Radiation Safety

This module introduces the fundamentals of radiation and more specifically, radioactive materials. Working with, or near, radioactive materials requires a familiarity with some basic concepts to better understand how to perform this work safely. Learners will explore how the structure of the atom defines an element and leads to radioactive properties. They will also review the different types of radiation, common sources of radiation, and the forms radioactive materials found in research and medical facilities.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 20400 (English)
Author(s): William Hinchcliffe, MS - Bridgeport Hospital and Yale-New Haven Hospital; Zachariah Tribbett, CHP, CLSO, MA - Yale University

In this module, learners are guided through the properties specific to the use of ionizing radiation. This module focuses solely on ionizing radiation and dives into the properties of ionizing radiation that should be understood by anyone working with these sources or materials. These topics provide learners with a more thorough understanding and serve as a gateway into the rest of the course that will discuss more advanced topics.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 20401 (English)
Author(s): William Hinchcliffe, MS - Bridgeport Hospital and Yale-New Haven Hospital; Zachariah Tribbett, CHP, CLSO, MA - Yale University

This module explores the biological effects of radiation exposure in humans. Humans are constantly exposed to radiation to varying degrees, both as natural background radiation and from naturally occurring or human-made sources. It is important to understand the effects that can occur from routine low exposure to radiation as well as from high exposures that may result from accident scenarios. In addition, this module will introduce occupational radiation limits that are used to set a safe environment for individuals working with or near radiation sources.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 20402 (English)
Author(s): William Hinchcliffe, MS - Bridgeport Hospital and Yale-New Haven Hospital; Zachariah Tribbett, CHP, CLSO, MA - Yale University

This module addresses the basic principles of radiation protection, the ways that users of radiation can work safely, and the concepts of radioactive contamination and radiation exposure. It also outlines the term ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) and its simple concepts of time, distance, and shielding to show how to easily decrease radiation exposure. In addition, the module introduces personal protective equipment and how it pertains to the use of radioactive materials or radiation producing equipment. The module concludes with the importance of properly securing radioactive materials from unauthorized users.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 20403 (English)
Author(s): William Hinchcliffe, MS - Bridgeport Hospital and Yale-New Haven Hospital; Zachariah Tribbett, CHP, CLSO, MA - Yale University

In this module, learners will review the operating principles of radiation detection instrumentation. The detection of radiation is a key principle in developing a radiation protection program. There are many types of radiation detection instruments and many specific uses for those instruments. This module discusses the different types and provides information about which instruments are appropriate for certain tasks, including monitoring the environment, monitoring occupational workers, locating contamination, and measuring medical doses of radiation.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 20404 (English)
Author(s): William Hinchcliffe, MS - Bridgeport Hospital and Yale-New Haven Hospital; Zachariah Tribbett, CHP, CLSO, MA - Yale University

Radioactive materials are highly regulated hazardous materials. Multiple regulatory agencies are responsible for the oversight and use of these materials in the United States. Regulation may occur at the federal or state level, or both, depending on where the facility is located, and which types of radiation are used. The regulations surrounding radioactive materials use cover worker safety, public safety, allowable dose limits to workers and the public, workers’ rights, releases to the environment, transportation, and waste management. This module discusses the commonly used regulatory provisions that a radioactive materials worker may come across. Each individual working with or near radioactive materials must be familiar with the applicable regulations. This module serves to introduce those regulations.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 20405 (English)
Author(s): William Hinchcliffe, MS - Bridgeport Hospital and Yale-New Haven Hospital; Zachariah Tribbett, CHP, CLSO, MA - Yale University

This module introduces critical concepts related to radioactive waste management. Radioactive waste is treated differently than most other types of hazardous waste and falls under very strict disposal guidelines. If mixed with other types of hazards, the waste disposal process can be even more difficult. Radioactive waste can be separated by different characteristics. This module discusses proper segregation and disposal of radioactive waste. It is critical to follow proper waste management to make the disposal of the waste easier and to protect both the user generating the waste and those on the end of the waste stream (waste technicians or waste treatment facility staff).

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 20406 (English)
Author(s): William Hinchcliffe, MS - Bridgeport Hospital and Yale-New Haven Hospital; Zachariah Tribbett, CHP, CLSO, MA - Yale University

In this concluding module, learners will explore the appropriate responses for various radiation emergencies. When incidents occur with radioactive materials, it is critical for each person involved to respond quickly and appropriately to mitigate the risk of harm. The specific radiation emergencies addressed in the module are radiation spills and area contamination, personnel contaminations, unplanned personnel exposures, and medical overexposures. The module provides some resources available in the event of personnel exposures.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 20407 (English)
Author(s): William Hinchcliffe, MS - Bridgeport Hospital and Yale-New Haven Hospital; Zachariah Tribbett, CHP, CLSO, MA - Yale University