NORM Workflow
General workflow is as follows –
- Identification of work with NORM potential
- Preparation for work with NORM potential
- Detection and identification of NORM contamination
- Working on NORM contaminated equipment
Identification of Work with NORM Potential
- Assume all water fluid bearing systems are NORM contaminated until proven clean.
- Assume gas systems are NORM contaminated.
- Use Local Maps to identify areas of known NORM contamination.
- External monitoring may identify very active NORM but not reliable.
- Test all systems at first breach, and regularly as new surfaces are encountered.
- Record zero readings.
Exposure Control Factors
- TIME – by minimizing the time spent in a radiation field, you minimize the total exposure to the worker.
- DISTANCE – radiation intensity decreases with the distance from the source.
- SHIELDING – because of the relatively low levels of radiation exposure encountered in working with and around NORM, shielding is not necessary. However, shielding to prevent ingestion of NORM, by using respirators & proper PPE is recommended.