Importance of Proper Management

of Radioactive Substances
Two types of Radiation
Ionising Radiation is EXTREMELY
DANGEROUS
It can produce free radicals
Break chemical bonds
Produce new chemical bonds and cross linkages
between macromolecules
Damage molecules that regulate vital cell processes
Two types of Radiation Damage
Safety Precautions in Handling of Radioactive
Substances
Observe correct procedures and safety precautions
strictly, Advice and instructions marked must be
read and understood

Gloves, long sleeved laboratory coats, long
pants and shoes with socks must be worn
( AVOID DIRECT CONTACT )
All work surfaces and storage areas should be
covered with absorbent material to contain
radioactive material contamination
When using liquids, use plastic/stainless steel
trays in case of spillage and liquid radioactive
should be kept in unbreakable containers
Wash hands and forearms properly after
use
Use forceps and keep radioactive
substances in lead boxes
Stronger Radioactive sources should be handled
with robotic control systems behind steel, concrete
or thick lead glass panels
Radiation badges must be worn by workers
exposed to radiation
Radiation Waste Management
Concentrate and contain
-compacted into smaller volume and stored
Dilute and disperse
-diluted to safe levels and discharged to environment
Delay and decay
-stored and left to decay
Three types of waste
Low-level waste
Low-level waste (LLW) is generated from hospitals and industry, as well as the
nuclear fuel cycle. It comprises paper, rags, tools, clothing and filters which
contain small amounts of mostly short-lived radioactivity. It does not require
shielding during handling and transport and is suitable for shallow land burial.
To reduce its volume, it is often compacted or incinerated before disposal. It
comprises some 90% of the volume but only 1% of the radioactivity of all
radioactive waste.
Intermediate-level waste
Intermediate-level waste (ILW) contains higher amounts of radioactivity and
some requires shielding. It typically comprises resins, chemical sludges and
metal fuel cladding, as well as contaminated materials from reactor
decommissioning. Smaller items and any non-solids may be solidified in
concrete or bitumen for disposal.
High-level waste
High-level waste (HLW) arises from the 'burning' of uranium fuel in a nuclear
reactor. HLW contains the fission products and transuranic elements generated
in the reactor core. It is highly radioactive and hot, so requires cooling and
shielding. It can be considered as the 'ash' from 'burning' uranium. HLW
accounts for over 95% of the total radioactivity produced in the process of
electricity generation. It is vitrified by incorporating it into borosilicate glass
which is then sealed inside stainless steel canisters for eventual disposal deep
underground.