.220.22 0.630.63(30 year half life)(30 year half life)

Cobalt-60Cobalt-60 0.470.47 0.830.83(5.2 year half life)(5.2 year half life)

Americium-241Americium-241 0.0050.005 0.24 0.24

(432 year half life)(432 year half life)

Radium-226Radium-226 0.660.66 0.870.87(1600 year half life)(1600 year half life)

Iridium-192Iridium-192 0.240.24 0.510.51(74 day half life)(74 day half life)

These four are the most likely to be seenThese four are the most likely to be seen

Wherever radioactive materials are stored/usedWherever radioactive materials are stored/used

Caution Radioactive Material

Acute Whole Body Deep Acute Whole Body Deep Dose EffectsDose Effects

0-5 rem0-5 rem No detectable effectsNo detectable effects 5-50 rem5-50 rem Slight blood changesSlight blood changes 50-100 rem50-100 remBlood changes, nausea, fatigueBlood changes, nausea, fatigue 100-200 rem100-200 rem Above plus vomitingAbove plus vomiting 200-450 rem200-450 rem Hair loss, severe blood changes,Hair loss, severe blood changes,

some deaths in 2-6 weekssome deaths in 2-6 weeks 450-700 rem450-700 rem Lethal dose to 50% in 1 monthLethal dose to 50% in 1 month 700-1000 rem700-1000 rem Probable death within 1 monthProbable death within 1 month 5000 rem5000 rem Incapacitated, death in 1 weekIncapacitated, death in 1 week

Radiation DetectionRadiation Detection

Radiation is energy so it is easily Radiation is energy so it is easily measuredmeasured

Several measurement tools are available Several measurement tools are available to usto usFixed portal detectorsFixed portal detectorsHand held detectorsHand held detectors

RadiationDetectionRadiationDetection

Fixed detectors can be used at many Fixed detectors can be used at many locations throughout a typical facilitylocations throughout a typical facility

Types of systems includeTypes of systems includeRail detectorsRail detectorsTruck detectorsTruck detectors

Why have detectors?Why have detectors? 76 Meltings of radioactive material worldwide 76 Meltings of radioactive material worldwide

(numbers are bigger now)(numbers are bigger now) Decontamination costs exceeding $100 Decontamination costs exceeding $100

millionmillionAverage steel millAverage steel mill $9,000,000 $9,000,000Highest U.S. steel millHighest U.S. steel mill $30,000,000 $30,000,000

More than 4,000 “reports” of radioactive More than 4,000 “reports” of radioactive material detected in scrap metal.material detected in scrap metal.

Fixed Detection SystemsFixed Detection Systems The more directions the scrap can be viewed the The more directions the scrap can be viewed the

better chance of detection of unwanted radioactive better chance of detection of unwanted radioactive materialsmaterials

Since steel is itself a shield for radiation, scrap Since steel is itself a shield for radiation, scrap detection is often an art form as well as a sciencedetection is often an art form as well as a science

Radiation with enough energy to make it to the Radiation with enough energy to make it to the detectors will be detecteddetectors will be detected Detectors used in scrap detection have to be very Detectors used in scrap detection have to be very

sensitive (consists of a plastic scintillator)sensitive (consists of a plastic scintillator) Everything else will not been seenEverything else will not been seen

Detector SensitivityDetector Sensitivity

CHECKS OF EQUIPMENTCHECKS OF EQUIPMENT

Must check accuracy of the scrap Must check accuracy of the scrap detectorsdetectors

Must get any survey instruments Must get any survey instruments calibrated at least annuallycalibrated at least annually

Follow all of the rules for inspecting scrap: Follow all of the rules for inspecting scrap: short-cuts cause problems for everyone.short-cuts cause problems for everyone.

Factors That May Affect Fixed Factors That May Affect Fixed DetectorsDetectors

Speed of vehicleSpeed of vehicle Type of sourceType of source Configuration of sourceConfiguration of source Amount of scrapAmount of scrap BackgroundBackground Inclement weatherInclement weather Dirt/dustDirt/dust Grounding of the detection systemsGrounding of the detection systems Age of scintillatorsAge of scintillators

What to Do if An Alarm Goes OffWhat to Do if An Alarm Goes Off

Never assume that it is a false alarm and Never assume that it is a false alarm and let the vehicle throughlet the vehicle through

Follow proceduresFollow proceduresNotify RSONotify RSOPut vehicle into designated areaPut vehicle into designated areaWait for further instructionsWait for further instructions

In case of Alarm (Continued)In case of Alarm (Continued)

Park vehicle in designated area; if rail, move car backPark vehicle in designated area; if rail, move car back Wait for instructionsWait for instructions

