Radioactive Material Control Flashcards

According to 10 CFR 20.1904, what action is required before disposing of an empty, uncontaminated container that previously held radioactive material?

Answer: The radioactive material label must be removed or defaced.

10 CFR 20.1904(b) states that prior to the removal or disposal of empty uncontaminated containers to unrestricted areas, the licensee must remove or deface the radioactive material label or otherwise clearly indicate that the container no longer contains radioactive materials.

A technician is preparing to dispose of radioactive waste via decay-in-storage (DIS). According to NRC guidance, what is the maximum permissible half-life for a radionuclide to be eligible for this disposal method?

Answer: 120 days

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has determined that low-level radioactive waste with a half-life of 120 days or less is suitable for decay-in-storage. After a sufficient decay period (typically 10 half-lives), the waste can be disposed of as ordinary trash once surveys confirm it is indistinguishable from background radiation.

Which of the following is a key requirement for securing licensed radioactive materials stored in an unrestricted area, according to 10 CFR 20.1801?

Answer: The material must be secured from unauthorized removal or access.

10 CFR 20.1801, "Security of stored material," mandates that licensees must secure licensed material stored in a controlled or unrestricted area from unauthorized removal or access. This is a fundamental principle of radioactive material control to prevent theft or loss of material.

A package containing radioactive material has a surface dose rate of 45 mrem/hr and a dose rate of 0.8 mrem/hr at 1 meter. Which DOT radioactive material label must be affixed to this package?

Answer: RADIOACTIVE YELLOW-II

A RADIOACTIVE YELLOW-II label is required when the surface dose rate is greater than 0.5 mrem/hr but does not exceed 50 mrem/hr, and the transport index (dose rate at 1 meter) does not exceed 1. Since the surface rate is 45 mrem/hr and the 1-meter rate is 0.8 mrem/hr (TI = 0.8), the Yellow-II label is appropriate.

A radiation worker is tasked with moving a highly radioactive source. Which of the following actions best represents the 'Distance' principle of ALARA?

Answer: Using long-handled tongs to move the source.

The ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle relies on time, distance, and shielding. Using long-handled tongs increases the space between the worker and the radioactive source, thereby reducing the radiation dose received. This is a direct application of maximizing distance to minimize exposure.

Upon receiving a package of radioactive material, what is the initial action a radiation protection technician should perform?

Answer: Visually inspect the package for any signs of damage.

Standard procedures for receiving radioactive material packages require an initial visual inspection for any signs of damage, such as crushing or wetness. If damage is observed, it could indicate a potential leak or loss of containment, requiring immediate further action like contamination surveys and notification of the RSO.