ML24010A078
| ML24010A078 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 12/18/2023 |
| From: | NRC/NMSS/DMSST/ASPB |
| To: | |
| References | |
| Download: ML24010A078 (1) | |
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Background Continued Radiation monitors can be used to check incoming scrap for radioactive material; however, they cannot always detect radioactive material that may be carried in a load or otherwise shielded from the radiation monitor. Keep in mind that items that are not normally radioactive can set off radiation monitors if radioactive contamination is present in or on the surface of the items. Note that some radioactive material is permitted to be disposed of without special requirements. If you suspect radioactivity in an item, contact your state radiation control agency.
Typical Labeling The following are examples of terms normally used in association with the radiation warning symbol to indicate the type of radioactive material and its quantity.
Certain other markings describing the type of material may also appear.
Examples: Types of Radioactive Material Cobalt-60 (Co-60 or 60Co)
Iridium-192 (Ir-192 or 192Ir)
Cesium-137 (Cs-137 or 137Cs)
Radium-226 (Ra-226 or 226Ra)
Examples: Quantity of Radioactive Material Radiation Warning Symbol This symbol should appear on containers and devices that hold radioactive substances, and may be on a label, tag, or etched in the metal.
Labels are magenta or black on yellow, and in many instances, markings and colors may be faded and worn. Please note that not all containers and devices requiring the radiation warning symbol will be properly marked with the symbol.
Where to Get Help Curie (Ci)
Millicurie (mCi)
Becquerel (Bq)
Gigabecquerel (GBq)
Examples: Other Marking DOT Type A or B CDN/XXXX/B USA/XXXX/B Insert Your State/Local/Company Contacts (ex. State Radiation Control Agency, Company Radiation Health Consultant, etc.)
Find information regarding your State Radiation Control Agency at https://www.nrc.gov/agreement-states.html U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Headquarters Operation Center (Staffed 24 hours2.777778e-4 days <br />0.00667 hours <br />3.968254e-5 weeks <br />9.132e-6 months <br /> a day, collect calls accepted) (301) 816-5100 www.nrc.gov National Response Center Operated by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (Staffed 24 hours2.777778e-4 days <br />0.00667 hours <br />3.968254e-5 weeks <br />9.132e-6 months <br /> a day, toll free) (800) 424-8802 www.epa.gov RADIOACTIVE SCRAP - BE AWARE!
Typical Items What To Do The items pictured may contain radioactive material. If you see such items, notice radioactive warning markings on a piece of scrap metal, or if you think the material is radioactive, DO NOT HANDLE. Take the following actions:
DO NOT TOUCH THE ITEM.
PUT DISTANCE BETWEEN YOU AND THE ITEM AND IF POSSIBLE, SHIELD THE ITEM WITH CONCRETE, THICK METAL, OR SAND.
WARN OTHERS AND SECURE THE AREA.
MOVE THE ITEM TO A SAFE AREA ONLY IF YOU HAVE THE ABILITY TO MEASURE AND ASSESS THE RADIATION LEVEL.
Contact your state radiation control agency immediately. If unavailable, contact the national response center or the U.S. nuclear regulatory commission (see Where to Get Help section).
Background
Items that contain radioactive material come in different forms, shapes, and sizes.
These items can turn up in scrap material.
You should be alert to the presence of items that may contain radioactive material. Be familiar with the typical markings such as the three-bladed radiation warning symbol, and the terms used to describe the radioactive materials most used in these devices. Remember that some radioactive material may not be properly marked with the radiation warning symbol, or the radiation warning symbol may be covered by dirt, oil, or rust.
Since 1983, radioactive material has been detected in scrap metal numerous times. In some cases, the radioactive material was contained in shielded devices that found its way into scrap handling facilities and was processed in normal scrap. This resulted in contamination of the facilities, radioactive products in the flue dust, and potential radiation exposure to the works. The contaminated products could have been hazardous to members of the public as well.
GAUGE WITH SADDLE CLAMP GAUGE TRANSPORT BOX AMMO CASE VARIOUS SOURCES MEDICAL SEEDS SELF-LUMINOUS DEVICES BAR-TYPE STATIC ELIMINATOR VENT-TYPE STATIC ELIMINATOR SHIELD SOURCE CONTAINER ELECTRON CAPTURE DETECTOR X-RAY FLUORESCENCE ANALYZER GAUGE WITH OXIDATION RADIOGRAPHY CAMERA DEPLETED URANIUM SHIELDING WELL-LOGGING SOURCES GAUGE PAINTED OVER MOUNTED GAUGE PORTABLE GAUGE