Final answer:
Radiation workers must minimize time in radiation areas, maintain a safe distance, use appropriate shielding, and follow safety protocols to protect themselves and the environment from radiation exposure. OSHA mandates employers to provide comprehensive safety measures, including training and protective equipment. Understanding these safety requirements is essential for workers in radiation-related fields.
Step-by-step explanation:
Radiation workers have several responsibilities to maintain an effective radiation safety program. They must adhere to the principles of radiation protection, which include minimizing time spent in the radiation environment, maintaining a safe distance from radiation sources, and using appropriate shielding. Types of work that could cause an increase in radiation exposure include handling radioactive materials, medical imaging, and responding to radiation spills.
Workplace safety is regulated by organizations like OSHA, which require employers to provide a safe working environment, training, and personal protective equipment at no cost. Specific to radiation safety, workers often wear heavy clothes, gloves, and lab coats, and use shielded containers and tools to protect themselves. Air and water programs, as well as radiation source reduction and management strategies, are parts of the safety protocols they must follow. Understanding the types of radiation protection measures and their usage is crucial for minimizing exposure risks in radiation-related occupations.
The protective suits often seen in the event of radioactive material spills are designed to protect workers from contamination, especially from alpha and beta particles. However, for higher-energy radiation like gamma rays, thicker and denser shielding materials are needed.