Describe safe movement use and storage of radioactive sources
Explain authorised handling and secure labelled shielding in a classroom source scenario.
Core and Extended; Physics 0625, 2026–2028. Use labelled nuclides, supplied count intervals and stated background conditions. Model drawings are not to scale. Written practice is self-checked.
Before you begin
- Distinguish shielding and containment.
- Understand distance and exposure time.
Work on paper. Try each question before revealing help, and explain why your method works.
Quick readiness check
Which method supports distance during authorised movement?
What you will learn
- Explain authorised handling and secure labelled shielding in a classroom source scenario.
- Describe authorised safe movement, use and accountable storage while retaining practical limits.
Describe supervised movement and use
In an authorised school demonstration, trained staff follow the approved procedure for the particular source. Suitable remote handling or tongs keep the source away from the body; avoid direct contact, unnecessary handling and opening a sealed source. Minimise the time a source is out for use.
Keep distance, use suitable shielding and keep the source directed or enclosed as specified. Do not point a source toward people or treat ordinary bags, pockets or hands as acceptable source containers. The written example is not permission to acquire or handle radioactive material.
Describe controlled storage
Return the intact source to its approved labelled shielded container and secure designated store. Source records and restricted access allow authorised staff to account for movement, use and return. Shield choice depends on the emission and source specification.
A damaged or missing source requires the institution’s trained response procedure. A student should notify authorised staff rather than opening, searching by touch or improvising cleanup. The lesson assesses explanation of safe principles, not practical handling competence.
Pause and explain
Which storage description is appropriate?
Worked example
State three features of controlled source storage.
Show the worked solution
- Use the approved shielded container.
- Keep it labelled and secured in the designated store.
- Maintain authorised access and source records.
Answer Approved shielding, clear identification and secure accountable storage.
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Write your answer and reasoning first. Use a hint only if you are stuck. The model solution is for self-checking; your written work is not automatically marked.
Describe distance-preserving movement in an authorised demonstration.
Give me a hint
Use the approved handling system.
Compare my reasoning
- Trained staff use suitable remote handling.
- The intact source stays away from the body.
- Its movement is controlled by the approved procedure.
Use suitable authorised remote handling with the source intact and away from the body.
Look for these in your work
- Retain staff authorisation.
- Do not improvise contact handling.
Describe source storage after authorised use.
Give me a hint
Combine containment, shielding and control.
Compare my reasoning
- Return to the approved labelled shielded container.
- Place in secure designated storage.
- Account for its return in the source record.
Labelled approved shielding, secure storage and recorded return.
Look for these in your work
- Identify the source.
- Maintain accountability.
A sealed source appears damaged. A student proposes opening it to repair the container. Evaluate the proposal.
Give me a hint
Use source integrity and authorised incident response.
Compare my reasoning
- Opening can compromise containment.
- A student must not improvise a repair.
- Notify authorised staff and follow the institution’s response.
Do not open or repair it; notify authorised staff.
Look for these in your work
- Protect enclosure integrity.
- Use trained institutional response.
Common mistakes
- Keep sealed sources intact.
- Use authorised procedures and staff.
- Written answers are not practical certification.
What can you explain now?
Should a student open a sealed source to inspect it?
Compare with the explanation
No
The source enclosure must remain intact and handling belongs to the approved authorised procedure.
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Make it stick
Describe authorised safe movement, use and accountable storage while retaining practical limits.
If you needed the solution, close it and solve the problem again from a blank page. A correct answer is stronger when you can explain the reason for each step.