Radiation Safety Flashcards

1️⃣ Familiarise yourself with the flashcards:

  • Look through all the flashcards to see what's on both sides.
  • Make sure you understand the information on each card. If something's unclear, click the link to the revision notes at the bottom of the page for more details.

2️⃣ Test yourself:

  • Look at the question or prompt on each card and try to remember the answer before flipping it over.
  • Check the answer and make a note of any cards you find challenging and need to go over more.

3️⃣ Consistently Review and Practice:

  • Use spaced repetition: spend more time on the cards you struggle with and go over them more often.
  • Regularly review all the flashcards to help you better understand and retain the information over time.

Note: We may include questions that have multiple correct answers. It's useful to remember specific examples to understand these concepts better.

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What are the three key ways to reduce exposure to ionising radiation?

Minimise time, maximise distance, and use shielding.

Why is it safer to handle a radioactive source with tongs rather than fingers?

They keep the source further away and help avoid contamination.

What should you do with a radioactive source when it is not in use?

Store it in a labelled, lead-lined box with the lid closed.

What does a dosimeter (or film badge) measure?

The radiation dose a person receives.

Why should you wear gloves and a lab coat when handling radioactive materials?

To stop radioactive contamination getting on your skin or clothes.

What is the difference between irradiation and contamination?

Irradiation is exposure to radiation; contamination is having radioactive material on or inside you.

Which material is best for shielding gamma radiation in the lab?

Thick lead or concrete.

Why should you never eat or drink when working with radioactive sources?

To avoid swallowing radioactive material.

Why is it safer to use a sealed radioactive source than an unsealed one?

A sealed source prevents the spread of material, reducing contamination risk.

What simple planning rule helps keep radiation dose low?

Use the lowest activity source that works, and keep it out for the shortest time.

What unit is used to measure radiation dose in safety?

The sievert (Sv), often in millisieverts (mSv).

Why are radiation warning signs (the trefoil) put up in work areas?

To warn people of ionising radiation so they can keep out or take precautions.