Hazards

Ionizing Radiation and Radioactive Contamination

Radiological postings change depending on area conditions. This could happen one or more times in a single day, depending on the work taking place in the Primary Beam Area. It is critical that you check postings for area conditions, dose rates, dosimetry, PPE, and specific entry/exit requirements, every time you enter a PBA. You should find a current posting at the access door to the PBA.

 

PBAs are generally posted as Radiation Areas with levels ranging from 5 to 100 millirem per hour (mrem/hr). Areas that are greater than 100 mrem/hr will be roped off and/or clearly posted as a High Radiation Area. All personnel entering a High Radiation Area must have the required training and authorization from the appropriate organization. Contact RP-1 for entry requirements.

You may also see signs that indicate the location of a “Hot Spot” on a primary beam line component. A Hot Spot sign is used to post:

  • Localized areas of contamination, such as a floor drain or a glove on a glove box.
  • Extremely high surface dose rates that fall off quickly with distance, such as beta radiation.
  • Localized sources of penetrating radiation with contact radiation levels greater than 100 mrem per hour and more than 5 times greater than the general area dose rate.
  • Localized sources of radiation, normally located within piping or components.

 

Temporary and permanent Contamination Areas exist in certain locations, especially the 1LSA and PSR. Follow entry and exit postings and contact RP-1 regarding entry requirements, personal protective equipment (PPE), dosimetry, and RWPs.

Internal contamination is possible inside the beamlines and components in all Primary Beam Areas. An RCT must be present to check for contamination when beamline components are opened for maintenance.

Areas with external radioactive contamination will be roped off and posted appropriately.

Remember that you should consider any water leaks to be contaminated until checked by an RCT. Don’t step in the puddles or try and clean them up. Call an RCT and have the liquid surveyed before you continue to work in the vicinity of the leak.