Hazards ionising radiation

The risk associated with issues of this nature depends on the extent to which the hidden information is relied upon clinically. But there is another factor to consider when information is inappropriately hidden not only do we fail to take it into account but from time to time clinicians will make positive assumptions based on its apparent absence. For example, suppose the system fails to correctly indicate that a CT scan has been carried out when in fact it has. Firstly, by not reviewing the result of the scan we may introduce a delay in care and secondly, we might fail to acquaint ourselves with any clinical activity triggered by the result of the CT scan. Finally we may assume that the original order has failed and issue a new request - unnecessarily exposing the patient to additional ionising radiation. Whilst these user behaviours can be difficult to predict they should at least be considered by the analytical team during hazard analysis. 

There are also requirements for employers to notify HSE of work with ionising radiation, over-exposures and certain accidents and losses of radioactive material. The provision of information on potential hazards and appropriate training are also required. In addition, there are requirements to formulate written local rules and to provide supervision of work involving ionising radiation. This last requirement will normally necessitate the appointment by management of a radiation protection supervisor whose responsibilities should be clearly defined. 

There are two main uses for radioactive substances that give off ionising radiations on construction sites. Firstly, tracing water flows and sewers where a low powered radioactive substance is added to the flow and its route followed using special instruments. Only authorised specialists should be allowed to handle the radioactive substance before it is added to the water. Once it is added, it mixes rapidly with the water and becomes so diluted as not to present a hazard. 

Understands the main hazards and controls for ionising and non-ionising radiation. 

Two of the RADWASS principles refer to Protection of Human Health and to Safety of Facilities. Both recognise that management of radioactive waste must have regard to all relevant hazards. As well as those associated with ionising radiation, hazards may arise from the presence of toxic, corrosive, inflammable or biologically active materials. They may also be associated with operation of process plant and the excavation or mining of disposal frcilities. 

The Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999 (IRR99) implement the majority of the Basic Safety Standards Directive 96129/Euratom (BSS Directive). From 1 January 2000, they replaced the Ionising Radiations Regulations 1985 (IRR85) (except for Regulation 26 (special hazard assessments)). 

Where there is overlap in the duties in these Regulations and those covering lead, ionising radiations, asbestos, hazardous substances (COSHH), noise, and construction head protection then the specific legislative requirements should prevail. 

An employee who is suspended from work by his employer on medical grounds is entitled to wages for up to 26 weeks. Such suspension must arise from a requirement imposed by law or xmder a recommendation in a Code of Practice issued under HSWA in relation to the Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002, the Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999 and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002. There is no entitlement, however, if the employee is incapable of work due to disease or bodily or mental impairment. 

Lasers are non-ionising radiations in the form of beams of intense light that are used for alignment and measurement. Hazards stem from the... 

The application of hazard elimination and minimisation is of course practically constrained by the project and mission objectives. Hazards are usually associated with essential aspects of the system or its operating environment such as propellants, rocket motors, fuel cells, power distribution, batteries, pressure vessels, meteoroids and space debris, ionising radiation, solar thermal flux, etc. 

The a particle consists of two protons and two neutrons. It is therefore heavy and doubly charged. Alpha radiation has a very short range and is stopped by a few centimetres of air, a sheet of paper, or the outer dead layer of the skin. Outside the body, it does not, therefore, present a hazard. However, a-emitting radionuclides inside the body are of concern because a particles lose their energy to tissue in very short distances causing relatively intense local ionisation. 

Deuterium lamps are commonly used for UV spectroscopy. They give a moderately intense continuum of UV radiation from 360 nm down to 160 nm, with a weaker pseudo-continuum with strong line emission superimposed throughout the visible (Fig. 14.4b). Deuterium lamps with quartz envelopes generate ozone, a toxic chemical hazard formed via ionisation of O2 molecules. 

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