Radiation

Front 1

Ionising

Back 1

Part of the electromagnetic spectrum with greatest energy is where the gamma rays and x-rays are. So powerful they can remove the electron from an atom. Process is called Ionisation. (Ionising Radiation)

Front 2

Non-ionising

Back 2

Radiation from the lower part of the electromagnetic spectrum (UV, visible light, Infra Red, microwaves and radio waves) do not contain enough energy to ionise

Front 3

Ionising Types

Back 3

Electromagnetic

Gamma and x-ray

Particle

Alpha

Beta

Neutron

Front 4

Properties

Alpha

Back 4

Stable. Two protons, two neutrons. Large. Travel short distances in dense materials. Can only just penetrate the skin.

Principle Risk is through ingestion or inhalation

Front 5

Beta

Back 5

Electrons. Much faster than alpha particles. Smaller in mass than alpha, have longer range and can penetrate and damage skin.

However they are less ionising and take longer to effect

Front 6

Neutrons

Back 6

Single particle emitted during nuclear fission for example. Great penetrating power

Front 7

X-Rays

Back 7

Photons of electromagnetic radiation. Sudden acceleration or deceleration of a charged particle.

High energy and high penetration power through fairly dense materials. Can travel long distances through air

Front 8

Gamma

Back 8

Emitted when an energetic nucleus loses excess energy. Great penetrating power.

Front 9

Non-ionising types

Back 9

UV

Visible light

Infra red

Microwave

Radio Wave

Front 10

UV

Back 10

Emitted from hot bodies such as electric arcs or the sun. Low penetrating power limited to surface organs such as skin, eyes and lining of the mouth.

Damage to skin, premature aging, inflammation of cornea, cataracts

Front 11

Visible Light

Back 11

Part of electromagnetic spectrum visible to the human eye. Thermal/retinal injuries, Mechanical injuries, Photopic injuries

Front 12

Infrared

Back 12

Emitted from material which is at a high temp. Acute effects such as heat stress and effects on specific organs such as skin and eyes (inflammation and burns) Damage to the chornea (Acute pain, cataracts).

Distance is key when protecting eyes/skin from infra-red

Front 13

Practical Control for exposure to non-ionising radiation

Back 13

Base on Time, Distance and Sheilding

Frequency and wavelength, likelihood of coming into contact, number of people exposed, presence of vulnerable people

Front 14

Time, Distance Shielding

Back 14

Base on Engineering measures, administrative measures and PPE

Front 15

Engineering

Back 15

Well designed

Appropriately sited

Direction control

Enclosures

Screening

Reduction of stray fields

Distance (Inverse square law)

Front 16

Administrative

Back 16

SSOW

Instruction and training

Can reduce exposure by limiting time and proximity

Front 17

PPE

Back 17

Protection of skin

Protection of eyes

Front 18

Ionising Radon

Back 18

Occurs naturally from decaying uranium.
Granite bedrock

Enters buildings from the ground and can build up to unacceptable levels.

Causes lung cancer particularly in miners

Front 19

Ionising Effects

Back 19

Removal of electrons causing cell damage.

Can affect cells as follows:

Complete recovery

Loss of reproductive capability

Genetic, DNA changes (mutations)

Cell death

Front 20

Acute Exposure

Back 20

Single acute dose. Slight blood changes or death.

Hair loss, infertility, Leukaemia, vomiting, diarrhoea, burns.

Front 21

Chronic Exposure

Back 21

Radiation sickness

Cataracts

Cancer

Dermatitis

Skin ulcers

Front 22

Somatic/Genetic

Back 22

Somatic effects on cells not used for reproduction

Genetic effects on cells used for reproduction

Front 23

Measurement

Back 23

Geiger counters

Scintillation detectors

Film badges

Thermoluminescent Dosimeters

Approved Dosimetry Services

Front 24

ALARP

Back 24

Requirement to keep radiation doses as low as is reasonably practicable. Allows a measure of discretion and takes into account social and economic factors.

IIR Reg 8

Front 25

Key Roles

Back 25

Radiation Protection Adviser

Radiation Protection Supervisor

Front 26

Legal Requirements for monitoring x Ray workers

Back 26

Keep exposure within Dose limits in Regs

Monitor by RPS

Identify classified workers 6milisiverts/year

Investigate any over exposures and send for medical surveillance

Keep records for 50 years or until worker turns 75