HSE-LS-14_Radiation_Safety_Training.pdf

8/9/2019 HSE-LS-14_Radiation_Safety_Training.pdf

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The Petroleum Institute

30 hr Lab Safety Training

HSE/LS 14: Radiation Safety

Training

Upon completion of this module, theattendee will be able to:

Describe the regulatory approach toward controlling ionizingradiation in the UAE, and how it impacts the work at PI

Identify the sources of ionizing radiation on the PI campus Explain the significance of the phrase, time, distance and shielding Explain the types of controls that are used for sealed radioactive

sources Explain the protective features incorporated into the design of X-ray

diffraction equipment

Explain the procedural controls that are used to minimize andmonitor ionizing radiation exposure on the PI campus Describe the emergency procedures to be used in the event of a

radiological event on campus

Why is this important to me, here atThe Petroleum Institute?

There are radioactive sources here on the campus.

There is also ionizing radiation-producing equipmenthere on the campus.

While the sources or machines may not be present inyour lab, you may visit another lab where they areused, or the nature of the work in your lab maychange in the future.


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Registration with UAE Authorities

Policies and procedures1. PI Policy on Procurement, Usage and Disposal of RAM & RPE

2. Radiation Safety Program

\\pi-fp1\Shared\HSE_Resources\PI_HSE_Best_Practices

20thMay 2009 - PI is registered with Radiation Protection and Control Department (RPCD), Ministry of Waterand Environment.(Stalled previously and is now finally completed after 3 years!!)

24thAug 2009 - PI received its first license from RPCD to import Am-241 for Dr.Ians Research work.

7thMarch 2010 - PI received its license from RPCD to import Fe-55 for Dr.Radus Research work.

29thJune 2010 - PI began the process of registering its activities with newly formed government agency calledFederal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) which controls the licensing activities from now on.

2011 - ADNOC SPC (Supreme Petroleum Council), HSE Division advised us to go through them for any FANRrelated work.

Procedure for Importing Radioactive Materials or Radiation-

Producing Equipment

PI Hazardous Material

Sub-committee

(PI HAZMAT)

Dr. Paul Rostron (Chair)Dr. Clarence Rodrigues

Dr. Sandra Vega,

Mimoune Kissami,Rehana Rostron

PI-Policy

Radiation Safety Program

Proposal submitted to PI-HAZMATCommittee

Submit forms with documents required

PI-HSE Department

HSE will coordinate with ADNOC team

Application to FANR (Federal Authority forNuclear Regulation)Obtain License

Respective department will coordinate with supplier

Import from supplier

HSE will take care for clearance

Clearance form EAD (Environmental

Agency Abu Dhabi)

HSE will take care of the transport

Transport to PI (Clearance from CivilDefense , AD)

Ionizing radiationhas sufficient energy to cause ionization (i.e.the creation of ion pairs) upon interacting with matter. Examplesof ionizing radiation include:

- alpha and beta particles- gamma rays- x-rays and neutrons

Non-ionizing radiationdoes not have sufficient energy to causeionization upon interacting with matter. Non-ionizing radiationexamples include:

- visible light, infrared, ultraviolet- microwave and- radio frequency radiation

This module will focus on ionizing radiation

Ionizing Radiation

1. Recognition


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Wave Form Radiation

X-rays:X-rays are generated outs ide the nuc leusof an atom.They are very penetrating and present health hazards when outside

the bodyClassified as external radiation hazards

Gamma rays:Gamma rays are generated ins ide the nuc leusof a radioactiveatom

Indistinguishable from x-rays, energy-wiseVery penetrating and present health hazards when outside the bodyClassified as external radiation hazards

Ionizing Radiation1. Recognition

Particle-Form Ionizing Radiation

Alpha particles: Alpha particles are heavy, large and slow-moving Do notpenetrate the dead layer of the skin Only travel short distances in air Present hazards when inside the body (inhaled, ingested, )

Beta particles: Beta particles are small, highly energetic electron-size particles They can penetrate the dead layer of the skin can cause skin burns Present hazards when in the body (inhaled, ingested, )

Ionizing Radiation

1. Recognition

Hazards

Generally, health hazards can be classified as somatic or "genetic

Somatic hazards are those that adversely affect the body of theemployee exposed (e.g. skin burns, gastro intestinal damage, cancer)

Geneticeffects are those that appear in the progeny (i.e. futuregenerations) of the employees who are exposed to the ionizing radiationform(s).

