LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this lesson, the participant should be able to:

1. DESCRIBE the roles and responsibilities of the various members of the Radiological Control Organization (RCO).

1. CHARTER

The RCO is responsible for implementing Fermilab’s radiological control program

Program is contained in Fermilab Radiological Control Manual (FRCM)

2. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Fermilab Director - Has overall responsibility for radiation safety and compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. The director appoints the Laboratory Senior Safety Officer.

Senior Radiation Safety Officer (SRSO) - issues radiation safety policy; responsible for radiological control program and ensures compliance.

Division/Section Heads - sees that lab radiation safety program (including training and postings) is implemented in their Division/Section.

Area RSOs - your primary contact with the RCO; handles day-to-day activities of radiological control program; establishes radiological controls, approves Radiological Work Permits, arranges for area posting, ensures that individuals are qualified for radiological work, provides emergency response.

Radiological Control Technicians (RCTs) - assist RSOs in their respective Division/Section in the conduct of daily activities.

ES&H Section - work on the lab-wide aspects of the program, including: radioactive source usage, dosimetry program, radioactive waste, instrument maintenance and calibration.

Radiation Safety Subcommittee - Made up of members from Divisions/Sections who deal with radiological issues, work to find solutions to radiological problems of a lab-wide nature, and meet to discuss various aspects of the radiological protection program.

RADIOLOGICAL FUNDAMENTALS

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this lesson, the participant should be able to:

1. DEFINE the term ionizing radiation.
2. DEFINE radioactive decay and half-life.
3. DESCRIBE characteristics of the various types of ionizing radiation.
4. LIST the sources of ionizing radiation at Fermilab.

RADIOLOGICAL UNITS & MEASUREMENTS

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this lesson, the participant should be able to:

1. DEFINE the basic radiological units of roentgen, rad and rem.
2. DEFINE dose equivalent rate and its unit.
3. DEFINE the units of radioactivity.
4. Perform basic calculations using radiological measurements.

NON-OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURES

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this lesson, the participant should be able to:

1. IDENTIFY the basic sources of natural background radiation.
2. IDENTIFY the major sources of man-made background radiation.

1. AVERAGE ANNUAL DOSE

• 360 mrem
• Normally the background dose is much higher than the doses typically received at Fermilab.

2. NATURAL BACKGROUND SOURCES

• Cosmic - from outer space
• Terrestrial - rocks & soil, drinking water, and building materials
• Radon - radium in soil & building materials decays to give off radon gas; hazard when inhaled; largest portion of background dose (≈200 mrem/yr); static electricity attracts radon to some items (polyesters & plastics) Radon is a special case of terrestrial radiation. It is a gas that comes from the radioactive decay of radium which is present in soil and building materials. It can collect in basements and other poorly ventilated locations in a building. It is a hazard when inhaled. Radon is the largest contributor (approximately 200 mrem/yr) to background radiation exposure. It can also be found here at Fermilab and is typically discovered during personal frisking. It can be attracted to plastic hard hats and polyester clothing by static electricity.
• Internal - food you eat, air you breathe, & water you drink

 

 



3. MAN-MADE SOURCES

• Medical - diagnostic, therapeutic
• Consumer items

Televisions

Welding rods

Lantern mantles

Camera lenses

Dental Prostheses

Smoke detectors

Tobacco products

Fertilizers

• Other: Nuclear power, fallout

BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this lesson, the participant should be able to:

1. LIST the factors that influence the degree/severity of biological effects.
2. IDENTIFY acute biological effects.
3. DESCRIBE the potential that a radiation worker at Fermilab has for receiving an acute dose.
4. IDENTIFY chronic biological effects.
5. COMPARE risks from chronic radiation dose to risks in daily life.

DOSE LIMITS, DOSIMETRY AND RECORDS

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this lesson, the participant will be able to:

1. STATE the dose limits for the whole body.
2. DESCRIBE the various types and purpose of dosimetry used at Fermilab.
3. DEMONSTRATE a working knowledge of the policies and procedures governing the use of dosimetry devices.
4. STATE the methods by which someone could obtain his/her dose record.
5. COMPLETE a Dosimeter Record.
6. STATE worker responsibilities for reporting radiation dose received from other sites and from medical applications.
7. EXPLAIN the Fermilab ALERT system.

