IP Handling sources and protection © Oxford University Press 2011 Handling sources and protection

IP Handling sources and protection © Oxford University Press 2011  Due to the ionising nature of radiation from radioactive materials, sources need to be handled and used very carefully to minimise the risk of damage to people’s health.  The three main things to think about are:  Shielding  Length of time of exposure  Your distance from the source.  Each of these considerations will be different depending upon the type of radiation that is produced by the source.

IP Handling sources and protection © Oxford University Press 2011  To reduce exposure shielding is used to absorb radiation before it reaches healthy body tissue.  Shielding can be as simple as wearing gloves, but if the source emits more penetrating radiation then denser shielding such as lead, lead crystal glass or special radiation suits might be needed.  When sources are in storage they should be placed in properly shielded and labelled containers.

IP Handling sources and protection © Oxford University Press 2011  To reduce overall exposure the length of time someone is exposed should be kept to a minimum.  To reduce the time you are exposed to radiation, sources should only be taken out of their lead box when they are being used and returned to safe storage as soon as they have been finished with.

IP Handling sources and protection © Oxford University Press 2011  You should always keep your distance from radiation sources. The further away you are from the source the lower your exposure. Using tongs when handling the sources keeps them at a safer distance.  Radiographers in hospitals who work with radiation sources as part of their job move away from the patients and usually behind shielded walls while the radiation is turned on.  They would otherwise be exposed every day and this would add up to a higher dose than each individual patient receives.