7.2.16

Safety Precautions

Test yourself

Ionising Radiation - Safety Precautions

Ionising radiation can damage cells, cause mutations that lead to cancer and possibly organ failure. Because of this, we should follow safety precautions to reduce our exposure to radioactive materials.

Illustrative background for StorageIllustrative background for Storage ?? "content

Storage

  • Radioactive sources (materials) should be stored in lead-lined boxes and locked in steel cabinets away from people.
Illustrative background for HandlingIllustrative background for Handling ?? "content

Handling

  • Radioactive sources (materials) should not be handled directly and should only be used for the shortest time possible.
  • We should use rubber gloves when handling and wash our hands thoroughly after use.
Illustrative background for UsageIllustrative background for Usage ?? "content

Usage

  • We should not eat or drink when using a radioactive source.
  • Sources should be kept at arm’s length and we should not put them in our pockets.
Illustrative background for Reduced exposureIllustrative background for Reduced exposure ?? "content

Reduced exposure

  • We should minimise our exposure to sources, use shielding and maximise the distance between the user and the source.
Illustrative background for Age of radioactive substanceIllustrative background for Age of radioactive substance ?? "content

Age of radioactive substance

  • As a radioactive substance gets older, more half lives pass, so we expect to rate of decay to decrease with time.
  • This means new radioactive substances are more dangerous than old ones so more safety precautions are needed.

Jump to other topics

1Forces & Motion

1.1Basics of Motion

1.2Forces

1.3Effects of Forces

1.4Stopping Distance

1.5Forces & Elasticity

2Electricity

3Waves

4Energy Resources & Energy Transfers

5Solids, Liquids & Gases

6Magnetism & Electromagnetism

7Radioactivity & Particles

8Astrophysics

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium