NANTeL - National Academy for Nuclear Training e-Learning Radiation Protection and ALARA Questions and Answers

Question 1

Which of the following best defines the ALARA principle?

Accepted Answer

Making every reasonable effort to maintain radiation exposures as far below the dose limits as is practical.

Answer

ALARA, an acronym for "As Low As Reasonably Achievable," is a core principle and regulatory requirement in radiation protection. It means making every reasonable effort to keep radiation exposures as far below the established dose limits as is practical, taking into account technology, economics, and other societal factors. It is not about eliminating all exposure or simply staying under the limit, but about optimizing protection.

Question 2

A worker needs to perform a task in a high radiation area with a dose rate of 200 mrem/hr. The worker's administrative dose limit for the week is 100 mrem. What is the maximum time the worker can spend in the area to remain within their administrative limit?

Accepted Answer

30 minutes

Answer

To calculate the maximum allowable time, divide the dose limit by the dose rate. Time = Dose Limit / Dose Rate. In this scenario: Time = 100 mrem / 200 mrem/hr = 0.5 hours. 0.5 hours is equal to 30 minutes. This calculation is a fundamental application of the 'Time' principle in radiation protection.

Question 3

According to the inverse square law, if a worker doubles their distance from a point source of radiation, how will their exposure rate change?

Accepted Answer

It will be reduced to one-quarter of the original rate.

Answer

The inverse square law states that the intensity of radiation from a point source is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the source. Therefore, if you double the distance (multiply by 2), you reduce the exposure rate by a factor of 2 squared, which is 4. The new exposure rate will be one-quarter of the original.

Question 4

Which of the following is considered an engineering control for radiation protection?

Accepted Answer

Installing permanent lead shielding around a pipe.

Answer

Engineering controls are physical modifications to a facility or equipment to reduce hazards. Installing permanent lead shielding is a physical barrier designed to reduce radiation levels. Signage, dosimetry, and briefings are all examples of administrative controls, which are rules and procedures to reduce exposure.

Question 5

A nuclear worker's annual occupational dose limit for the whole body (Total Effective Dose Equivalent - TEDE) as set by the NRC is:

Accepted Answer

5,000 mrem

Answer

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) sets the annual occupational dose limit for adults at 5,000 mrem (or 5 rem) for the Total Effective Dose Equivalent (TEDE). This limit is designed to keep the risk to radiation workers at a level comparable to other safe industries.

(NANTeL) National Academy for Nuclear Training e-Learning Practice Test

(NANTeL) National Academy for Nuclear Training e-Learning Practice Test

NANTeL - National Academy for Nuclear Training e-Learning Radiation Protection and ALARA Questions and Answers