1. DOSE LIMITS

• Whole Body:

DOE : 5,000 mrem/yr - this is the DOE legal dose limit

Fermilab: 1,500 mrem/yr - this is the administrative dose limit established by Fermilab. 95% of permanent Fermilab workers receive <100 mrem/yr

• Lens of eye: 15,000 mrem/yr
• Extremities: 50,000 mrem/yr
• Skin: 50,000 mrem/yr

2. DOSIMETRY DEVICES

• TLD Badge - Legal record of exposure; measures beta, gamma, neutron; sent off-site for special processing; DO NOT OPEN OR TAMPER WITH TLDs
• Finger Rings - worn if chance for significant dose to extremities; specified by RSO
• Pocket Dosimeter - used to keep track of exposure; measures gamma; worn next to TLD; it can be read at any time and should be zeroed when >75% of full scale; it is the back up for TLD
• Digidose - small electronic dosimeter used for high dose jobs; records gamma dose; beeps once for each accumulated mrem of dose; specified by RSO when required

3. POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR DOSIMETRY USE

For all dosimetry devices

• only by person to whom issued
• Worn at all times when required by signs, RWP, or Radiological Control personnel
• DO NOT take dosimetry off-site
• In radiological area, if lost, off-scale, damaged or contaminated:

Put work in safe condition

Alert others in vicinity

Immediately exit area

Notify area RSO or Division/Section ES&H Group

Policies for badges and finger rings

1. Should be returned for processing as scheduled or upon request. Dosimeters are to be turned in on the first working day of January, April, July and October.

2. One's badge should be worn facing forward on the chest area, on or between the waist and the neck, or as specified by the Area RSO.
3. Should be stored in a proper storage location, an area with a low background and without excessive heat or moisture.
4. Should not be worn at off-site radiological facilities unless specifically authorized by the Senior Radiation Safety Officer. If this happens, the individual should immediately report to the ES&H Section Dosimetry Program Manager.
5. Should not be knowingly exposed to security x-ray devices, excessive heat, moisture, or medical sources of radiation. If the potential for such exposure is discovered, the device should be returned to the ES&H Section Dosimetry Program Manager, or Area RSO with an explanation.

 

Policies for pocket dosimeters and digidoses

1. When required, shall be worn next to one's TLD.
2. Return when the instrument is due for calibration. The pocket dosimeter is due on the last day of the month indicated by the sticker. Pocket dosimeters can be obtained from the Stockroom or some RCO Technicians.
3. The user is responsible for recording the dose from a pocket dosimeter. The difference between the initial reading and the final reading at the end of the day or job gives you an indication of how much radiation you have received. Each division/section has its own policy regarding maintenance of these records. Contact your Area RSO for more details.
4. Digidoses are typically issued by the RCO and will be collected upon completion of the job for which they were issued.

4. DOSE RECORDS

Obtaining dose reports

• Annual summary sent to badge holders. Temporary personnel receive quarterly reports.
• A current dose report can be obtained by submitting a written request to the ES&H Section Dosimetry Manager.

Record adjustments

Each radiation worker is responsible to contact area RSO or dosimetry manager if monitored for radiation exposure elsewhere or involved in a medical procedure or treatment involving radioactive materials.

5. ALERT SYSTEM

• Used to keep workers’ annual radiation exposure below the Fermilab limit
• >300 mrem/qtr whole body dose places individual on Alert List
• Individual and supervisor instructed on techniques to minimize dose; more rigid monitoring system imposed.

PRENATAL RADIATION EXPOSURE

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this lesson, the participant should be able to:

1. STATE the potential effects associated with prenatal radiation exposure.
2. STATE the dose limit for the embryo/fetus.
3. DESCRIBE Fermilab policy concerning prenatal exposure.

1. POTENTIAL EFFECTS

• Studies of children exposed in utero to radiation from atomic bombs: few effects at dose <15,000 mrem
• >15,000 mrem possible effects are low birth weights and mental retardation
• Suggested but not proven is an increased chance of childhood cancer

2. FERMILAB’S PRENATAL POLICY (only pertains to Fermilab employees)

• All women routinely being monitored for radiation exposure shall receive appropriate information concerning prenatal radiation exposure.
• If a woman knows or suspects that she is pregnant, she may:

1. Notify the Medical Department in writing. Under this option, she would then become a declared pregnant worker and a RSO will conduct an evaluation of her work area(s) and assigned tasks.
2. Choose not to notify the Medical Department. Under this option, the usual occupational exposure limits will continue to be applied.

