NRRPT - National Registry of Radiation Protection Technicians Emergency Response and Decontamination Questions and Answers

Question 1

A worker in a laboratory accidentally spills a liquid radioactive solution on their lab coat and gloved hands. What is the immediate, most critical first step for the worker to take?

Accepted Answer

Remove the contaminated lab coat and gloves.

Answer

Immediately notify the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO).

Answer

Proceed to the nearest emergency shower.

Answer

Begin surveying the area to define the extent of the spill.

Question 2

According to the U.S. NRC emergency classification system, which level is declared for events involving an actual or imminent substantial core degradation with a potential for loss of containment integrity, where offsite releases can be reasonably expected to exceed EPA Protective Action Guides?

Accepted Answer

General Emergency

Answer

Notification of Unusual Event

Answer

Alert

Answer

Site Area Emergency

Question 3

When performing decontamination of intact skin contaminated with radioactive materials, which of the following is the most appropriate initial cleaning agent?

Accepted Answer

Mild soap and lukewarm water

Answer

Abrasive soap and a stiff brush

Answer

A chelating agent like EDTA

Answer

Isopropyl alcohol

Question 4

A technician is assembling a standard spill response kit for a laboratory that handles small quantities of liquid radioisotopes. Which of the following items is LEAST likely to be considered a necessary component for this kit?

Accepted Answer

A high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector

Answer

Absorbent paper and pads

Answer

Disposable gloves and shoe covers

Answer

Radioactive waste bags and labels

Question 5

A radiation worker sustains a deep laceration on their forearm from a piece of equipment in an area with known loose surface contamination. What is the proper immediate course of action?

Accepted Answer

Render first aid to control bleeding, then gently rinse the wound with saline or water.

Answer

Immediately apply a tourniquet above the wound to prevent the spread of contamination.

Answer

Vigorously scrub the wound with a decontamination solution to remove the radioactive material.

Answer

Cover the wound and immediately perform a whole-body survey on the individual.

Question 6

After decontaminating a worker's hands, what is the proper technique for performing a final survey with a pancake GM probe to confirm the decontamination was successful?

Accepted Answer

Hold the probe approximately 1/2 inch from the skin and move it slowly over all surfaces.

Answer

Use a high-range ion chamber held 6 inches away to measure the dose rate.

Answer

Take a swipe sample of the hands and count it in a liquid scintillation counter.

Answer

Hold the probe approximately 1-2 inches from the skin and move it quickly.

A worker in a laboratory accidentally spills a liquid radioactive solution on their lab coat and gloved hands.What is the immediate, most critical first step for the worker to take?

A worker in a laboratory accidentally spills a liquid radioactive solution on their lab coat and gloved hands.
What is the immediate, most critical first step for the worker to take?