Importance of Proper Management of Radioactive Substances

8/11/2019 Importance of Proper Management of Radioactive Substances

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Importance of Proper Managementof Radioactive Substances



Two types of Radiation



Ionising Radiation is EXTREMELYDANGEROUS

It can produce free radicalsBreak chemical bondsProduce new chemical bonds and cross linkages

between macromoleculesDamage molecules that regulate vital cell processes





Two types of Radiation Damage



Safety Precautions in Handling of RadioactiveSubstances

Observe correct procedures and safety precautionsstrictly, Advice and instructions marked must beread and understood



Gloves, long sleeved laboratory coats, longpants and shoes with socks must be worn

( AVOID DIRECT CONTACT )



All work surfaces and storage areas should becovered with absorbent material to contain

radioactive material contamination



When using liquids, use plastic/stainless steeltrays in case of spillage and liquid radioactive

should be kept in unbreakable containers



Wash hands and forearms properly after

use

Use forceps and keep radioactivesubstances in lead boxes



Stronger Radioactive sources should be handled with robotic control systems behind steel, concrete

or thick lead glass panels

Radiation badges must be worn by workersexposed to radiation



Radiation Waste Management

Concentrate and contain-compacted into smaller volume and stored

Dilute and disperse

-diluted to safe levels and discharged to environmentDelay and decay

-stored and left to decay



Three types of wasteLow-level wasteLow-level waste (LLW) is generated from hospitals and industry, as well as thenuclear fuel cycle. It comprises paper, rags, tools, clothing and filters whichcontain small amounts of mostly short-lived radioactivity. It does not requireshielding during handling and transport and is suitable for shallow land burial.To reduce its volume, it is often compacted or incinerated before disposal. Itcomprises some 90% of the volume but only 1% of the radioactivity of allradioactive waste.Intermediate-level wasteIntermediate-level waste (ILW) contains higher amounts of radioactivity andsome requires shielding. It typically comprises resins, chemical sludges andmetal fuel cladding, as well as contaminated materials from reactordecommissioning. Smaller items and any non-solids may be solidified inconcrete or bitumen for disposal.High-level wasteHigh-level waste (HLW) arises from the 'burning' of uranium fuel in a nuclearreactor. HLW contains the fission products and transuranic elements generatedin the reactor core. It is highly radioactive and hot, so requires cooling andshielding. It can be considered as the 'ash' from 'burning' uranium. HLWaccounts for over 95% of the total radioactivity produced in the process ofelectricity generation. It is vitrified by incorporating it into borosilicate glass which is then sealed inside stainless steel canisters for eventual disposal deepunderground.

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Importance of Proper Management of Radioactive Substances