• Declared pregnant workers employed by Fermilab may:

1. Request a temporary reassignment to work in areas involving a lower potential for radiation exposure.
2. Request a leave of absence.
3. Continue with the same job assignment and control her exposure such that the embryo/fetus dose limits are not exceeded.
4. Terminate employment at the Laboratory.

3. EMBRYO/FETAL DOSE LIMITS

• At present occupational dose limits, risk from radiation is minimal compared to risks from pregnancy. Limits set as an additional measure of protection.
• 500 mrem for entire gestation period
• Efforts made to maintain dose <50 mrem/month for declared pregnant worker
• If dose to embryo/fetus is calculated at >500 mrem, a mother who is declared a pregnant worker is not assigned to tasks where additional exposure is likely.

KEEPING EXPOSURES ALARA

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this lesson, the participant should be able to:

1. DEFINE ALARA
2. OUTLINE the responsibilities management, the Radiological Control Orgnaization and the individual workers have for ALARA.
3. STATE the three basic principles in reducing one’s external exposure.
4. PROVIDE examples of implementation of the basic principles in reducing sone’s external exposure.
5. STATE methods by which one can eliminate the potential for internal contamination.

1. ALARA CONCEPT

• ALARA stands for As Low As Reasonably Achievable.
• To the extent practical; reasonable efforts made to lower dose; an approach to manage and control exposures, not a limit

2. RESPONSIBILITIES

• Individual - ultimately responsible to maintain his/her dose ALARA and to report any radiological problems.
• Management and Radiological Control Organization - provide resources and assistance.

Examples: review work plans and procedures

plan tasks

perform dose estimates for individuals and groups

conduct radiological surveillances

ensure personnel receive appropriate training

3. EXTERNAL DOSE REDUCTION

• TIME; DISTANCE; SHIELDING

1. Minimizing Time

1. Pre-plan the job.
2. Procure necessary equipment prior to starting work.
3. Never loiter in an area controlled for radiological purposes.
4. Remove parts/components to areas with lower dose rates to perform work.
5. Use mock-ups and practice runs that duplicate work conditions.

2. Maximizing Distance

1. Be familiar with radiological conditions in the area. Stay as far away as possible from the source of radiation, moving to lower dose rate areas during delays.
2. Use tools with long handles or other remote handling devices when possible.

3. Use of Shielding

1. Take advantage of permanent shielding such as non-radioactive equipment or structures.
2. If the job warrants, temporary shielding can be installed; consult with Area RSO.

4. INTERNAL DOSE REDUCTION

• Internal exposure is a result of radioactive materials entering the body through inhalation, ingestion, absorption through the skin, or wounds or cuts.
• One of Fermilab’s isotopes of concern is tritium (radioactive form of hydrogen) which is found in some cooling water systems and vacuum pump oil.
• Methods to prevent radioactive material from entering the body:

1. Do not eat, drink, smoke, chew, or apply cosmetics in any radiologically posted areas.
2. Comply with the requirements of all work documents.
3. Bandage wounds, cuts, rashes, and abrasions before entering any area where contamination may be present.
4. Wear respirators properly when they are required.

RADIOLOGICAL WORK PERMITS

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this lesson, the participant should be able to:

1. STATE the purpose of Radiological Work Permits (RWPs).
2. IDENTIFY the circumstances under which an RWP would be required.
3. LIST the types of information contained in a Radiological Work Permit.
4. EXTRACT pertinent information from an RWP and survey maps.
5. EXPLAIN the worker’s responsibilities in using RWPs.

1. PURPOSE OF RWPs

• Inform workers of area radiological conditions
• Inform workers of entry requirements into the areas

RWPs are posted at access point into the area or where keys are obtained.

2. CIRCUMSTANCES REQUIRING AN RWP

• Entry and work in certain posted radiological areas
• Handling of materials with removable contamination exceeding the specified limits
• Handling of radioactive materials of Class 3 or above

3. INFORMATION INCLUDED IN RWPs

• Unique identifying number
• Work location
• Permit type

General - routine or repetitive activities in areas with well characterized and stable radiological conditions

Job specific - non-routine work or work in areas with changing radiological conditions

• Date of issue and expiration
• Description of work
• Access type
• Work area conditions
• Time limits, dose limits
• Work documents
• Dosimetry requirements
• Training requirements for entry
• Portable survey instrumentation
• Protective clothing and equipment requirements
• Additional instructions

Survey maps show: specific area dose rates, location of "hot spots", and levels of contamination in the vicinity

