Introduction

What are Radiological and Nuclear Incidents?
A radiation incident/accident is an incident/accident involving ionizing radiation emitted by radioactive materials, nuclear materials or irradiation apparatus. Examples of irradiation apparatus or equipment that have radioactive materials are x-ray machines, thickness gauges, density gauges and others.

Examples of Radiation Incidents/Accidents

• Vehicles carrying radioactive materials involved in traffic accidents.
• Radioactive material cannot be put into the container after the Industrial Radiography work is completed.
• Radioactive material in the form of powder and liquid is spilled when handled.
• Theft/loss of Radioactive Material.
• The source of radioactive material is not owned by people found in public areas.

How to identify Radiological and Nuclear Events?
Ionizing radiation cannot be seen, smelled, held, felt or heard by the human senses. It can only be detected by using a radiation detector. If you do not have a radiation detector, radiation incidents/accidents can be identified by looking at the radiation symbol. This symbol is something that is required under the law, it must be placed on equipment that emits ionizing radiation or attached to vehicles carrying radioactive materials or nuclear materials.