Ionizing Radiation
OSHA's Ionizing Radiation Standard sets forth the limitations on exposure to radiation from atomic particles. Ionizing radiation sources are found in a wide range of occupational settings, including laboratories.
There are three main kinds of ionizing radiation:
- Alpha particles, which include two protons and two neutrons
- Beta particles, which are essentially electrons
- Gamma rays and x-rays, which are pure energy (photons).
These radiation sources can pose a considerable health risk to affected workers if not properly controlled.
Any laboratory possessing or using radioactive isotopes must be licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and/or by a state agency that has been approved by the NRC, 10 CFR 31.11 and 10 CFR 35.12.
The fundamental objectives of radiation protection measures are:
- to limit entry of radionuclides into the human body (via ingestion, inhalation, absorption, or through open wounds) to quantities as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) and always within the established limits; and
- to limit exposure to external radiation to levels that are within established dose limits and as far below these limits as is reasonably achievable.
All areas in which radioactive materials are used or stored in the laboratory must conspicuously display the symbol for radiation hazards and restrict access to authorized personnel.
The OSHA Ionizing Radiation Standard requires precautionary measures and personnel monitoring for workers who are likely to be exposed to radiation hazards. Personnel monitoring devices (film badges, thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD), pocket dosimeters, etc.) must be supplied and used if required to measure an individual's radiation exposure from gamma, neutron, energetic beta, and X-ray sources. The standard monitoring device is a clip-on badge or ring badge bearing the individual assignee's name, date of the monitoring period and a unique identification number.
For more information on ionizing radiation, see the OSHA Ionizing Radiation Webpage.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
8-2. All areas in which radioactive materials are used or stored in the laboratory must conspicuously display the symbol for radiation hazards and _____.
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