• Special requirements
• Authorizing signatures

4. WORKER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Sign RWP - this indicates one has read and understands the requirements of the RWP
• Obey the instructions on the RWP
• If any part of the RWP is not understood, contact your supervisor or area RSO

 

RADIOLOGICAL POSTINGS AND CONTROLS

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this lesson, the participant should be able to:

1. IDENTIFY the colors and symbols used on radiological postings, signs and labels.
2. DEFINE all types of areas controlled for radiological purposes.
3. STATE the entry, working in and exiting requirements for each area controlled for radiological purposes.
4. EXPLAIN the radiological and disciplinary consequences of disregarding radiological postings, signs and labels.
5. STATE the radiological and disciplinary consequences of unauthorized removal or relocation of radiological postings, signs and labels.

1. GENERAL

• All signs, postings and labels have the following things in common:

1. Yellow background with black or magenta lettering
2. Standard 3-bladed propeller shaped symbol

• All entrances must be posted
• Barriers must be used when needed and will be conspicuously posted
• Entrance points must have signs and all radiological hazards must be noted

2. RADIOLOGICAL POSTINGS

1. CAUTION: Controlled Area

• Denotes any area where access is controlled to protect personnel from exposure to radiation and/or radioactive materials above background levels
• Requirements for entry: General Employee Radiation Training - GERT

2. CAUTION: Radioactive Material

• Designates areas where radioactive materials are used, handled or stored. Also used on cabinets, boxes, bins, etc. which segregate radioactive material from non-radioactive material.
• Requirements for entry: GERT; however, Radiological Worker training is required to work with the materials in the area.

3. CAUTION: Radiation Area

• Designates an area where radiation doses are > 5 mrem/hr but < 100 mrem/hr
• Requirements for entry/exit: Radiological Worker training; signature on RWP as appropriate; TLD
• Requirements to exit: refer to RWP instructions

4. Postings for High and Very High Radiation Areas

DANGER: High Radiation Area

• Radiation dose rates > 100 mrem/hr but < 500,000 mrem/hr

GRAVE DANGER: Very High Radiation Area

• Radiation dose rates > 500,000 mrem/hr
• Requirements for entry: Radiological Worker training; worker signature on RWP or RSO approval; personnel and supplemental dosimeters; survey meters or dose rate indicating device available at the work area; access points will be secured by control devices, locks, etc.; additional requirements will be imposed by the Area RSO when dose rates exceed 1000 mrem/hr
• Requirements to exit: post-job briefing; dosimetry records completed; personnel frisking as applicable

5. Posting Contamination, High Contamination, and Airborne Radioactivity Areas

CAUTION: Contamination Area

• Contamination levels exceed specified levels

DANGER: High Contamination Area

• Contamination levels exceed 100 times specified levels

CAUTION: Airborne Radioactivity Area

• Airborne radioactivity exceeds specified levels
• Requirements for entry: Radiological Worker training; worker signature on RWP; personnel dosimeters; protective equipment/clothing required by the RWP; pre-job briefing as required.
• Requirements to exit: personal frisk before removal of protective clothing as specified by RWP, Rad Control personnel, or as posted.

3. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE WORKER

1. Read all signs before entering area.
2. Comply with all information on signs, postings, and labels. Do not remove or relocate them.

Disregarding or removing/relocating signs, postings, or labels can lead to:

• Unnecessary or excessive radiation exposure
• Personnel contamination
• Disciplinary action or denial of use of Fermilab facilities

3. Within an area controlled for radiological purposes:

• Always practice ALARA
• Follow the area policy concerning eating, drinking, smoking, and chewing
• Obey any posted, written or oral requirements from Radiological Control personnel

4. Report to the Area RSO or division/section ES&H group any unusual situation you identify, or any situation where radiological controls are not adequate or are not being followed.
5. If any material used to identify radiological hazards (labels, ropes, signs) is found outside an area controlled for radiological purposes it should be reported to the Area RSO immediately.

CONTROL OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this lesson, the participant should be able to:

1. DEFINE the term radioactive material.
2. DEFINE the term radioactivation.
3. IDENTIFY the proper procedure for labeling radioactive material according to the Fermilab Radioactivity Class System.
4. LABEL radioactive materials appropriately using a frisker and wallflower.
5. EXPLAIN the site policies for moving radioactive materials.
6. IDENTIFY the source program policies applicable to radiological workers.
7. RECOGNIZE typical source configurations.
8. DESCRIBE the actions that radiological workers should take regarding source use controls.
9. STATE the response to a source emergency.
10. ;DESCRIBE Fermilab policies regarding storage of radioactive materials.

