- Radioactive substances must always be handled with the correct procedures to prevent harmful effects to people and the environment. The following are some basic precautions:
- Read and follow the advice and instructions marked on radioactive sources, equipment and work manuals. Refer to the label on a box containing a radioactive source.
- Gloves must be worn any time an unsealed source is being used or whenever contamination is likely to occur.
- Laboratory coats, long pants, and closed-toe footwear should be worn.
- Eating, drinking, applying cosmetics, or storing of food is prohibited.
- All work surfaces and storage areas should be covered with absorbent material to contain radioactive material contamination.
- When using radioactive liquids, plastic or metal trays should be utilised to contain potential spills.
- Radioactive material, especially liquids, should be kept in unbreakable containers whenever possible. If glass is used, a secondary container is necessary.
- Before eating or drinking, wash hands and forearms thoroughly.
- Radioactive sources for educational use are kept in lead boxes and stored in a secure lead container.
- Exposure to large doses of radiation is very dangerous.
- Radiation causes ionisations in the molecules of living cells to cause damage.
- At the low doses of radiation, the cells can repair rapidly.
- If the dose is higher, the cells may be dying or changed permanently.
- Somatic effects appear in the person exposed to radiation.
- The seriousness of the effect depends on the dose of radiation received.
- Genetic effects appear in the future generations of the exposed person as a result of radiation damage to reproductive cells.
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