Assessment of hazard and establishment of inner cordoned area

User:

First responder who arrives from emergency services

When to apply:

In case there is an indication for a radiation hazard

Steps:

1. Determine if an event may be a potential radiological emergency using the indications below.

   Indications of a possible radiological emergency (hazard):

   • Suspected or actual bomb
   • Credible threats or threatening messages
   • Device that appears intended to spread contamination
   • Signs of possible contamination (e.g. spill)
   • Elevated gamma radiation levels
   • Medical symptoms of radiation injuries (such as burns without an apparent cause)
   • Building/area marked with a radiation symbol
   • Results of assessment of a radiological assessor
   • Neutron radiation
   • Dangerous source that is lost, stolen, damaged, in a fire, leaking, or potentially involved in a terrorist act or explosion

   Indications of a dangerous source:

   • A heavy container with the radiation symbol
   • Item with labels
   • Item with transport UN numbers or markings
   • Device used for cancer treatment (teletherapy or brachytherapy)
   • Radiography cameras or sources
   • Well logging sources used in drilling operations
   • Dangerous quantity of material (> D-value), as assessed by a radiological assessor

2. As soon as possible confer with the radiological assessor through the national EOC and assess information such as the amount of a specific radioactive material or unusual readings
3. For a potential radiological emergency follow as appropriate the Incident Commander's action guides for general on-scene response to a radiological emergency or response to a lost or stolen potentially dangerous source and establish an inner cordoned area in accordance with suggested radius for inner cordoned areas. The perimeter should be established where it can be easily defined, recognized (e.g. roads) and secured
4. Within the inner cordoned area follow personnel protection guidelines and protect the public in accordance with public protection guidelines