Will be sending vehicle back through for a recheckWill be sending vehicle back through for a recheck In order for the truck/railcar to be cleared, must make it through In order for the truck/railcar to be cleared, must make it through

3 times with no alarm3 times with no alarm Be sure to log applicable information on ALL alarms into Be sure to log applicable information on ALL alarms into

log booklog book Scrap supplierScrap supplier Alarm number (if applicable)Alarm number (if applicable) Time and dateTime and date CommentsComments Signatures (both RSO and Scale operator)Signatures (both RSO and Scale operator)

How To Survey a Load That Has How To Survey a Load That Has Been Dumped Onto The GroundBeen Dumped Onto The Ground

Establish a grid; this can be done with a Establish a grid; this can be done with a can of spray paint.can of spray paint.

Make a drawing of your gridMake a drawing of your gridFill in the exposure numbers for each gridFill in the exposure numbers for each grid If you get a reading of greater than 1 If you get a reading of greater than 1

mR/hour, STOP the survey and move mR/hour, STOP the survey and move personnel away.personnel away.

You and Potential ExposuresYou and Potential Exposures

If you don’t sort through suspected scrap, If you don’t sort through suspected scrap, your potential for exposure is lowyour potential for exposure is low

Always get guidance before dealing with Always get guidance before dealing with scrap that has set off an alarmscrap that has set off an alarm

Call your RSOCall your RSO

High Alarm (Continued)High Alarm (Continued)

When in doubt, do not allow the load into When in doubt, do not allow the load into the mill.the mill.

Contact the RSOContact the RSODo not unload the truck or rail carDo not unload the truck or rail carGet people away from the load Get people away from the load THE LOAD COULD POSE AN THE LOAD COULD POSE AN

EXPOSURE HAZARD AS THE STEEL EXPOSURE HAZARD AS THE STEEL SCRAP IS MOVED AROUNDSCRAP IS MOVED AROUND

Low AlarmLow Alarm(Vehicle Present)(Vehicle Present)

Vehicle just leavingVehicle just leavingExceeded an alarm thresholdExceeded an alarm threshold

Examples of alarm settings:Examples of alarm settings:

Low Alarm:Low Alarm: 0.5uR/hr-50uR/hr0.5uR/hr-50uR/hr

High Alarm:High Alarm: 50uR/hr-150uR/hr50uR/hr-150uR/hr

Danger:Danger: All detectors above 150uR/hrAll detectors above 150uR/hr

Truck DetectorsTruck Detectors

Rail TransportRail Transport

Hand Held Radiation Detection Hand Held Radiation Detection EquipmentEquipment

There is a wide variety of equipment There is a wide variety of equipment available. available.

Select the one that will work best for what Select the one that will work best for what you are doing.you are doing.

Use of Hand Held MetersUse of Hand Held Meters

Radiation is energy, so it is easily detectedRadiation is energy, so it is easily detectedUse of a survey meterUse of a survey meter

Check the calibration date: AnnualCheck the calibration date: Annual Check the batteriesCheck the batteries Check backgroundCheck background Check with a dedicated check sourceCheck with a dedicated check source Turn the meter off when doneTurn the meter off when done

Standard GM Standard GM

How To Survey A Truck/Railcar How To Survey A Truck/Railcar With a Hand Held MeterWith a Hand Held Meter

Establish a grid on the truck itself. Survey Establish a grid on the truck itself. Survey each grid, starting with the grids nearest to each grid, starting with the grids nearest to the spot where the alarm was indicated. the spot where the alarm was indicated.

Once the source has been found, the RSO Once the source has been found, the RSO will take care of either isolating the source will take care of either isolating the source or getting a DOT variance to send the or getting a DOT variance to send the truck out of the site.truck out of the site.

Examples of Sources Found In Examples of Sources Found In ScrapScrap

Types of Sources Found in Types of Sources Found in ScrapScrap

IsotopeIsotope %%

Ra-226Ra-226 7.77.7

NORMNORM 52.952.9

Acc ProdAcc Prod 0.10.1

UraniumUranium 1.21.2

Co-60Co-60 0.80.8

Cs-137Cs-137 2.22.2

H-3H-3 0.10.1

IsotopeIsotope %%

Sr-90Sr-90 0.10.1

Am-241Am-241 0.70.7

Kr-85Kr-85 0.20.2

Th-242Th-242 2.02.0

OtherOther 0.20.2

UnknownUnknown 12261226

TotalTotal ~4000~4000

Examples of Radioactive MaterialsExamples of Radioactive Materials

Naturally Occurring Radioactive MaterialNaturally Occurring Radioactive Material SandsSands FertilizersFertilizers CeramicsCeramics Pipes containing scale Pipes containing scale Welding rodsWelding rods Grinding wheelsGrinding wheels RefractoryRefractory Fire brickFire brick

