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67 Cards in this Set

  • Front
  • Back

What is Radiation?

- Energy in the form of waves or moving sub atomic particles emitted by an atom or other body as it changes from a higher energy state to a lower energy state.


- Radioactive material is a physical material that emits ionising radiation.


Alpha, Beta and Gamma are emitted from the nucleus of an unstable atom.


- Radioactive contamination is the distribution of a radioactive material.

What is 'half life'?

The time taken for half of the original nuclei to decay.

Why do we have the Radiological Safety Rules and supporting documentation?

They are formulated to ensure that no person receives a dose that exceeds a statutory dose limit and that all radiation doses received are ALARP.


Use of these documents ensures compliance with Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999 (IRRs 99).


They provide a means of advice on a majority of topics and hence there is less need to consult with a Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) on a frequent basis.

List some relevant pieces of legislation.

Nuclear Installations Act 1965


Health Protection Agency Act 2004


Radioactive Substances Act 1993


Radiation Emergency Procedures - Public Information Regulations 2001 (REPPIR)


Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999.

Describe 'where practicable'.

Where the words 'where practicable' are used, it signifies that where a requirement is possible to achieve in light of current knowledge and invention, but bearing in mind the hazards associated with the work to be undertaken then the requirement must be met. One is not allowed to avoid the requirement on the grounds of difficulty, inconvenience or cost.

Describe 'where reasonably practicable'.

When 'where reasonably practical' is used to qualify a requirement, then a judgement must be made as to what is reasonable, taking into account the magnitude of the risk on the one hand and the cost, time and trouble, or effort for averting the risk on the other hand.

Go through the statutory dose limits.

List the headings of the 12 Basic Safety Rules.

A1 - Risk Assessment


A2 - Restriction of Exposure


A3 - Management of PPE including RPE


A4 - Contingency Plans


A5 - Training


A6 - Designation of Areas


A7 - Instruments and Monitoring of Areas


A8 - Local Rules


A9 - Dosimetry


A10 - Control of Radioactive Substances


A11 - Management of outside and non-classified workers


A12 - Consultation with a Radiation Protection Advisor

How are Radiological Hazards Controlled?

1 - Engineering controls and design features.


2 - Graduated area classification system based on existing or potential levels of hazard.


3 - Safety documentation


4 - Local Rules and administrative controls


5 - Radiological Measurements


6 - Training and supervision of personnel


7 - PPE

List the special ALARP principles.

1 - Can timing of work be adjusted to allow maximum decay of radioactivity involved?


2 - Can adjacent plant which is a source of radioactivity be shielded and have sources of exposure been removed from the work area where possible?


3 - Can the item of plant to be worked on be moved to an area of lower doserate?


4 - Can additional temp/permanent shielding be erected or can pipes/tanks be drained/filled/flushed? Need to consider doses and risks involved in shielding and secondary waste accrued.


5 - Has approach to work area through areas of lower doserates been specified?


6 - Can the task be achieved through the use of remote techniques (especially on repetitive tasks)?


7 - If task is being carried out using remote handling equipment, could it be done with lower dose by using longer tools or conversely, quicker by using shorter tools for a quicker time?


8 - Is mock-up training/rehearsal justified in order to minimise time working in presence of high dose rates?


9 - Can work be accomplished with a lower collective dose by having more (or less) staff present but taking into account due consideration to individual dose?


10 - Is presence of monitoring staff justified in view of additional doses accrued by them?


11 - Can staff move to a lower doserate area when presence not actually required?


12 - Has the work been pre-planned taking into account optimisation of doses?


13 - Are all work instructions understood prior to entry?


14 - Have all tools and equipment available prior to entry to prevent the need for re-entry/unnecessary exposure.


15 - Is it possible to use CCTV/video techniques to reduce the amount of persons in the area e.g. supervisors ?


16 - If NDT, could alternative techniques involving use of non-ionising radiation be used.?

When shall a controlled area be designated?

1 - It is necessary for any person who enters or works in the area to follow special procedures designed to restrict significant exposure to ionising radiation in that area or prevent or limit the probability and magnitude of radiation accidents and their effects, or,



2 - Any person working in the area is likely to receive an effective dose >6mSv/year or an equivalent dose 3/10 of any relevant dose limit.

