Radioactive Contamination cont'd - hdbk-1130-98

DOE-HDBK-1130-98

Module 9: Radioactive Contamination Control

Instructor's Notes

Poor housekeeping in contaminated areas.

Excessive motion or movement in areas of higher

contamination.

Improper usage of step-off pads and change areas.

Violation of contamination control ropes and

Hot particles: Small, sometimes microscopic pieces

of highly radioactive material may escape

containment. These pieces are known as "hot

particles."

Hot particles may be present when contaminated

systems leak or are opened. These particles may

also be present when machining, cutting, or grinding

is performed on highly radioactive materials.

Hot particles can cause a high, localized radiation

dose in a short period of time if they remain in

contact with skin.

Indicators of possible contamination:

Radiological workers should be aware of potential

radioactive contamination problems. Potential

contamination problems should be reported to the

Radiological Controls Organization. Examples

include:

Leaks, spills, or standing water that is possibly from

a radioactive fluid system.

Damaged or leaking radioactive material containers.

Open radioactive systems with no observable

controls.

Dust/dirt accumulations in radioactive

contamination areas.

Torn or damaged tents and glove bags or

containments on radioactive systems.