CHP CHP Radioactive Materials Handling & Waste Management 2

Question 1

According to 10 CFR 61, into which categories is Low-Level Radioactive Waste (LLW) classified?

Accepted Answer

Class A, B, C, and Greater-than-Class-C (GTCC)

Answer

10 CFR 61 classifies LLW as Class A, B, C, and Greater-than-Class-C based on radionuclide concentrations and half-lives, with progressively stricter disposal requirements.

Question 2

What defines 'mixed waste' in the context of US radioactive waste management regulations?

Accepted Answer

Waste that is simultaneously radioactive and hazardous under RCRA

Answer

Mixed waste is subject to both NRC (or Agreement State) radioactive waste regulations and EPA's Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) for hazardous waste.

Question 3

Which radioactive waste disposal method is most cost-effective for short-lived isotopes like H-3, C-14, and P-32 in a research laboratory?

Accepted Answer

Decay-in-storage until activity falls below release thresholds, then dispose as regular trash

Answer

Decay-in-storage (DIS) allows short-lived isotopes to decay to background levels, eliminating the cost of licensed radioactive waste disposal.

Question 4

What primary characteristic defines Transuranic (TRU) waste and distinguishes it from other low-level radioactive waste?

Accepted Answer

TRU waste contains alpha-emitting radionuclides with atomic numbers greater than uranium at >100 nCi/g

Answer

TRU waste contains alpha-emitting transuranic radionuclides (atomic number > 92) at concentrations exceeding 100 nCi/g, primarily generated during nuclear weapons production.

Question 5

Under 10 CFR 20.2003, what conditions must be met before radioactive materials may be disposed of via release to a sanitary sewer system?

Accepted Answer

Concentrations must not exceed limits in Appendix B Table 3, and annual totals must not exceed specified limits

Answer

10 CFR 20.2003 permits sewer disposal only when concentrations do not exceed Appendix B Table 3 limits and total annual quantities remain within specified thresholds.

(CHP) Certified Health Physicist Practice Test

(CHP) Certified Health Physicist Practice Test

CHP CHP Radioactive Materials Handling & Waste Management 2