CONTAIMINATION CONTROL

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this lesson, the participant should be able to:

1. DEFINE radioactive contamination.
2. DEFINE the term -- decontamination.
3. IDENTIFY potential sources of radioactive contamination.
4. LIST methods that can be used by a radiological worker to control radioactive contamination.
5. DEMONSTRATE the proper use of protective clothing.
6. DEMONSTRATE the proper frisking technique.
7. DESCRIBE the proper disposal of protective clothing.

1. RADIOACTIVE CONTAMINATION

• Defined as radioactive material that has been deposited on the surfaces of structures, areas, objects or personnel.
• Loose surface contamination can be transferred by contact with other surfaces. Found in beamline enclosures. Proper use of protective clothing helps to control the hazard.

2. DECONTAMINATION

• The removal of radioactive materials from locations where it is not wanted. Normally performed by personnel from the Radiological Control Organization.

3. SOURCES OF RADIOACTIVE CONTAMINATION

• Leaks or breaks in systems containing radioactive liquids (e.g. vacuum pumps, cooling water systems on target stations)
• Dust, debris, grease, dirt, and oil within or from a beam/beamline enclosure as it may have become activated
• Some operations, such as grinding, cutting or welding, on activated materials
• Damage to radioactive calibration/check sources

4. CONTAMINATION CONTROL METHODS

• Understand and comply with the radiological work controls, including protective clothing, respiratory equipment, containment devices and frisking requirements, imposed upon work in a posted contamination area.
• Use good work practices such as good housekeeping and cleaning up after jobs.
• Identify and report leaks in radiological systems before they become a serious problem.
• Make sure that required contamination surveys are performed before removing items from posted contamination areas.
• Avoid unnecessary contact with contaminated surfaces.
• Place contaminated tools, equipment, etc. inside bags when work is finished.
• Avoid stirring up contamination; it could become airborne.
• Exit the area immediately if a wound occurs and call X3131.
• Minimize the production of contamination and reduce the levels of contamination prior to work. This is called source reduction. An example of source reduction is the final clean up of the Main Ring tunnel at the end of an extended shut down. Magnets are wiped down, floors are swept, and general cleaning is done to minimize the amount of dust and debris that may be activated by the beam.

5. SELECTING & DONNING PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

• The protective clothing required for the work will be specified in the applicable Radiation Work Permit or the RSO or RCT assigned to cover the job.
• Check clothing for rips/tears. Replace if necessary.
• No order in donning clothing.
• Supplemental pocket or electronic dosimeters should be placed on the outside of the protective clothing so that you can access them.

6. REMOVING PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND EXITING THE AREA

• Personnel Frisking

1. Verify that the frisker is on, appears to be functioning properly, is in calibration, is set to the proper scale (x1 scale) and the audio output can be heard during frisking. If the instrument does not appear to be functioning properly or is not in calibration, contact Radiological Control personnel.
2. Frisk your gloved hands before picking up the probe. If your gloves are contaminated remove all protective clothing and dispose of it properly.
3. After frisking your hands, source check the instrument. If the source check fails, contact the Main Control Room and request assistance from Radiological Control personnel.
4. If the source check is satisfactory, hold the probe less than 1/2 inch from the surface being surveyed. Move the probe SLOWLY over surface, approximately 1 inch per second. The performance of a whole body frisk should take at least 3 to 5 minutes.
5. Frisking order

Perform a whole body frisk in the following order, pausing at places that may have come in contact with contamination. If the count rate increases during frisking, pause over the area to provide adequate time for instrument response.

1) Dosimetry & keys

2) Head

3) Neck and shoulders

4) Arms

5) Chest and abdomen

6) Back, hips, seat of pants

7) Legs

8) Shoe tops

9) Shoe bottoms

10) Personal belongings

If you are not required to perform a whole body frisk at the exit, follow the posted instructions.

6. Remove your gloves and then frisk your hands again. Return the probe to its holder and leave the area. The probe should be placed its side or face up to allow the next person to monitor their hands before handling the probe.
7. There may be isolated cases where the frisking station is located inside the enclosure. When exiting these areas, check the background level in the vicinity to ensure that you are in a low background area (<100 cpm on the frisker). If you are not in a low background area, move to one that is.

