Safety procedures limit risks when working around radiation.
Jobs that require handling or being around radioactive materials or equipment that produces radiation pose some additional health risks. In such a position, you can reduce the risks to your health by adhering to procedures that will limit your body's exposure to radiation.
ALARA
ALARA stands for As Low As Reasonably Achievable. This is a fundamental concept when it comes to limiting your on-the-job exposure to occupational radiation. There are three things to consider in any situation that involves radiation. First, consider the time of exposure. Shorter exposure times mean the body receives less radiation. So, for example, if you work in a dentist's office and take X-rays of teeth, you want to activate the X-ray for the shortest time it takes to get a useful X-ray image. Second, you should consider your distance from the source of radiation. Doubling your distance from a radiation source will reduce your exposure to one-fourth of the original intensity. Finally, consider shielding. Proper shielding--such as the aprons used by dental patients during X-rays--can block radiation from entering your body.
Know Your Limits
According to international safety standards, the human body can safely withstand an average of 5 rems of radiation annually without developing long-term health problems. If you are frequently in situations that involve radiation, you should monitor your radiation levels. This is done using an optically stimulated luminescence badge. Any time you are around equipment that produces radiation or in the vicinity of radioactive materials, wear your badge. The badge tracks your cumulative radiation exposure and can help you determine if you are close to exceeding your safety limits.
Ask for Training
Only individuals properly trained to handle radioactive materials or to run machines that use radiation should be put in such situations. Make sure you are properly trained to handle the situations that you face in your job. Part of training means learning to recognize dangerous situations so that you can help to protect others in your workplace. If a dangerous situation arises, take action in accordance with your training, and carefully document the event afterward.
Tags: radioactive materials, situations that, distance from, equipment that, equipment that produces, produces radiation, properly trained
