When is an Airborne Radioactivity Area established?

An Airborne Radioactivity Area is established specifically when airborne radioactivity levels surpass certain thresholds, indicating a potential health risk to personnel. The established criteria are when the concentration of airborne radionuclides exceeds 0.3 Derived Air Concentration (DAC) or when individuals may receive a dose of 12 DAC-hours over the course of a week. These thresholds are in place to ensure that workers are adequately protected from inhalation or ingestion of radioactive substances, thus maintaining workplace safety standards.

The focus on DAC levels and the duration of exposure emphasizes the importance of monitoring airborne radioactivity, allowing for timely interventions to minimize radiation exposure. Establishing such areas helps in implementing additional safety measures, such as the use of personal protective equipment or enhanced ventilation, to further reduce the risk of contamination.

In contrast, situations involving low radiation conditions, safe storage of radioactive materials, or equipment failure do not trigger the establishment of an Airborne Radioactivity Area, as these scenarios do not directly imply a risk from airborne contaminants.