Ionizing Radiation

1. Recognition


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Units of Measurement

Theroentgen is the unit of measurement used to describe the amountof radiation absorbed in air from a radioactive source. It has been usedto measure x-ray and gamma radiation.

The rad is also known as the radiation absorbed dose (rad). It is equalto the absorbed dose of radiation in any medium. Exposure rate istypically expressed in millirads per hour.

Ionizing Radiation

2. Evaluation

Radiation Units Roentgen Runit of exposure, in air for photons only. One R equals

enough energy to deposit 2.58 x 10-4coulombs per kg in dry air.

Radunit of absorbed dose. Equal to one hundred ergs per gram

Remunit of dose equivalent. For x-rays, 1 rad = 1 rem

Milli1/1000th, as in millirem or mRem

The Sievert (symbol: Sv) is the SI-derived unit of dose equivalent.(1 Sv = 100 Rem)

X-ray Production

When high-energy electrons strike an anode in a sealedvacuum, x-rays are generated.

Anodes are often made of copper, iron or molybdenum.

X-rays are electromagnetic radiation. They have enoughenergy to cause ionization.


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Typical X-ray Beam Intensities*

Primary beam 2.4 x 105Sv/hr

Diffracted beam 0.80 Sv/hr

* For comparison, the annual whole body

occupational exposure limit is 20 mSv.

Occupational Exposure Limits

FANR Reg;24 Article 10

(1) The Licensee shall ensure that the normal exposureof Workers does not exceed the Dose limitsestablished in Articles 10(2) and 10(3) below.

(2) The limit for the Effective Dose to a Worker who isoccupationally exposed is an average of 20millisieverts (mSv) per year averaged over a period

of five years (100 mSv in 5 years), and 50 mSv inany one year.

Occupational Exposure LimitsFANR Reg; 24 Article 10

(3) The annual Equivalent Dose in the lens of the eye ofa Worker shall not exceed 150 mSv, nor shall theannual Equivalent Dose exceed 500 mSv at any pointon the hands, feet or skin [Note: The equivalent dose limits tothe skin apply to the average dose over 1 cm2of the most highly

irradiated area of the skin].

(4) When a female Worker is occupationally exposedduring normal Operation and has announced herpregnancy, the Licensee shall arrange her work sothat the Equivalent Dose to the foetus is as low asreasonably achievable and shall not exceed 1 mSvfor the remainder of the pregnancy.


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ALARA

ALARA stands for as low as reasonably achievable.

Regulators recognize that it is an individual workersresponsibility to perform tasks on a daily basis keepingbest practices in mind, and striving to keep radiationexposure as low as possible.

Workers are responsible for knowing all hazards andsafety practices that relate to the equipment in use.

GENERAL RADIATION INFORMATION

Ionizing radiation can cause chemicalchanges in biological tissue.

These changes can lead to cell death, celltransformation, and damage which cannot be repaired.

Sources of Exposure from XRD

The primary beam Leakage of primary beam through cracks in shielding Penetration of primary beam through shutters, cameras, beam

stops, etc.

Secondary emission (fluorescence) from a sample or shieldingmaterial

Diffracted rays from crystal


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Biological Effects of Radiation

Effect Dose, Rem Exposure time in

primary beam, seconds

Erythema 500-800 (5-8 Sv) 0.075 - 0.12

Epilation,temporary

350 (3.5 Sv) 0.0525

Epilation,permanent

1200 (12 Sv) 0.180

Acute dermatitis 3000-4000 (30-40 Sv) 0.45 - 0.60

Chronic dermatitis Thousands of Rem inmany small dosesover many years

N/A

Skin Cancer Small doses over longperiod of time

N/A

1 Sv= 100 Rem

WARNING

Very serious injuries haveresulted from the use ofXRD equipment.

Large doses of radiationhave caused burns and

permanent injuries toworkers.

