NORM

PPT-SM-N 2017

Naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM): Is radiation that exists naturally in the environment Is also known as background radiation Has many sources, such as soil and rocks Can be found in things like tap water, cigarettes,

and smoke detectors

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PPT-SM-N 2017 3

Radiation becomes dangerous when it becomes concentrated in some way by human activity.

Technically enhanced NORM (TENORM) is radioactive material disturbed and concentrated by human activities, such as drilling for oil. TENORM is

often used interchangeably with NORM.

PPT-SM-N 2017 4

NORM is a serious health risk because high levels of radiation can cause cancer. You must protect yourself when you work in an area contaminated with NORM.

NORM exposure mostly happens through inhalation

or ingestion.

PPT-SM-N 2017

There are two types of exposures to radiation, acute and chronic: Acute exposure is when a very large amount

of radiation is suddenly released Chronic exposure is exposure to low levels of

radioactivity over a long period of time

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NORM can be produced as waste water and can take the form of scale buildup in: TubularsWellheads Flowlines Pits Drill pipes

Workers in the oil and gas industry encounter NORM when they tap NORM deposits within shale.

PPT-SM-N 2017

NORM is typically encountered at older manufacturing centers with old equipment and abandoned wells. NORM contamination may spread when the old equipment is recycled as scrap metal.

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Time • Limit your time around radiation and remove yourself from the source if possible

Distance • If you are aware of a radioactive source, try to stay as far away as possible

Shielding • Shield yourself and put a shield around the source of the radiation for the best protection

The three most basic ways to protect yourself from radiation include time, distance, and shielding:

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Good work practices and engineering controls that can be used to protect workers from harmful radiation include:Using filtered ventilation via high-efficiency particulate

absorption (HEPA) filtersPosting radioactive material signs around restricted

areas to keep unauthorized personnel outMonitoring workers’ occupational dose intake to

make sure they are not close to the occupational dose limit

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Radiation areas will be boldly labeled with radioactive materials (RAM) signs.

When you see an area with a RAM sign, do not eat or drink in that area.

PPT-SM-N 2017

Exposure to NORM must be kept as low as is reasonably achievable. Your company should have a radiation protection program outlined in its policies and procedures.

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Jobsites should be monitored for radiation before work begins. Monitor the air and equipment to create a baseline of radioactivity.

If any source of radioactivity is found, immediately report the source to your supervisor.

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If significant levels of NORM are found, workers should be medically evaluated to determine their existing occupational dose of radiation.

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Respiratory protection may be needed in NORM-contaminated areas if engineering controls cannot keep the airborne radioactivity levels below the exposure limits.

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Two types of respirators may be used when dealing with NORM: Half-face respirators with HEPA cartridges Supplied air respirators (SARs)

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Wear appropriate PPE for the job, such as gloves, aprons, and hard hats.

If appropriate PPE is unavailable or damaged in any way, do not work in the restricted area.

PPT-SM-N 2017

NORM is a serious health risk to workers in the oil and gas industry. You must protect yourself when you work in an area contaminated with NORM.

Exposure to NORM must be kept as low as is reasonably achievable. Your company should have

a radiation protection program outlined in its policies and procedures.

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Copyright © 2016 by PEC/Premier Safety Operations, LLC

Safe

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: NOR

MSign and date this quiz sheet. Circle the letter representing the correct answer to each quiz question below.

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QUIZ-SM-NORMSEPT 2017

Date:

1. ______________ is radiation that exists naturally in the environment.

A. BenzeneB. Hydrogen sulfideC. Naturally occurring

radioactive materialD. Silica

2. Radiation becomes ______________ when it becomes concentrated in some way by human activity.

A. SafeB. DangerousC. HarmlessD. Non-toxic

3. NORM is a serious health risk because high levels of radiation can cause _______________.

A. Heat stressB. SilicosisC. AsbestosisD. Cancer

4. NORM exposure mostly happens through _______________ or ingestion.

A. InhalationB. InjectionC. Skin absorptionD. Osmosis

5. _______________ is exposure to low levels of radioactivity over a long period of time.

A. Acute exposureB. Chronic exposureC. Short-term exposureD. Brief exposure

6. NORM can be produced as ________________ and can take the form of scale buildup in tubulars, wellheads, flowlines, pits, and drill pipes.

A. FumesB. VaporsC. GasesD. Waste water

7. The three most basic ways to protect yourself from radiation include time, distance, and ________________.

A. Fit-for-duty examsB. Job safety analysesC. ShieldingD. Work permits

8. Radiation areas will be boldly labeled with _______________.

A. Radioactive materials signsB. PictogramsC. Warning tagsD. Caution tape

9. Exposure to NORM must be kept ________________.

A. At zeroB. As low as is reasonably

achievableC. Moderately highD. As high as is reasonably

achievable

10. ________________ may be needed in NORM-contaminated areas if engineering controls cannot keep the airborne radioactivity levels below the exposure limits.

A. Hearing protectionB. Fall protectionC. Rescue equipmentD. Respiratory protection

NORM

Safety Meeting Answer Keys: NORM Instructors: The following key shows the answers for the NORM safety meeting quiz.

© 2017 PEC

Safety, Inc.

KEY-SM-NORMSEPT 2017

1. C

2. B

3. D

4. A

5. B

6. D

7. C

8. A

9. B

10. D

This is to certify that

has successfully completed thePEC Safety Meeting

NORM

Instructor Date Awarded

STUDENT ROSTER

PRINT STUDENT NAME (CLEARLY) STUDENT SIGNATURE LAST 4 SSN or DOB1.

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INSTRUCTOR NAME SAFETY MEETING DATE

SAFETY MEETING NAME COMPANY NAME

Student Instructions: Print and sign your name. Also, provide your date of birth or the last four digits of your social security number.

©2014 PEC Safety, Inc. All rights reserved.