Who can enter a controlled area?

1 - Classified persons


2 - Persons other than classified persons who enter a controlled area in accordance with written arrangements.


3 - HSE Inspector, Police, etc

Describe Radiation Supervised Area
- An area where it is necessary to keep the condition under review and dose rates are typically between 2.5 and 7.5 microSv/hour.
- Reviewed to determine whether it needs to be a controlled area.
- Also where anyone, having regard to the time that could reasonably be spent in any part of that area is likely to receive an effective dose > 1milliSv/year or > 1/10 of any relevant dose limit.

Describe Radiation Controlled Area R2.

- An area where procedures are required to control exposures and doserates are typically between 7.5 and 50 microSv/hour.


- Having regard to the time that could reasonably be spent in any part of that area is unlikely to exceed a dose of 1 milliSv in a calendar month.


- Also having regard to the time that could reasonably be spent in any part of that area is likely to receive a dose > 6millSv in a YEAR.

Describe Radiation Controlled Area R3.

- An area where procedures are required to control exposures and dose rates are typically between 50 and 500 microSv/hour.


- Having regard to the time that could reasonably be spent in any part of that area is unlikely to exceed a dose of 1 milliSv in a WEEK.

Describe Radiation Controlled Area R4.

- An area where procedures are required to control exposures and doserates are typically >500 microSv/hour.


- An area where the radiation doserate is such that the maximum doses for radiation controlled area R3 would be likely to be exceeded or which is subject to high dose rates (permanent, temporary or transient)

What are the additional measures for R4 area?

1 - Permanent R4 areas shall where practicable, be segregated by doors that shall be kept locked to prevent unauthorised entry.


2 - Temporary R4 areas shall where reasonably practicable, be segregated by locked doors. Where the provision of doors is not reasonably practicable, temporary barriers shall be used to segregate the area.


3 - Whilst entry is possible a means of unrestricted egress where practicable. Where not practicable, an alarm system to enable assistance to be summoned. Alarms, where practicable, shall be interlocked with plant/apparatus controls.


4 - Any door or access to R4 containing plant/apparatus whose operation may result in high dose rates, shall where reasonably practicable, be equipped with safety devices which will inhibit plant/apparatus operation while entry is possible.


5 - Where there could be high doserates, a radiation monitoring system shall where reasonably practicable be provided and maintained to alert persons in the vicinity when things have changed.


6 - If an area needs to be designated as R4 due to a high doserate including a transient high doserate, it shall be designated as a permanent R4 area. All requirements shall be applied at all times.


7 - Where an interlock relies on a key exchange principle, spare keys shall be kept under control of site manager / nominee following Local Management Instructions for issue and use.


8 - Any access to RCA R4 shall not be left in the open position unless measures are adopted to prevent unauthorised entry.


9 - Keys for locks to RCA R4 shall only be issued to an retained by persons so authorised in LMIs and carried out in a controlled manner.


10 - When permanent RCA R4 are designated due to high doserate items, the presence of high doserates shall be indicated by the use of a caution notice.

Describe Contamination Controlled Area C2.

- An area where loose surface contamination exists or is likely to exist but the airborne concentration of radioactivity is not significant.


- Loose surface contamination exceeds or is likely to exceed levels in table T6.1 of the Technical Instructions and the air concentration of radioactivity does not exceed the levels in table T6.2 of the Technical Instructions.


- Alpha 0.4 Bq/cm2 Beta 4 Bq/cm2


- Also having regard to the time spent in any part of the area is unlikely to receive an internal exposure of 1 milliSv in a calendar year.

Describe Contamination Controlled Area C3.

- An area where the air concentration of radioactivity is likely to require the wearing of RPE.


- Air concentration of radioactivity when averaged over any period not exceeding 8 hours exceeds or is likely to exceed the values given in table T6.2 of the Technical Instructions for an annual exposure <500 hours.


- An assessment by an Acc. HP indicated that in the course of a year could result in an internal exposure approaching a significant dose


i.e. 1 milliSv/year.

Describe Contamination Controlled Area C4.