GaugesGauges RadiumRadium PicturesPictures

Typical ScrapTypical Scrap

Obvious GaugesObvious Gauges

Caster GaugesCaster Gauges

Other GaugesOther Gauges

Inside of a GaugeInside of a Gauge

Shutter AssemblyShutter Assembly

Source HolderSource Holder Double walledDouble walled Either a powder or a Either a powder or a

ceramic pelletceramic pellet Well-protected from Well-protected from

harshest harshest environmentenvironment

Designed to handle Designed to handle environmental environmental conditions where conditions where gauge is usedgauge is used

Industrial RadiographyIndustrial Radiography

Past Problems with Radioactive Past Problems with Radioactive MaterialMaterial

Orphaned SourcesOrphaned SourcesOne of the biggest sources of radioactive One of the biggest sources of radioactive

hardware is from the militaryhardware is from the militaryGunsightsGunsightsCamera lensesCamera lensesRadium paintRadium paintNORMNORMGaugesGauges

Orphaned SourcesOrphaned Sources

Samut Prakarn, Thailand (2000)Samut Prakarn, Thailand (2000) 425 Ci of Co-60 (teletherapy) was sold as scrap metal425 Ci of Co-60 (teletherapy) was sold as scrap metal Individuals tried to dismantleIndividuals tried to dismantle

7 injuries ranging up to 200 rad, including some localized 7 injuries ranging up to 200 rad, including some localized effectseffects

3 deaths3 deaths

GoianiaGoiania 1000 Ci Cs-137 incident1000 Ci Cs-137 incident Total of 4 deadTotal of 4 dead

14 overexposures14 overexposures 112000 monitored 112000 monitored

(249 contaminated)(249 contaminated)

Stolen SourcesStolen Sources Radiothermal generatorsRadiothermal generators

Contain 35 kCi of Sr-90Contain 35 kCi of Sr-90 Produces 230 W of heat, 1000 R/hr @ 2-5 cmProduces 230 W of heat, 1000 R/hr @ 2-5 cm Several stolen in former USSR statesSeveral stolen in former USSR states

4 known incidents resulting in at least 3 deaths and 12 injuries4 known incidents resulting in at least 3 deaths and 12 injuries Tammiku, Estonia (1994)Tammiku, Estonia (1994)

Stolen Cs-137 source, 2 injured and 1 took homeStolen Cs-137 source, 2 injured and 1 took home Individual began to feel sick and died within 2 weeks (400 rem, Individual began to feel sick and died within 2 weeks (400 rem,

183 krem to thigh)183 krem to thigh) Other two had around 100 remOther two had around 100 rem Stepson found source and him and three others were injured Stepson found source and him and three others were injured

(360 rem to stepson, loss of fingers on one hand), killed dog that (360 rem to stepson, loss of fingers on one hand), killed dog that slept near sourceslept near source

Grozny, Chechnya (1999)Grozny, Chechnya (1999) Six individuals stole several rods each containing 27 kCi of Co-Six individuals stole several rods each containing 27 kCi of Co-

60, one handling died within 30 minutes60, one handling died within 30 minutes Two others died, three others injuredTwo others died, three others injured

Source MeltsSource MeltsCobalt-60 in Taipei (1982-84)Cobalt-60 in Taipei (1982-84)

1992 first apartment found to have higher levels (>1600 to 1992 first apartment found to have higher levels (>1600 to date found now)date found now)

Some individuals could have been receiving 1500 mrem Some individuals could have been receiving 1500 mrem per yearper year

Ciudad Juarez (1983-84)Ciudad Juarez (1983-84) 400 Ci of Cobalt-60 at a steel scrap yard400 Ci of Cobalt-60 at a steel scrap yard Made into rebar, table pedestals and other itemsMade into rebar, table pedestals and other items Caught accidentally at Los AlamosCaught accidentally at Los Alamos St. Louis table manufacturer items were all recalledSt. Louis table manufacturer items were all recalled Extensive contamination throughout the area in MexicoExtensive contamination throughout the area in Mexico Dose estimates 100-450 rad for 5 workersDose estimates 100-450 rad for 5 workers 109 houses used rebar and were subsequently 109 houses used rebar and were subsequently

demolisheddemolished

Radiation Protection ProgramsRadiation Protection Programs

Radiation Safety ProgramRadiation Safety Program Written ProgramWritten Program

Operating proceduresOperating procedures Emergency proceduresEmergency procedures When in doubt: ask what to doWhen in doubt: ask what to do

LicenseLicense No radioactive material on siteNo radioactive material on site Need to act as though the site does have a license.Need to act as though the site does have a license.

