Radiation safety involves limiting exposure levels, wearing protective coverings and visible postings around radiation equipment.
Radiation energy involves the transfer of energy from a source to a material or object, according to the University of California. In the process, the object absorbs this energy, which can potentially disrupt the object's molecular balance and structure. This same process can occur when radiation makes contact with the human body. Standard safety precautions can be used to prevent the effects of radiation exposure.
Exposure Precautions
Acute or ongoing exposure to radiation can result in serious health problems as absorbed energy radiates through portions of the body. For this reason, those who work with radiation or interact with devices that produce radiation (microwaves, cell phones) can be at risk of harmful exposures. According to the NDT Resource Center, the U.S. Code of Federal regulations provide a listing of radiation exposure limits under Title 10, part 20. As a safety precaution, these regulations follow the "as low as reasonably achievable," or ALARA guidelines, which are designed to keep the levels of radiation exposure well below what a device or procedure requires.
According to Princeton University, ratemeter devices can be used to measure possible radiation leaks in equipment and emit an audible warning when leaks occur. Radiation safety equipment also includes interlocking mechanisms that create a seal when doors or lids close. As these mechanisms work to prevent radiation leakage, regular inspections of door seals can help guard against frequent exposures.
Protection
According to Princeton University, devices such as x-ray machines can produce scattered beams of radiation made up of strong energy waves. These waves can only penetrate materials that have a low-density content. As a safety precaution, wearing a protective covering can prevent radiation energy from making contact with the body. The protective apron-like coverings used by x-ray technicians contain materials that have a high-density content. According to the NDT Resource Center, density content depends on the number of subatomic particles, or Z number, contained in a material. Materials such as tungsten, lead and uranium have high Z numbers and provide adequate protection from radiation waves.
A material's ability to block radiation waves depends on the level of thickness needed to reduce a person's exposure rate. The half-value layer, or HVL, provides a method for determining how thick a material needs to be in order to reduce radiation exposure by one half at the point where radiation makes contact with the material. According to the NDT Resource Center, the level of HVL needed will depend on the strength of the radiation.
Administrative Controls
Administrative controls for using radiation equipment involve proper labeling, proper placement and ongoing communication between those who use equipment on a regular basis, according to Princeton University. Proper labeling indicates that a piece of equipment generates radiation when operated. The U.S. Office of Environmental Health and Safety can provide official labels for equipment use purposes.
Proper placement for equipment such as x-ray machines involves situating it in areas that are separate from heavily trafficked locations and only permit access to authorized personnel, according to the NDL Resource Center. Ongoing communication between those who use radiation equipment on a frequent basis can help determine malfunction issues and also lets others know when repairs or modifications are in process.
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