- An area where the air concentration of radioactivity is likely to require consideration being given to hermetically sealing the area.


- Air concentration of radioactivity exceeds or is likely to exceed 100 x the lower C3 values given in table T6.2 of the Technical Instructions.


- Permanent C4 areas shall be hermetically sealed except for designed airflow and airlocks are provided. Temporary C4 areas shall be effectively sealed except for designed airflow.


- Alpha >1Bq/m3 Beta > 1000 Bq/m3

What would the rules expect in a permanent C2 change area?

1- A bench or barrier to physically demarcate the boundary.


2 - Supply of clean PPE (unless supplied elsewhere)


3 - Facilities for storage of personal clothing


4 - Facilities for reception of faulty/damaged PPE


5 - Hand washing facilities


6 - Suitable monitoring equipment


7 - Facility on dirty side of barrier for used PPE and waste


8 - Telephone or other method of summoning assistance.

List PPE requirements for C2 areas.

Minimum:


Cotton coverall, overshoes, cap/safety helmet, gloves and EPD pouch.



If work is in wet conditions, then impervious footwear and outer clothing.



Where contamination controlled area is limited to a small area then a lab coat and gloves may be sufficient.

List PPE requirements for work in a C3 area.

A full change of clothing comprising:


Station underwear


2 pairs of coveralls


Purpose supplied footwear (rubber boots)


2 pairs of gloves


EPD pouch


Respirator with suitable head covering or air fed RPE.


If work is to be carried out in wet conditions, consideration should be given to the use of impervious footwear and impervious outer clothing.

List PPE requirements for work in a C4 area.

A full change of clothing comprising:


An issue of underclothing


Airline fed RPE or SCBA (including suitable head covering)


2 pairs of coveralls (impermeable outer coverall)


Footwear sealed to outer clothing


2 pairs of gloves sealed to outer clothing


EPD pouch


For full air fed suit, the risk assessment shall identify the clothing required dependant on the type of suit.


The decision whether to use a respirator when use of air fed suits/SCBA/air fed RPE may increase the total dose rececived or result in increased conventional safety risks shall be subject to risk assessment by an Acc. HP.

When are TLDs required?

If the equivalent dose to the eyes, skin, extremity or other organ is likely to exceed the effective dose by > 200 microSv / day.

Describe a good design for a temporary C3 tent.

- Adequate size for proposed use (given the available space)


- Suitable materials should be used (for example take account of hot works)


- Robust enough for its intended use and lifetime


- Adequately sealed to floors, ceilings and walls.


- When required, a temporary C2 area should be set up at the entrance.


- Area classification notices should be placed on all accessible sides.


- 1 metre per second inflow through all opening when forced ventilation is required.


- If forced ventilation is used, its effect on installed and other ventilation systems will need to be addressed.


- Vent extract positioned away from occupied areas and possibly monitored


- Entrance should be provided with dual 1 way flaps to restrict outflow


- Provision for collection of used clothing and waste should be made, capable of being covered.

What is the purpose of an RCD?

A document specifying radiological precautions.

When do you need a Radiological Control Document?

1 - Before entry to RCA R4 or C4


2 - Before work other than designated in local management instructions commences in CCA C2 or C3 or in RCA R3.


3 - Before any sealed source is exposed or any radiation generator emits a useful beam for the purposes of testing measuring or examination on an open site unless the work is designated in accordance with the guidance for designation of work.


4 - where entry is required to areas where entry is normally prevented for the purposes of a radiological survey


5 - Before deployment of any unsealed radioactive substances for purposes of tracer work outside permanent contamination controlled area.

How long can an RCD be valid for?

Up to 31 days including the day of issue.

When does an RCD need to be personally held?

- For a combined safety document with the LWC deleted in its entirety.



- When the SAP (NR) Decides.



- Activity in R3 or R4 unless the dose is likely to be < 0.1 milliSv/hour.

What should SAP (NR) take account of when revalidating an RCD?

- SAP (NR) must ensure that the precautions and procedures contained in the RCD are still adequate to ensure that all doses arising from the work are ALARP and that taking into account Local Management Instructions dose limits will not be exceeded.