1. Remove all protective clothing at the exit.
2. Proceed to the nearest designated monitoring station. If no alternative location is designated, contact Radiological Control personnel.
3. Conduct your frisk.

7. DISPOSAL OF PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

1. If clothing has no contamination, dispose of it in the regular trash.
2. If any portion of the protective clothing exceeds 50 cpm above background, remove it in a manner that will minimize contamination spread and prevent you from becoming contaminated. In this case, ALL of your protective clothing needs to be disposed of in a radioactive waste receptacle unless instructed otherwise. You will be required to perform a whole body frisk upon its removal.
3. If you are performing a frisk after removing your protective clothing and find more than 100 cpm above background, YOU ARE CONTAMINATED. Minimize your movements and contamination spread, and call or have someone call x3131.
4. If during the frisk of your personal belongings, you find greater than 50 cpm above background, contact the Area RSO or division/section ES&H Group for instructions.

 

8. FRISKING PROCEDURE WHEN NO PROTECTIVE CLOTHING IS WORN

1. Instrument checks are the same as for a frisk when wearing protective clothing.
2. At a minimum, frisk your hands and feet.
3. Frisk other areas of your body which came in contact with surfaces while inside the enclosure.

RADIOACTIVE WASTE

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this lesson, the participant should be able to:

1. RADIOACTIVE WASTE

Defined as radioactive material that is no longer useful. This may be:

• Material that has been activated by the beam or
• Items that have come in contact with radioactively contaminated material and are now contaminated

Radioactive waste bags, radiation warning signs, and radioactive class tapes are not to be thrown away in normal trash cans or dumpsters. These items are to be reused, if possible, or collected as radioactive materials in radioactive waste drums or other suitable containers whether or not they are found to be radioactive.

2. MIXED WASTE

There is also the special category of mixed waste. Mixed waste is chemically hazardous or toxic waste which is also radioactive. Mixed wastes are a special problem because it is extremely difficult and expensive to dispose of them. Fermilab currently does not have approval to dispose of any mixed waste.

It is required that individuals who generate waste certify that the waste contains no hazardous materials at the time of disposal. If the waste is radioactive and does contain hazardous materials, special instructions apply. Some typical hazardous materials used at Fermilab are ethyl alcohol, freon, methanol, acetone, lead, lead based solder, beryllium, sodium chloride, and Simple Green detergent.

Except for certain special circumstances, water and KPC 820N are the only approved cleaners which may be used on radioactive materials.

 

3. LOW LEVEL WASTE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

Fermilab policy is to reduce or eliminate the generation of waste material presented for disposal or released to any environmental medium. The concept of waste minimization as applied to radioactive material focuses on reducing or eliminating the volume of radioactive and mixed waste sent for disposal, thus reducing the impact on the environment and the public, and also reducing disposal costs. Reducing or eliminating the generation of waste is given prime consideration in research, process design and plant operations. The minimization of the generation of mixed waste is especially important given the great difficulty in the disposal of such wastes because of disposal site restrictions.

• Generators of radwaste must comply with program
• Divisions/Sections have waste coordinators to assist
• As a rad worker your responsibilities are:

1. Ensure that any waste you generate, or are responsible for, is properly and promptly characterized and packaged for disposal.
2. Ensure that unknown wastes are not generated. Characterizing unknown waste can be very time consuming and expensive.
3. Ensure that mixed wastes are not generated if at all possible. Written approval may be required before using certain items.

 

4. WASTE MINIMIZATION

Ways to reduce the amount of radioactive and mixed waste that is generated include:

• Use good housekeeping techniques.
• Segregate all activated and/or contaminated materials from all other hazardous and non-hazardous materials.
• Ensure that all materials not required to be in a radiological area are removed upon completion of the work.
• Prevent the generation of mixed waste by substituting non-hazardous materials for hazardous materials, both in the engineering design and everyday practice. Also, do not use hazardous materials to clean radioactive components unless the components have no removable radioactive contamination present.

5. WASTE GENERATOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Anyone generating waste in a beam enclosure or potentially radioactive waste outside a beam enclosure is responsible for completely and accurately characterizing those waste materials prior to presenting them for disposal. This responsibility cannot be delegated or deferred. Radioactive waste materials may not be left unattended for disposal at a later time.

Radioactive items being transported to designated collection areas should either be labeled with class tape or be in radioactive waste bags. Radioactive materials shall not be stored or transported in bags used for normal trash. Radioactive materials should be transported in Laboratory vehicles.

