Minimization of Contamination Areas - doe-hdbk-1113-98_reaffirm_2005

DOE-HDBK-1113-98

Radiological Safety Training for Uranium Facilities

Module 104 Internal Dose Control

Monitoring for airborne contamination can take several forms:

long-term, low-volume air samples that provide an average of the

airborne concentration over a given time;

short-duration, high-volume air samples taken in the breathing zone of

a worker during work activities likely to generate airborne

contamination;

low-volume (about 2 liters per minute) breathing zone samples from

personal air monitors; and [Note: A liter is approximately the same

volume as a quart. Use the concept of a 2-liter soda bottle to describe

the quantity.]

continuous air monitors that track airborne contamination levels over

time and can be set to alarm if a specified level is reached.

It is important that air samples represent the actual airborne contamination

levels breathed by the worker so that accurate intakes may be estimated.

Air monitoring is also used to detect loss of containment. It is important to

ensure sample volumes and methods allow detection of airborne

contamination levels below the level of concern.

Minimization of Contamination Areas

Loose contamination on work surfaces can result in contamination of

shoes, clothing, and skin and thereby result in the potential for tracking of

contamination into uncontrolled areas.