- Ensure that any HPC whose serial no. is stated on the RCD will remain valid for the new period of validity on the RCD and in particular, that any preparatory measures listed in section B of the HPC are still maintained.


- Any possible changes in radiological conditions.


- Any limitations imposed by the HPC.

What is the purpose of a Health Physics Certificate?

To convey radiological advice, which when implemented, will ensure that doses received are ALARP.

When do you need a Health Physics Certificate?

1 - Entry to CCA C4 or RCA R4 is required.


2 - Work other than designated work in CCA C3 or RCA R3 is required.


3 - Work may cause an increase in controlled area designation.


4 - Situations where contamination levels 100 x the contamination level at which a CCA C2 shall be designated when averaged over 1 metre2 exists.


5 - The SAP (NR) preparing the RCD requires a HPC for any other reason.

How long can a Health Physics Certificate be valid for?

Up to 1 year.

List the different types of designated work.

1 - Work not requiring an RCD


2 - Work not requiring a HPC


3 - Work suitable to be carried out by other than classified persons in contamination controlled areas C2 and C3 (ie. non invasive work in areas of relatively low and stable contamination).


4 - Work not requiring the personal possession of an RCD by the recipient (for RCDs issued for work in RCA R3 and R4)

When is personal supervision required?

1 - The associated safety document is required to be transferred under the personal supervision of a SAP.


2 - the RCD is to be issued for any activity in an RCA R3 or R4 unless otherwise designated in local management instructions.


3 - the SAP (NR) preparing the document requires it.

What are the responsibilities of a competent person (NR)?

In addition to responsibilities as 'all persons':


1 - Understand RCD radiological precautions and that subsequent actions arising from radiological precautions are clear to them.


2 - Make sure that all members of working party are aware of and observe radiological precautions on RCD.


3 - Where services of RMP are specified, ensure that work shall not proceed unless RMP is present at appropriate time.


4 - Suspend work when advised by RMP and inform SAP (NR) / document issuer.


5 - Take action as specified in RCD if they have reason to believe that any unit specified is likely to be exceeded before work is finished and inform SAP (NR) / document issuer.


6 - Before clearing an RCD warn all persons working under the RCD to withdraw and not to continue work or testing.

What are the responsibilities of a SAP (NR)?

In addition to their responsibilities as 'all persons':


1 - Prior to preparation of RCD determine whether HPC is required.


2 - Receipt of HPCs


3 - Acknowledge cancellation of HPC


4 - When preparing an RCD:


i - taking into account any formal written HP advice including HPCs, ensure that precautions are such that all doses received from the work will be ALARP.


ii - taking into account of local management instructions to ensure that no person receives a radiation dose greater than a relevant dose limit.


iii - decide whether to doctate the transfer procedure.


5 - When issuing / transferring an RCD, ensure the competent person understands the radiological precautions.


6 - When transferring, take account of local management instructions to ensure no person exceeds relevant dose limit.


7 - When re-validating and RCD


i - ensure original radiological advice is still valid and appropriate.


ii - precautions are such that all doses from continuation of work are ALARP


iii - no person exceeds a relevant dose limit


8 - When cancelling an RCD, satisfying themselves that clearance requirements have been carried out.


9 - When assessing work instructions for tasks in RCA, determine whether RCD is required.


10 - After taking account of any HP advice, issue any necessary instructions regarding placing and marking of any temporary controlled area barriers.


11 - Take appropriate action on information from competent person or RMP


12 - On acknowledging cancellation of HPC, ensure all RCDs are cleared and cancelled. Work instructions reviewed and no work carried out under WI until reviewed.

When should incidents be reported to a SAP (NR)?

1 - If any person receives or suspects that they or any other person may have received a radiation exposure not recorded by a dosemeter.


2 - If a radioactive source is lost or mislaid.


3 - If the container of a radioactive source is damaged to an extent that its integrity may have been impaired, or if sealed source sustains or is believed to have sustained damage.


4 - If there has been a spillage of material which contains radioactive substances.

What are the requirements for a radioactive source store?

1 - Shall be reserved exclusively for radioactive substances, their receptacles and any necessary ancillary items.


2 - Shall be adequately shielded.


3 - Shall have adequate ventilation provided where there is a possibility of accumulation of radioactive gases / vapours.


