Ionizing RadiationStandardsIonizing radiation is addressed in specific OSHA standards for general industry, maritime, and construction. This section highlights OSHA standards and documents related to occupational exposures to ionizing radiation. Show This section also provides an overview of the responsibilities of other federal agencies and states regarding occupational radiation protection. Briefly:
OSHA StandardsOSHA's Ionizing Radiation standards protect workers in:
The construction standard for ionizing radiation (29 CFR 1926.53) incorporates by reference the provisions of the general industry standard (29 CFR 1910.1096), in addition to requiring a competent person to perform activities involving the use of radioactive materials or X-rays (see 29 CFR 1926.53(b)). While some shipyard employment operations are covered by OSHA's Uses of Fissionable Material in Ship Repairing and Shipbuilding standard (29 CFR 1915.57), the general industry standard for ionizing radiation (29 CFR 1910.1096) also applies across the maritime sector to activities on vessels and on shore, including in shipyard employment, marine terminals (see 29 CFR 1917.1(a)(2)(vii)), and longshoring (see 29 CFR 1918.1(b)(5)). The tables below outline OSHA's standards for ionizing radiation and related hazards. OSHA standards cover all workers in the private sector, as well as civilian employees of most federal entities. State and local government employees are covered if they are in one of the 28 states and two territories that operate their own OSHA-approved state plans.
Under OSHA's Ionizing Radiation standard (29 CFR 1910.1096), employers must:
See the full Ionizing Radiation Standard for all requirements. Who is responsible for routine radiation safety checks?Who is responsible for routine radiation safety checks in the radiology department? The person responsible must be a "qualified expert". The only one to meet that criteria is usually the radiation safety officer, who is almost always a medical physicist.
Which government agency is in charge of the safe use of ionizing radiation?The U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission—other agencies that regulate public and occupational ionizing radiation exposure—have updated standards based on more recent radiation protection guidance, such as that of the International Commission on Radiological Protection.
What are the three cardinal principles of radiation protection quizlet?Terms in this set (19)
The cardinal principles of radiation protection include time, distance, and shielding.
How does radiation protection work?Shielding: Sources of radiation can be shielded with solid or liquid material, which absorbs the energy of the radiation. The term 'biological shield' is used for absorbing material placed around a nuclear reactor, or other source of radiation, to reduce the radiation to a level safe for humans.
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