Radioactivity
- safety
Basic Radiation
Protection
There are three basic
ways in which people can minimise their exposures to radiation. These are:
minimise the
time of exposure,
keep
as big a distance between you and the source as possible,
and
use shielding
whenever possible.
Always check that
there is no one in the room that may be pregnant before you use radioactive
sources with a class.
Label all radioactive
specimens as radioactive. In school only approved sealed sources should
be used.
Store all radioactive
specimens in a clearly marked, locked cupboard. Locate the cupboard
in a room that is not usually inhabited.
Keep a record of when the sources are removed from their designated place and who
is responsible for them until they are returned
Handle sources
as little as possible. If they are touched, wash hands with soap and
water - tiny particles from them could be on your hands.
Handle sources
with tongs, holding them as far away from the body as possible.
Always point
the source away from yourself and never towards anyone else.
Never eat, drink,
or smoke near a radioactive mineral - tiny particles from the radioactive material could
be on your hands.
Never drop a
radioactive source. It may cause it to fragment. Tiny dust fragments
would be most dangerous, as they could be inhaled or easily ingested.
LOJ
(February 2001)
- revised February 2003 and January 2016
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