Efforts are made to minimize or eliminate the spread of alpha contamination or the generation of airborne alpha activity. Through dialogue with the work group, identify optimal work methods to reduce the potential for the spread of contamination and/or minimize resuspension. For example, explore whether a less abrasive method could be used instead of a high-speed cutter to achieve the same result, area or equipment decontamination, or other containment devices. Consider decontamination of the area or system or affixing the contamination. If loose surface alpha contamination is present, it may be possible to decontaminate the area. If unable to decontaminate the loose alpha contamination present, it may be possible to adhere with fixatives or dampen the surface during the conduct of work to mitigate resuspension. Because alpha contamination is difficult to detect and requires enhanced radiation protection controls, consider containing alpha activity at the source to prevent its spread. When avoidance through alternative work strategies is impractical, consider mitigation strategies to minimize the consequence of the alpha risk. Engineering controls are generally preferable; otherwise, the use of respiratory protection may be deemed prudent if it does not substantially increase the workers’ overall total effective dose.

Efforts are made to minimize or eliminate the spread of alpha contamination or the generation of airborne alpha activity. Through dialogue with the work group, identify optimal work methods to reduce the potential for the spread of contamination and/or minimize resuspension. For example, explore whether a less abrasive method could be used instead of a high-speed cutter to achieve the same result, area or equipment decontamination, or other containment devices. Consider decontamination of the area or system or affixing the contamination. If loose surface alpha contamination is present, it may be possible to decontaminate the area. If unable to decontaminate the loose alpha contamination present, it may be possible to adhere with fixatives or dampen the surface during the conduct of work to mitigate resuspension. Because alpha contamination is difficult to detect and requires enhanced radiation protection controls, consider containing alpha activity at the source to prevent its spread. When avoidance through alternative work strategies is impractical, consider mitigation strategies to minimize the consequence of the alpha risk. Engineering controls are generally preferable; otherwise, the use of respiratory protection may be deemed prudent if it does not substantially increase the workers’ overall total effective dose.