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Control of Radiological Hazard - Coggle Diagram

- - - - Engineering controls protect workers by removing hazardous conditions or by placing a barrier between the worker and the hazard.
      - Engineering controls can be built into the design of a plant, equipment, or process to minimize the hazard.
      - Engineering controls are a very reliable way to control worker exposures as long as the controls are designed, used, and maintained properly
      - Example of Engineering Control
        
        Isolation – separating workers from the hazard by distance or the use of barriers
        
        Enclosures – placing the material or process in a closed system (e.g., enclosed machines, booths, etc.)
        
        Ventilation – using local exhaust or general dilution ventilation to remove or reduce airborne products
        
        Mechanical lifting devices– using mechanical methods to lift or move objects instead of manual lifting
        
        Guardrails – using guardrails to prevent a fall
    - - Administrative controls involve developing procedures to ensure the work is conducted in a way that minimizes the hazard.
      - this method does not necessarily remove or reduce the hazard from the workplace.
      - For example, administrative controls limit workers' exposures by scheduling shorter work times in contaminant areas or by implementing other "rules".
      - These control measures have many limitations because the hazard itself is not actually removed or reduced.
      - Administrative controls should be used in combination with other control measures where possible.
      - Methods of administrative control include:
        
        Using job-rotation schedules or a work-rest schedule that limit the amount of time an individual worker is exposed to a substance.
        
        Implementing a preventative maintenance program to keep equipment in proper working order
        
        Scheduling maintenance and other high exposure operations for times when few workers are present (such as evenings, weekends).
        
        Restricting access to a work area.
        
        Restricting the task to only those competent or qualified to perform the work.
        
        Using signs to warn workers of a hazard
      - Work Practices
        
        Developing and implementing safe work procedures or standard operating procedures.
        
        Training and education of employees about the operating procedures as well as other necessary workplace training (including WHMIS).
        
        Establishing and maintaining good housekeeping programs.
        
        Keeping equipment well maintained.
        
        Preparing and training for emergency response for incidents such as spills, fire, or employee injury.
    - - Personal protective equipment (PPE) refers to anything workers wear to help protect them from a workplace hazard.
      - The use of PPE as the main method to control exposures should be limited to situations where elimination, substitution, engineering, or administrative controls are not practicable, or when:
        
        Additional protection is required because other control methods are not sufficient to reduce the hazard
        
        The hazard is a result of a temporary or emergency condition
      - PPE limits exposure to the harmful effects of a hazard but only if the PPE is worn and used correctly. Examples of PPE include:
        
        Respiratory protection
        
        Skin protection (e.g., coveralls, aprons, full body suits)
        
        Gloves
        
        Eye protection (e.g., face shield, goggles)
        
        Foot protection
        
        Hearing protective devices (e.g., ear plugs, ear muffs)
    - - Substitution is the act of replacing something with another thing in this case, a hazard is replaced with a less hazardous one.
      - The hazards and risks associated with an alternative must be thoroughly assessed to determine if it is an appropriate replacement.
      - Make sure the hazard replaced is lower and not as as harmful or more harmful than the hazard before
      - Example of Substitution Control include :
        
        Replacing solvent-based paints with a water-based alternative
        
        Using a larger granule form of a product instead of a fine powder to reduce dust generation
        
        Using electric motors rather than diesel ones to eliminate diesel exhaust emissions
    - - Process of removing the hazard from the workplace (physically)
      - It is the most effective way to control a risk because the hazard is no longer present.
      - Examples of elimination control methods include:
        
        Purchasing equipment that is not noisy
        
        Using a reach pole, where feasible, for window washing to eliminate working from heights
        
        Removing and properly disposing of products that are stored in the workplace and are no longer being used
- - - - occurs when radioactive materials get inside your body. This can happen through inhalation, ingestion, or absorption through the skin. Internal contamination is particularly dangerous because the radiation source is now inside you, irradiating your organs and tissues directly
    - - refers to practices that prevent radioactive materials from escaping into the environment where they could be inhaled, ingested, or absorbed. This is the first line of defense against internal contamination. By containing the source, you significantly reduce the risk of radioactive materials entering your body.
    - - Sealed sources: Radioactive materials are often encapsulated in leak-proof containers to prevent their release.
      - Fume hoods: When working with radioactive materials in powder or liquid form, fume hoods provide ventilation to remove airborne contaminants.
      - Gloveboxes: These enclosed workstations allow manipulation of radioactive materials while isolating the worker's hands and arms, preventing direct contact and inhalation risks.
      - Closed containers: Whenever possible, radioactive materials should be stored and transported in secure, closed containers to prevent accidental spills or leaks.