TransportingTransporting Checks on scrap detection systemsChecks on scrap detection systems SecuritySecurity

Radiation Safety Officer/ManagerRadiation Safety Officer/ManagerWho Is This Person?Who Is This Person?

Most often known as the RSOMost often known as the RSOHas advanced training in radiation Has advanced training in radiation

principlesprinciplesHas experience with radiationHas experience with radiationGood organizational skillsGood organizational skillsOften has emergency response skillsOften has emergency response skills

Basic SurveyingBasic Surveying

Wear gloves as there may be contamination; Wear gloves as there may be contamination; can reduce beta dosecan reduce beta dose

Survey slowly and carefullySurvey slowly and carefully At 1 mR/Hr. move personnel away and proceed At 1 mR/Hr. move personnel away and proceed

with caution and only at the direction of the RSOwith caution and only at the direction of the RSO Anything above 1-2 mR/hr will be roped off with Anything above 1-2 mR/hr will be roped off with

“do not enter” tape“do not enter” tape Note that sources may not always be found, be Note that sources may not always be found, be

sure to double checksure to double check If source is found contact NRC/StateIf source is found contact NRC/State DOT variance may be in orderDOT variance may be in order

General Emergency ProceduresGeneral Emergency Procedures

Keep personnel awayKeep personnel awayNotify the RSONotify the RSONotify emergency respondersNotify emergency responders If necessary, evacuate an area or the yardIf necessary, evacuate an area or the yardDo any rescue operations necessary to Do any rescue operations necessary to

assist injured workersassist injured workersRADIATION SHOULD NEVER STOP A RADIATION SHOULD NEVER STOP A

RESCUE ATTEMPTRESCUE ATTEMPT

EmergenciesEmergencies

If there is a suspected source in scrap, take extreme If there is a suspected source in scrap, take extreme care to avoid exposure and possible contaminationcare to avoid exposure and possible contamination Only authorized personnel can unload a truck that has Only authorized personnel can unload a truck that has

suspected source on boardsuspected source on board Get all personnel away from the vehicleGet all personnel away from the vehicle Tractor of the truck may have to be separated from the vehicleTractor of the truck may have to be separated from the vehicle

If the suspected source is found on any type of scrap If the suspected source is found on any type of scrap conveyor, back away and stop the conveyer until conveyor, back away and stop the conveyer until advised of what to doadvised of what to do Get personnel away from the conveyerGet personnel away from the conveyer

Contact your RSOContact your RSO

Summary of Tools to ID A Suspect Summary of Tools to ID A Suspect Source in ScrapSource in Scrap

Look for radiation warning signs, like Look for radiation warning signs, like Caution Radioactive MaterialsCaution Radioactive Materials

Look for the radiation symbolLook for the radiation symbolLook for the transport diamondsLook for the transport diamondsBe familiar with equipment manufacturersBe familiar with equipment manufacturers

Customer ServiceCustomer Service

Do not ever certify your scrap as being Do not ever certify your scrap as being free of radioactive materials.free of radioactive materials.

Cannot say thatCannot say thatCan say, scrap has been checked with Can say, scrap has been checked with

detectors and to the best of our ability, detectors and to the best of our ability, there is no radiation present above there is no radiation present above backgroundbackground

Let’s end with a little Let’s end with a little perspectiveperspective

Hiroshima InformationHiroshima Information

Inhabitants in areaInhabitants in area 320,081320,081DeathsDeaths 122,358122,358 InjuredInjured 79,13079,130UninjuredUninjured 118,613118,613Exposed survivorsExposed survivors 82,00082,000 Instead of 7800 cancer deaths there were Instead of 7800 cancer deaths there were

81808180

Note: Information taken from Lauriston Taylor presentation at NCRP Informational Note: Information taken from Lauriston Taylor presentation at NCRP Informational Meeting, April 2004Meeting, April 2004

Good InformationGood Information

Knowing the levels at which radiation can Knowing the levels at which radiation can cause harm, are you likely to encounter a cause harm, are you likely to encounter a source big enough to cause severe source big enough to cause severe damage?damage?

Radiation is feared so a great deal of Radiation is feared so a great deal of attention is paid to itattention is paid to it

Good Information (continued)Good Information (continued)

Radiation has a very high perception of Radiation has a very high perception of risk.risk.

Perceived risks are hard to changePerceived risks are hard to changeReal risks are those that we know the Real risks are those that we know the

cause and effect; these are accepted as cause and effect; these are accepted as they are.they are.

Perceived risks can be a personal “risk Perceived risks can be a personal “risk issue”issue”

Safely or Not At AllSafely or Not At All