CHP Radiation Emergency Response & Incident Management Flashcards

What is the recommended first step when a person is suspected of being externally contaminated with radioactive material?

Answer: Remove and bag contaminated clothing

Removing contaminated clothing eliminates approximately 80-90% of external contamination and is the highest priority first-step action.

Which solution is most commonly recommended as the primary agent for skin decontamination of radioactive materials?

Answer: Mild soap and lukewarm water

Mild soap and water is the primary decontamination agent for skin because harsher chemicals can damage the skin barrier and increase radionuclide absorption.

What distinguishes 'fixed contamination' from 'removable contamination' in radiation protection?

Answer: Fixed contamination cannot be removed by normal wiping techniques

Fixed contamination cannot be removed by wiping and poses primarily a direct radiation hazard, while removable contamination can be transferred and poses an uptake risk.

What is the standard area wiped during a smear (swipe) survey to assess removable surface contamination?

Answer: 100 cm²

Standard smear surveys use a 100 cm² wipe area to provide a consistent, reproducible basis for measuring and comparing removable surface contamination.

Which chelating agent is the treatment of choice to enhance elimination of plutonium and other transuranic radionuclides after internal contamination?

Answer: DTPA (diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid)

DTPA chelates transuranic elements like plutonium and americium by forming stable complexes, enhancing their elimination via urinary excretion.

Per NRC Regulatory Guide 1.86, what is the removable surface contamination limit for beta/gamma emitters for unrestricted release of equipment?

Answer: 1,000 dpm/100 cm²

NRC Regulatory Guide 1.86 sets 1,000 dpm/100 cm² as the removable contamination limit for beta/gamma emitters for unrestricted release of equipment.