Causes of Radioactive Contamination - doe-hdbk-1106-97

DOE-HDBK-1106-97

Lesson Plan

Instructor's Notes

D. Causes of Radioactive Contamination

EO4: IDENTIFY causes of

radioactive contamination.

Radioactive material can be spread to unwanted locations.

The following are some causes of radioactive

contamination:

1. Sloppy work practices, such as cross-contamination of

tools, equipment, or workers.

2. Not wearing gloves, or removing them prematurely.

Optional method may include

listing trainees' response on

3. Poor housekeeping in contaminated areas.

board or flip chart.

4. Opening radioactive materials/systems without proper

controls.

5. Leaking containers or tears in radiological containers

such as barrels, plastic bags, boxes, or protective gear.

6. Spills, glass breakage, and animal fluids.

7. Airborne contamination depositing on surfaces.

8. Not adhering to standard laboratory procedures (such as

not checking gloves after handling radioactive materials

or working in a potentially contaminated area).

9. Emergencies including:

Fire.

Earthquake, etc.