CFFA/CFNBCS Radiation Safety Awareness Training Package

Produced by NIRSC - 2004

DND/CF NUCLEAR SAFETY PROGRAM

Management of ionizing radiation sources including X-Ray devices Minimizes the exposure of personnel and contamination of DND facilities/equipment and the environment to ionizing radiation Is applicable to DND military and civilian personnel, as well as contractors on DND/CF sites and property

Ionizing and Non-Ionizing Radiation Non- has sufficient energy to break the binding force between the electrons and the nucleus of an atom - may damage or kill cells in our bodies - doesnt have sufficient energy to break the binding force between the electrons and the nucleus of an atom

Ionizing

Non-ionizing
Ionizing radiation can change DNA

Radiation is Energy That Comes From Unstable Atoms

Most atoms are stable because the forces among the particles that make up the nucleus (protons and neutrons) and the electrons are balanced However, in some atoms these forces are unbalanced; these are called unstable atoms Unstable atoms are called radioactive because, in their attempt to reach stability, they emit energy in the form of ionizing radiation This process of atoms changing their nuclear structure is sometimes called atomic decay Below is an atom in which the nucleus emits a beta and alpha particle as well as a gamma ray
electron beta particle

proton alpha particle

gamma ray

TYPES OF IONIZING RADIATION

Ionizing radiation is energy emitted from a radioactive nuclear substance or from high voltage equipment Some types of ionizing radiation are: alpha, beta, gamma and x-ray. They have varying degrees of energy, and hence different abilities to cause cellular damage

ALPHA PARTICLES
Alpha particles have very low penetrating power Alpha radiation is not able to penetrate skin Alpha-emitting isotopes, such as radium, americium and thorium, can be harmful to humans if the isotope is inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through open wounds Distance traveled < 7cm in air

BETA PARTICLES
Beta particles have moderate penetrating power Beta radiation can penetrate human skin to where new skin cells are produced Can be stopped by articles of clothing or plastic Distance traveled up to a few meters in air Examples of beta isotopes are nickel63, and tritium Strontium-90

GAMMA RAYS/X-RAYS RAYS/XGamma and x-ray radiation is highly penetrating and able to travel long distances in air. It readily penetrates most materials, including human tissue, and is sometimes called "penetrating radiation" The denser the materials (i.e.: concrete, lead), the better the protection from gamma and x-ray radiation Examples include cesium-137, cobalt-60, and iridium-192

PENETRATING POWER OF RADIATION

Alpha < 7 cm in air Beta a few meters in air Gamma and X-rays - only stopped by specific shielding

Hazards of Radiation
The main hazard of radiation is exposure There are two types of exposure: External radiation Internal radiation

Gamma/Beta = External

Beta/Alpha = Internal

External Radiation
When radiation comes from a source external to the body Exposure can come from gamma, x-ray, high-energy betas

Limiting External Radiation Exposure

Limiting external exposure is a question of avoiding ionizing radiation sources This can be accomplished by using:
TIME DISTANCE SHIELDING
Alpha

Minimize your time near the radioactive source

Maximize your distance from the radioactive source

Maximize your shielding from the radioactive source

Internal Radiation
Internal radiation is from ionizing radiation sources that emit gamma, beta, or alpha radiation taken into the body through: Inhalation Ingestion Absorption (skin, eyes or an open wound)

Internal Exposure Pathways

Exposure
Internal exposure continues until the radiation sources are eliminated from the body (decay or excretion) - Whereas External exposure ceases when the person or source is removed

Occupational Exposure
No person under the age of 16 shall be subject to exposure from occupational ionizing radiation Waiver for the use of C-79 scopes by Cadets

Pregnancy
Radiation exposure can be harmful to rapidly growing cells Pregnant personnel designated radiation or emergency worker, shall advise their supervisor immediately Restricted dose limits are applicable for duration of pregnancy

Limiting Internal Radiation Exposure

Limiting internal exposure is a question of avoiding ingestion, inhalation and absorption
This can be accomplished by:
Washing your hands Not eating or smoking around radiation sources Covering open wounds Clean workspace ethic

ALARA
As Low As Reasonably Achievable
Fundamental philosophy of radiation protection suggests that no activity dealing with ionizing radiation source should be adopted unless there is a net benefit arising from it If ionizing radiation source is to be handled, all efforts must be made to ensure the dose is the lowest absolutely required for the given task

Radiation in Everyday Life

Miscellaneous Sources (0.01% ) Nuclear Power/Fallout (0.001%) Medical Diagnosis (22.9%) Radon (37.8%)

Cosmic (11.4%)

Internal Sources Terrestrial (13.3%) (13.3%)

Radiation in Everyday Life

Tritium (H-3) Emits low beta, have low penetration capabilities Example: Tritium Night Sight Risks:
No external exposure risk If disassembled or crush: makes tritium available for inhalation or ingestion

Radiation in Everyday Life

Californium-252

Radiation in Everyday Life

Americium241 Decays by alpha emission and a gamma ray is produced Example: smoke detectors Risks:
1/1,000 average background radiation dose Ingestion or inhalation - most is excreted from the body (about 0.05% in the blood where it remains for long periods of time)

Radiation in Everyday Life

Nickel63 Low energy beta emitter Example: Chemical Agent Monitor (CAM) Risks:
No external hazard cannot penetrate the skin Only a health hazard if taken into the body

Radiation in Everyday Life

X-Ray Risks:
Can alter genetic materials in cells amount of x-ray used is so small that the risk is extremely low

Radiation Recognition
The trefoil is the international warning symbol for ionizing radiation In Canada, X-rays are identified by a different symbol Radiation warning symbol (trefoil) may be used outside of North American for Xray warning

Location of Symbols
Individual items or equipment Storage and work areas Transportation and vehicles

Detection
Ionizing radiation cannot be detected by the senses, but there are instruments that can be used to detect and monitor radiation Radiation Safety Officers are trained to operate this equipment

Roles and Responsibilities

Individual Responsibilities:
ALARA Proper use of equipment Carry-out immediate action procedures as required Report all accidents, incidents, and potential Radiation Safety issues to your local Radiation Safety Officer and via RHOs as required

Radiological Hazardous Occurrence (RHO) Procedures

N2

In case of RHO:
Stop breathing Vacate the immediate area Breathe when in fresh air Secure and ventilate the area Call the RadSO Carry-out task as assigned by the RadSO Remain nearby until released by the RadSO

Slide 30 N2 Seems like you have to hold your breath, then do the following five procedures, before being able to breathe on command....
Natacha, 11/4/2003

Radiation Safety Officer and/or Radiation Safety Custodian Contacts

RadSC/Unit RadSO/Base RadSO
NAIRS permit/poster on Safety Board Info found on inventory sticker in storage areas

If unable to contact the unit RadSO or Alternate, then try higher-level RadSO
first Base RadSO then Formation/Area or Command RadSO

Questions?
WO White CFFA/CFNBCS RadSO Local 7224