Primary Reasons for Contamination Control - doe-hdbk-1106-97

DOE-HDBK-1106-97

Lesson Plan

Instructor's Notes

F. Primary Reasons for Contamination Control

1. Protection of the worker

Measures to control radioactive contamination are

implemented to protect workers by:

Minimizing the chance of inhalation or ingestion of

radioactive/hazardous material.

Eliminating or reducing external radiation dose rates.

Reducing worker discomfort by minimizing the use

of personal protective clothing and/or respirators.

Radioactive materials may enter the body by:

Inhalation (the most common pathway).

Cuts/wounds (i.e., sharp instrument punctures).

Absorption (skin, mucous membranes, eyes).

Ingestion (biting nails, applying cosmetics, eating,

drinking, or smoking either in the lab or outside

without monitoring or washing hands).