Three regions of high exposure in XRD includethe primary beam, scattered radiation, and leakage

radiation.


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Sealed Tube/Microfocus Systems:What are the danger areas?

3. Leakage 1. Primary Beam2. Scattered

Radiation

1. Primary Beam

The critical radiation exposure problem with analytical X-rayequipment is the primary beam.

Exposure to the primary beam can cause localized acuteexposure.

Consequently, the analytical operator must neverintentionally place any part of their body in the primarybeam.

Typically, these beams are relatively softX-rays resultingin maximal energy deposition in epithelial tissues.

Erythema or reddening of the skin can occur when skin isacutely exposed to 3Sv (much less than a second).

Radiation burns may occur from longer exposures.

2. Scattered Radiation When the primary beam intersects a material such as a

sample or elements of the X-ray unit including the beamstop some of the radiation is scattered out of the primarybeam.

While these radiation fields are considerable less intensethan the primary beam, they still represent a potentialhazard.

Scattered radiation fields can be measured by theanalytical operators, using a survey meter.


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3. Leakage

Some radiation may leak around the tube housing structure.

The source housing construction must be such that when all

the shutters are closed, the leakage radiation must not exceedthat of radiation limits for the general public.

Radiation Safety: Basic Controls

Timeminimizing time around a radiation source will reducetotal exposure

Distancemaximize distance from a radiation source toreduce total exposure

See Inverse Square Law

Shieldingmaterial used to attenuate radiation and reduce

occupational exposure. For x-rays, shielding is most often lead.

Inverse Square Law

Radiation exposure varies inverselyas the square of the distance from thesource

E 1 / d2


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Monitoring Equipment is Essential

Radiation monitoring instruments

Instruments which are calibrated for radiation thatuniformly exposes the active area of the detector will giveincorrect low readings when exposed to a beam having asmaller area.

To determine the true reading, the measured reading mustbe multiplied by f, where

f = area of detector/area of beam

Radiation Monitoring

Instrumentation

Check instrumentbatteries

Have audio on

Begin on mR/hr

Sv/hr setting


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Policy

Detailed instruction on the safe use of XRD must be provided by thesupervisor and/or his/her designee.

This instruction must include demonstration of all safety features of all

specific equipment to be used.

Before beginning use of any x-ray equipment, be sure you understand allof the training.

If problems or questions arise, stop work and consult your supervisor andthe equipment owner/supervisor.

Characteristics of XRD Beams

Both primary and diffracted beams are generally

small and well collimated.

Wavelengths used in crystallography are often in the

range of 0.6 to 2.5 .

The 1.54 wavelength corresponds to Cu Ka

radiation.


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Safety Devices and Features

All units require a clear, visible warning light that illuminates when theunit is producing X-rays.

Shutter status shall be indicated clearly. Shutters must not be able to

open without a collimator or coupling device in place.

Safety interlocks shall not be bypassed or defeated.

Unused ports shall be secured to prevent accidental opening.

Shielding or other devices must be used to prevent physical access toopen beam areas.

All open beam areas must be as small as feasible.

Engineering Controls

Interlocksnever bypass interlocks or othersafety devices

Warning Lightsknow the beam statuswhenever working with XRD

Shielding

Secure key or computer control

Example: If an x-ray technician is limited to a whole body dose of 5 remsper year and works 50 weeks/year (has two weeks off for vacation) ata work station where the dose rate is 10 millirems/hour, how muchtime can this technician spend at this work station and not exceedthe permissible whole body dose? (Note: 1000 mrem =1 rem.)

Solution:

Whole Body Dose Limit in millirems/yr = 5 rems/yr, equivalent to5000 mrem/yr

Hours worked/yr = 50 wks/yr x 40 hrs/wk = 2000 hrs/yr Allowable Dose Rate per hour: (5000 mrem/yr) / 2000 hrs/yr = 2.5

mrems/hr

CONCLUSION???

External Radiation Hazard Controls

Ionizing Radiation

3. Control


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Distance

As distance from the source is doubled, the dose rate is reduced by .If the distance from the point source is tripled, the dose rate is reducedby 1/9.