4 - Shall have radioactive substances stored in suitable receptacles.


5 - Protection from the weather.


6 - Resistance to fire sufficient to minimise decrease or loss of shielding taking into account the combustibility of surrounding materials and the likely temperatures that would be reached in the event of a fire.


7 - Doserate on exterior of walls shoul dbe ALARP and normally <2.5 microSv/hour


8 - Physical security such that access is only normally possible to those people authorised and a notice prohibiting unauthorised access is displayed.


9 - Should have local rules notice and contingency plans displayed either at the entrance to the store or in close proximity.

Describe air samplers in use.

L60 draws a set volume of air through a filter paper and filter paper is then counted in an AB14.


Icam gives real time monitoring and alarms at preset levels - has C4 incursion alarm.


AB96 gives real time monitoring and alarms at preset levels - C4 incursion alarm. (monitors alpha and beta). Is a solid state detector, discriminates against natural background.

Describe contamination monitors used on site.

Use with ratemeter usually Elektra which gives counts per second readout (0-1000CPS)


BP4 scintillation detector for beta and gamma.


AP2 scintillation detector for all energy alpha (no Beta response)


G1X scintillation detector for gamma


EP15 GM detector for beta gamma.

Hand held radiation monitors in use at site.

- R02 Ion chamber detector, measures beta/gamma and X-rays, has a sliding Beta shield on base plate which allows Beta detection when open. (Gamma radiation doserate. Not suitable for measurements <5microSv/hour)(not suitable for Strontium-90)


- FH40 GM detector for gamma radiation (and doserate measurement)


- Teletector GM detector for gamma radiation is telescopic used with FH40 (must be a match!)


- PDR1 GM detector for gamma radiation.

Define ALARP.

The term ALARP is a term which has been interpreted in law as requiring an imbalance in favour of taking some specified safety precaution when a comparison is made between the risks of not taking the precaution and the cost in terms of finance, time and inconvenience of taking it. This clearly implies an ability to correlate risks and costs on a common yardstick.

Define 'High Dose Rate'

Where a person could receive a dose limit in a few minutes.

Define 'Written Arrangements'
A document that specifies the conditions under which persons other than classified persons may enter controlled areas. They ensure that persons aged 18 years and over entering the controlled area will not receive a cumulative radiation dose in any calendar year that would require that person to be designated as a classified person or exceed any relevant dose limit in the case of any other person. The purpose of written arrangements are to restrict exposure.

Define 'Local Rules'

Document that sets out the key arrangements for the restriction of radiation exposure.



Where adopted, local rules notices shall be posted at the entrance to or immediately adjacent to relevant controlled areas.

Define 'Classified Person'

Any person aged 18 and over who has been designated as classified in accordance with regulatory requirements and who has bee certified fit to be so designated by an appointed doctor or employment medical advisor by means of a valid entry in their health record.



Likely to receive an effective dose > 6 milliSv/year or an equivalent dose > 3/10 of any relevant dose limit.

Define 'Competent Person (NR)'

A person who has sufficient technical knowledge and/or experience to enable them to understand and implement the requirements of an RCD and who has been appointed in writing by the site manager to receive, transfer and clear such safety documents.

Define 'SAP (NR)'

A person who is authorised to carry out specified duties including the preparation, issue, re-validation and cancellation of RCDs.

Define 'Radiation Protection Advisor'

A person appointed in accordance with Reg. 13 of the IRR 1999 to provide advice on compliance with the regulations.

Define a 'Radiation Protection Supervisor'

A person appointed in writing in accordance with Reg. 17 of the IRRs 1999 to supervise arrangements and ensure adherence to local rules relating to work with ionising radiation.

Describe Beta Decay

An electron is emitted from a nucleus (beta particle) range in air depends on initial energy (cm's to m's). Penetrates Basal layer of skin. Gives doses to the skin and lens of the eye.

Describe Alpha Decay.

A nucleus ejects a Helium 4 nucleus (ie 2 protons and 2 neutrons - alpha particle) which has a range in air of cm's and in tissue micrometers, has a positive charge.

Describe 'Caesium 137'

Decays by beta decay and gamma decay.


