At CNL in Port Hope, our Radiation Protection Technicians measure radiation levels to make sure people, places and things are safe. Radiation at certain levels can be dangerous, so Radiation Protection Technicians (RP Techs) use different survey methods to determine the levels.
On the Port Hope Area Initiative (PHAI) cleanup project, this is a very important job as it helps our workers and the residents in the areas we are working, remain safe.
Radiation can be found in nature – rocks, brick, granite and even sunlight gives off natural radiation. It can also be found in industrial type areas and be manmade. Radiation can be very helpful when used in places like hospitals, power plants and laboratories to create energy, electricity or in medical procedures.
If people or the environment is exposed to radiation, this can have both short- and long-term effects. It is therefore important that we know what levels we are being exposed to.
An RP Tech uses special equipment to identify the places, people or objects that have elevated radiation. Scanning for the level of radiation tells us if we need to take extra safety precaution when working with the material or in the area. Additional safety gear is worn by RP Techs when scanning for radiation to help protect themselves and others. This gear can include but is not limited to Tyvek suits, gloves, booties, safety glasses, Tyvek hoods and even duct tape.
In Port Hope, our RP techs help scan PHAI trucks that carry contaminated soil to long-term storage, as well as equipment, the area where soil or contaminated material is being removed, and people.
Precision, caution, and safety are three very important elements of being a Radiation Protection Technician. The RP Techs working on the PHAI are proud to help others stay safe.
