Radioactive contamination

The different causes of the presence of radioactive substances in liquids, solids, or gases or on surfaces, and the manner in which to identify the types of contaminants, their risks, and the contaminants’ concentration.

radio-active substances
typology of radioactive substances
types of radioactive contamination
substances that are radioactive
typology of radioactive contamination
types of radioactive substances
radio-active contamination
contamination that is radioactive

knowledge

sector-specific

Radioactive contamination is an essential knowledge of the following occupations:

Radiation protection technician: Radiation protection technicians monitor radiation levels in buildings and facilities to ensure compliance with health and safety standards, and to prevent dangerous elevations in the radiation level. They take measures to minimise radiation emissions, and to prevent further contamination in the event of radiation pollution, by developing radiation protection plans, in particular for nuclear plants and facilities.
Nuclear technician: Nuclear technicians function as aids to physicists and engineers in nuclear laboratories and power plants. They monitor the procedures to ensure safety and quality control, and maintain equipment. They also handle and control radioactive equipment and measure radiation levels to ensure safety.
Nuclear reactor operator: Nuclear reactor operators directly control nuclear reactors in power plants from control panels, and are solely responsible for the alterations in reactor reactivity. They start up operations and react to changes in status such as casualties and critical events. They monitor parameters and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Hazardous materials inspector: Hazardous materials inspectors inspect facilities which handle hazardous materials to ensure compliance to health and safety regulations, and hazardous materials handling legislation. They investigate violations, oversee tests of emergency and risk response plans, and consult on the improvement of the facilities’ operations and procedures, as well as on hazardous materials regulations. They also advise plants on potential sources of danger to a community, and on better safety regulations.
Radiation protection officer: Radiation protection officers are responsible for the protection from harmful effects caused by exposure to ionising radiation. They ensure compliance with legislation and regulations by enforcing safety measures. Furthermore they develop radiation protection plans in particular for nuclear plants and facilities.
Decontamination worker: Decontamination workers remove and dispose of hazardous materials, such as radioactive materials or contaminated soil. They handle hazardous materials in compliance with safety regulations, investigate causes of contamination, and remove the contamination from the structure or site.
Nuclear engineer: Nuclear engineers plan and design engineering equipment and processes in nuclear plants and sites. They engage in engineering activities pertaining to nuclear power plants, and develop risk solutions.

Radioactive contamination is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this knowledge may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

Waste treatment engineer: Waste treatment engineers design processes, facilities and equipment used in the collection, treatment, and distribution of waste. They research environmental standards and policies in order to optimise waste treatment procedures and ensure minimal strain on the environment by analysing and classifying the processed waste.
Hazardous waste technician: Hazardous waste technicians dispose of materials that have been in contact with or are ignitable, corrosive, reactive, toxic or a combination of the aforementioned hazardous traits. They remove the waste from industrial facilities or households and transport them to a treatment facility to ensure they are treated and disposed of according to regulations. They may also advise on the proper treatment of hazardous waste, and aid in the clean-up of hazardous waste spills.
Civil engineer: Civil engineers design, plan, and develop technical and engineering specifications for infrastructure and construction projects. They apply engineering knowledge in a vast array of projects, from the construction of infrastructure for transportation, housing projects, and luxury buildings, to the construction of natural sites. They design plans that seek to optimise materials and integrate specifications and resource allocation within the time constraints.
Environmental technician: Environmental technicians investigate sources of pollution and aid in the development of pollution prevention and environment protection plans. They take samples of soil, water or other materials and perform tests to analyse the pollution level and identify its source.

References

1. Radioactive contamination – ESCO