External hazard controls - DOE-HDBK-1145-2001

Radiological Safety Training for Plutonium Facilities

DOEHDBK11452001

Student's Guide

1. Engineered controls are built into the system.

Engineered controls include shielding,

ventilation, and containment systems.

2. Administrative controls for plutonium facilities

are the same as any other radiation source.

3. Personnel protective clothing/equipment

B. External hazard controls

1. Time plan ahead to avoid spending any more

time near radiation sources than necessary.

2. Distance the further from the radiation source,

the lower the dose. Example: With a point

source, if the distance to the source is

decreased by one-half, the dose will increase

by four times.

3. Shielding plutonium emits low-energy x-ray

and gamma radiation that is easily shielded with

small amounts of steel or lead. Also, the use of

lead-lined glovebox gloves helps reduce

extremity dose for those who handle plutonium.

In a plutonium facility, shielding for neutrons

must be addressed as well as shielding for x-

ray and gamma radiation. Neutrons are more

penetrating and they are harder to shield. The

most effective shielding employs materials that

have hydrogen, such as water, oil,

polyethylene, or paraffin. Many gloveboxes will

have hollow walls and windows filled with one of

these substances. But caution must be

exercised in the use of these highly flammable

hydrocarbon products.