Radiological Recognition and Safety : 5.7.1 - 5.7.2

• Survey meters are utilized to: Establish the three zones of the operational area. 1. The exclusion zone line shall be established at ____ mR/hr (millirem per hour). It will be assumed that beyond this line readings will be higher than __ mR/hr. 2. The contamination reduction zone (CRZ) will be the site for surveying persons for contamination, specialized decontamination, and post-decontamination survey. This area shall be monitored for readings of ___ mR/hr or less. 3. The support zone shall be monitored for readings of background radiation or slightly higher but no more than __ mR/hr.

2, 2, 2, 2,

Acute exposure refers to a significant exposure received in a "short space of time," usually a period of __ hours or less.

24

Background radiation - All living things are exposed to radiation from natural sources on earth and from space. An average person in the U.S. is exposed to an effective dose equivalent of about ______ mrem (whole-body exposure) per year from all sources. 360

360

All radiation exposures to emergency response personnel shall be reported to the County of Los Angeles Office of Environmental Health within ____ hours of exposure.

48

The total estimated dose can be calculated by multiplying the time spent in each radiation field by the dose rate metered in that field. Time in minutes is converted to hours by dividing by __.

60

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published protective action guides for limiting doses to workers under emergency conditions. These exposure limits apply to each 24-hour period of an incident and is based on the low statistical probability of a radiological incident during an individual's career.

< 25 REM for life saving or protection of large populations

A serious illness caused by receiving a dose greater than 50 rad of penetrating radiation to the body in a short period of time (usually minutes). The earliest symptoms are nausea, fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhea. Hair loss, bleeding, swelling of the mouth and throat, and general loss of energy may follow. If the exposure has been approximately 1,000 rad or more, death may occur within 2- 4 weeks.

Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS)

A neutral to negative pressure mask utilizing a canister filter instead of bottled air. APR's are limited to atmospheres with the appropriate level of oxygen in air (19.5%) and the absence of any contaminants at or above their scheduled "immediately dangerous to life and health" (IDLH) concentration.

Air Purifying Respirator (APR)

Types of ionizing radiation: ___________ are heavy radioactive particles that quickly lose energy and travel only a few inches through air. They have limited penetrating power and can be stopped by a piece of paper.

Alpha

Heavy radioactive particles that quickly lose energy and travel only a few inches through air. They have limited penetrating power and can be stopped by clothing or a piece of paper.

Alpha Radiation

The general level of natural and man-made radiation level against which a particular added radiation component has to be considered.

Background Radiation

2. ______________radiation's penetrating power is greater than alpha radiation. It is considered both an internal and external hazard. Like alpha radiation, beta radiation can be dangerous if inhaled or ingested.

Beta

Types of ionizing radiation: _____________ are short-range radioactive particles that travel about 10-15 feet and have greater penetrating energy. Materials such as thin sheet metals, plastic, and glass can stop beta radiation.

Beta

Short-range radioactive particles that travel about 10-15 feet and have greater penetrating energy than alpha radiation. Materials such as thin sheet metals, plastic, and glass can stop beta radiation.

Beta Radiation

Situated between the exclusion zone and the support zone, this zone provides a transition between the contaminated area and the clean area.

Contamination Reduction Zone (CRZ)

The total dose resulting from repeated or continuous exposures of the same portion of the body, or of the whole body, to ionizing radiation.

Cumulative Dose

The systematic removal of contaminants from persons and objects to reduce the effects of contamination and to prevent the possibility of cross-contamination among emergency responders and the community.

Decontamination

A controlled area within the contamination reduction zone (CRZ) where the decontamination process takes place.

Decontamination Corridor

Explosive device wrapped or impregnated with radioactive material so as to contaminate an area or population with radioactivity on top of any injuries sustained from the explosive device, (a.k.a. RDD).

Dirty Bomb

Generally, the quantity of radiation energy absorbed by a body. There are many special definitions to cover different applications (see RAD and REM).

Dose

The dose absorbed in a unit time, e.g., REMs per year. Also used as the level of intensity of radiation at a given point, e.g., millirad per hour.

Dose Rate

Instrument which measures radiation dose and/or dose rate.

Dosimeter

Employing a water stream from a ladder pipe, monitor, or hand line to provide a flushing technique with directions to victims to self-decon in the water for two to five minutes. Also known as gross decontamination.

Emergency Decontamination

The innermost of the three zones created at all hazardous materials incidents/events, including terrorist incidents. The zone is created to isolate the contaminant from people and to keep unauthorized people away from the contaminant. All personnel knowingly entering the exclusion zone shall wear the appropriate PPE for the hazard and shall take advantage of decontamination.

Exclusion Zone

A measure of ionization in air caused by x-rays or gamma rays. The unit of exposure most often used is the roentgen.

Exposure

A measure of the ionization produced in air by x-rays or gamma rays per unit of time. Frequently expressed in roentgens per hour.

