Contaminated material versus activated material

DOE-HDBK-1108-97

Radiological Training for Accelerator Facilities

Student's Guide

It is important to understand the difference between "activated material" and "contaminated

material." Contaminated materials are items with removable or fixed surface

contamination. Activated material is radioactive material dispersed throughout the item.

Activated materials normally do not present a potential loose contamination hazard except

during activities such as:

Grinding.

Burning.

Machining.

Handling coolant water filters.

Target spallation may also create contamination without any physical operation applied.

Activated materials are normally controlled based on the external radiation dose rate.

Activated materials

EO-08 IDENTIFY activation sources at facility.

All materials located within an accelerator enclosure have the potential to be

radioactivated if subjected to primary or secondary beams.

This may include shielding and structural materials and

Any material within the accelerator enclosure.

Beamline components.

Air.

Cooling liquids and working fluids.

Beamline components