D1R12 = D2R2

2

Where:D1 = Dose Rate at distance R1 from the sourceD2 = Dose Rate at distance R2 from the sourceR1 = Original distance from the sourceR2 = New distance from the source


IonizingRadiation

3. Control

Shielding Radiation sources can be enclosed - barriers can be erected

which can effectively block the radiation and effectively reduceworker exposure

Hospitals use x-ray rooms to protect the technicians who takethe x-rays. Usually the walls of the room are lined with leadsheeting and the technician is instructed to move behind one ofthese barriers before taking the x-ray.

Many times, shielding is also provided to the patient in a dentaloffice before bite-wing and other dental x-rays are taken. Thepatient is usually provided with an lead-lined apron to protect theupper chest and reproductive organs from exposure.


Ionizing Radiation3. Control

ShieldingShielding materials must be selected with care and are dependent upon thetype of ionizing radiation present.

For example, beta particles should be shielded with light-weight materialslike Plexiglas or aluminum. This is because, if lead shielding is used,secondary radiation in the form of an x-ray may be released as the betaparticle is stopped or slowed by the lead shield. This phenomenon is knownas Bremsstrahlung radiation.




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Internal radiation hazards are presented by any

radioactive element that gains access into the body.

To control employee exposures, measures must be takento control situations where these materials may gainaccess into the body through inhalation, ingestion, orskin absorption.

Internal Radiation Hazard Controls


Engineering Controls

Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) can be used to controlexposure to airborne radioactive particulate veryeffectively.

Glove Boxes ( VS Print 35- 20, p.10-46 of the ACGIHIndustrial Ventilation- A Manual of Recommended

Practice) provides one example of a hood arrangementand LEV design criteria that have been effective incontrolling employee exposures.



Engineering Controls - General ventilation

For example, some home basements in the USA contain high levelsof radon gas. Note: this is not an issue in the UAE, due to geologicalstructure and characteristics.

Inhalation of radon gas results in exposure to ionizing radiationwhen radioactive substances in the gas begin to disintegrate in theirquest to reach a more stable state.

Opening windows in the basement year round, allows fresh air toenter the basement and contaminated air to be removed. Additionalventilation (mechanical) may be necessary if natural ventilation is noteffective.




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Administrative Controls

Internal radiation hazards can also be controlled through theuse of effective administrative controls. Employee exposuretimes can be reduced using the same approaches as forcontrolling noise. However, a more effective and long termapproach would be to implement a radiation protectionprogram.



The Radiation Protection Program should address:

Plant or corporate policies on: smoking, eating, drinking and applyingcosmetics in areas where radioactive substances are used.

Education/training programs for employees and supervisors. Housekeeping issues to minimize fugitive accumulations and releases of

airborne radioactive substances that have settled out in a room only to bere-introduced into the work room air because of machine or building

vibrations. Monitoring and medical surveillance programs that help evaluate and

control worker exposures.




Personal Protective Equipment: Gloves, aprons, safetyglasses, respirators and full protective clothing can be usedas an interim control, a supplement to engineering andadministrative controls and during non-routine, clean-up oremergency situations to reduce employee exposures.





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Examples of warning lights and labels

A label which has the following or similar wordsmust be in place on the x-ray source housing:

Caution High Intensity X-ray Beam

Warning Labels, continued

A label which has the following or similar words

must be on the control panel of each XRD unit

near the switch used to energize the unit:

Caution Radiation

This unit produces radiation when energized

Warning Lights

Each port must have a readily discernibleindication of shutter status (opened or

closed).

There must be a warning light that is

illuminated when the x-ray tube is energized.

The light must be near the x-ray tube housing

or port and be in the operators field of view.


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XRD units should not be open, nor allow

inadvertent radiation exposure

Current standards requireinterlocked Plexiglas

enclosures to prevent accessto the primary beam whenthe unit is in operation.

Enclosures can also protectpersons from leakage andscatter radiation.


Detailed training by Supervisor or

his/her designee

Detailed SOPspolicies and

procedures

Close supervision by knowledgeable

user

Authorized users onlyunit security Constant vigilance and alertness to

the dangers.

Who May Use XRD?

