Contamination Control Philosophy - doe-hdbk-1113-98_reaffirm_2005

DOE-HDBK-1113-98

Radiological Safety Training for Uranium Facilities

Module 104 Internal Dose Control

as stay times, worker safety, comfort, and efficiency, are also discussed in Article

316.

The internal exposure resulting from uranium entering the body can be properly

controlled by appropriate facility and equipment design, contamination control

procedures, and protective clothing. A bioassay monitoring program to determine

the amount of uranium taken into the body is also an integral part of internal

exposure control.

Contamination Control Philosophy

The control of contamination in the work place is a significant part of the

overall radiological protection program at uranium facilities. Proper

contamination control will:

limit internal exposure by minimizing the ingestion, inhalation, absorption,

and injection of uranium;

limit external dose from uranium and its radioactive decay products; and

prevent the spread of radioactive materials into uncontrolled areas.

2. Contamination Control Methods

Because uranium is relatively less hazardous than some other radioactive

materials, such as plutonium, some people can develop an overly relaxed

attitude to uranium; in effect saying, "It's only uranium." Care must be taken to

avoid this attitude, and to control uranium contamination in compliance with

regulations, policies, and procedures. Uranium contamination can be effectively

controlled by: