If a sealed radioactive source is lost or suspected lost, what steps should be taken?

If a sealed radioactive source is lost or suspected lost, what steps should be taken?

• A. Secure the area, evacuate if necessary, notify the supervisor/RSO, conduct a search with appropriate radiation instruments, do not handle the source, and follow regulatory reporting requirements.
• B. Do nothing until someone notices.
• C. Attempt to retrieve the source yourself.
• D. Delay reporting until the next shift.

Answer: (A)

When a sealed radioactive source is lost or suspected lost, the priority is to protect people and ensure proper custody through a rapid, coordinated response. Secure the area to limit access and, if needed, evacuate those nearby to minimize exposure. Notify the supervisor and the Radiation Safety Officer so trained personnel can take charge and activate the site’s emergency procedures. Do not attempt to handle or move the source yourself— improper handling can increase exposure or cause the source to be damaged or dispersed. Use the appropriate radiation monitoring instruments to perform a careful search and survey to locate the source and assess any potential contamination. Follow regulatory reporting requirements, which may include notifying the relevant radiation control authorities and documenting the incident to maintain chain of custody and compliance. Taking no action, attempting to retrieve the source personally, or delaying reporting all pose unnecessary risk and violate safety procedures and regulatory obligations.

When a sealed radioactive source is lost or suspected lost, the priority is to protect people and ensure proper custody through a rapid, coordinated response. Secure the area to limit access and, if needed, evacuate those nearby to minimize exposure. Notify the supervisor and the Radiation Safety Officer so trained personnel can take charge and activate the site’s emergency procedures. Do not attempt to handle or move the source yourself— improper handling can increase exposure or cause the source to be damaged or dispersed. Use the appropriate radiation monitoring instruments to perform a careful search and survey to locate the source and assess any potential contamination. Follow regulatory reporting requirements, which may include notifying the relevant radiation control authorities and documenting the incident to maintain chain of custody and compliance.

Taking no action, attempting to retrieve the source personally, or delaying reporting all pose unnecessary risk and violate safety procedures and regulatory obligations.