All dry, solid materials that are collected as radioactive waste must be surveyed to ensure that they are radioactive prior to placement in a waste disposal container.

Water collected on tunnel or enclosure floors cannot be disposed of without prior permission from the Area RSO.

During normal working hours, radioactive waste items shall promptly be taken to collection areas designated by the department head or his/her designee for characterization and disposal. Persons who are issued containers are generally available to open them for waste disposal during normal working hours.

During off hours, persons who have access to radioactive waste containers are usually not available to open them. Many of the accesses for emergency repairs are performed after normal working hours and on weekends. Department heads, task managers, group leaders, or supervisors are required to designate in advance the location (e.g., locked storage cabinet) where materials can be stored until proper radioactive waste disposal containers can be opened. As a generator of radioactive waste, it is your responsibility to be aware of the location of these storage cabinets. A storage cabinet that has a common department padlock can be used for this purpose. When the material is placed in the cabinet, it is recommended that the radioactive waste generator sign the "Radioactive Waste Certification and Pickup Request Form."

The Operations Group Duty Assistant, Crew Chief, or person designated by the Crew Chief is responsible to ensure that persons who are allowed to access the beam enclosures have been trained prior to issuing enclosure keys.

 

6. WASTE CHARACTERIZATION

All radioactive waste generators are required to characterize their waste with sufficient accuracy to permit proper identification, minimization, segregation, transportation, treatment, storage and disposal. Waste should be characterized at or near the point of generation not only for convenience, but to also prevent cross-contamination. As a minimum the generator characterization of waste shall include:

• Physical description of the waste
• Chemical characteristics of the waste and any void-filling material or absorbent.
• Volume of the waste
• Weight of waste
• Radionuclide distribution, concentration, and activity in waste matrix
• Method of assay or analysis used to determine radionuclide distribution and concentration
• Packaging details
• Packaging date, packaging weight and total volume

This information is to be placed on an inventory sheet which is maintained for each waste container as it is being filled.

The following are waste violations/problems that have routinely occurred at Fermilab. It is very important that each waste generator follow the approved program in order to minimize waste and reduce the associated cost and man-power required to properly dispose of the waste.

• Pens - especially Magnum markers.
• Water and/or oil in sump pumps. There is a check valve in the pump that contains about 1/2 cup of water.
• Lead seals.
• Printed circuit boards - they are in many places you don't expect.
• Lead solder - almost EVERY type of electrical equipment contains lead solder.
• Telephone handsets - contain a LOT of lead solder.
• Batteries - left in flashlights.

The typical radiations emitted from dry, solid radioactive material may be detected with the frisker. Typical background count rates found on the frisker are about 30-to-50 counts per minute (cpm). Items are considered to be radioactive if they have counts rates of 50 cpm above background.

NOTE: If the background count rate is greater than 50 cpm, it may not be possible to determine that an item is radioactive. Suspect materials should be taken to an area where the background count rate is at or below 50 cpm. Tritium (radioactive hydrogen) cannot be measured with available hand-held instruments.

 

7. RADIOACTIVE WASTE CONTAINERS

All radioactive waste containers are to be kept locked up at all times so that waste characterization and control is maintained.

No free liquids or absorbed liquids of any type are to be placed in 55-gallon radioactive drums designated for dry, solid waste. These drums are to be used for dry, solid radioactive waste only.

Compactible waste, such as shoe covers, gloves, other types of protective clothing, and dry rags or wipes, that has been found to be radioactive should be placed in drums designated for compactible radioactive waste.

Oil or other liquids removed from vacuum pumps and from various devices, such as septa and separators, that have been exposed in beam enclosures must be collected as radioactive waste. The liquids may contain tritium which is not detectable with hand-held instruments and may require special evaluation to determine if they are radioactive. The liquids are to be collected in properly labeled and approved containers.

The type of container used for collection of liquid radioactive wastes can be any of the following:

1. 30-gallon radioactive waste drum
2. 5-gallon carboy
3. 250-ml to 2-liter polyethylene bottles

The type of container used should be appropriate for the quantity of waste generated.

Radioactive liquid wastes of different types should normally be segregated. No water may be added to oil waste drums except for incidental water which may be present in vacuum pumps due to operation of the pump.

