HAZWOPER Ionizing Radiation Safety
Radiation is energy emitted from a source that travels through space in a straight line at the speed of light. We are surrounded by radiation. Sunlight, radio waves, microwaves, and cell phone signals are all forms of low-energy radiation. These types of radiation are considered non-ionizing radiation and are relatively harmless. Ionizing radiation is radiation in the form of particles or electromagnetic waves that have enough energy to remove electrons from atoms in materials they strike. This module will focus on ionizing radiation, which can be hazardous.
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Learning Objectives
• Define ionizing radiation • List and describe the different types of ionizing radiation • List the biological effects of ionizing radiation • Describe how radiation can be measured and list important exposure limits • Describe how to protect yourself against radiation • List guidelines for managing emergencies involving radioactive materials
Specs
| Course Level | Intermediate |
| Languages | English |
| Compatibility | Audio, Video |
| Based on: | 29 CFR 1910.120 |
Key Questions
What is ionizing radiation?
Ionizing radiation is radiation in the form of particles or electromagnetic waves that have enough energy to remove electrons from atoms in materials they strike.
What are the different types of ionizing radiation?
The three main types of ionizing radiation are alpha, beta, and gamma.
What is radioactive decay?
Radioactive materials are made up of unstable atoms that release energy to become more stable. This release of energy, in the form of alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays, is called radioactive decay.
What is half-life?
Half-life is a common way to indicate a radioactive material’s rate of decay. It is the amount of time it takes for half of its atoms to decay.
How is exposure to radiation measured?
In the United States, the most common unit for measuring the radiation exposure is the rem or mrem.
Sample Video Transcript
Radioactivity is the spontaneous release of energy from an unstable atom. Stability is related to the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. The energy that is released is called radiation, and if enough energy is released to ionize other molecules it is called ionizing radiation. The three main types of ionizing radiation are: • Alpha • Beta • Gamma Alpha and beta radiation consist of electrically-charged sub- atomic particles with mass. Alpha particles are positively charged and beta particles are negatively charged. Gamma radiation is energy transmitted in the form of high-frequency electromagnetic waves that have no mass and no charge, similar to x-rays.
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