Characteristics of Plutonium Contamination

DOE-STD-1128-98

Guide of Good Practices for Occupational Radiological Protection in Plutonium Facilities

-- Model and serial number of counting equipment

-- Contamination levels (using appropriate units) and appropriate supporting parameters,

including counting efficiency, counting time, correction factors, type of radiation, and

whether the contamination was fixed or removable

-- Location of areas found to contain hot particles or high concentrations of localized

contamination

-- Follow-up survey results for decontamination processes cross-referenced to the original

survey (see DOE standard, Radiological Control, part 754).

Records for the release of material and equipment from radiological areas to controlled areas

should describe the property, the date on which the release survey was performed, the

identity of the individual who performed the survey, the type and identification number of

the survey instrument used, and the results of the survey shall be documented (10 CFR

835.703(c)). Additional details on radiation records can be obtained from the

Implementation Guide. Occupational Radiation Protection Record-keeping and Reporting

(DOE, 1999b).

All skin and personal property contaminations should be documented and evaluated to help

improve the contamination control program. Documentation should include the following:

-- The person's name and work group

-- The location, amount, and type of skin or personal property contamination

-- The results of decontamination

-- A description of circumstances involved in the occurrence, such as radiation work

permit number, protective clothing required, and protective clothing actually used.

4.2.3 Characteristics of Plutonium Contamination

There are few characteristics of plutonium contamination that are unique. Plutonium

contamination may be in many physical and chemical forms. (See Section 2.0 for the many

potential sources of plutonium contamination from combustion products of a plutonium fire

to radiolytic products from long-term storage.) The one characteristic that many believe is

unique to plutonium is its ability to migrate with no apparent motive force. Whether from

alpha recoil or some other mechanism, plutonium contamination, if not contained or

removed, will spread relatively rapidly throughout an area.

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