How to Work Safely With Gamma Radiography
When working with gamma radiography or gamma rays, you need to exercise extreme caution. While gamma radiography is very useful in some industries for diagnosing technical issues, it is also known and proven to cause cancer. Following correct safety precautions is crucial.
- Familiarize yourself with the warnings, standards, and practices in your workplace environment. If you work at a company that utilizes gamma radiography on a regular or even an infrequent basis, there will be ample literature available to you. Your employer may also offer ongoing educational training consisting of videos or powerpoint presentations. It is important to your safety that you take advantage of as many educational opportunities that you can.
- Wear your protective gear as well as your monitoring gear. This will vary depending on what company you work for, but whatever your company provides you with will protect you. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), requires your company provide you with this. If you are ever in doubt about your safety or the safety of your coworkers, notify your supervisor or OSHA immediately.
- Respect and follow procedures when dealing with gamma radiography equipment. Equipment that generates gamma rays will have proper handling procedures posted as well as signs warning of radiation exposure. Do not ever take these warnings lightly. When you are operating this equipment, be certain you have removed any distractions nearby and can focus solely on the task at hand. Never operate this equipment while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or are in any other way impaired.