Emergency Response and Decontamination Flashcards

A worker in a laboratory accidentally spills a liquid radioactive solution on their lab coat and gloved hands. What is the immediate, most critical first step for the worker to take?

Answer: Remove the contaminated lab coat and gloves.

The most critical first step is to remove the source of the contamination from the person to prevent further exposure and potential skin absorption. Removing the contaminated lab coat and gloves accomplishes this quickly and effectively. Notifying the RSO and surveying the area are essential subsequent steps, but personal dose reduction is the top priority.

According to the U.S. NRC emergency classification system, which level is declared for events involving an actual or imminent substantial core degradation with a potential for loss of containment integrity, where offsite releases can be reasonably expected to exceed EPA Protective Action Guides?

Answer: General Emergency

A General Emergency is the most severe classification level. It signifies events that have led to, or will shortly lead to, substantial reactor core damage with the potential for uncontrolled radioactive releases that could affect the public beyond the site boundary, necessitating offsite protective actions.

When performing decontamination of intact skin contaminated with radioactive materials, which of the following is the most appropriate initial cleaning agent?

Answer: Mild soap and lukewarm water

The standard and safest initial method for skin decontamination is to use mild soap and lukewarm water. This method is gentle and effective at removing loose contamination without damaging the skin's natural barrier. Abrasive methods can cause breaks in the skin, potentially leading to internal contamination. Harsher chemicals are reserved for cases where this initial method is ineffective.

A technician is assembling a standard spill response kit for a laboratory that handles small quantities of liquid radioisotopes. Which of the following items is LEAST likely to be considered a necessary component for this kit?

Answer: A high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector

A high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector is a sophisticated, expensive, and non-portable piece of laboratory equipment used for high-resolution gamma spectroscopy. It is not a tool for initial spill response. A simple, portable survey meter, like a pancake GM detector, would be appropriate. The other items are all standard and essential components of a spill kit.

A radiation worker sustains a deep laceration on their forearm from a piece of equipment in an area with known loose surface contamination. What is the proper immediate course of action?

Answer: Render first aid to control bleeding, then gently rinse the wound with saline or water.

In any situation involving both a physical injury and radiological contamination, the medical emergency takes precedence. The first priority is to control life-threatening conditions like severe bleeding. After bleeding is controlled, the wound should be gently rinsed to reduce contamination without causing further tissue damage or increasing absorption. Vigorous scrubbing is contraindicated as it can damage tissue.

After decontaminating a worker's hands, what is the proper technique for performing a final survey with a pancake GM probe to confirm the decontamination was successful?

Answer: Hold the probe approximately 1/2 inch from the skin and move it slowly over all surfaces.

The proper technique for frisking for contamination with a pancake GM probe is to hold the probe very close to the surface (about 1/2 inch or 1 cm) to ensure detection of less-penetrating radiation like beta particles. The probe must also be moved slowly (about 2-3 inches per second) to allow the detector sufficient time to respond to the radiation.