Ionising Radiations - A Background (ROSPA Endorsed)

There is a wide spectrum of different types of radiation, almost all of which occur naturally. Although it is not necessary for most managers and other employees to have a detailed understanding of how each of these types of radiation is produced or what their properties are, it is necessary to have a basic knowledge of what each type of radiation is, what it does, what type of hazard it presents, and how it can be controlled. It is also necessary to be able to recognise the different workplace situations and tasks that may produce or use the various types of radiation, and who may be exposed to them as a result. This course will enable the learner to understand the nature and occurrence ionising radiations, and the health effects of irradiation and radioactive contamination. The duration of this course is 20 minutes and can be completed over multiple sessions. By the end of this course you will be able to: • Understand the structure of atoms • Understand how radioactive decay and ionising radiation takes place • Describe the sources of exposure to radon and its effects • Explain the nature and occurence of: -Neutron radiation -Gamma rays -Beta particles -Alpha particles