Exposure Rate

Types of ionizing radiation: _____________ radiation is rays of pure electromagnetic radiation similar to light and x-rays. Gamma and x-rays can travel hundreds of meters and can penetrate most material. Exposure is reduced by heavy, dense material such as steel, concrete, earth and lead

Gamma

Rays of pure electromagnetic radiation similar to light and x-rays. Rays travel hundreds of meters and can penetrate most material. Intensity is reduced by heavy, dense material such as steel, concrete, earth, or lead.

Gamma Radiation

A simple and well-established form of radiation detector which produces electrical pulses at a rate related to the intensity of the radiation. Commonly called a "Geiger Counter."

Geiger-Muller Survey Meter

The area where victims shall receive emergency decontamination.

Gross Decon Area

The principle of distance as a safety measure against radiation exposure is this: the intensity of radiation decreases with the increased distance from the source of radiation. This intensity-distance relationship can be calculated mathematically and is known as the: _______________

Inverse Square Law Radiation decreases with the square of the distance from the source. Source Reading at 1 ft. / (D) squared

Radiation that has enough energy to remove electrons from any material it passes through. Examples of ionizing radiation are the emissions of alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays

Ionizing Radiation

_______________ : Radiation that has enough energy to remove electrons from any material it passes through.

Ionizing radiation

The energy of an explosion that is equivalent to an explosion of 1,000 tons of TNT.

Kiloton (KT)

When the highest level of respiratory, skin, and eye protection is desired. All encapsulated suit with SCBA, inner and outer gloves, and rubber boots. Specific training for use by those acquainted with its use during a HazMat entry.

Level A

When the same high level of respiratory protection is required but a lesser skin protection requirement will be adequate. These types of suits have built-in bootie, hood, and over-cuffs to protect hands and feet. Employ double glove protection and rubber boots. This apparel is recommended for the first responder.

Level B

Is the same level of skin protection as Level B, but lesser respiratory protection because of the choice of the air purifying respirator (APR) over a SCBA. The same double glove and rubber boot protection applies. Considered a first responder PPE.

Level C

Is minimum protection. Turn-outs fall into this category.

Level D

Decontamination through a MCMD corridor, which assures thoroughness and evaluates effectiveness of the decontamination of civilians.

Medical Decontamination

The time and date of notification and the name of the person notified shall be logged into ______

NFIRS

_______________Radiation that does not have enough energy to remove electrons from neighboring atoms. Some examples of non-ionizing radiation include radio waves, lasers, and microwaves. These types of radiation present hazards different from ionizing radiation.

Non-ionizing radiation

A thin paddle like probe used in conjunction with a radiological survey meter to detect alpha, beta, and gamma radiation

Pancake Probe

An APR with a power assist pump to help the wearer operate in contaminated environments for longer periods of time. The power unit filters the atmosphere but is restricted to the same limitations as the APR: 19.5% oxygen concentration in air and absence of any contaminants at or above their scheduled IDLH concentration.

Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR)

From the EPA, it is a guide that informs state and local authorities at what projected dose they should take action to protect people from exposure to unplanned releases of radioactive material into the environment.

Protective Action Guides (PAG)

Measurements of exposure: Dose is the quantity of radiation exposure measured in terms of ionizations (Roentgens) or energy absorbed, termed ____or ____.

RAD or REM

The Roentgen Equivalent (to) Man. It is the dosage of ionizing radiation that will cause the same biological effects on humans as one roentgen of x-ray or gamma ray dosage. Internationally, the unit of measure is referred to as a sievert. One sievert = 100 REM.

REM

The amount of energy deposited on any material by ionizing radiation is the __________________ or RAD. The RAD represents a measure of energy absorbed per gram of material.

Radiation Absorb Dose

A unit of radiation absorbed dose (RAD), equivalent to 0.01 joules per kg. In the international system, RAD is replaced by the international unit, the Gray (Gy), equal to 100 RAD.

Radiation Absorbed Dose (RAD)

Any area with radiation levels greater than 5 mrem in one hour at 30 cm from the source or from any surface through which the radiation penetrates.

Radiation Area

An overdose of short range, less penetrating type of external radiation to a localized portion of the body. Symptoms will include bums, loss of hair, and skin lesions.

Radiation Injury

_____________ is an overdose of short range, less penetrating type of external radiation to a localized portion of the body. Sources of radiation injury can be either beta or gamma radiation. Symptoms include bums, loss of hair, aud skin lesions.

Radiation Injury

___________ excessive amounts of alpha or beta types of radioactive material visually in the form of fine dusts, liquids, or gases - that when introduced into the body by inhalation, ingestion, or absorption can cause diseases such as anemia and cancer. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and blood changes.

Radiation Poisoning

Illness caused by a massive overdose of gamma radiation to the whole body or a substantial portion of the body. Symptoms will include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hemorrhage, and lowering of the body's resistance to infection.