Half life is 30 years.


CS 134 has a shorter half life and can be used to indicate the age of contamination.


Found in the CCP ponds (due to fuel can failure/corrosion) and is highy soluble.


Any fuel can failure within the reactor would lead to contamination within the core.Descriv

Describe 'Strontium 90'

High energy Beta, half life is 28.8 years.


Strontium has biochemical behaviour similar to calcium, after entering the organism (most often by ingestion with contaminated food or water) about 70-80% of the dose gets excreted. Virtually all the remaining strontium is deposited1% in blood and soft tissues. The presence in bones can cause bone cancer and cancer of surrounding tissues and Leukemia.


Found in CCP due to fuel can failure.

Describe Cobalt 60 (Co-60)

Radioactive isotope of Cobalt.


Half life is 5.27 years.


Decays by Beta decay and Gamma emission to stable isotope N60 (Ni?)


In the process of decay, emits 1 electron with energy of up to 315Kev and then 2 gamma rays with energies of 1.17 Mev and 1.33 Mev respectively.


Comes from neutron activation of Co-59 which occurs as an impurity in graphite Magnox.


Found in steelwork within the bio-shield (irradiated) fuel support members (37000 in SAWB), steelwork in SRU areas and internals of charge machine.

Describe Nitrogen 16 (N-16)

Comes from the neutron activation of Oxygen in CO2.


Half life of 1.7 seconds.


Decays by Beta decay.


Found in hot gas ducts.

Describe Tritium.

Isotope of Hydrogen.


Low energy Beta radiation can be absorbed through the skin and also inhaled or ingested. Gives a whole body dose (wbd). Biological half life is 10 days with half life of 12.32 years.


Difficult to detect due to its low energy except by liquid scintillation.


Found in reactor core and gas driers.

Describe Sulphur 35 (S-35).

Comes from neutron activation of CI-35 which occurs as an impurity of graphite and Sulphur 34 (S-34) which is present in lubricating oils.


Low energy Beta emitter.


Half life of 87 days.


Found in lubricating oils.


Plates onto copper on earthing strips.

Describe Argon 41.

Comes from netron activation of Ar-40 which is present in air.


Decays by Beta decay.


Half life is 1.8 hours.


Found in reactor gas and oil systems and shield cooling route.


When operating was the biggest source of dose on site.

Other radionuclides...

Carbon 14 - 5700 years half life. Beta Decay to N14 (no gamma)


Fe 55 - 2.7 years half life. X-Ray. Liquid scintillation not readily detected.


Nickel 63 - 100.1 years half life. Beta Decay. Liquid scintillation. GM detectors will not detect.


CS 137 - 30 year half life. Beta decay and gamma rays to Barium 137.

Describe the transuranics (plutonium 239, Americium 241, and Curium 242)

Formed by neutron capture and Beta decay processes.


Associated with fuel element corrosion leaving sludge.


Hazards arise from surface and airborne contamination.


Within the body, deposits onto skeleton and live. Biological half life of 50 years on bone and 20 years on liver.


Alpha emitters that can also emit gamma (Am241)


Found in Fuel Routes, Pond water (due to fuel can corrosion)



Pu239 - half life of 24,000 years


Am241 - half life of 430 years


Cu242 - half life of 163 days.

Radiation monitoring

RO2 - Beta, Gamma and X-Ray


Teletector - Gamma


FH40 - Gamma



ratemeters - Electra

Probes

BP4 - Beta and Gamma


AP2 - Alpha


EP15 - Beta/Gamma


G1X - Gamma

Air Monitors
L60 - Used with AB14
iCam (intelligent Continuous Air Monitor)
AB96
Other information for SAP (NR) interview...
Unplanned - unexpected event.
ALARP - Principles
Pond (CCP), WILWREP, AETP, Waste Team - RO2
High presence of strontium 90 (High Beta)
Only the instruments used.
Statutory Dose Limits.
MCP 14/7 - Local Investigation Level (LIL) 1mSv/y whole body dose.
Local Rules - F-462
Guidance - G-123
Emergency handbook would give more advice.
Contents of DWC, MITS, Safety, Priority, Statutory. Be methodical.