Only trained, authorized persons may use,install, maintain, or repair x-ray diffractionequipment [XRD] at PI.

All such persons should attend the PI-HSERadiation Safety Training, and should receiveradiation dosimetry devices.


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General Precautions

Only Trained personnel shall be permitted to operate an

analytical unit.

Be familiar with the procedure to be carried out.

Never expose any part of your body to the primary beam.

Turn the X-ray beam OFF before attempting to make any

changes to the experimental set-up (except for beam

alignment)

General Precautions, contd

While the beam is on, DO NOT attempt to handle,manipulate or adjust any object (sample, sample holder,collimator, etc.) which is in the direct beam path (exceptfor beam alignment procedures).

Examine the system carefully for any systemmodifications or irregularities.

Follow the operating procedures carefully. DO NOT takeshort cuts!

Never leave the energized system unattended in an areawhere access in not controlled.

General Precautions, contd

Survey the area frequently to evaluate scatterand leakage radiation fields.

Never remove auxiliary shielding without

authorization from the owner of the analytical

equipment or HSE.

Never bypass safety circuits, such as interlocks.

Report all unusual occurrences to the owner of

the analytical unit for possible corrective

actions.


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Special Tasks

Only trained, authorized

experts are allowed to repair,

maintain or reconfigure XRD

equipment.

Unauthorized repair or modification

Do not remove shielding, or tube housing.

Do not modify shutters, collimators or

beam stops.

Individuals may not operate an XRD unit

in a manner inconsistent with SOPs and

safe operating standards.

Problems with equipment

If there are any questions or concerns about

the functioning of an XRD unit, it must be

taken out of service immediately and

reported to the unit supervisor.

Be aware that shutter mechanisms can fail.

Be aware that warning lights can fail.


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Emergencies and Accidents

Get medical treatment immediatelyfor all injuries

and exposures - at PI Medical Clinic

PI Clinic Contact no: 22022

ASAP notify your supervisor and HSE Dept,

Take XRD unit out of service to prevent injuries to

others,

Provide information during the incident

investigation

Our Lab engineers have not opened the container to use itonly the company technicians open it when they visit forservicing the equipment

Max Activity: 3.7 MBq100 Ci

The following four photos showthe Fe55sample and how tohandle it.

Fig. 1:a) protection domeb) Fe55sample holder

c) radioactive materiald) transport capsulee) bag with sample data (Fig. 3)f) position of radioactivesample.

Fe55Source

Fe55Source

Fig. 2.

Here's the decay scheme:Fe-55 Mn-55* + Half-life is 2.7 yrs


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Am241

At PI, we may have ionization

type smoke detectors in hostelbuildings

Uses Am241 source, which is analpha-emitter

Radiation Monitoring Badges

Anyone at PI who uses x-ray diffractionequipment and most other types of x-ray equipment should wear radiationmonitoring badges. Contact HSE at75937 or [email protected] to makearrangements to obtain monitoringbadges.

We have provided six (6) Instadosebadges to the

professors and Lab Engineers who are involved

with the sealed source and XRD equipment.

Monthly readings are conduced and a report will

be send to each user. Also, a copy is retained atHSE office.

So far, only one such reading has been completed

(new program).

Sample individual reports


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Report

Important Notes About Dosimetry

Due to the small cross sectional area of theprimary x-ray beam, badges may notaccurately record the maximum dose receivedby the XRD user.

Wear only your own badge

Transfers, relocations, and donations of

XRD equipment

ALL XRD must be registeredwith the HSE Dept.and UAE authority, FANR prior to its arrival/use at

PI.

Contact HSE Dept. PRIOR to any transfer,

relocation, donation or disposal of XRD units so

that the UAE registration can be handled.

Donations of used XRD equipment will require a

signed waiver from the recipient.


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Additional Information or Assistance

Contact the HSE Department at 75932 during

normal business hours.

For emergencies (24/7), call 75473 (PIHSE/

Security) or 999.

Special thanks to PANalytical and

Global Dosimetry Solutions for

allowing use of photos, images

and/or other information from their

respective websites.

Presentation by:

Team HSE

The Petroleum Institute

Documents

HSE-LS-14_Radiation_Safety_Training.pdf