Radiation Sickness

________________ is caused by a massive overdose of gamma radiation to the whole body or a substantial portion of the body. This is referred to as Acute Radiation Syndrome or ARS. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and hemorrhaging.

Radiation Sickness

A symbol prescribed by the Code of Federal Regulations. It is a magenta or black trefoil on a yellow background. It must be displayed where certain quantities of radioactive materials are present or where certain doses of radiation Could be received.

Radiation Warning Symbol

Dangerous amounts of certain types of radioactive materials, considered internal hazards. Material is commonly fine dusts or liquids that are introduced into the body by inhalation, ingestion, and absorption.

Radioactivity Poisoning

Explosive devices of various magnitudes wrapped or impregnated with radioactive material so as to contaminate an area or population with radioactivity on top of any injuries sustained from the explosive devioe. (A.k.a. dirty bomb).

Radiological Dispersal Devise (RDD)

• The ______________(R) is a special unit to measure radiation exposure in a quantity of air.

Roentgen

(Pronounced rent-gen) A basic unit of measurement of the ionization produced in air by gamma or x- rays. One Roentgen (R) is exposure to gamma or x-rays that will produce one electrostatic unit of charge in one cubic centimeter of dry air.

Roentgen (R)

The ____________________ or REM, a unit that measures the effects of ionizing radiation on humans. One Roentgen of penetrating external radiation produces one REM of body damage.

Roentgen Equivalent Man

Provides air to a positive pressure mask via an air supply hose. An escape bottle is required in the event of an interruption of air supply from the manifold. This device is typically used in confined space situations and some HazMat settings. OSHA respiratory regulations limits air supply hose to 300' from each manifold.

SABA

The highest respiratory protection for emergency responders because a positive pressure of supplied air is maintained in the face piece during both inhalation and exhalation.

SCBA

The international unit of radiation dose equivalent; the product of absorbed dose in rays and the quality factor 1 Sv = 100 REM.

Sievert (Sv)

____________ (or physical) effects of radiation exposure occur as a result of damaged or dead cells in the body.

Somatic

The period during which personnel are allowed to remain in a radiation and/or contaminated area before accumulating their permissible doses.

Stay Times

_____________ is a term associated with allowable time firefighters may remain in a radiation area before accumulating their permissible dose according to the EPA's Protective Action Guides.

Stay-time

The outermost zone at a hazardous materials incident. It is considered an uncontaminated or clean area. Many supportive activities will be found in this zone (e.g., ICP and Medical Group). Support equipment is located in this zone and traffic shall be restricted to authorized personnel.

Support Zone

External radiation protection measures for personal safety can be summed up in the following major principles:(3)

TIME, DISTANCE, SHIELDING

Three protective measures commonly associated with radiological emergencies. It can broadly be applied to all CBRNE incident safety.

Time, Distance, and Shielding (TDS)

_____________ accidents are the most likely radiation incidents that firefighters will encounter.

Transportation

The measure and analysis of the radiation being emitted from a person's entire body, detected by a counter external to the body.

Whole Body Count

Personnel shall be aware that the reuse of contaminated clothing may cause a ________ exposure to radiation.

chronic

For the responder's safety, all exposures to radiation shall be considered ___________.

cumulative

Accurate documentation of the radiation ______ rate received by entry personnel, plus the amount of time spent in each radiation field, is paramount to accurately estimate radiation dosage.

dose

________ rate refers to the amount of radiation absorbed over a quantity of time - usually expressed in REM per hour (REM/hr or R/hr) or smaller.

dose

The immediate PPE available to protect Department personnel against radiation exposure is structural firefighting gear. This includes turnout coat, pants, boots, helmet, hood, gloves, __________ and SCBA.

dosimeter

3. Gamma rays are ____________ hazards generally associated with the biological effects of cutaneous (skin) and local tissue irradiation with an increased probability of internal contamination.

external

Radioactivity decays with time. The time required for radioactive material to lose half of its activity is its _______________ Some isotopes have less than 0.50 seconds of half-life, others, billions of years.

half-life

1. Alpha radiation, involving fine dusts, liquids, or vapors, is considered an __________ hazard: a poison that can enter the body by inhalation, ingestion, or through wounds in the skin.

internal

Chronic exposure, on the other hand, refers to a long-term exposure - ________ to ______ - from smaller doses of radiation.

months to years

• The Department has issued personal _______________ (PRMs) and personal _____________ (PEDs) as part of the Department's personal protective equipment (PPE). These PRMs and PEDs detect and measure photon radiation (i.e., gamma and x-rays). They do not detect alpha and beta radiation.

radiation monitors electronic dosimeters

The Department uses _________ meters that have the ability to detect alpha and beta radiation as well as gamma ray radiation.

survey

Personnel shall be aware that radiological contaminants may not be effectively removed from structural firefighting gear during the decontamination process. Therefore, it is important to keep the SCBA on and operating while participating in decontamination. The SCBA should be removed only after the ________have been removed.

turnouts