Working safe in radioactive environments

Radioactive materials are present throughout Earth’s crust. Many useful industries may incidentally cause radiological contamination through their normal operations (e.g., oil & gas exploration and production, mining, and petrochemical plants) since they work with materials pulled from within the Earth that may contain some of those radioactive elements. Radiological contamination may result from the use of contaminated fill dirt, an improperly or incompletely decommissioned industrial site, the movement of improperly decontaminated industrial equipment, or simply being in a region in which there are radioactive elements closer to the surface of the ground.

Examples include uranium, thorium, radium, plutonium, some isotopes of cesium, and some isotopes of iodine.

Radiological remediation techniques include decontamination, containment, and disposal tailored to the specific characteristics of the site and materials involved. These methods aim to reduce or eliminate radioactive contamination and minimize risks to human health, wildlife, and the environment.

Radiation exposure can cause various health effects depending on factors such as the type of radiation, levels of radiation, and duration of exposure. Health effects may include radiation sickness, cancer, genetic mutations, and other long-term health complications.

Regulations governing the cleanup of radioactive materials vary depending on the country, state, or region. They typically include guidelines for permissible exposure levels, waste disposal, remediation techniques, and reporting requirements. ENTACT ensures compliance with all relevant regulations to safeguard public health and the environment.

The duration of remediation efforts depends on multiple factors, including the extent of contamination, site complexity, available resources, and regulatory requirements. ENTACT works with our clients to evaluate site assessments and develop efficient remediation strategies to complete projects safely and expediently.

ENTACT prioritizes worker safety by implementing strategic safety protocols, providing comprehensive training, and supplying appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Continuous monitoring, dose assessments, and adherence to radiation protection standards minimize the risk of exposure and ensure a safe working environment.

In extraordinarily rare cases, radioactive waste can be recycled or reused. However, the possibility of recycling radioactive materials depends on factors such as type or waste, radiation levels, and regulatory restrictions.

ENTACT employs eco-friendly remediation techniques and adheres to sustainable practices to minimize environmental impact. This includes using biodegradable decontamination agents, implementing erosion control measures, and restoring affected ecosystems. Our commitment to environmental responsibility extends throughout all stages of our time on site.