Sweeping compound used to clean beam enclosure floors may contain radioactive dust; metal grinding chips or filings; tie wraps; miscellaneous nuts, bolts, screws; and many other small parts. Sweeping compound must be collected in 55-gallon drums lined with large radioactive waste bags. Sweeping compound may not be dumped loose into unlined 55-gallon radioactive waste drums.

Non-compactible waste, such as contaminated lumber, structural steel, and beam pipe, is to be collected in 55-gallon drums separately from compactible waste.

Large quantities of materials such as radioactive cables may be collected in large steel boxes with lockable covers. Arrangements to obtain large steel boxes should be made in advance with the Division/Section ES&H Department.

The containers Fermilab uses for radioactive waste are:

• 55 gallon drums; yellow, used for dry solids; NO LIQUIDS ALLOWED
• 55 gallon galvanized drums; unpainted, used for mixed waste
• 30 gallon drums; yellow, used for either water or oil, but there cannot be any mixing of the two
• Steel boxes; scrap metal, wire cable and other items too large for a 55 gallon drum
• Radioactive Waste bags; DRY compactibles
• Bulk items too large to fit in steel boxes may be placed on skids and banded or banded and placed on cribbing

8. WASTE PICK-UPS

Once waste is properly characterized and in the appropriate container, pick-up can be arranged if:

• A completed inventory form (RP Form 31 or RP Form 71) has been submitted through the division/section waste coordinator.
• All containers are properly secured to ensure no loss of contents during transport.
• The container has been surveyed and labeled as "RADIOACTIVE WASTE."
• There is no radioactive contamination on the external surfaces of the container which is above the limit for release to uncontrolled areas.

RADIOLOGICAL EMERGENCIES

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this lesson, the participant should be able to:

1. IDENTIFY situations/circumstances requiring emergency response.
2. IDENTIFY the correct responses to emergencies and/or alarms.
3. STATE the possible consequences for disregarding radiological alarms.

1. EMERGENCY/OFF-NORMAL SITUATIONS

1. Situations Handled by the Area RSO and/or Division/Section

1. Lost, off-scale, damaged or contaminated dosimetry. If you are in an area controlled for radiological purposes and notice that your dosimetry (badge, pocket dosimeter, Digidose, etc.) is lost, off-scale, damaged, or contaminated:

   • Place your work activities in a safe condition. For example, do not leave power tools operating.
   • Alert others in the vicinity. Their dosimetry may also be lost, off-scale, damaged or contaminated.
   • Immediately exit the area.
   • Notify the Area RSO or the division/section ES&H Group via the Main Control Room.

2. Potential Area Contamination. In some instances, there may be indicators of possible area contamination where none is expected. Two potential indicators would be alarming contamination monitors and leaks, spills, or standing water around or near radioactive water systems. If you have reason to suspect contamination of an area where no contamination is expected,

• Do not enter the area.
• Keep others from entering the area.
• Immediately report the situation by contacting the Area RSO, division/section ES&H Group via the Main Control Room.

3. Elevated Radiation Levels. Chipmunks and Scarecrows are used to monitor radiation fields due to accelerator operations. If you are working in an area and hear one of these instruments unexpectedly alarm:

• Alert others.
• Immediately leave the area.
• Contact the Main Control Room.

4. Airborne Radioactivity. There are a few Continuous Air Monitors on-site, primarily used in Beams Division, to monitor concentrations of airborne radioactivity. If you are working in an area and hear or see one of these instruments alarm (a whooper alarms and a red beacon begins flashing):

• Alert others.
• Immediately leave the area.
• Contact the Area RSO via the Main Control Room.

2. Emergencies Requiring Site-Wide Resources. The following are examples of emergencies that may require site-wide resources. When in doubt, assume that it is a serious emergency requiring site-wide resources.

• Personnel injuries in areas controlled for radiological purposes. Remember, lifesaving actions take priority over radiological control considerations.
• Leak or spill of radioactive material outside of a radiological area.
• Fire or smoke in a radiation area or involving radioactive materials.
• Personnel exposure to operating beam.
• Rupture or breakage of a radioactive source.
• Personnel contamination (external or internal).

Actions in such an emergency:

• CALL x3131.
• Stay on the phone to answer questions.
• Keep others from entering the area.
• Remain at the scene to the extent possible.

 

2. DISREGARD FOR RADIOLOGICAL ALARMS/CIRCUMSTANCES

Disregarding any of these radiological alarms or circumstances may lead to:

• Possible excessive personnel exposure
• Unnecessary spread of contamination
• Disciplinary action